r/Eugene • u/Gold-Dragoness • 1d ago
My Top 3 favorite places to eat in downtown:
Saw a post asking about overhyped restaurants here’s a few I think are worth it. I’m sure some might disagree but here’s what I got:
1) Los Dos Hermanos Taqueria. Good food, I love their burritos they are big and a good price (around ~$12) I usually go for “The Oregon” burrito. Also it’s usually clean inside, good vibes all around. I have yet to try burrito girl I wonder if that place would change my opinion.
2) Mandy’s Diner. Maybe not as clean but a sticky floor is part of the American Diner experience. Most of the food is pretty good I think. Milkshakes are why I go there. Open 24 hours as well.
3) Chi’s Korean Tacos I can’t hype that place up enough. Chi is rough around the edges, crazy Florida man. Don’t be offended if he seems mean to you he’s just like that. I’ve eaten here more than anywhere else in Eugene. Rice balls are my favorite, ask for the awesome sauce AFTER he hands you the food. the breakfast burritos he makes are a great cure for hangovers. Will be eating at chi’s long as I live here.
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u/plantiesinatwist 1d ago
Krob Krua is very good to add another Thai place to the list. Beppe and Gianni’s is more the campus area but I can’t think of a better spot for Italian
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u/SpinachDizzy 1d ago
If you think Beppe and Gianni’s is a good spot, you need to try Osteria DOP. They are way better than any other Italian spot in Eugene
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u/Mantis_Toboggan--MD 1d ago
Osteria is good but in my opinion they don't take the top spot from Placido's. That place is great and I don't hear it talked about very much. Reasonable prices for fresh in house made noodles. Definitely the best bolognese, arribiata, and carbonara in town. Have tried most of their dishes at this point and have never had a bad one yet!
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u/Signal_Seaweed6408 19h ago
Seconding Placidos. It's fun to do takeout & hit skinner butte park. Would rec.
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u/plantiesinatwist 1d ago
Admittedly I don’t usually look much on B&G’s menu past the ravioli of the week 😅 I’ve gone there for over 20 years (since I was a kiddo) so there’s certainly a nostalgia factor there for me too.
I’ll have to check out Osteria, I’ve heard good things but have never eaten there!
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u/washington_jefferson 1d ago
We're on the same page- I like Beppe and Gianni's for the ravioli and the nostalgia factor. Osteria DOP would be a run of the mill restaurant in Portland, so it doesn't interest me that much. But I eat a lot of Italian at home, and that influences things. I would say the same for Mazzi's or even Ambrosia. Like Beppe and Gianni's they are not very fancy but they do a few things right. For Mazzi's and Ambrosia that would be their calzones. Osteria just does everything "well".
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u/ArrenPawk 1d ago
Man, I wanted to like Krob Krua so much, but I've been there twice and been disappointed twice. Just a lack of flavor, spice, and any depth in all of their dishes.
That sorta goes for Thai food in general in town. I feel like I'm not even expecting that much and I'm still disappointed.
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u/plantiesinatwist 1d ago
I had a seasonal wood fired salmon dish some months ago and it was perfectly cooked and seasoned, so thats a bummer to hear! My go to is usually sabai or ta ra rin, but I generally get Tom Kha and that’s hard to mess up 🤣
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u/skaterfromtheville 23h ago
I like moo ping Thai but I get pad kee mow Thai hot so idk if I can even taste anything
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u/tedshreddon 1d ago
El Super Burrito is my fav for flavor and value
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u/ArrenPawk 1d ago
How "SoCal taqueria" is El Super Burrito? We like Los Dos Hermanos because it's the closest around here to feeling like a Bertos so far, and I stopped looking after.
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u/Critical_Concert_689 1d ago
Los Dos Hermanos
...closest around here to feeling like a Bertos...
There's 2...
Dos Los Hermanos @ 575 OR-99 99 N, Eugene, OR 97402
Dos Hermanos Taqueria @ 1484 Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97401
I haven't had any good dirty mex in a while - which location are you recommending?
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u/ArrenPawk 1d ago
Williamette is the one I know and enjoy.
Be warned though: it's still not as good as a Bertos, just serviceable enough to scratch that itch.
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u/kaykoof 1d ago
-El Super Burrito. Giant burritos, Great price. I love their tamales and tacos as well, everything is really flavorful. I also appreciate the convenience of online ordering/pick up. A go-to for hangovers, especially because they sell Rockstar and red bull lol
-Bao Bao House!!! Everything I try has been more delicious than the last. The serving sizes are great, they are also open later than I expected, even on Sundays. I have to get the vegetarian bao zi, it's perfect and I crave them constantly.
-Bon Mi. They are my go-to when I am sick especially. Their pho is absolutely delicious, (especially the yellow curry) and of course the tofu banh mi is my favorite! They give you so many noodles and vegetables for your soup and it lasts me two meals.
Honorable mention: 541 Sushi. I love the convenience of getting a seat at the counter, grabbing whatever I want from the conveyer belt and having a satisfying meal in around 20 minutes. I also think the bento boxes are a great value for the amount of food you get! Obviously it's not going to be the highest quality sushi in town but I love em anyway. I'm not very fancy.
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u/experimentsindreams 1d ago
BHeavenly, All Thaid Up, Bon Mi
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u/plantiesinatwist 1d ago
Bon Mi is one of my faves, their soup and sandwich combo can’t be beat
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u/SuperFamousComedian 1d ago
The food is good but the employees always look miserable.
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u/plantiesinatwist 1d ago
I don’t go there (or out to eat in general) enough to evaluate that, but the staff looked pretty chill when I was there last month. Maybe because it wasn’t a lunch/dinner rush and was kind of between those times
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u/OBPH 1d ago
Bob Mi, really? Everything I’ve had at that place has been just a touch above garbage. I’ve had nothing remotely close to good. Their bahn mi is lacking the most important component, the bread, which is dense and tough, the opposite of how it’s supposed to be. I’ve tried 3 times and never had anything I was satisfied with, much less impressed. Pho King has the best bahn mi in town afaict.
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u/plantiesinatwist 1d ago
The bread there is identical to the bread I had on sandwiches when I was actually in Vietnam. Their pickled vegetables that go on the sandwich are super flavorful and delicious, the meat is usually cooked in a way that’s not chewy, and their aioli is perfect with the rest of the components of the sandwich. I don’t know if I’d say it’s the best pho in town but it’s certainly quite good. I’m getting hungry just writing this lol. Sorry you didn’t have a positive experience based on your preferences and expectations, it can be a bummer when we feel let down
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u/OBPH 1d ago
the food is inedible
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u/plantiesinatwist 1d ago
To you perhaps, but not to others that have echoed how much they enjoy it and love eating there ❤️ have a great day!
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u/OBPH 1d ago
yeah, I’m amazed at how subjective flavor and taste are. You’re civil, and polite, and I appreciate that.
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u/plantiesinatwist 1d ago
You’re welcome! I’m curious what places you enjoy in the area are? I don’t go out much but always save posts like this because I struggle to diversify from my go-to lineup of favorites.
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u/OBPH 1d ago edited 22h ago
Pho King is imo the best Vietnamese in Eugene. I’ve worked in food service and I know that a place can have an off day. So, I give a place a few chances. BM has never come close for my taste. Makoto sushi is very good. Pure also has great sushi (also own Tiger Mama in the Whit) if you can deal with the purple rice. The Davis is great, Mezza Luna and Hey Neighbor are great for pizza. I love Umi Grill and their skewer house has a great poké bowl. The Laurelwood Pub has a great French Dip. That’s getting a bit out of “downtown” but not too far. Agate Alley is solid every time. That’s some of what I think is quality food in dt Eugene. Cheers
edit - Party Downtown is also excellent
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u/plantiesinatwist 1d ago
I’ll try pho king for sure, points for the pronunciation of the name 😂 I like sour stuff so the tang of the pickled veg and aioli I think sells it for me on the sandwich at BM, but I know I’ve had a better pho from somewhere in town that actually had tendon chunks in it which feels more authentic (boss got us takeout for dinner so no idea offhand where it was from)
I’ve eaten at Pure with my parents since it was actually within the 5th street complex, the owners are so nice and it never fails to be delicious and fresh. It’s a little expensive for me to eat there solo though, so I’ll do Izumi’s lunch special if I’m in the mood for sushi — just as fresh but maybe slightly less creative roll offerings (and certainly limited on the bento deal for lunch). I’ll add makoto to my list to try 🍣
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u/cowaii 1d ago
Los Dos Hermanos always has the nicest folks working there!
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u/Elephlump 1d ago
I totally agree. I used to do door dash and would take their orders every time one came up, they are sooo nice there
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u/rhizosphereical 1d ago
I’ve never tried these three places, thanks for the suggestion. When I have the chance I never turn down lunch at Burrito Girl on Shelton McMurphy Blvd. The Lebanese style gyro is unforgettable and the asada taco plate always hits the spot. Mira is super talented and wonderful
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u/Gold-Dragoness 1d ago
Ty for the feedback! That settles it, next time I eat out will be Burrito Girl
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u/StandardDatabase1130 1d ago
I second Burrito Girl. I used to work in the building next to it and would look forward to lunch every day. And Mira IS wonderful
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u/indecisivedecider319 1d ago
My partner always gets a gyro and I always get the pupusa plate. Sooo good!
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u/greenbeans7711 1d ago
Disagree with Mandy’s diner… sorry
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u/DerFahrt 1d ago
Went, saw the floor and the baseboards, felt the sticky table, absorbed the overall vibe, and left without eating because I wasn’t trying to get the 2 egg Norovirus special.
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u/Legitimate_Stick_820 10h ago
I agree I’ve tried that place 4 times and every single time I felt robbed. On a good day it’s mid at best, save your money and head to Todd’s Place in Springfield
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u/indecisivedecider319 1d ago
Jade dumpling and noodle house!
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u/courtesy_patroll 1d ago
check out Mr. Dumpling
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u/Critical_Concert_689 1d ago
Mr. Dumpling
The place hiding in the back lot of an apartment complex?
That food is really great - but kind of strange to get to.
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u/PowerAdDuck 1d ago
I was under the impression that Los Dos Hermanos was just Riva’s rebranded? That place was nasty.
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u/shadowamongyou 1d ago
I remember Rivas taco shop. Sticky floors, flies everywhere and a 9 year old at the register taking my order. Shit was insane
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u/Mantis_Toboggan--MD 1d ago
Lol, we joke about that where I work which is just a couple minutes from Rivas. But their version of the Oregon burrito with bacon in it is so good that I overlook it all.
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u/kimkatistrash 1d ago
No there's one downtown! I don't live too far from it, and I always get their wet burrito with a BIG horchata. It can't be beat!
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u/kimkatistrash 1d ago
Pyre's chicken 🤌 it's so good and if you're like me a true southern boy, you'll like their sweet tea!
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u/dangerfielder 1d ago
A little more formal than the others listed here, but I love Cafe Soriah. That Steak Diane is on its own level. Also the lemon chicken at Popi’s Anatolia. Love me some Super Nachos at Sam’s Place too.
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u/laffnlemming 1d ago
I always check out the place in the Lane County Health Inspection Website - a great local resource.
Chi's has 100% !!!
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u/PineappleFlavoredGum 1d ago
When I lived there 5 years ago I loved Killer Burger so much. That peanut butter pickle bacon burger is fire. I miss it
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u/Majestic-Snowflake 1d ago
the peanut butter burger… amen. I never knew I needed peanut butter on a burger.
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u/dangerfielder 1d ago
Tried this on a dare a few years ago. I still stop in every few months because I’m craving one.
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u/PineappleFlavoredGum 1d ago
Everytime someone visited, I took them there and made them try it lol. Almost everyone was hesitant, but I said if they liked peanut butter and pickles separately, they will like it. And they always did! Its so good. I need to know how they make the peanut sauce and 'house' sauce
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u/Proper_System4359 1d ago
PLEASE TRY TOSHIS RAMEN I LOVE IT WITH MY WHOLE HEART
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u/Gold-Dragoness 1d ago
Great place. At least one of my family members, every year, wants to go there for their birthday.
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u/Firewind 1d ago
Nelson's in the Whit is amazing. I've never been to the restaurant, but the food cart is amazing. Not exactly downtown, but it is worth a mention.
Speaking of the food carts downtown I'd say Morelos and Cafe Angora are my favorites. As for sit down places if you're looking for a decent sandwich Bon Mi always hits the spot. If you're looking for ramen I can't recommend Tokyo Tonkatsu enough. Especially in these colder and wetter months it just hits right.
If its a little bit later I'd suggest the Davis because they open at 4 pm. If you want some Greek food and its after 3 Albee's NY Gyros is just outside of Downtown, but will leave you satisfied.
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u/courtesy_patroll 1d ago
It's not in downtown but I tried Mr. Dumpling yesterday and it was impressive
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u/TheRoyalShe 1d ago
And they pull their own noodles and dumplings which makes such a huge difference in quality. Loving Mr. Dumpling but sure wish it was in a more convenient spot.
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u/Critical_Concert_689 1d ago
Loving Mr. Dumpling
but sure wish it was in a more convenient spot.
(lol.) Just said the same thing.
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u/Soft-Conference8104 1d ago
Agree. Some of the best Chinese food I’ve had and I’m from nyc where we are very admamant/protective our Chinese food culture over there. I still an protective of nyc Chinese food, but I can’t lie…Mr.Dumpling beats all or most of them.
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u/Professional_Toe1750 1d ago
House of Joy? Even tho Flushing has the best Chinese food… The chili dumplings at Mr Dumpling were as good if not better than the ones I had at White Bear in Flushing
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u/Zaliukas-Gungnir 1d ago
It isn’t downtown, I don’t usually go down there. But El Super Burrito on W11th is really good. In size, value and taste.
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u/neshmesh 1d ago
Love Hermanos, fattest burritos I can barely finish for super cheap! Also love Mandy's (except their milkshakes: maybe unflavored ones are okay though). Haven't tried Chi but want to now!
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u/BigAdministration285 1d ago
I one thousand percent back this up.
- Best fucking burritos in town.
- Mandy's always has the best food a great staff
- Chi. I mean, no one can beat those Korean tacos.
Absolutely well said.
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u/Soft-Conference8104 1d ago
Los Dos Hermanos is one of my faves. I do only go for the same thing tho which is their vegetarian breakfast burrito (I eat meat and their regular one is good too, but for some reason I like the vegetarian more). They also just have salsas that go really good with their burritos
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u/Mantis_Toboggan--MD 1d ago
I think my current favs are
Tie between Ta Ra Rin or Krob Krua
Placido's
Yardy's brick and mortar
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u/Signal_Seaweed6408 19h ago
Korea House on Hilyard has my heart. Very friendly all around.
Not downtown, Vietnam Restaurant on 11th is excellent.
Big fan of Hong Kong Restaurant on 18th & Willamette, they're very sweet. Basic & delicious.
Hermano's on 16th is the best no-frills burrito
Placido's for Italian. If it's too busy, do take-out. All organic.
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u/Signal_Seaweed6408 19h ago
Honorable mention- K-Food on Willamette is also pretty rad. They do a lunch buffet w/ all the pickles
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u/somniopus 1d ago edited 5m ago
I miss Burrito Boy.
And The Glenwood.
E: I guess whoever downvoted me for sharing my nostalgia can fuck off lmao
I've got great memories attached to both places from, like, 20-30 years ago
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u/Krevis_Pfister 1h ago
My absolute favorite so far is Jade Dumpling near 5th street. Them shrimp long bao make me want to slap my mother
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u/WhatAmIReadingNow 16h ago
This thread is so depressing. I’ve had most of this, can’t speak to fried chicken or Indian. But cmon. Breakfast. Easy as F. Our Mexican , Thai absolutely sucks. Sucks.
I’ve never ever ever cooked more than living in the shit foodiectown that is here.
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u/nowlan_shane 1d ago
I was impressed with Yardy Rum Bar a couple weeks ago. Best new food I’ve had in Eugene in a long time. Will have to check out Chi’s, been on my radar for a while but I always forget about it until I drive or walk by and have already had a meal.