Where to Get a Great Cup of Coffee in Eugene, Oregon

A Tour of Independent Coffee Houses of Eugene, Oregon

Although Eugene, Oregon may not be as famed for its coffee houses as other Pacific Northwest cities like Seattle and Portland, as a thriving college town, we have our share of great places to linger over a quality cup of java. It may seem like there’s a drive-through coffee kiosk on every corner and in every parking lot large enough to accommodate one in Eugene, but for the business meeting, or to linger over a steaming cup of coffee, try the following locations: 

Perugino is an urban oasis in the heart of downtown Eugene. Housed in a renovated hotel at 767 Willamette Street, Perugino is centrally located for those working downtown and very handy to the Hilton and the Hult Center for Performing Arts. It has a great ambiance, with exposed brick walls and a rotating display of art. The coffee is quite good and this is a wonderful place for the early pastry and coffee or a mid-morning meeting. Call 687-9102 for hours and information. 

Another Eugene secret is Triomphe Midtown Coffee at 1591 Willamette. Located in what used to be the L & L Market building, this is a bustling coffee house with a more laid-back clientele. A full coffee “bar,” pastries and newspapers - this is a great place to settle on a Saturday morning if you are over the age of thirty. Now that a consortium of arts groups and nonprofits have renovated and moved into buildings nearby,  Triomphe should really be a happening place. Call 485-6244 for hours and directions. 

For a really funky Eugene scene, but a great classic cup of coffee, The Strand is located inside the big building on the corner of Charnelton and 8th at 199 West 8th in the middle of downtown Eugene. This building houses a bookstore, a cyber café, Cozmic Pizza and is a regular performing venue (complete with stage) for local and visiting musicians. It tends to collect a more eclectic crowd with it’s large tables and soft furniture - this is the coffee shop where you can find a game of Chess or interesting conversation. The Strand serves breakfast (including a steaming bowl of oatmeal) and lunch, but it is the coffee that attracts the locals.