Story and photos by June Russell-Chamberlin (unless otherwise noted)
The Junkyard Extreme Burgers and Brats
The off-beat decor at The Junkyard Extreme Burgers and Brats in Junction City, Oregon, hints at the creative genius behind some of the best burgers and brats in the Willamette Valley. The talented chefs load up their tasty selections with toppings such as fried cheese, pepperoni, hot sauce, jalapeños, cream cheese, chili, pizza sauce, bacon, blue cheese, fries and grilled pastrami.
Local Oregon fans so loved the half-pound designer burgers and quarter-pound brats that they helped the restaurant win a spot on Guy Fieri’s hit television series “Diners, Drive-ins & Dives.” The show put The Junkyard on the map. Burger aficionados will find this great place to eat midway between Junction City and Harrisburg on Oregon Highway 99 East; just watch for the airplane doing a nosedive on the roof.
95410 Highway 99 East, Junction City, Oregon
Creswell Bakery for Sweet Eats
Though it may look modest from the outside, Creswell Bakery serves up made-from-scratch farm-to-table sandwiches, hand-held meat pies, breads, rolls and pastries worth the trip to tiny Creswell, 12 miles south of Eugene. Bacon is smoked in-house, and the roast beef used in sandwiches is sourced from the bakery’s own cattle farm. Don’t miss the plate-size cinnamon rolls. A local favorite for Sunday brunch, the bakery is one of the highlights of the South Willamette Valley Food Trail.
182 South Second Street, Creswell, Oregon
Beergarden in Eugene
If you’re looking for some of the tastiest food trucks in Eugene, you’ll find them gathered at Beergarden. At least five food trucks offering a variety of flavors — from burgers to poke — are arranged around the outdoor garden. Potted plants, umbrella-shaded picnic tables and strings of bare-bulb lights create a welcoming, festive place to dine on mouthwatering artisan pesto mac and cheese, unique burgers and poutine, poke bowls made to your liking and much more. If it rains, head inside, where you’ll find a spacious dining room, fireplace and 42 taps of beer, wine, cider and kombucha, plus sodas for the kids. Check the website for the schedule of live music.
777 West Sixth Avenue, Eugene, Oregon
Long Timber Brewing Company in Monroe, Oregon
Celebrating the lumberjack history of the Northwest, Long Timber Brewing Company proudly serves its IPAs, pilsners, stouts and Berliner Weisse in an airy Northwest lodge-style brewpub in the tiny town of Monroe, roughly midway between Eugene and Corvallis. Ingredients for its elevated pub fare are sourced locally.
Menu offerings include soup, salad and sandwiches, as well as heartier fare such as steak, steelhead, chicken and shimp pesto fettuccine. In addition to a full bar, the pub also offers a kid’s menu and kid-friendly drinks. Check the Facebook page for food specials and events.
180 North Fifth Street, Monroe, Oregon
Cafe Soriah in Eugene
An award-winning local favorite for more than 20 years, Cafe Soriah dishes up Mediterranean flavors from Cairo to Athens. Chef and owner Ib Hamide combines traditional recipes with the Northwest’s bounty, with mouthwatering results. Share a few small plates such as souvlaki or prawns Naseem (prawns sautéed in cream sherry, Dijon, herbs, spices, lemon and butter) or go big with a rack of lamb or chicken foostuk (pistachio breaded chicken breast with Dijon tarragon cream sauce). Leave room for dessert, which is made in-house.
384 West Thirteenth Avenue, Eugene, Oregon
Sweet Life Patisserie for Decadent Deserts in Eugene
Well-known as the place for decadent desserts, cakes, pies, tarts, cookies, brownies and pastries in Eugene, Sweet Life Patisserie bakes its temptations from scratch using American and French recipes. Offerings vary with what’s in season and the bakers’ whims. Whole cakes and pies as well as slices are available for immediate gratification, or order something special. Espresso and tea round out the offerings at the west of downtown and campus locations.
755 Monroe Street, Eugene, Oregon
New Morning Bakery, Corvallis
New Morning Bakery in Corvallis, Oregon, is a friendly, no-frills place to fuel up before a day of exploring the Willamette Valley. Choose from breakfast fare of eggs, French toast, pancakes and biscuits and gravy, or grab an espresso and breakfast burrito or a slice of quiche. Heading out for a hike? Take along a picnic with deli sandwiches and a variety of cold salads from the case. Don’t miss the cookies, bars, croissants and other delectable pastries here as well.
219 Southwest Second Street, Corvallis, Oregon
American Dream Pizza
When Barack Obama walked through the door of American Dream Pizza in Corvallis, Oregon, while campaigning in 2008, it put the pizza shop on the map. But locals already knew that American Dream was the place to go for superior pizza. Customize the thin, crispy crusts — including a gluten-free, vegan option — with one of four sauces, and choose your favorites from among 10 varieties of cheese and a whopping 37 vegetable and meat toppings.
Can’t decide? Pick one of the specialties on the menu, such as the Dog Running (Canadian bacon, sun-dried tomato, gouda, mushroom and artichoke) or Hoodoo You Love (jerk chicken, roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, pineapple). Wash it down with a beer or cocktail from the rooftop bar amid treetop views.
214 Southwest Second Street, Corvallis, Oregon
Sweet Red Bistro in Albany
Exposed brick, glossy dark wood and fanciful chandeliers set the stage for cocktails and romantic dinners at Sweet Red Bistro in downtown Albany, Oregon. Start the evening with tapas or the indulgent cheese and charcuterie board and a wine tasting. The bistro serves up meals worth savoring, such as seared beef medallions in a cognac cream sauce and chicken marsala. Just make sure you save room for the decadent desserts — think limoncello cheesecake and Grand Marnier triple layer chocolate cake — that are made in house.
208 First Avenue, Albany, Oregon
Brick and Mortar Cafe
In addition to carrying breakfast and lunch classics, Brick and Mortar Cafe tempts diners with twists on traditional breakfast fare. Enjoy classic egg benedict, or savor egg benedict topped with Oregon bay shrimp, spinach and dill hollandaise sauce. Located in the historic Flinn Block in downtown Albany, Oregon, Brick and Mortar’s menu includes such specialties as chicken and waffles, steak and eggs, and biscuits and gravy. Sandwiches, burgers, wraps, soup and salads dominate the lunch offerings. No time to eat? Grab an espresso and pastry from the coffee bar just inside the door.
222 First Avenue West, Suite 4, Albany, Oregon
