Southeast Eugene - Eugene, OR Area Guide

The city of Eugene expanded into the area in the late 1800s, with neighborhoods established in the early 1900s. Southeast Eugene has always engaged in the ecological culture of the city of Eugene as a whole. In 1937, when loggers threatened the beloved Southeast Eugene landmark of Spencer Butte, a "Save Spencer Butte" campaign was created to stop them. Maintaining the parks and wildlife continues to be a priority for the Southeast Eugene neighborhood association.

The city also fosters a healthy appreciation of the arts. Just a short ride from Southeast Eugene, the Hult Performing Arts Center in downtown Eugene hosts a variety of musicals, plays and performances, including the annual Oregon Bach Festival that is lauded around the world. Also right next door to the neighborhood, the Very Little Theater provides community productions in one of the longest running community theaters in the county.

You can grab a quick bite at Subway or McDonald's, but the benefits of eating in the Southeast Eugene neighborhood lie in the amazing restaurants that pursue the same culinary standards that the city of Eugene is known for.

Mazzi's offers a blend of Italian and Sicilian food perfect for families or date nights alike. Pasta and pizza choices are almost endless, with something for everyone. The house-made "Mazzi's Ravioli" with ricotta and spinach is a crowd favorite, or if you are looking for something even more authentic, you can try the homemade canneloni.

For another international option, Tasty Thai Kitchen provides the perfect blend of great "Pad Thai" at a great price. Conveniently, they also deliver.

For local and more artful cuisine, Bruno's Chef Kitchen lies in wait as the "hidden gem of the Willamette Valley." With a consistently revolving menu, Chef Bruno promises a new dish every week that he has never cooked before. The restaurant uses almost exclusively locally grown ingredients and prepares the food fresh for each individual customer as it is ordered.

If you are looking for a fun night out, head to Brew and Cue to watch the game with other fans or stop in for a craft beer at the Bier Stein.

Lying within a very bike-friendly town, Southeast Eugene also has the benefit of beautiful scenery to admire as you pedal by. Biking can be a way to see the sites, and walking on the various hiking trails can also provide a way to connect with nature. Still, getting to the stores and restaurants of Southeast Eugene is better done by bus or car.

Lane Transit District (LTD) has an extensive bus system throughout the city, with four bus lines running through Southeast Eugene to provide access to the commercial areas in the rest of the city. Taxi services are also available throughout the area for those who prefer to call and schedule a ride.

When traveling by car, Amazon Drive will take you to downtown and Interstate 5 can provide access to the rest of the city. Beyond that, driving in Southeast Eugene will showcase the rolling hills and panoramic views of the city.

Parks and outdoor-friendly spaces are everywhere in Southeast Eugene, with something suiting every interest level. Whether you want to hike, picnic or relax, you can easily find a venue for your activities.

Frank Kinney Park spans almost nine acres with a playground for the kids and expansive walking trails. You can see the trees, hike over Amazing Creek and connect to the larger network of Ridgeline Trails that extend throughout the city.

Amazon Park offers similar amenities, but with the addition of basketball and tennis courts and soccer and baseball fields. Encompassing almost 100 acres, the park houses trails and jogging paths, in addition to a special area just for dogs.

Spencer's Butte provides the perfect beginner's hiking spot, just outside the neighborhood. Climbing to the top of the butte gives one of the best views of the city, making it a destination for locals and tourists alike.

The southern part of the neighborhood provides many houses for families or students attending one of the colleges or universities in the area. Apartments are more available in the north part of the area near downtown and the University of Oregon. Renting is reasonable for the city, with three-bedroom apartments for $1200 per month on average and two-bedroom apartments averaging approximately $800 per month. The cost of gas in town is in line with city averages and about five percent more expensive than the national average. A pint of beer at a downtown bar or pub costs around $6, and a bus ticket to get there is $1.75.

Most general shopping can be accomplished within the neighborhood, with an Albertsons and a Safeway providing groceries and everyday amenities. For specialty shopping, Sunrise Asian Food Market is conveniently located in the southeast area and carries the best Asian food selection in town. For a healthy option, Market of Choice offers organic, local products. Traveling just outside of the Southeast Eugene neighborhood, you can find the Farmers Market and Saturday Market on the weekends for fresh, local produce, plants and other homemade goods.

Southeast Eugene also contains a number of specialty shops. If you want to join the biking hype in the city, Arriving By Bike should be the place to start. It offers biking apparel and rain gear for your bike, as well as servicing and repairs. For gifts or luxurious purchases, Beaudet Jewelry welcomes customers shopping for items big or small. Praised customer service combined with the comfortable Eugene attitude makes it the perfect place to shop, especially if you need some help deciding.