Best New Restaurant
1. Mystique
2. Turtles
3. (tie) Koho Bistro, Chez Ray's North Beach Cafe
Best Dinner
1. Cafe Soriah
2. Cafe Zenon
3. Marché
Best Food Cart
1. Carte DeFrisco
2. Alexander's Great Felafel
3. Ritta's Burritos
Best Bar
1. Sam Bond's
2. (tie) Cafe Soriah,
Adam's Place
3. Jo Federigo's
Best Coffeehouse
1. Full City
2. Allann Bros. Beanery
3. Out of the Fog
Best Bakery
1. Metropol
2. Eugene City Bakery
3. Sweet Life Patisserie
Best Deli
1. Oasis Deli
2. Barry's Espresso & Bakery
3. Cornucopia
Best Delivery
1. Cozmic Pizza
2. Kowloon's
3. Tracktown Pizza
Best Mexican
1. Taco Loco
2. Chapala's
3. Burrito Boy Taqueria
Best Latin American
or Caribbean
1. Cafe Navarro
2. Hilda's Latin American Restaurant
Best Chinese
1. Ocean Sky
2. Fortune Inn
3. Kowloon
Best Southeast Asian
1. Mekala's
2. Ring of Fire
3. Kuraya's
Best Mediterranean
1. Anatolia
2. Cafe Soriah
3. Casablanca
Best Indian
1. Taste of India
2. Welcome India
3. Anatolia
Best Japanese
1. Shiki
2. Misako
3. Sakura
Best Korean
1. Plaza Coffee Shop
2. Korea House
3. Hana's Restaurant
Best Italian
1. Beppe & Gianni's Trattoria
2. Ambrosia
3. Mazzi's Italian Food
Best Salads
1. Cafe Zenon
2. Turtles
3. Steelhead Brewery and Cafe
Best Desserts
1. Cafe Zenon
2. Sweet Life Patisserie
3. Metropol
Best Appetizers
1. Oregon Electric Station
2. Cafe Zenon
3. (tie) Beppe & Gianni's Trattoria, Ring of Fire
Best Wine by the
Glass
1. Cafe Zenon
2. Cafe Soriah
3. Ambrosia
Best In-House Microbrew
1. McMenamin's (McMenamin's North Bank, East 19th Street Cafe and High Street)
2. Steelhead
3. West Brothers
Best Steaks
1. Outback Steakhouse
2. Oregon Electric Station
3. Original Roadhouse Grill
Best Seafood
1. Newman's
2. McGrath's
3. Full Boat Cafe
Best Pasta
1. Beppe & Gianni's Trattoria
2. Mazzi's Italian Food
3. Ambrosia
Best Vegetarian
1. Locomotive
2. Keystone
3. Morning Glory
Best Burger's
1. Jamie's Great Burgers
2. McMenamin's (McMenamin's North Bank, East 19th Street Cafe and High Street)
3. Andrew Smash
Best Soups
1. French Horn
2. (tie) Cafe Zenon, Keystone
3. Glenwood
Best Pizza
1. Pegasus
2. Cozmic Pizza
3. Sy's Pizza
Best Barbecue
1. West Brothers
2. Hole in the Wall
3. Turtles
Best Outside Dining
1. McMenamin's (McMenamin's North Bank, East 19th Street Cafe and High Street)
2. Cafe Soriah
3. Keystone
Best Service
1. Cafe Zenon
2. Cafe Soriah
3. Marché
Best Sunday Brunch
1. Sweetwater's
2. Keystone
3. Cafe Zenon
Best Breakfast
1. Keystone
2. Glenwood
3. (tie) Morning Glory, Studio One Cafe
Best Business Lunch
1. Cafe Zenon
2. Cafe Yumm!
3. Oregon Electric Station
Best Lunch Under
$8
1. Glenwood
2. Keystone
3. Cafe Yumm!
Best Dinner Under
$12
1. Glenwood
2. Sakura
3. Taco Loco |
Best New Restaurant
It's always fun to see who takes this coveted category, and the competition for Best
New Restaurant was stiffer than we've seen it in a long while. Taking first place
honors is Montage, Mystique or M, as it's known by some. Would a restaurant
by any other name taste as sweet? For the record, the New Orleans-style restaurant
that is popular with everyone for being one of the few places in Eugene open past
midnight is now officially known as Mystique. Coming in a close second is Turtles,
the new non-smoking bar and family-style barbecue joint on Willamette. Tied for third
were the Koho Bistro, the neighborhood hang-out with a touch of elegance, and Chez
Ray's new venture, a multi-media restaurant with live performances, live television,
poetry readings and more.
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BEST SATURDAY MARKET
BOOTH:
Ritta's Burritos
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Best Food Cart
Perhaps absence makes the taste buds grow fonder? It's too bad that Cart de Frisco
only comes out twice a year. I've been there with you folks, waiting in lines for
hours at the Eugene Celebration and the County Fair for a bite of a zesty grilled
chicken, topped with freshly grated cabbage and succulent peanut sauce. Alexander's
Great Felafels, located just outside the UO Bookstore most days, takes second with
a spicy falafel and free lemonade with every order. Ritta's Burritos at Saturday
Market places third with some of the biggest burritos this side of the Rio Grande.
Best Bar
Could be the organic pizza, beer served in Mason jars, cozy atmosphere or the quality
live music that makes Sam Bond's, the converted car shop in Whiteaker, a long-time
favorite. For something a little more upscale, some folks suggested Cafe Soriah and
Adam's Place, which tied for second place. If you're in the mood for jazz, Jo Fed's
placed third.
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BEST COFFEEHOUSE:
Full City
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Best Coffeehouse
Full City has become so popular that they've recently expanded to a new location
at 13th and High. They're serving pastas, soups and salads at their new location.
But their original downtown location still serves the masses their cuppa Joe. The
Allann Brothers' locations on Fifth Street and on Hilyard came in second. And even
though Out of the Fog was featured in Rolling Stone as the "anarchists' hangout,"
it's popular with many non-subversives as well, placing third.
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BEST BAKERY:
Metropol
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Best Bakery
Eugene is blessed with an abundance of wonderful, aromatic, friendly bakeries. So
the first place award in this category doesn't come easily. French Bread, plain or
seeded, Birdseed Bread, Ciabatta -- Metropol has them all baked fresh daily.
The EW staff can vouch for the second place winner, Eugene City Bakery. We
devour their olive bread weekly. The third place winner, Sweet Life Patisserie, serves
the most beautiful and delicious homemade tartlets, cakes and pastries you've ever
tasted.
Best Deli
We're a stubborn lot. When Eugeneans know what they like, it's hard to get them to
budge. The Oasis Delis have been winning this category for years. Barry's
Espresso and Bakery is rising nicely in second place. And third place winner, Cornucopia,
has a Philly Tempeh Sandwich and Angela's Veggie sneaking in, ready for the punch.
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BEST DELIVERY:
Cozmic Pizza
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Best Delivery
Cozmic Pizza may be fairly new, but they are sooo Eugene. Ninety percent of
their ingredients are organic. They grind berries for their whole wheat, and they
make a point of catering to alternative diets. Owner Joel Thomas says, "It's
all about being really fresh." And it's all delivered with pedal power! Just
how do they keep those yummy pies warm on bike? Thomas has rigged a special recycled
plastic box on the back of his bike. Insulation inside keeps them nice and hot. In
the year of the Dragon, Kowloon Chinese Restaurant comes in second and Tracktown
Pizza places third.
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BEST MEXICAN:
Taco Loco
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Best Mexican
Taco Loco proves that it's still the best place for Mexican food (and a little
habañero-themed decor on the side). Chapala's on 29th holds steady at second
place. Burrito Boy's two locations come in at third proving that not only are they
affordable, but their burritos are also very edible.
Best Latin American or Caribbean
Just because there are only two Latin American or Caribbean restaurants in town,
don't be tempted into scoffing at the competition here. I'd say Cafe Navarro
and Hilda's are so good, they've automatically eliminated any other competition.
The voting was very close here and you can't go wrong with either. Navarro's Sunday
brunches are scrumptious, and Hilda has a fantastic tapas menu.
Best Chinese
Great fortune shines on you, Ocean Sky. Did I mention that when you Eugeneans
know what you like, it's hard to get you to budge? Ocean Sky remains the favorite
in this category. But Fortune Inn and Kowloon make themselves at home in the second
and third place spots.
Best Southeast Asian
Loyal patrons of Mekala's came through again for the Thai restaurant in Fifth
Street Market, but barely -- squeezing by with one vote, making it a different sort
of tie (sorry). The fairly new Ring of Fire, which specializes in Pan-Asian cuisine,
is firing up for an upset. Ring of Fire's Lava Lounge, open late, is serving up more
than smoke with drinks like the Thai Me Up, Fiery Mary's and the Head Hunter. Kuraya's
is still holding its own in Springfield.
Best Mediterranean
I'm usually suspicious of restaurants that try to specialize in two completely different
cuisines -- like the burger joint with a Chinese menu. But Anatolia, which
categorizes itself as an Indian restaurant but continually wins in the Best Mediterranean
category, is an establishment in Eugene for high quality, casual, cozy and delicious
dining. Ib Hamide also must be doing something right. His 13th Avenue place, Cafe
Soriah, has garnered numerous honors this year, winning in six different categories,
this one for second, and Casablanca, his Fifth Street Market eatery, is a standard
winner, in third place here.
Best Indian
Taste of India's tandoori continues to be the toast of the town. The Hilyard
Street restaurant's lunch-time buffet spread is thought by some to be the best in
town, bar nann. Second place winner Welcome India on the downtown mall certainly
has the winning location. And Anatolia, the best Mediterranean place in town, is
all over the map with a third place win for best Indian.
Best Japanese
It's hard to argue with any of your choices here. After a little remodeling last
year, Shiki remains the undisputed favorite for Japanese food. However Misako,
with their chic downtown location, is quite a contender. Both places have wonderful
sushi bars where the chefs amaze you with their dexterity and artistic ability while
you wait for your order. Third place Sakura remains popular with students and University-area
businesses for cheap eats.
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BEST KOREAN:
Plaza Coffee Shop
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Best Korean
To look at it from the outside, you might think it was a deli at the Rite Aid on
29th and Willamette. In fact, one hapless soul even voted for "Rite Aid's Korean."
But one foot inside and your nose will know you ain't in Kansas anymore. The Plaza
Coffee Shop has been cooking up some of the best Korean food in town for years
now. Once you've found it, you'll never stray. Second place Korean House and third
place Hana's remain popular choices as well.
Best Italian
Beppe and Gianni's Trattoria swept the People's Choice Awards last year and
remain popular, proving they're here to stay. They're known and loved for serving
wonderful homemade pastas and desserts in an elegant setting. Second place Ambrosia
and third place Mazzi's are both Eugene establishments. Ambrosia's lushly decorated
interior is suited to a special evening out and Mazzi's cozy, casual atmosphere is
perfect for relaxed dining.
Best Salads
It's a good thing Cafe Zenon serves such heavenly salads, that way you can
save your calories for one of their homemade desserts. Second place Turtles on Willamette
is serving phenomenal salads with all kinds of extras like chickpeas, kidney beans,
corn, shaved beets and homemade dressings. And that's just their side salad! Steelhead
on Fifth makes a showing in third.
Best Desserts
At home Eugeneans may be all about tofu and rice (or is that just your reputation?),
but for a night out we Eugeneans love our desserts. Here's Zenon again. They've
been the undisputed favorites in this category for years. The two Reinhart sisters
are living the Sweet Life in Eugene and keeping a lot of us happy with their tortes,
pies, cakes and tartlets as well. Umm, perfect for an incurable sweet tooth. Metropol
is still serving perhaps the most perfect chocolate cake in town, with cream cheese
frosting and chocolate ganache running down the sides.
Best Appetizers
For a bite of this or a taste of that, you can't beat what I call the appetizers
and cocktails meal. It's easier on the budget, too. For years now you've told us
your favorite place for appetizers is the Oregon Electric Station. Alright,
in the face of everything from sautéed mushrooms to steamed clams, crab and
artichoke dip and bay shrimp cocktails, we concede. Zenon's in second and Beppe and
Gianni's and Ring of Fire are slugging it out for third.
Best Wine by the Glass
Quaffing al fresco in those precious, dry summer months is always a joy. For a glass
of pinot, cab or merlot from Australia, Chile or 'Cisco, there's no doubt Zenon's
the place to go. Second place Cafe Soriah and third place Ambrosia never fail to
place in this category.
Best In-House Microbrew
Choose your location -- North Bank, High Street, East 19th Street -- all the McMenamin's
locations serve the same darn good brew. With the Ruby, Hammerhead, Black Rabbit
Porter or Terminator Stout to choose from, you can't go wrong. Steelhead's Amber
and Bombay Bomber are favorites at their Fifth Street location and West Brothers
places in third.
Best Steaks
You know you're in a vegetarian town when the most popular answer in this category
is "ick." But you carnivores didn't let those veggies get the best of you,
you voted with impunity. Apparently, Eugeneans like their steaks from down under
at the Outback Steakhouse. The Oregon Electric Station and the Original Roadhouse
Grill were a close second and third, respectively.
Best Seafood
There's nothing fishy about Newman's upsetting second place McGrath's long-time
hold on the number one spot for seafood. Besides satisfying all you land lubbers,
Newman's is also popular with the take-out crowd. You may wish you hadn't worn your
sandals when they're hosing down the crabs at your third favorite pick, the Full
Boat Cafe inside Fisherman's Market, but for fresh seafood they're a good bet. For
the smarty who voted for Mo's, this IS the Best of EUGENE.
Best Vegetarian
Eugene very well may be the only town of its size to have so many vegetarian restaurants
to choose from. But it's hard to argue with any of your choices here. Locomotive
is definitely the place for more upscale vegetarian dining. They're also rumored
to have outstanding ice cream. Second place winner Keystone opened in 1979 and has
been a Eugene institution ever since. Third place Morning Glory and owner/social
activist Misha Dunlap have really made a name for themselves. Pick up your vegan
pastry while you're checking out protest announcements in the MG bathroom.
Best Burgers
The name says it all at Jamie's Great Burgers. At second place McMenamin's
-- again, choose your location -- the names only add to the enjoyment while eating
a Captain Neon Burger or the Nervous Breakdown Burger. Of course, only in Eugene
would Andrew Smash, a vegetarian burger franchise, regularly place, this time in
third. Alright, who voted for McDonalds?
Best Soups
Of course, like our one homesick voter, everybody thinks their mom's soup
is the best. But when you can't get home to mom, what's the next best thing? French
Horn Cafe in L & L Market on Willamette is the top choice. In a tie for second
place, Zenon and Keystone will warm your tummy whether you like your bowl elegant
or homey. Glenwood comes in third.
Best Pizza
There's an all-out pie-slinging pizza war in this town. This category actually has
readers calling the EW office to voice their opinion, whether in protest or agreement.
Despite the turmoil, Pegasus Pizza continues to take first place honors here.
Cozmic Pizza on Willamette places second for their flexible menu, lovely little courtyard,
bicycle delivery and just general coolness. Campus standard Sy's Pizza is the place
to go for N.Y.-style by-the-slice pizza.
Best Barbecue
West Brothers often wins first in the smokepit contest. Coming in second,
Hole in the Wall proves a little dive off W. 11th can be surprisingly good. They
definitely have a loyal following. This year, Turtles emerges as a force to be reckoned
with in many categories, including this one, in which it placed third.
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BEST OUTDOOR DINING:
McMenamin's
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Best Outside Dining
Again, choose your location. From the banks of the Willamette River to a shaded courtyard
on High Street to a wood deck covered in hops on East 19th Street, outside dining
is a pleasure any of the McMenamin's. I used to live in an apartment next
door to the patio at second place Cafe Soriah and can personally vouch for the fun
that's been had at their outdoor seating area on many a warm summer night. Keystone
places third.
Best Service
Great food is worth the price, but sometimes you have to wait so long to get it it
hardly seems worth it. Not in this category. The winners have figured out long ago
how to make their customers feel special. The top contenders for excellent service
when you're willing to pay for it are Zenon, Cafe Soriah and Marché,
in that order.
Best Dinner
This category is a bit like Best Picture is to the Oscars, and Eugene is singing
the praises of Ib Hamide and his Cafe Soriah. Zenon is here again in this
coveted category, coming in second. Stephanie Pearl Kimmel's Marché is known
for serving international dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients, which has
won her restaurant third place.
Best Sunday Brunch
Sometimes Eugeneans like to spend Sunday morning at Sweetwaters eating fancy
crepes and omelettes, other times you'll find us lounging at second place Keystone
eating tofu scramble. Cafe Zenon shows up again in third.
Best Breakfast
I guess it's too early in the morning to change your routine. Keystone
has been around for 21 years and has been winning this category since we've been
doing the Best Of Eugene. The Glenwood, another long-time Eugene favorite takes second
as the place to be when you've got time to savor breakfast. Morning Glory with their
hearty vegetarian fare and Studio One with their Challah French Toast tie for third.
Best Business Lunch
Diversity is the key to our city. On the one hand we have power lunches at Cafe
Zenon, on the other we have chats over rice and beans at second place winner
Cafe Yumm! Oregon Electric Station pulls in at third.
Best Lunch Under $8
For cheap eats, there's no place like the Glenwood. Cafe Yumm! came in second
again for business or pleasure. Keystone is holding onto third.
Best Dinner Under $12
Some folks like the Glenwood so much they go there for lunch and back again
for dinner. There's a reason that second place Sakura is popular with students, and
third place Taco Loco offers authentic Mexican food at almost authentic Mexican prices.
(P.S. For the guy who voted for Max's because "Who needs food when there's happy
hour?" I hope you're at least having pretzels with your beer.)
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