oregonpoppa--Well said:) The places syrah mentions could be at any exit off ramp, but suggestions for good, unique places in a town is the best, IMO.

So much for oregonpappa's restraint LOL!!!!

You've gotten excellent advice so far. I'll second Chapalas, The North Bank and Ocean Sky, though like oregonpappa, I haven't been to Ocean Sky in some time.

If the weather clears (doubtful), a nice meal outside at The North Bank would be hard to beat with fall colors and the Willamette River in the background!!

Okay, I must wonder here if syrahgirl has actually visited and eaten at Olive Garden and Red Robin in Eugene? I cannot seem to find her reviews and food fotos?

But I'm sure both restaurants are *exactly* the same in Eugene as they are in Fresno, CA!

O'poppa, is China Sun still there do you know? We thought we saw a new sign last time we passed by. In Springfield, technically, on the frontage road south of the Shilo & Best Buy.

I think China Sun is still there. In my recommendations I haven't even touched on Springfield, especially the Gateway area, which is full of nice eateries. They're mostly chains, ranging from Outback to the Original Roadhouse Grill (which I really like) to all the usual fast food and pizza places.

A local restaurant that is very popular in the area and has expanded to three or four locations, including the Gateway area, is Cafe Yumm, which offers a difficult to describe variety of rice bowls and skewers with their secret sauce.

I left a Chinese restaurant off my previous postings that probably ought to be included, since it's close to the campus on Franklin...Empire Buffet, which offers multiple tables with an unbelievable array of Chinese and Japanese (including sushi) dishes for a very reasonable price. Even ravenous teenagers should be able to get their fill there, while their parents might be a bit more refined in their selections.

P.S. re China Sun...there have been a lot of restaurant changes in the area lately and so I'd have to drive by to double check whether it's gone or not.

Among the major restaurants that have bitten the dust have been Zenon (closed this week), Chanterelle (closed a year or so ago) and Willie's on 7th and Jake's Place (closed this year). And those are just a few off the top of my head. Places come and places go constantly. Joe Federico's -- a long standing restaurant and jazz club -- closed and is in the process of reopening.

My budget isn't like Syrahgirl's and I have to depend on the grapevine and local news to keep up on all the resturants. With the economy the way it is, I'm sure we'll see the tempo of change speeding up even more.

Thanks to everyone for all of your help. We are definetly looking forward to trying some of your wonderful suggestions. I also live in California and think I will be staying away from Red Robin and Olive Garden. I am looking forward to trying restaurants that are unique to the Eugene area. I will give you an update when I return. Looking forward to visiting your great city. With my daughter being a freshmen hopefully in the next 4 years I will get a chance to enjoy all of your reccomendations

oregonpoppa, I have learned that the budget for talking about restaurants is limitless... many places are recommended by people who have never been to them.

I love your restraint, so much better than mine.

As for Red Robin and Olive Garden... I have never eaten in any of them) but on the drive from the East Coast to Portland, we stopped at a few Shari's along the way ... when the choice is Shari's or a Truck Stop... Shari's wins every time.

I am sure they are found all along the highway through California too.