Trying to add a payment method? You can do this on the 
Quick Take:
We’re rolling out a new dining series called Down the Block. The rules: It can be anywhere in Lane County, but it must be culinarily intriguing, and the establishments must be within a specific block. Our first stop: Alder Street and 13th Avenue in Eugene.
If you want to eat your way through a few continents without going more than 130 feet, head to 13th and Alder in Eugene, right off of the University of Oregon campus. The five eateries along this strip cross into Japan, Korea, China, Thailand — and Italy by way of New York.
They’re student-friendly, too, offering late-night hours, cheaper options and comfort foods.
Around the block, you’ll find two college watering holes: The Annex (1236 Kincaid St.) is Ninkasi Brewing’s newish beer hall, as ideal a hangout spot (food trucks and nonalcoholic options) as it is to grab a case of beer. Walk farther up to Rennie’s Landing (1214 Kincaid St.) for classic pub fare and a late-night pool match.
If you go: Nearby construction has affected parking on Alder Street, but there are spots nearby, as well as takeout and delivery options.
1249 Alder St. Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with a daily mid-afternoon closure
Best for: A cozy date night with your partner or friend or by yourself.
The lowdown: Izakaya Jinsei is soul-warming day and night, with minimalist wooden counters, deep red walls and soft lighting that evokes a traditional izakaya (literally, a place to stay and drink sake). These Japanese pubs are as intimate as they are lively and social, serving sake and other libations alongside shareable bites.
The menu: The food menu at Izakaya Jinsei expands beyond small plates: Yes, you will find takoyaki (fried octopus balls), edamame and gyoza. But you can also linger over a full meal with their lunch bento, ramen, sashimi and sushi and other Japanese dishes, as well as Korean dishes such as tteokbokki and gimbap. Their sake menu stays true to tradition.
1239 Alder St. Open for lunch and dinner every day, with late night hours Friday and Saturday (2 a.m. close)
Best for: A casual lunch, late night munchies, fried food without the food coma
The lowdown: Cluckin Dog serves up Korean street food in a fast-casual setting. Their namesakes, Korean corn dogs and double fried chicken wings, are made to order with an unwritten guarantee of eye-popping cheese pulls and a crunch intensity of at least 50 decibels. Add waffle fries to make either protein a meal.
The menu: These aren’t your fluffy cornbread-battered American dogs. In fact, Korean corn dogs don’t have any cornmeal in the batter, instead using glutinous rice flour for a slightly chewy texture and crispy fried exterior. Cluckin’s popular OG Dog ($8) is half mozz and half all-beef sausage, with panko crust and a dusting of sugar for a crunchy, cheesy, meaty, sweet and savory snack — basically everything you’d want on a stick. Other dog toppings abound: cubed potato, crunchy ramen, hot Cheeto powder. Then there are the fried chicken wings ($11 for 5): a mix of flats and fat drums, these are the gold standard for golden brown. Choose from six sauces, from Spicy Sweet with gochujang to first date-worthy Garlic Breath. Spice-seekers should opt for Fiery Basil.
1225 Alder St. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday; noon to 9 p.m., Saturday
Best for: Whenever takeout night is, or whenever you crave a quiet dine-in moment
The lowdown: This is a classic Chinese takeout joint, but you can snag one of the few tables for a no-frills (as in no blaring music) meal.
The menu: Spring House’s sweeping menu might encourage you to venture from your usual General Tso’s (which they do also have, but that’s beside the point). It’s a treasure trove of Chinese dishes, including 11 fried rice variations, a host of Cantonese classics (crispy salt and pepper shrimp, barbecued pork, whole duck), comfort meals (hot pot, savory scrambled eggs with stewed tomatoes) and old standbys (orange chicken, wonton soup).
1219 Alder St. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.
Best for: A lunch date with friends, Thai takeout after a long day
The lowdown: A casual Thai eatery with familiar favorites, plentiful vegan options (tofu and tempeh) and a five-level spice scale.
The menu: Sweet Basil’s menu is short and sweet. The pad thai, pad see ew, tom kah gai and Thai curries are all givens. Then there’s the Oh My God, Sweet Basil’s herbaceous take on crab rangoons, with basil and cilantro added to the imitation crab and cream cheese mixture, which is then rolled up, fried and served with plum sauce.
1211 Alder St. Open at 11 a.m. daily, with late night hours Thursday through Saturday (3 a.m. close)
Best for: Lunch slice, midafternoon slice, post-bar slice, hangover slice
The lowdown: Sy’s has been slinging pies on this strip since 1978. They’re known for on-the-go N.Y. slices with a Neapolitan-style crust (thin, charred edges). This is where you tuck in for a quick lunch or head out with a whole pie.
The menu: See above, and throw in some molten cheese- and marinara-smothered garlic knots for good measure.
What block should we head down next? Email Taylor Goebel at taylor@lookoutlocal.com.
