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Quick Take:
In a city where rooftop dining options are precious few, scoring a table with a view becomes a treasure hunt during the summer months. Here’s a round-up of our rooftop eateries, either to impress visitors or treat yourself to a different dining perspective. Just remember — summer brings the crowds, so stay patient in securing your table.
There’s something relaxing about dining under open skies. While Eugene and Springfield don’t have many rooftop venues or riverside dining options, the few we do have combine nice views with excellent food and drink.
Be warned, though: You’re not the only person out there who wants a meal with a view, so be prepared to wait, be patient, and call ahead to reserve if you can.
Carlita’s
https://carlitasttw.com
555 Oak St. (inside the Gordon Hotel)
541-632-6867
Carlita’s is open for brunch and dinner, and all ages are welcome, as long as they enjoy ceviche, tostadas, taco, salads, sopas, and appetizers such as elote corn and nachos. Try the Carlita’s Skillet, featuring tender short ribs with a flavorful mix of black beans, chorizo chili queso, and chipotle crema. Carlita’s does not accept reservations for groups of five or fewer.
The Garden on Friendly
https://www.thegardenonfriendly.com/
2760 Friendly St.
Dining at the Friendly Street food cart pod is even nicer now that it has a permanent structure that’s air-conditioned and heated inside. Climb stairs to the top for rooftop views overlooking the Friendly Street neighborhood. Get pizza, tacos, fish and chips, Indian, Japanese, or a beverage of your choice, including more than 20 craft beer taps. The Garden is open seven days a week and each cart may have slightly different hours. No reservations.
McMenamin’s North Bank
https://www.mcmenamins.com/north-bank
22 Club Road
541-343-5622
As the only riverside dining destination in Eugene, McMenamin’s North Bank patio fills up quickly. But even the tables in its large indoor dining room have great views of the water. Over the years, the decor here has changed to reflect a tiki aesthetic. Outside the entrance, a canvas tent that has been replaced with a tiki-style tent supported by bamboo poles, so you get the tropical vibe from the start. From the right angles, you can imagine you’re in a tiki bar, especially if you get yourself one of the few tiki drinks on the Kapu Hut menu. Reservations accepted.
Roaring Rapids Pizza
https://roaringrapidspizza.com/
4006 Franklin Blvd., Springfield
541-988-9819
If you’ve ever uttered words to the effect of what a shame it is that between two towns with two rivers running through them, diners have only three options for restaurants with riverside views, then just know you’re not alone. Roaring Rapids Pizza is one of the three options, and the restaurant’s large patio alongside the Willamette River is pretty sweet. On nice days, the patio fills up, so plan ahead, and be prepared to share the space with families and large groups. Roaring Rapids has a good salad bar, and often have live music outside during the nice weather months. Reservations accepted.
Sky Bar (Hyatt Place at Oakway Center)
https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/eugzo-hyatt-place-eugene-oakway-center/dining
333 Oakway Road
541-343-9333
This spot offers the highest rooftop bar and restaurant in Eugene, from the fifth floor of the Hyatt Place at Oakway Center. Between the Sky Deck and the Sky Bar, you can get a casual lunch of Caesar salad and pizza, sandwiches, burgers, or a cocktail to sip by the fire pit. No reservations, but they’ll help you out if you’re part of a large party.
Sweet Waters on the River
www.sweetwatersontheriver.com
1000 Valley River Way
541-341-3462
Eugene lost this riverside dining option and its next-door hotel during an arson fire in February 2023. It reopened in August 2024 and is better than ever. Sweet Waters on the River offers breakfast and brunch as well as dinner, a nice wine list, and craft cocktails. The dining room spans multiple levels with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Willamette River from everywhere. If you’re there for dinner, try the Dungeness crab cake appetizer, bone-in pork chop, or burger. Reservations accepted.
Zest
https://www.zesteugene.com
999 Willamette St. Suite 300 (Third floor of the Downtown Athletic Club)
541-357-1011
Zest is on the third floor of the Downtown Athletic Club (DAC) but you do not have to be a member of the DAC to eat there. Enter on the Willamette Street side of the building and take the elevator to the third floor. Eat inside in one of two rooms or outside on the rooftop patio. The menu varies seasonally and is a tasty blend of Mediterranean mezze (small plates such as fried manchego cheese and citrus-brined olives), wood-fired pizza, burgers, and entrees such as New York steak or salmon. Reservations accepted.
5th Street Public Market
https://www.5stmarket.com
296 E. Fifth Ave.
This might not be top of mind as an rooftop dining spot, but the second floor has a great outdoor patio surrounding the central courtyard and is also a nice spot to dine by the fountain on the ground-floor level. Enjoy multiple food options and eat anywhere you like. There’s plenty of seating inside the food hall if the weather doesn’t cooperate. No reservations.
