Each McMenamins Brewery location is unique, and the High Street Cafe is a fanciful blast from the past. The address is 1243 High Street.
Located in a 100-year old house on the border of downtown and the University district, the back porch is shaded by towering trees and feels like you are kicking back and enjoying your best friends back yard. Long tables, particularly in the back area, encourage family-style seating. And they do welcome people of all ages to dine. In cooler weather the back porch is semi-enclosed and heated.
Inside, the space is cozy and eclectic. A fireplace dominates the central section. Small tables are crammed into corners (remember, rooms were small back in the olde days...) Original, unique, and psychedelic-style art appears virtually everywhere you look.
The brew brings many people here -- this was Eugene's original microbrewery, and some of the handcrafted offerings are here and then gone. Luckily, the beautiful pink Ruby Ale is always available. Ruby is flavored with raspberries, and sometimes shares the bill of fare with Maid Marion (flavored with marionberries, of course...) Terminator Stout is the home-favorite dark, and Hammerhead is the top billed medium offering.
Beyond the brew, the real thrill is the hand cut french fries. Ask for them extra crispy and try a toss of malt vinegar. High Street also serves great burgers made from naturally grown, hormone free Oregon Country Beef. They also offer veggie burgers, pastas, cheese bread, salads and other sandwiches.
Depending on what you order, you can get out for the price of a cup of coffee or squander a lot on buying drinks for the gang. Also a consideration: you can also buy bottled beer direct from the brewery for your next party!
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