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Located in the Willamette Valley, Springfield is a lovely community that may have been the inspiration for the town in The Simpsons, there is even an unofficial Simpson’s tour. But this small city has many other things to offer, from outdoor adventures to a growing art and culture scene, plus, of course, a variety of interesting places to eat. Here are 10 of the tastiest spots to be found in Springfield, Oregon.

The Simpsons on Main Street

Benedetti's Meat Market & Deli

Deli, Market, Restaurant, American

A multifaceted venue, the family-owned and operated Benedetti’s Meat Market and Deli combines a market, deli and restaurant and serves succulent meats sourced from local purveyors. Customers can buy fresh items to take home and cook themselves, or they may visit the adjoining restaurant to sample a variety of sandwiches, soups and other entrées. Enticing options include the Italian grinder, which features Black Forest ham, mortadella, capocollo, salami and provolone with salad on a French baguette, and the filet mignon, with a choice of sides. They also offer daily specials, which can be found on their social media page.

Chow

Gastropub, American

The Coburg Hills
© Bruce Fingerhood/Flickr
Chow is a gastropub featuring creative American cuisine. In a casual environment with a laid-back vibe, guests can sample an array of tasty dishes from salads and soups to sandwiches and burgers. A meal at Chow might begin with a half bowl of creamy beer-cheddar soup, followed by the ‘Hot as Hell’ burger, seared in Cajun spices and topped with pepper-jack cheese, roasted jalapeños, jalapeño pesto, arugula and sweet-onion jam. Chow also has 12 rotating taps, ensuring that there is a beer to complement any meal.

Ciao Pizza

Established in 2007 by Maurizio Paparo, a native of Italy, Ciao Pizza is an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria. In this warm, modern environment, guests can feast upon a host of pizzas, made in a traditional wood and gas-fire oven, salads, and fresh pasta dishes, all made from scratch using the best ingredients available. Notable pizzas, which include gluten-free varieties, are the Funghi, topped with sautéed wild mushrooms, tomato sauce and mozzarella, and the Toscana, with roasted chicken and smoked bacon. As for the pasta, the artichoke ravioli in a roasted red pepper cream sauce is a tempting choice. Derrick Pruitt, aka Mr. Happy | Courtesy of Happy’s Java & Soul Food Shack

Happy's Java & Soul Food Shack

Owned and operated by Marcella and Derrick ‘Mr. Happy’ Pruitt, Happy’s Java and Soul Food Shack is a wonderful little establishment specializing in mouthwatering BBQ, soul food, and other delightful things, as well as tea and coffee, which is roasted on-site. Primarily a takeaway place and drive-through with some tables outside, Happy’s offers diners Alabama-style smoked meats, including the St. Louis smoked ribs, Cajun smoked-chicken sandwich, and the Louisiana hot link sandwich, along with sides such as mac and cheese, yams and black-eyed peas. For dessert, they even offer a sweet potato Belgian waffle, a great ending to a delicious meal.

Hop Valley Brewing Company

Hop Valley Brewing Company is an award-winning establishment serving beer alongside tasty cuisine. Open daily for lunch and dinner, the venue’s casual, comfortable atmosphere is perfect for a fun, relaxing night out with friends and family. From sandwiches to burgers and more, there is something for everyone. Guests can share a sausage sampler, which features house-made beer brats, before moving on to meatloaf topped with a bacon-tomato glaze, served with carrots and garlic mashed potatoes, or the grilled portobello-mushroom sandwich with smoked gouda and artichoke spread.

Plank Town Brewing Company

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub, American

Located in the heart of the historic downtown area, Plank Town Brewing Company is a wonderful place to try handcrafted microbrews alongside delicious Northwest cuisine. Plank Town offers guests a beautiful space, complete with a horseshoe bar and redwood picnic-style tables, in which to try any of the 20 beers on tap and savor an array of small plates, sandwiches and entrées. Appetizing choices include the rabbit báhn mì served with green-apple slaw and an orange-ginger dressing on ciabatta, or the succotash, a medley of vegetables, white beans, filberts, date balsamic reduction and polenta.

The Pump Cafe

Cafe, Restaurant, American

Lyle Hatfield Trail
© Visitor7/WikiCommons
Located in a renovated gas station, The Pump Cafe is a befitting name for this American restaurant. Guests entering the café to sample a delightful array of breakfast and lunch items will find an eclectic space strewn with gas-station memorabilia. Popular breakfast dishes include the raspberry cream-cheese-stuffed French toast, or potato pancakes with scrambled eggs, tomatoes and scallions. For those seeking lunch, there are salads, burgers, fish, and much more.

Ranchito Grill

Restaurant, Mexican, Spanish, Seafood, Vegetarian

Ranchito Grill is a family-friendly restaurant whose specialty is authentic Mexican cuisine. Packed full of flavor, the culinary team sources the freshest ingredients available to use in its dishes, which include everything from seafood, pork, chicken and beef to desserts (try the Mexican flan, custard with caramel topping.) Striving for top-quality products, the restaurant makes their flour and corn tortillas in-house to ensure freshness. Tasty entrées include sizzling steak fajitas, prawns sautéed in a sweet mole sauce, and the veggie burrito, stuffed with vegetables, beans, Spanish sauce and cheese.

Ta Ra Rin

Restaurant, Thai

Founded by Thai chef Arna ‘B’ Khongkhaning, Ta Ra Rin is a warm and inviting restaurant featuring traditional Thai cuisine. Established in Eugene in 2000, Springfield’s restaurant opened in 2012, delighting those diners seeking dishes packed full of exciting flavors. The extensive menu, with many items made from family recipes, ensures that everyone will find something of interest. Some delectable specialties include the lava catfish, freshwater catfish cooked in a spicy-coconut cream sauce, and the ‘fancy’ eggplant in a chili paste.

The Washburne Cafe

Cafe, American

Nestled inside the historic Springfield Armory Building, The Washburne Cafe serves home-cooked dishes in a comfortable atmosphere. Open daily, the cozy space features exposed brick walls and century-old wooden floors. The café offers coffee, baked goods, including muffins, scones and cookies, in addition to breakfast and lunch items. Must-try dishes include the Washburne bowl, serving a choice of bacon or ham over eggs, cheddar and roasted red potatoes with salsa, and the ‘grown up’ grilled cheese with an assortment of cheeses and basil aïoli.
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