Born but not raised in Eugene, Jackalope bartender Summer McCarty returned to the Willamette Valley in ’93 from Southern Cali, bringing the sunshine with her. After graduating from high school a year early in Junction City, and living in a home that’s been in her father’s family for “over 100 years,” McCarty couch-surfed her way into Eugene residency. When she’s not helping customers down drinks, the yoga lover is doing downward dog, or spending time with her hubby and three kids.
What do you drink?
My most current would be Absolut Pineapple and a splash of soda — super simple. I’m all about vodka.
What’s your favorite drink to make?
Most bartenders would probably say they hate making Spanish coffees. I like making Spanish coffees because I like setting them on fire and the big sparks and the show. I’m all about show.
What is the sexiest drink you make?
That’s funny because we’re a sports bar so there’s not too many sexy things going on in here. I like making sweet tarts: grape and cherry vodka. It’s got a little splash of orange juice, a splash of sour, a splash of cran and black raspberry.
Do you flirt for tips?
I’m a big flirt in general. I’m a huge flirt, anyone will tell you that, in and out of work. [Laughs.]
What’s the biggest tip you’ve ever received?
I got a $50 tip on a $30 tab. Was just being myself and he was like, “I hope you have an awesome day.” I look down at the tip, and I was like, “I think I will!” [Laughs.]
What’s your best attribute?
My sense of humor. People like my corky snort, that’s when I’m really laughing hard.
What is the best or worst pick-up line you’ve heard?
I’ve heard a lot of crappy ones. A guy opened up his wallet [and said], “I’m a student. I would buy you a drink but I don’t have any money. Want to go back to my place? I got alcohol there.”
A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
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None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!

Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519