The Oregon Trail

Step into Lewis + Clark Restaurant, a catering service turned full-time brick ‘n’ mortar restaurant on Martin Luther King Boulevard Jr. Boulevard in Eugene you’re greeted with a chalkboard reading: “Welcome to Our Humble Abode.”

On a nearby wall hang framed photos of Bill Murray, Richard Pryor, Jean-Paul Sartre and many others. “Those are people that I like,” says owner Anthony Parshall. “They’ve done great things, so if we can bring some of that innovative and entertaining energy, I think that would be great.”

All this, as well as a pool table, kids area, full bar and killer views of Alton Baker Park’s ponds and waterways gives Lewis + Clark a down-to-earth yet classy vibe. The location is also ridiculously convenient for Autzen Stadium foot traffic during Duck football season.

Parshall is a veteran chef in local kitchens and catering services. “I can manifest something from the interior and make it happen,” Parshall says, “play with colors, play with shapes.” He admits he’s meat-centric, but his restaurant isn’t.

“What we’re trying to do is an eclectic menu: classic comfort food,” Parshall continues.

At Lewis + Clark, build your own burger from the burger bar. You can make your patty classic, spicy Cajun style or choose from turkey or chicken, among many others.

Next, pick from a list of cheeses (cheddar, chevre or gruyere, for example) and toppings ranging from potato chips to remoulade. Add-ons include fried egg, avocado and sautéed mushrooms.

Parshall’s front-of-house manager Molly Hinson says Lewis + Clark aims to remain accessible. “Everything is $20 and under,” she says. “I don’t believe you should have to break the bank to have a nice meal.”

And Lewis + Clark’s extensive, locally sourced and seasonal menu goes beyond burgers to hot wings, pasta, vegan gardener’s pie and a dish simply called “Meat and Taters” (grilled bistro steak topped with wild mushroom demi).

Both Hinson and Parshall emphasize their desire for Lewis + Clark to be welcoming for everyone: a foodie destination, a sports bar with white tablecloths or a place for couples with kids to have a date night without a babysitter to dine while the kids play in the play area.

“We’re about the diversity,” Hinson says. “We have a private party room here, we have a lot of holiday parties. Anyone can come in and feel that non-judgment.”

“It becomes like a conversation that we’re having,” Parshall adds. “We’re together, creating this experience.”

Lewis + Clark Restaurant is located at 2210 Martin Luther King Boulevard in Eugene. It’s open for dinner service Tuesday through Saturday 5:30 pm to close. For more information and a full menu go to lewisandclarkeugene.com.

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