Across the Willamette Valley, Black-owned-and-operated restaurants are dishing some of the region's most creative cuisines—including fun takes on grilled cheese sandwiches, Caribbean-inspired dishes, and flavorful cocktails. Sip and sample your way through the best Black-owned restaurants in Eugene and Salem with this handy guide.
130 High St. SE, Salem
In downtown proper, stop by Epilogue Kitchen and Cocktails for an ever-changing menu of locally sourced, internationally inspired fare, and as the name implies, creative cocktails like the pineapple spike or the plum fizz. From soups, salads and sandwiches to larger meals such as the Rabbit Confit or the Chicken and Waffles. Besides their food and drinks, Epilogue also hosts Trivia Night every Monday and be sure to check out their rentable book section, all written by Black authors.
4106 State St., Salem
Jojo’s is a food cart located at The Yard Food Cart, in Salem. Ricky Tukufu, also known as “Jojo” creates delicious combinations of barbecue platters that are sure to hit that perfect spot. Some of their most popular items include the mac n cheese and their rib basket paired with Hawaiian baked beans, coleslaw and fries.
865 Marion St. NE, Salem Saturday Market
Bring out your playful and childish side by visiting the So Cheesy food truck, dedicated to bringing you the best grilled cheeses in the Willamette Valley. Feed your inner cheese connoisseur by trying one of their four specialty grilled cheeses.
Note that So Cheesy is available to host parties, farmers markets, festivals and many other social events.
941 W 3rd Ave, Eugene, OR
Bring elegance to your morning coffee by visiting Equiano Coffee in downtown Eugene. Equiano Coffee strives to produce the most perfect and memorable roast for your morning coffee. They source their beans from many small farms in Cameroon and Brazil, among many others. They serve sweet treats such as pastries and have gluten-free and vegan options available for purchase. They have transitioned to be a completely contactless business, however, feel free to enjoy your coffee in their outdoor seating.
837 Lincoln Street, Eugene, OR
Isaiah Martinez is influenced by his Afro-Carribean background to bring you the joys of Yardy Eugene. Start with a small appetizer, like a plantain and work your way up to a large, family-style meal such as the jerk chicken or the market curry plate. Yardy Eugene explores all the intricacies of West Indian cuisine to bring you a unique taste difficult to find in Oregon.
