Hawthorne’s Cafe & Deli

I think I know why this place only has one review. Two hypotheses, actually:
1. Everyone knows Hawthorne’s is not that good, but we love them anyway. Where else can you get a Guinness at 3:30 on a work day and still feel good about yourself?
2. The only people who eat here are some sort of non-​Yelping, Republican, banker contingent that I didn’t even know existed in Eugene. Is that why CNBC is always on the televisions?
As a downtown worker, I trudged into this place at least once a week for my $ 6 veggie bagel sandwich and baked Lay’s. Well, if I’m honest with myself it was probably more like 3 x a week, especially in the winters when I need my afternoon caffeine fix (they brew organic, and always have it hot). As Jessica notes, it’s a no-​frills place. I’ve seen the Sysco truck make its stop here every week, too.
My complaints about this place center around smell (it’s like the inside of a refrigerator in there – always!), price, and service. If I want no-​frills, I want to see some sort of reduction in my daily lunch bill. And I don’t want to sacrifice taste, either. With all the other, cost-​effective options downtown (New Odyssey, Viva!), I’m not sure how H-​town is keeping up. As for the service, it’s not that it’s bad, it’s just highly variable. There was a time in 06 – 07 where I went there just for the service and good convo. But since then the service has been really up and down, and I’ve had my head bitten off a couple of times for no apparent reason. And I don’t need that. Not when I’m paying $ 6 for a to-​go veggie sand.

This is really a nothing-​fancy kind of deli. The sandwiches and salads are good, but one of my favorite menu items is quiche by the slice. The food isn’t too heavy or rich and the portions are just right. Prices are a bit high for what you get, though. Although I’ve only eaten here for lunch on the weekdays, they do sell alcohol. The décor is nothing special, but service is always super quick, and I eat here at least once or twice a month.