The excellent Thai Pepper (84 Main St., 541/482-8058, 5–9:30 p.m. Mon.–Tues., 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. and 5–9:30 p.m. Wed.–Sat., $7–16) has a lot to offer: Not only is the spicy, flavorful Southeast Asian cuisine well prepared and moderately priced, the dining room steps down into the steep gulch of Ashland Creek, offering a cool and quiet haven in the summer heat and one of the most pleasant patio dining areas in town.

Kobe (96 N. Main St., 541/488-8058, 5–9 p.m. daily, rolls from $7–16) offers top-quality sushi, sashimi, hand rolls, and an assortment of small plates that showcase contemporary Japanese cuisine.

For East Indian food, go to Taj (31 Water St., 541/488-5900, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat., $5–18), which has a number of vegetarian dishes, traditional curries, and tandoor oven specialties. At lunch, enjoy the $9 buffet.

“Pan-Asian cocktail bar” is the theme at swank Hong Kong Bar (23 N. Main St., 541/488-5511, 5:30–9 p.m. Tues.–Wed., 5:30–10 p.m. Thurs.–Sat., $6–14), with potent and stylish drinks and a broad selection of enticing small plates that are perfect when you want a light meal.