The eateries on the University of Oregon campus periphery are a cut above those found in most college towns. Start the day at Campus Glenwood (1340 Alder St., 541/687-0355, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily) or at the south-side Glenwood (2588 Willamette St., 541/687-8201, 6:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Sat.–Sun., $5–10). Although both restaurants are open for three meals a day, breakfast is what keeps people coming back…come prepared for a bit of a wait on weekend mornings.

Tasty inexpensive breakfasts and lunches can be had at Cafe Siena (853 E. 13th Ave., 541/344-0300, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat.–Sun., $4–8). Breakfast burritos are good, and in the winter, homemade soup seems to be a lunchtime staple for the regulars.

In the shadow of the campus, the Excelsior Inn Ristorante (754 E. 13th Ave., 541/485-1206, lunch and dinner daily, Sunday brunch, $18–28) is an elegant restaurant located in a charming old colonial home. The Italian menu changes with the seasons and might include smoked salmon ravioli with a lemony dill sauce or pan-seared sea scallops dusted with porcini powder, topped with tomato relish, served with polenta. Although the Excelsior is very close to campus, it draws a much older crowd; when you see students here, they’re often with their parents, who may be staying in the inn upstairs.