Oh Lord, That’s Good

Written by Elijah Newman, Photos by Sydney Chen

tacos and cajun fries with a crisp local Pilsner. I sat in the main dining area facing a long, gorgeously wooded beer hall. High ceilings, pane-glass windows, and comfortable booths with confessionlike wood carvings featured the scene. In the middle of this dining area is an even longer, Medieval-like table resembling 14th-century feasts. But even on a weekday, it was great to see plenty of people laughing, savoring the vibe, and gathering with coworkers, friends, and family for a comforting end to their day.

There’s nothing quite like God’s presence as food and whiskey and beer make your evening even cozier. Public House, a food court located at 418 A St in Springfield, Oregon, offers an indoor beer hall, whiskey lab, multiple food pods, and an outdoor bar in the heart of town, less than ten minutes from Eugene. What makes Public House unique is that it’s the former home to the First Christian Church. Food and drinks occupy this warm, welcoming setting— the perfect place to be with family or pregame with friends. Fisherman’s Market, Moi Poki Grill, NW Burgers Annex, Pizza Cue, Squacho’s, and sweet finishers like O’My! Mini Donuts and Sweet Bay Shaved Ice set up shop inside this beautiful, mahogany church.

Public House even holds events like trivia nights, live music performances on the lawn, and yoga & beer on Sundays… which at first might seem counterintuitive but it’s hard to beat a body buzz and a good stretch, right? But Public House also features special events like the Inaugural Bourbon Street Fest from February 6th to the 12th, and more inspired, cultural occasions down the road. You get entertainment, a plethora of whiskey, food, happy friends, and a wide variety of different beers.

I had the opportunity of checking out Public House on a Tuesday night. I recommend taking that extra minute and deciding which food cart suits you best because of all the different options. I thoroughly enjoyed washing down fish

If indoors feels too gothic, there’s outdoor seating—with an insulated tent for colder nights—just a step away from the whiskey lab. It includes a homey, intimate bar—presenting a backdrop filled with varied, golden whiskey bottles. The smell is most prominent: a rustic, mapley scent tenderly drapes the room. It’s safe to say we all need warm food, drinks, and a higher presence during the winter. However, when spring rolls along—as the weather gets warmer and the sun shines brighter—Public House will be the place to be: hanging outside, listening to music, eating delicious food, and letting your inhibitions dwindle.