Eugene OR, special dinner
 

I want to make reservations for a graduation dinner for 6-8 people. Eugene is PACKED during UO grad weekend in June, I want to make plans now. (In mid-Sept I could hardly get a hotel reservation for June!)

Any recommendations? Looking for celebratory ambience, no chain restaurants! Maybe steak house or Italian?

I have read of Ambrosia and West Brothers. Have been to Oregon Electric Station, maybe that's where we should go?

We do not live in Oregon so I am fairly unfamiliar with the restaurant scene.

Last year we had a very good meal at Beppe and Giannis--a casual, up-scale Italian restaurant. We also liked the efficient and unpretentious service:

http://www.beppeandgiannis.net/

You might try asking this question in chowhound too.

Eugene has a lot of good restaurants but not great restaurants. Beppe and Giannis is good but I think noisy and difficult for visiting.
I think Sweetwaters at Valley River Inn would be nice ( its right on the river)
The Waterfront Restaurant is another river view restaurant with nice atmosphere- known for their dry roasted ribs.
Ambrosia is also good- one of my favorites with a group.
Willys is in an old house close to downtown area and owned by same person as Waterfront- good food.

A nice out of the way restuarant is KoHo Bistro and they have a room that easily seats a group of your size- food has always been excellent.

The new hot spot in town is El Vaquaro in the 5th St Market- food is good but kind of pricey - have a great tapa menu.

So there's a few ideas
have fun

I don't like noisy places. Beppe's was lively, but not noisy when we visited. The staff was welcoming and helpful. Located in a semi-residential neighborhood, outdoor seating is available--weather permitting.