The Whiteaker — "the Whit" to locals — is the older industrial neighbourhood north of downtown and west of Skinner Butte, gradually gentrifying since the early 2000s without losing its grit. Murals cover the warehouses. Breweries cluster on Madison and Van Buren streets. Food carts, taquerias, vintage clothing, and the smell of patchouli are constants.
The anchor businesses are Ninkasi Brewing (large tasting room and lawn), Hop Valley (newer, more polished), Sam Bond's Garage (live music in a converted garage with cheap pints), and Sweet Life Patisserie for cakes. Walk a loop on a sunny afternoon — it is the most distinctive corner of Eugene, even if some of the rougher edges have been buffed off.