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Three small oysters topped with peach-colored granita sit on top of urchin, clam, and mussel shells in a bowl. Quaintrelle serves Pacific Northwestern seafood in Southeast Portland.
Oysters with granita at Quaintrelle
Molly J. Smith / EPDX

21 Romantic Restaurants and Bars in Portland for Date Night

Where to take someone out for something special, whether it’s a first date or an anniversary dinner

by Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Thom Hilton Updated
View as Map
Oysters with granita at Quaintrelle
| Molly J. Smith / EPDX
by Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Thom Hilton Updated

Figuring out where to take a date is far trickier than it should be — what’s too fancy, or not fancy enough? What feels special enough for an anniversary dinner without feeling stuffy? Really, it’s an equation that’s hard to master, but one thing is for sure: It should feel at least a little romantic. That means different things for different people — some people want the energy of a lively dining room; others want an intimate, secluded spot for a quiet cocktail. The through line, often, is low lighting, interesting food and drink, and good service, whether there’s Champagne and oysters on the menu, or just some small snacks and shots.

The map below tries to explore a wide assortment of romantic restaurants, including a range of price-points, cuisines, and energies. For more ideas, check out the Eater 38.

Note: Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Les Caves & Le Clos

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Perhaps the best date spot in Portland is the actual cave at Les Caves, Alberta’s subterranean wine bar — cut into the wall, this little perch above the bar is the ideal secluded spot for out-of-the-box couples. However, there isn’t a bad seat in the house when drinking cool, off-the-beaten-track wines found at this winemaker-owned bar. Those who prefer to drink outside can visit Le Clos, the open-air sibling to Les Caves.

1719 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
(503) 206-6852
(503) 206-6852

Also featured in:

Urdaneta

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Urdaneta’s warmly-lit, intimate dining room, which stretches alongside the open-format kitchen, is the prime locale for a slew of pintxos and tapas, little bites of golden-fried croquetas or thin slices of jamón Ibérico. The restaurant’s pulpo a la brasa with aerated truffle potato and leek marmalade is a must-order, especially when followed by the restaurant’s burnt Basque cheesecake.

3033 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
(503) 288-1990
(503) 288-1990

Also featured in:

The Box Social

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This intimate cocktail bar on North Williams makes a great spot for a RuPaul-themed Aperol spritz or a flight of mini-martinis. Its happy hour menu and low-key energy makes it a great spot for first dates; if things go well, couples can stroll down to Lua, Eem, or XLB for dinner, depending on the vibe — or just opt for a chocolate lava cake with two spoons.

3971 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97212
(503) 288-1111
(503) 288-1111

Also featured in:

Tartuca

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Fans of the now-gone Radar, which had been a staple of this list, will be happy to know that the space’s current tenant, retaining the warm lighting and exposed-brick walls, is just as charming. Chef Jamie Wilcox’s open kitchen occupies the center of the space like a stage, perfect to view from a seat tucked into the front window, as you await charred-crust pizzas with topping combinations like prosciutto, butternut squash, and hot honey or lamb sausage, roasted carrot, and harissa. Pastas are also particularly special here, for those hoping to recreate a Lady and the Tramp moment.

3951 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 477-8008
(503) 477-8008

Also featured in:

St. Jack

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For a celebration dinner, it’s hard to beat the candlelit banquettes at St. Jack, where diners dip chilled prawns in vadouvan aioli, knock back oysters on the half shell, and clink glasses of real-deal Champagne. After a dinner of steak and seafood, a stroll down Northwest 23rd is a lovely finish to date night.

1610 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 360-1281
(503) 360-1281

Also featured in:

Marrakesh

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Diners sit on cushions at the low tables of Marrakesh for a five course meal, complete with tagine, flaky b’stilla dusted in powdered sugar, and desserts like baklava or milk pudding. Belly dancers often perform among the tables Wednesdays through Sundays, and each meal finishes with sweet mint tea.

1201 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 248-9442
(503) 248-9442

Also featured in:

Arden Restaurant Portland

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Couples looking for the special occasion standards like oysters, pinot noir, and foie gras will find them at this stylish Pearl District wine bar, but chef Erik Van Kley is particularly adept at developing pasta dishes, like the spaghetti with roasted chanterelles, mushroom broth, and the optional add-on of burgundy truffles. Plus, the restaurant often offers some sort of dish for two, like roast chicken with dijon brown butter and confit green apples, well-suited for dates.

417 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 206-6097
(503) 206-6097

Also featured in:

Ringside Steakhouse

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When looking for pomp and circumstance, this venerable Portland steakhouse offers it in spades. Among the tablecloth-lined tables and dining room fireplaces, couples cut into dry-aged steaks, dig spoons into lobster mashed potatoes, and luxuriate over flourless hazelnut-chocolate cake. The cellar, accessible only by elevator, is well-stocked for wine nerds, though in a restaurant oozing with old-school steakhouse vibes, it’s perhaps best to opt for a Manhattan or a martini.

2165 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 223-1513
(503) 223-1513

Also featured in:

Luce

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Luce is one of Portland’s only restaurants that’s equally as romantic at night, when wood tables are lit by the soft glow of candles, as it is during the day, when its massive windows and white walls make the space feel like a provincial pantry. Specializing in the lighter side Italian fare, dating diners can chat over house-made olive focaccia, salads of octopus and potato or fennel and mint, and sea bass with chiles and capers.

2140 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 236-7195
(503) 236-7195

Also featured in:

Paadee

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Under hanging lanterns and plants, dinner in the wood-paneled dining room of Paadee can dress up or down depending on the occasion. An assortment of larb, snacks, and curries are all smart choices upon any visit, maybe finished with a pile of Dungeness crab fried rice or pandan cake with lime leaf-lemongrass mousse. The bar is often shaking bright and lively cocktails to accompany any meal.

6 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 360-1453
(503) 360-1453

Also featured in:

Le Pigeon

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A reservation at Le Pigeon is an impressive option for date night — but not one that feels stuffy. The tasting menu shows off chef and co-owner Gabriel Rucker’s playful style, pairing roasted swordfish with escargot or beer can chicken with black truffle alfredo. Each dinner finishes with a foie gras profiterole, his signature. Sommelier and co-owner Andy Fortgang’s wine pairings are worth the bump in price, and Le Pigeon offers a vegetarian tasting menu for those looking for a little less liver with dinner.

738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 546-8796
(503) 546-8796

Also featured in:

Masu Sushi

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For an old-school downtown spot that still feels like a hidden gem, it’s hard to beat Masu Sushi. Walking up the stairs to its second-floor dining room kicks off the evening with a feeling of mystery and exclusivity, and the lounge-y setting is a perfect spot to sip plum wine and sake while indulging in alder-smoked black cod, bluefin tuna belly, and sweet potato butter cake with miso salted caramel.

406 SW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
(503) 221-6278
(503) 221-6278

Also featured in:

Normandie

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Dinner at Normandie is a lively affair, but the string-light lit patio or tables in the back provide a romantic setting for couples and dates. Start with a few glasses of sparkling wine or a cocktail, followed by Pacific Northwestern oysters, oxtail croquettes with coffee crema, and chile-poached prawns. Desserts here are no afterthought — linger for vanilla bean meringues with tropical sorbets or madeleines with calvados caramel.

1005 SE Ankeny St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 233-4129
(503) 233-4129

Also featured in:

Driftwood Room

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This midcentury cocktail lounge tucked inside the Hotel Deluxe, with its low ceilings and swirling bar, making it a nice spot for a romantic weekend. The bar itself specializes in Champagne cocktails, as well as a lengthy Manhattan menu. Driftwood Room’s absinthe fountain service is a particularly showy special occasion treat alongside lobster bisque or pan-roasted king salmon.

729 SW 15th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
(503) 820-2076
(503) 820-2076

Also featured in:

Mucca Osteria

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For white tablecloths, handmade pasta, and a bottle of Barolo to split, this ritzy downtown osteria pulls out all the stops. In a chandelier-lit dining room, polished servers deliver plates of prosciutto-wrapped burrata, seared scallops, and pan-seared quail in front of couples year-round. For dessert, tiramisu with two spoons is a must.

1022 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205
(503) 227-5521
(503) 227-5521

Also featured in:

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Rimsky-Korsakoffee House

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For the non-alcoholic crowd, this classic late-night coffee and dessert house is a sure bet. Open until midnight on weeknights and 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, couples enjoy raspberry ice cream sundaes, espresso topped with whipped cream, and fudgy house-made cakes while live music plays in this dimly-lit wooden manor. Adventurous readers should note: Rimsky is famously haunted, and tables here are known to sometimes shake or spin when the “spirit” takes them.

707 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 232-2640
(503) 232-2640

Also featured in:

Jacqueline

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This colorful Clinton seafood joint is anchored by oysters on the half shell and chef Derek Hanson’s well-executed seafood dishes, like the Maine lobster bun with saffron aioli and brown butter and the Dungeness crab toast with hollandaise and Calabrian chiles. Couples currently engaging in friendly arguments about whether Portland is a lobster or crab roll town would do best to order both and realize that both is the answer.

2039 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 327-8637
(503) 327-8637

Also featured in:

Magna Kusina

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When Filipino destination Magna reopened after a brief redesign, it exuded more of a romantic energy, from the vines and lights hanging from the ceiling to the art from friends hanging on the walls. The restaurant’s menu of skewers and snacks work well for dates wanting to try a few small treats, while those looking to impress can opt for the squid ink pasta with Dungeness crab.

2525 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 395-8542
(503) 395-8542

Also featured in:

Quaintrelle

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The combination of blues, brassy hues, and lush plant life make Quaintrelle one of the best-looking restaurants in town, and the food matches the decor: Gorgeous plates of oysters with yuzu sake and sour plum or bay shrimp with Jimmy Nardello peppers arrive before smoked duck with green curry and nectarine. Diners can go with a tasting menu or a la carte; it’s hard to choose between the cocktail or wine selections, so it’s best to try both and grab a cab home.

2032 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 200-5787
(503) 200-5787

Also featured in:

La Moule

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The sibling to St. Jack, La Moule is the more casual of the two, ideal for a weeknight date without the pressure. Still, those who visit will find plenty of oysters on the half-shell, bubbly beverages (alcoholic or not), and — of course — bowls of white-wine-steamed mussels with capers and herbs, all served in a dark and sultry dining room.

2500 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202
(971) 339-2822
(971) 339-2822

Also featured in:

Bible Club PDX

Copy Link

The dark, speakeasy vibes of this Sellwood cocktail bar make it a sultry spot for dates, where people drink Sazeracs and Penicillins under pressed metal ceilings; the walls are adorned with countless conversation starters, in the form of paintings and faded artifacts. In the warmer months out on the backyard patio, live music plays on Friday and Saturday nights; its wooden tables, summery cocktails, and outdoor bar make it a more casual option for nervous new couples.

6716 SE 16th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
(971) 279-2198
(971) 279-2198

Also featured in:

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Les Caves & Le Clos

1719 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211

Perhaps the best date spot in Portland is the actual cave at Les Caves, Alberta’s subterranean wine bar — cut into the wall, this little perch above the bar is the ideal secluded spot for out-of-the-box couples. However, there isn’t a bad seat in the house when drinking cool, off-the-beaten-track wines found at this winemaker-owned bar. Those who prefer to drink outside can visit Le Clos, the open-air sibling to Les Caves.

1719 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
(503) 206-6852
(503) 206-6852

Urdaneta

3033 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211

Urdaneta’s warmly-lit, intimate dining room, which stretches alongside the open-format kitchen, is the prime locale for a slew of pintxos and tapas, little bites of golden-fried croquetas or thin slices of jamón Ibérico. The restaurant’s pulpo a la brasa with aerated truffle potato and leek marmalade is a must-order, especially when followed by the restaurant’s burnt Basque cheesecake.

3033 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
(503) 288-1990
(503) 288-1990

The Box Social

3971 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97212

This intimate cocktail bar on North Williams makes a great spot for a RuPaul-themed Aperol spritz or a flight of mini-martinis. Its happy hour menu and low-key energy makes it a great spot for first dates; if things go well, couples can stroll down to Lua, Eem, or XLB for dinner, depending on the vibe — or just opt for a chocolate lava cake with two spoons.

3971 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97212
(503) 288-1111
(503) 288-1111

Tartuca

3951 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227

Fans of the now-gone Radar, which had been a staple of this list, will be happy to know that the space’s current tenant, retaining the warm lighting and exposed-brick walls, is just as charming. Chef Jamie Wilcox’s open kitchen occupies the center of the space like a stage, perfect to view from a seat tucked into the front window, as you await charred-crust pizzas with topping combinations like prosciutto, butternut squash, and hot honey or lamb sausage, roasted carrot, and harissa. Pastas are also particularly special here, for those hoping to recreate a Lady and the Tramp moment.

3951 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 477-8008
(503) 477-8008

St. Jack

1610 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210

For a celebration dinner, it’s hard to beat the candlelit banquettes at St. Jack, where diners dip chilled prawns in vadouvan aioli, knock back oysters on the half shell, and clink glasses of real-deal Champagne. After a dinner of steak and seafood, a stroll down Northwest 23rd is a lovely finish to date night.

1610 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 360-1281
(503) 360-1281

Marrakesh

1201 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Diners sit on cushions at the low tables of Marrakesh for a five course meal, complete with tagine, flaky b’stilla dusted in powdered sugar, and desserts like baklava or milk pudding. Belly dancers often perform among the tables Wednesdays through Sundays, and each meal finishes with sweet mint tea.

1201 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 248-9442
(503) 248-9442

Arden Restaurant Portland

417 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Couples looking for the special occasion standards like oysters, pinot noir, and foie gras will find them at this stylish Pearl District wine bar, but chef Erik Van Kley is particularly adept at developing pasta dishes, like the spaghetti with roasted chanterelles, mushroom broth, and the optional add-on of burgundy truffles. Plus, the restaurant often offers some sort of dish for two, like roast chicken with dijon brown butter and confit green apples, well-suited for dates.

417 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 206-6097
(503) 206-6097

Ringside Steakhouse

2165 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97210

When looking for pomp and circumstance, this venerable Portland steakhouse offers it in spades. Among the tablecloth-lined tables and dining room fireplaces, couples cut into dry-aged steaks, dig spoons into lobster mashed potatoes, and luxuriate over flourless hazelnut-chocolate cake. The cellar, accessible only by elevator, is well-stocked for wine nerds, though in a restaurant oozing with old-school steakhouse vibes, it’s perhaps best to opt for a Manhattan or a martini.

2165 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 223-1513
(503) 223-1513

Luce

2140 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Luce is one of Portland’s only restaurants that’s equally as romantic at night, when wood tables are lit by the soft glow of candles, as it is during the day, when its massive windows and white walls make the space feel like a provincial pantry. Specializing in the lighter side Italian fare, dating diners can chat over house-made olive focaccia, salads of octopus and potato or fennel and mint, and sea bass with chiles and capers.

2140 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 236-7195
(503) 236-7195

Paadee

6 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Under hanging lanterns and plants, dinner in the wood-paneled dining room of Paadee can dress up or down depending on the occasion. An assortment of larb, snacks, and curries are all smart choices upon any visit, maybe finished with a pile of Dungeness crab fried rice or pandan cake with lime leaf-lemongrass mousse. The bar is often shaking bright and lively cocktails to accompany any meal.

6 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 360-1453
(503) 360-1453

Le Pigeon

738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

A reservation at Le Pigeon is an impressive option for date night — but not one that feels stuffy. The tasting menu shows off chef and co-owner Gabriel Rucker’s playful style, pairing roasted swordfish with escargot or beer can chicken with black truffle alfredo. Each dinner finishes with a foie gras profiterole, his signature. Sommelier and co-owner Andy Fortgang’s wine pairings are worth the bump in price, and Le Pigeon offers a vegetarian tasting menu for those looking for a little less liver with dinner.

738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 546-8796
(503) 546-8796

Masu Sushi

406 SW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

For an old-school downtown spot that still feels like a hidden gem, it’s hard to beat Masu Sushi. Walking up the stairs to its second-floor dining room kicks off the evening with a feeling of mystery and exclusivity, and the lounge-y setting is a perfect spot to sip plum wine and sake while indulging in alder-smoked black cod, bluefin tuna belly, and sweet potato butter cake with miso salted caramel.

406 SW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
(503) 221-6278
(503) 221-6278

Normandie

1005 SE Ankeny St, Portland, OR 97214

Dinner at Normandie is a lively affair, but the string-light lit patio or tables in the back provide a romantic setting for couples and dates. Start with a few glasses of sparkling wine or a cocktail, followed by Pacific Northwestern oysters, oxtail croquettes with coffee crema, and chile-poached prawns. Desserts here are no afterthought — linger for vanilla bean meringues with tropical sorbets or madeleines with calvados caramel.

1005 SE Ankeny St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 233-4129
(503) 233-4129

Driftwood Room

729 SW 15th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

This midcentury cocktail lounge tucked inside the Hotel Deluxe, with its low ceilings and swirling bar, making it a nice spot for a romantic weekend. The bar itself specializes in Champagne cocktails, as well as a lengthy Manhattan menu. Driftwood Room’s absinthe fountain service is a particularly showy special occasion treat alongside lobster bisque or pan-roasted king salmon.

729 SW 15th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
(503) 820-2076
(503) 820-2076

Mucca Osteria

1022 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205

For white tablecloths, handmade pasta, and a bottle of Barolo to split, this ritzy downtown osteria pulls out all the stops. In a chandelier-lit dining room, polished servers deliver plates of prosciutto-wrapped burrata, seared scallops, and pan-seared quail in front of couples year-round. For dessert, tiramisu with two spoons is a must.

1022 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205
(503) 227-5521
(503) 227-5521

Related Maps

Rimsky-Korsakoffee House

707 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

For the non-alcoholic crowd, this classic late-night coffee and dessert house is a sure bet. Open until midnight on weeknights and 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, couples enjoy raspberry ice cream sundaes, espresso topped with whipped cream, and fudgy house-made cakes while live music plays in this dimly-lit wooden manor. Adventurous readers should note: Rimsky is famously haunted, and tables here are known to sometimes shake or spin when the “spirit” takes them.

707 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 232-2640
(503) 232-2640

Jacqueline

2039 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202

This colorful Clinton seafood joint is anchored by oysters on the half shell and chef Derek Hanson’s well-executed seafood dishes, like the Maine lobster bun with saffron aioli and brown butter and the Dungeness crab toast with hollandaise and Calabrian chiles. Couples currently engaging in friendly arguments about whether Portland is a lobster or crab roll town would do best to order both and realize that both is the answer.

2039 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 327-8637
(503) 327-8637

Magna Kusina

2525 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202

When Filipino destination Magna reopened after a brief redesign, it exuded more of a romantic energy, from the vines and lights hanging from the ceiling to the art from friends hanging on the walls. The restaurant’s menu of skewers and snacks work well for dates wanting to try a few small treats, while those looking to impress can opt for the squid ink pasta with Dungeness crab.

2525 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 395-8542
(503) 395-8542

Quaintrelle

2032 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202

The combination of blues, brassy hues, and lush plant life make Quaintrelle one of the best-looking restaurants in town, and the food matches the decor: Gorgeous plates of oysters with yuzu sake and sour plum or bay shrimp with Jimmy Nardello peppers arrive before smoked duck with green curry and nectarine. Diners can go with a tasting menu or a la carte; it’s hard to choose between the cocktail or wine selections, so it’s best to try both and grab a cab home.

2032 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 200-5787
(503) 200-5787

La Moule

2500 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202

The sibling to St. Jack, La Moule is the more casual of the two, ideal for a weeknight date without the pressure. Still, those who visit will find plenty of oysters on the half-shell, bubbly beverages (alcoholic or not), and — of course — bowls of white-wine-steamed mussels with capers and herbs, all served in a dark and sultry dining room.

2500 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202
(971) 339-2822
(971) 339-2822

Bible Club PDX

6716 SE 16th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

The dark, speakeasy vibes of this Sellwood cocktail bar make it a sultry spot for dates, where people drink Sazeracs and Penicillins under pressed metal ceilings; the walls are adorned with countless conversation starters, in the form of paintings and faded artifacts. In the warmer months out on the backyard patio, live music plays on Friday and Saturday nights; its wooden tables, summery cocktails, and outdoor bar make it a more casual option for nervous new couples.

6716 SE 16th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
(971) 279-2198
(971) 279-2198

Related Maps