Dukey1

Spending one night at the RiverPlace hotel on Tuesday 26 August 14. Will have a car. Thought about eating somewhere within walking distance and had looked at McCormick & Schmick's but after reading recent reviews am undecided.

Would prefer to be able to walk but can certainly use the rental car if needed. No particular favorite cuisine; sushi is not a particular like. Smart casual attire (or less) preferred as well as low(er than a Lady Gaga concert) noise level. Budget not a big issue.

We will have come in from a couple of nights at Cannon Beach where I suspect we'll have eaten seafood.

Appreciate any recommendations and thanks in advance. Yes, I have read the recs here but wanted something a bit more current.

NewbE

OK, this is a second-hand recommendation, as we have not been here. But friends of ours with good taste in food RAVE about Andina:
http://www.andinarestaurant.com
They go to Portland once every year or two and always, always have at least one dinner there. So consider this a conversation starter, perhaps...

charsuzan

Reading the Andina menu has me wanting to plan a trip to Portland.

NewbE

Maybe I should give a personal recommendation as well, lol. We had lunch at Deschutes, primarily to sample the beer, as they pour seasonal things there that don't get widely distributed. But we were pleasantly surprised that the food was really good, not just pub grub.
http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/locations/portland

Dukey1

Thank you very much for BOTH of these recommendations.

Fodorite018

Yes, Deschutes is very good

If you want old school Portland, places that have been around for a while and have stood the test of time even with all the new places popping up, hit Higgins or Southpark. Excellent for local fare.

That said, there are SO many great places in town, so it just depends on what you want.

Dukey1

Interesting that the deschutes website requires one to certify their age but I guess it is understandable.

NewbE

Being an alcohol enthusiast, Dukey--I was going to say, beer and wine and spirits enthusiast, but what does that leave out, lol??--I find that age verification thing to be hit or miss, in that some sites have it, some don't. Maybe it's an insurance thing? A state thing? Dunno. Pretty silly, really.

nanabee

I've never been to Deschutes but it sounds great. I also think Higgins and Southpark are great choices. You might consider

Voodoo Doughnuts (typical Portland vibe) at 22 W 3rd Avenue,

Beast at 5425 NE 30th Ave (a bit further away but very nice),

Pok Pok (featured on many tv food shows) 3226 E Division St.,

Toro Bravo 126 or 120 NE Russell St.

Dukey1

Nanbee, I realize that I am the worst person in terms of eating properly but a donut establishment...for dinner?????? What am I missing here, Baby?

And help me OUT, too. Just what is the "typical Portland vibe" anyway? Democrats with WESCO boots on?

NewbE

Portland has a singular vibe--you'll know it when you see it. On the great Portlandia (TV show on IFC), they say "Portland is where young people go to retire."

Oh, and real men eat donuts for dinner.

Fodorite018

Voodoo is for visitors, locals tend to head to Blue Star for donuts

Oh geez, Portland vibe....if you ask our kids, it isn't very flattering

The good thing about here is that anything goes. So for dress, you can wear pretty much anything you want, but you will look out of place if you are dressed up. Dressed up here means clean jeans. So yes, even in the nieces places, you are fine going casual. And if it is warm out, shorts are fine too.

NewbE

<Oh geez, Portland vibe....if you ask our kids, it isn't very flattering >
Well, it can be overstated. I found some similarities to parts of Arizona--the Tevas-and-fleece thing. But Portland is way more sophisticated and eclectic. It's a nice vibe, IMO! Keeps us coming back

travelgourmet

I really liked Beast. Andina is pretty good too.