I'm trying to pull together a celebration dinner for an upcoming Sunday evening. Fun, not too expensive and can handle a group of around 12 people is what I'm trying to find. It doesn't have to be too casual, but not overly fancy either.

I don't live in the area, so I need some local advice.

I've always enjoyed celebrations held at any of the McMenamin's restaurants. Their various venues are fun & the food is delicious. I've attended events at Edgewater (a wedding), Cornelious Pass Roadhouse (frequently for lunch), and their Cedar Hills pub (Friday nights with friends). They are used to serving large groups and provide details about their locations on their website. I would describe the atmosphere as comfortable & if you choose one of the music or theater venues you can have some additional fun.

http://www.mcmenamins.com/index2.html

I forgot to mention that I'll be at an event at Portland State University earlier that afternoon, so something in that general area would be nice.

You might want to limit your search to NW Portland restaurants then. NW is one of Portland's more eclectic neighborhoods with several dining choices in a variety of cuisine types. There is a trend for the restaurants in the area to be more upscale but I think you can still research some that provide pleasant, economical dining opportunities.

If you like Thai food, try Thyphoon! it is downtown. Also Mother's Bistro has great comfort food, also downtown. Stanford's at RiverPlace might be good. It is down on the waterfront. Food is nothing special, but location is nice and it's not too expensive.

Anyone know the name of the restaurant a couple blocks north of the Art Museum, same side of the street? SouthPark Grill? It's a seafood grill and wine bar. I've been there a couple times and not been disappointed. And they've got an area that could easily be set up to accommodate a group of 12-20.

I think this would fit the bill, especially in that it's just a short stroll down the park blocks from PSU.

Yes, the restaurant you are thinking of is called Southpark - at Salmon and Park. I've not been there since they changed from the Heathman Pub a few years ago, but I've heard good things about Southpark.

There's always the well-known Jake's Grill at 10th and Alder - see

http://www.ohwy.com/or/j/jakegril.htm

Another fun place is the Brasserie Montmartre on SW Park near Morrison I think:

http://brasseriemontmartre.citysearch.com/

Don't be put off by the distance from PSU - all three of these are along the (free) Portland Streetcar line, which will take you from PSU quickly to within two blocks of any of these places.

Andrew

Southpark isn't always the best choice for large groups. It doesn't offer much more than seafood, so if you have any vegetarians or non-seafood people, they're kind of screwed.

Typhoon blew it when they shut down the bar and live music.

Bistro Montage. Although it's not in the area you request, it's THE place for good, interesting food for groups. Don't pass it up.
-Darvy

Only problem with Montage is that is is super noisy...vey hard to enjoy a group of 12 if you can't hear the person next to you.

Bistro Montage is too loud to enjoy in a large group. Plus it always seems as though you're a little rushed in there.

Montage is popular for mac & cheese at 2 am, but not a good celebration place with a large group.

Try someplace special in the Pearl District.

Disagree wholeheartedly. No, Montage is not a place to do "round robin" and share your innermost thoughts on postpartum depression, but it's what the poster wanted: fun, not too expensive, can handle groups. "Need" also specified not overly fancy.

Jakes? McMenamin's? Come on. Get creative. I'd rather haul out 12 spoons and a couple cans of refried beans.

-darvy

The fact that Darvy recommended it would be enough of a warning sign for me. I've eaten at Montage on a number of occasions. I like it, but wouldn't go with a larger group. It's always a little crowded as it is, with them often seating people almost right on top of one another. Good mac & cheese though.

Cafe Azul is a good place to try.

Azul? Ooo boy. Pass the Mylanta sweety, it's goin' be a bumpy night.

Another fan of Cafe Azul here. Though it's not for everyone (not exactly traditional chain restaurant Mexican food), it's delicious. Great service.

The pubs along the NW23rd area are always fun for get togethers. Though that might be more casual than you're looking for.

We wound up taking advantage of the happy hour specials at the Portland City Grill. What a deal! Great food at very reasonable prices. And you can't beat the view. Then we all went over and listened to wonderful jazz at Billy Reed's. Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Thanks need..it is always nice to hear how things worked out!