To many, El Gaucho epitomizes what a steakhouse should be. It feels sophisticated. The atmosphere is formal, the lighting dim and romantic, and lots of dark wood provides a backdrop to tinkling stemware and white linens. Live jazz wafts from the background as tuxedo-clad waiters scurry by with carts for tableside Caesar salads, the darkness punctuated by an occasional burst of … [Read more...] about Review: El Gaucho Steakhouse
Restaurant Reviews for the Portland Metro Area
These are in-depth restaurant reviews for the Portland area which we have written over the years. You'll find every restaurant we have covered in this archive. You'll find them in alphabetical order. As restaurants close, we do our best to keep the list current.
Review: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Is Ruth's Chris Steakhouse the best in Portland? We take a look Note: Since this review was written, Ruth's Chris has moved to a different location, and the food has improved.Ruth’s Chris is the largest steakhouse chain in the United States. As such, it was the first major restaurant of that type to give the Portland institution Ringside Steakhouse any real competition. … [Read more...] about Review: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Review: Beast Restaurant
Note: Beast closed in 2020. I'm leaving the review up for reference. Last update: 11/17 Just about everyone who reads local magazines has seen this photo of Naomi Pomeroy of Beast. One of the creators of Gotham Tavern, Ripe Family Supper, and clarklewis, she is the stuff of local legend. In 2009, Naomi opened Beast, modeled somewhat on her experience with Ripe. Through her … [Read more...] about Review: Beast Restaurant
Review: Meat Cheese Bread
In the last few years, Portland sandwich shops blossomed. We went from a town with hardly any decent options to an embarrassment of riches.The secret ingredient that is setting these shops apart is the staff; they actually have a chef and workers who are passionate about making the best damn sandwich they can. This leads to innovations that rise beyond the norm. In the case … [Read more...] about Review: Meat Cheese Bread
Review: Pine State Biscuits
[updated 04/2021]Witness the humble American biscuit. It's not very big, it doesn't store well, and it's not particularly attractive. I think it's safe to say that you won't see biscuits at your local Boulangerie any time soon. Biscuits just don't get that kind of respect.Enter Pine State Biscuits, which have come to Portland on a mission. Any discussion of the new … [Read more...] about Review: Pine State Biscuits