The Results of Our Steakhouse Reviews

I frequently get asked "where should I go to get the best steak?" In an attempt to answer that question, I decided to go to all of the major steakhouses in Portland, and do a thorough review. Here are the results for each restaurant.

Review: Ringside Steakhouse Portland

By PDX Food Dude Last Update January 19, 2018 1 Comment

[updated 2017] Ringside Steakhouse was been closed, extensively remodeled and has reopened. I thought it was time to go back and take another look.

In the early 90’s, I had my first dinner at Ringside, yet I remember the night like it was yesterday.… Read the rest

52 Fords, Fallout Shelters and the Steakhouse Review Summary

By PDX Food Dude Last Update June 9, 2020 33 Comments

On a recent warm night, I stuck my head out the window and smelled summer; the odor of fresh cut grass and brush drying, triggering memories of long ago.

I’ve talked many times about my summers on the family ranch in Texas. I’ll never forget one of my last trips as a kid of about 16. My grandmother was getting old, and we knew she wouldn’t be able to stay there alone much longer. My visit was as much to say goodbye to the ranch as it was for anything else, as I knew I probably wouldn’t be back again.

Review: Morton’s The Steakhouse

By PDX Food Dude Last Update June 9, 2020 77 Comments

I hadn’t been to Morton’s in at least eight years when I pulled up to the valet a few weeks ago. The last time my experience had been pretty good. On this warm Thursday evening, I was expecting a meal that would be close to the quality of El Gaucho.… Read the rest

Review: El Gaucho Steakhouse

By PDX Food Dude Last Update September 4, 2017 35 Comments

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 flame from a bananas Foster in the making. To many people, this type of ambience is it, as fancy as they will ever dine, a place

Review: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

By PDX Food Dude Last Update November 26, 2017 91 Comments

Is Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse the best in Portland? We take a look

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 the rest