For me, first dates are a tricky thing. I don’t want to go overboard and spend a bunch of money unless I’m pretty sure we are going to hit it off. I don’t want somewhere that is so loud and distracting that we can’t get to know each other. Then there’s the food. A sense of adventure, especially in all things food, is important to me, but I don’t want to scare my date away. Offal is probably not the best choice. Hmm… something approachable yet interesting. Clearly everyone has their own ideas here, as no single restaurant had a huge majority. However, I think it is a pretty good list to start with.
Out of 532 votes:
1. Toro Bravo – 8% of the vote 120 Northeast Russell Street Portland, OR 97212 Map (503) 281-4464 My review
2. Andina – 5% 1314 Northwest Glisan Street Portland, OR 97209 Map (503) 228-9535 My review
3. Biwa – 4% 215 Southeast 9th Avenue Portland, OR 97214 Map (503) 239-8830 Lizzy’s review
4. Le Pigeon – 3.8% 738 East Burnside Street Portland, OR 97214 Map (503) 546-8796 My review
5. Paley’s Place – 3.3% 1204 Northwest 21st Avenue Portland, OR 97209 Map (503) 243-2403 My review
6. Ned Ludd – 3925 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Portland, OR 97212 Map (503) 288-6900
7. Grüner – 527 Southwest 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205 Map (503) 241-7163 My review
8. Aviary – 1733 Northeast Alberta Street Portland, OR 97211 Map (503) 287-2400 My review
9. Departure – 525 Southwest Morrison Street Portland, OR 97204 Map (503) 802-5370
10. Little Bird Bistro – 219 Southwest 6th Avenue Portland, OR 97204 Map (503) 688-5952
Andina? Paley’s Place? Some of you are willing to throw caution to the wind and spend some money! I’m available, I’m available! Just sayin’
Of this list, Toro Bravo, Biwa, Andina, Ned Ludd – all are places that I would strongly consider. You might also want to read “The Best Restaurant for a Quiet Conversation“.
You can see the rest of the 2012 Reader Survey results here.
View Reader Survey 2012: Where to Eat on the First Date? in a larger map
Darla says
I adore Toro Bravo, but my feeling its that it’s WAY too loud for a “getting to know you” dinner.
JandJ says
+1 on the “WAY too loud” comment for TB. Terrible choice for a first date if you plan to have any sort of a conversation. Food is awesome, but conversation? Not so much.
twitter_BurgerDogBoy says
I’ve always looked for “interactive” experiences on first date occasions. That way you (each) have something to do if things go horribly wrong. Therefore, I would have said fondue, or hot pot, or along those lines.