Local Resources
Best After Hours Place
Le Bistro Montage
301 SE Morrison St., Portland
(503) 234-1324
Share banquet-like tables with your neighbors at this Cajun-style restaurant, known for macaroni dishes. Open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 a.m. the rest of the week.
Best Cheap Date
The Baghdad Theater
3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland
(503) 228-4651
This restored old movie theater shows second-run features for a buck. Every other row of seats was taken out and replaced with tables. Order pizza and a brew while you're there.
Best Club
Dante's
One S.W. 3rd Ave., Portland
(503) 226-6630
Complete with a glowing red bar, this club is as hot as its name. The big draws are the theme nightslike the DJs and exotic dancers that heat it up on "Sinferno Sundays."
Best Creative Date
Pasta Works
3735 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland
(503) 232-1010
Browse the boutiques on S.E. Hawthorne Boulevard. Shop for candles and massage oil. Pick up pasta and wine from Pasta Works. End with dinner and a massage at home.
Best Place for a Laugh
The Greek Cusina
404 S.W. Washington, Portland
(503) 224-2288
Wednesday through Sunday, the second floor fills up with raucous fun. Laugh the night away with Greek dancing, plate breaking, belly dancing and, of course, plenty of Ouzo.
Best Place for Coffee and Dessert
Papa Haydn East
5829 S.E. Milwaukie Ave., Portland
Other location: N.W. 23rd Ave.
(503) 232-9440
This Portland mainstay is an absolute dessert standout. Coat your fork with a mouthful of their Black Velvet cake and you'll think you've died and gone to heaven.
Best Place To Buy a Gift
Greg's
3707 S.W. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland
(503) 235-1257
Delightfully kooky cards, sensual candles, cleverly crafted housewares and handmade adornments alight in this fun Hawthorne District gift shop.
Best Restaurant for a Second Dinner Date
Portland City Grill
111 S.W. 5th Ave., 30th Fl., Portland
(503) 450-0030
Here's where it all happens in downtown Portland. Elegant dining, swanky clientele and a separate, yet hoppin' bar scene punctuates this romantic, panoramic view destination.
Best Restaurant for First Dinner Date
Best Restaurant for Lunch or Brunch First Date
Southpark Seafood Grill and Wine Bar
901 SW Salmon St., Portland
(503) 326-1300
Located in the heart of Portland's cultural district, the menu features the freshest Northwest seafood and produce in dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean.
Best Special Occasion Restaurant
Hurley's
1987 N.W. Kearney St., Portland
(503) 295-6487
This French restaurant was named by Citysearch as one of the top 10 newbies in the class of 2003. They have three dishes with Foie Gras. Reasonably priced for this category.
TOP FIVE DATES
A Streetcar Named Desire
Portland Streetcar
Stops throughout Portland State University Campus, Pearl District and Nob Hill District
Take the Euro-hip Portland Streetcar and hit all of downtown's hotspots in one fell swoop. Admire the upscale art galleries and chic eateries in the hot Pearl District, take in the local architecture near P.S.U. and window shop or grab a bite in the "trendy-third" area on N.W. 23rd St. Get to know one another while experiencing Portland in a day.
Asian Tour
Portland Classical Chinese Garden
N.W. 23rd and Everett, Portland
(503) 228-8131
Explore the exotic at this authentic Suzhou-style Chinese garden. Tour the meandering paths through lush gardens and across flowing waterways, sit and chat on one of the welcoming benches among rare orchids and striking rock arrangements or take a class togetherlike seasonal flower arranging or Chinese script lettering.
Road Trip!
One of the biggest draws of Portland is its close proximity to so many different road trip destinations. Feel the surf flush your cheeks and sand beneath your feet while picnicking along the beach in Seaside, hike up to the Columbia River Gorge's Multnomah Falls or take the northeastern jaunt up to Hood River to windsurf or shop the local wares.
Taste the Day Away
Various Oregon Wineries
Drive or take a chauffeured trip down scenic Hwy. 99 South from Tigard to McMinnville to taste your way in and out of the area's well-known wineries. During the summer months, many Oregon wineries also feature live music and tasting events. Check the Oregon Wine website for specific touring and event information.
Walk on the Wild Side
Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland
(503) 226-1561
Meet and greet with Packy the elephant, hike through the snowcap-simulated Cascade Crest or stroll through Steller Cove, an underwater zoo odyssey. The Oregon Zoo also hosts several special events, like their ultra-popular summer concert series. Don't want to drive? Take Portland's innovative MAX light rail systemit'll drop you off at the door.