Departure
525 SW Morrison St.
Built on top of the Nines Hotel, Departure boasts amazing views over Pioneer Courthouse Square from a trendy rooftop patio. It’s the kind of ambiance one might expect from a scene out of “Gossip Girl.” More accurately, its design imitates that of a luxury ship at sea. The restaurant and lounge promotes “modern Asian cuisine” on its menu, and its drinks/cocktails mirror that theme well. Be prepared, this place does attract society’s “beautiful people.”
Portland City Grill
111 SW 5th Ave. #3000
The Portland City Grill is a restaurant first, but features an impressive bar. Located on the 30th floor of the US Bank Tower in downtown Portland, PCG offers some of the best views of the city and the Willamette River in town. From sushi to steak, the menu’s range is very diverse. Though the selection of beer is rather basic and the cocktails a minor step above that, what PCG truly excels at is its impressive wine offerings. Come for the views and wine.
Driftwood Room
(in Hotel deLuxe)
729 SW 5th Ave.
In keeping with Hotel deLuxe’s theme dedicated to classic films and their stars, the Driftwood Room offers a unique debonair vibe. It carries the feel of a bar one would expect to be seen on “Mad Men.” Original cocktails are named after classic films and figures of the silver screen. Don’t be surprised if you think you see Humphrey Bogart or Ava Gardner out of the corner of your eye.
Saucebox
214 SW Broadway
The Saucebox makes a nice, and rather dimly lit, spot to stop off at before or after a movie or play. Don’t forget your blazer or sports jacket. Swanky is the key theme here. The only thing classier than the fine dining menu are the many signature drinks that are almost as pleasing to look at as they are to drink. One notable and delicious cocktail is served in a hollowed out pineapple.
Brasserie Montmartre
626 SW Park Ave.
From the street-side seating to the long bar inside, this bar presents upscale dining and drinking in an old-fashioned approach not commonly found. A second lounge can be found by following a curved staircase in the back. Unlike most swanky joints, one won’t necessarily break the bank when ordering here, thanks to a rather simple-yet-tempting menu. What the Brasserie Montmarte offers most is its ambiance and class, making it a great location for that special date night.