Portland’s Post Pandemic Dating + Dining Scene:
Travel Portland has an amazing
Portland Patio Finder, which we definitely recommend. Our favorite date spots include:
North West Recs
The Dragonfly Coffee House : This cozy, neighborhood favorite is a perfect date spot off NW Thurman that conviniently surrounds you with several, local neighborhood shops. After opening its doors in 2005, Erin and her team have been delightfully fostering a sense of community and look forward to welcoming you in.
Mama Bird: Brought to you by the same local team as Stacked Sandwiches! Mama Bird opened its doors in 2020 with its 45-seat outdoor patio, fire pit and heated canopy. This beautifully deisgned Slabtown favorite offers a variety of healthy chicken based options, while also catering to vegans and vegetarians.
G-Love: Nestled off NW 21st avenue, G-Love flips the traditional script on the American restaurant experience by creating Portland’s first ever “Reverse Steakhouse” concept by taking vegetables that are harvest from local Olde Moon Farm, and serving them as the main dish, while proteins play a supporting role. This unique concept and beautiful location is sure to enlighten your taste buds and conversation.
Takibi: Japanese for bonfire opened in May of 2021. A restaurant that is inspired by Japen, the changing seasons, and the bonds built by gathering by the fire. The culinary and drink experience is meticulously and locally curated by Executive Chef, Alex Kim and legendary mixologist, Jim Meehan. The thoughtful and minimalistic design offers an immersive experience both in and outdoors on the patio.
Breakside Brewery: This Slabtown favorite opened in March, 2017. With a beautiful interior and now even more expansive tented patio scene, this is the place to be. Since opening, Breakside Northwest has been rated as one of Portland’s best breweries in the area.
St. Jack: St. Jack is an ode to the bouchons — or esteemed cafés — of Lyon, France, and to chef Aaron Barnett’s take on the humble excellence of rustic French cuisine. The outdoor, covered seating includes the ambiance of bistro lighting, perfect for a special occasion date.
South East Recs
The Alley on Division: A hidden gem off the already diverse culinary scene of SE Division, tucked between SE 36th and 37th Ave. In this beautiful, outdoor oasis, you will find hanging lanterns, chess sets, and a map of Middle Earth. This cozy pod gives a thoughtful nod to the “Old Portland” feel, while offering a new and fresh spin.
Corkscrew Wine Bar: This Sellwood favorite has transformed their space outside to be a beautiful, intimate oasis to enjoy a glass of wine and bites with your date. Corkscrew often has live music and has a full calendar available with dates on their website.
Kachka After originally opening its doors in 2014, Kachka is considered to be the best Russian restaurant in the country! In 2018, Kachka moved to a larger location in the SE Goat Blocks building. This allowed owners Bonnie and Israel to reinvent their parking lot into a large outdoor patio space.
Bible Club: Located inside an unassuming old, yellow house in Sellwood, The Bible Club has its distinct, speakeasy vibe with a soundtrack playing from the 1880’s - 1920’s. With everything being authentic from the time, this bar takes you back. With an expansive patio scene, it’s perfect for grabbing a signature cocktail while listening to live music - full schedule available on their website.
Palomar: The sleek and colorful daiquiri house and cuban inspired bites has completely revamped its model, moving all service to the plant-lined rooftop overlooking Division St., and switching to reservations only.
North East Recs
Guero: As featured in Bon Appetit Magazine and Thrillist’s “Portland’s Best New Restaurants,” Guero specializes in tortas, sandwiches, with a variety of unique toppings. This is a great casual spot with locally sourced ingredients.
Wilder Bar and Cafe: This delightful, contemporary neighborhood restaurant has inviting decor, fresh seasonal food and a signature cocktail menu. It is perfect for a low key date night.
Montelupo Italian Market: Opening in July of 2020, Portland restaurateur, Adam Berger, created a sensational space that offers fresh house-made pastas, salads, sides, desserts, and Italian market items. Aside from offering plentiful seating indoors, Berger’s team created individual dining pods and an expansive outdoor tent.
Victoria Bar: This NE neighborhood favorite has expanded their outdoor patio seating to accommodate more people, and pups! Plus, with COVID restrictions loosening, the ever popular interior is also available for you to enjoy along with (mostly) vegan bites.
Prost Marketplace: Adjacent to Prost, one of the best German beer bars in town, Post Marketplace has become one of the best food cart pods in town - home to Matt’s BBQ, Burger Stevens, Fried Egg I’m in Love and Buzzblood.
Tropicale: After being a popular favorite found at the Portland Night Market and other city street fairs, Tropicale opened its brick and mortar in 2020! This lively spot is known for Latin American small plates, creative cocktails, and zero proof drinks.