Portland's Best Romantic Date Spot 2008

Historic, opulent hotel in downtown hosts visiting rock stars and politicos.

Reviews:

• “Good Brunch!”
• “BEST hotel in town”
• “Truly bad experience”
• “Best Dog Friendly Hotel”
• “Historic setting, great location”

Tips: Be sure to sample from Benson’s Sunday brunch buffet from 9:30am to 2pm. The London Grill’s buffet lunch is from 11:30am to 2pm, Monday through Friday.

The Benson Hotel or email The Benson Hotel

Italian fare and warm, lustrous ambience minus Pearl District pretentiousness.

Reviews:

• “that’s amore”
• “Never Again”
• “Best overall restaurant experience in a long time”
• “Best Service and Food”
• “Great American-Italian food”

Tips: The extensive Italian wine list is studded with affordable gems starting at $21 a bottle and running up to $150. Ask for recommendations or try the seasonal special.

Fratelli or email Fratelli

This Hawthorne bar delivers style and value, combining nicely priced eats and drinks with funky Asian-Americana decor.

Reviews:

• “Faublous Food, Great ambiance – Best kept secret!”
• “Great for relaxing date”
• “Alluring atmosphere, delicious drinks, sterling service!”
• “Best Cheese Plate on Planet”
• “Unexpected find!”

Tips: All of the wine on the list can be purchased to go, or nicely gift wrapped for a modest markup.

Sapphire Hotel or email Sapphire Hotel

This stunning waterfall hosts hikers who marvel at this example of the Columbia Gorge’s natural beauty.

Reviews:

• “gorgeous but waayyyyyy tooo crowded”
• “You just have to "
• “Simply beautiful”
• “Multnomah Falls”
• “Good place for Brunch”

Tips: The drive through the Columbia Gorge to Multnomah Falls is famous for its brilliant fall colors. Make a day of it with stops at Bonneville Dam, the fish hatchery and the many surrounding waterfalls.

Multnomah Falls

For more than 40 years, this chain restaurant has served seafood and steaks in a relaxed atmosphere.

Reviews:

• “Great!”
• “Terribe, terrible service, food was cold”
• “Not worth the $ this time”
• “Good, but not worth the money”
• “Best view and food in the city…”

Tips: Chart House gift cards are available in $20 to $200 denominations, and can be ordered through the restaurant’s website.

Chart House

Romantic ambiance coupled with traditional Italian cuisine makes this a top pasta destination.

Reviews:

• “ARE YOU KIDDING ME”
• “No Longer in Business”
• “Thank GOD!!!”
• “OH NO is it CLOSED!?!?!”
• “Poor example of Italian food”

Tips: The restaurant is available for weddings and private parties. Choose from renting the private room, the main dining room or the entire restaurant.

Assaggio—CLOSED

A historic mountain lodge with star quality and romantic grace.

Reviews:

• “Stay somewhere else”
• “beautiful setting, friendly staff”
• “Nice Lodge”
• “error…….”
• “History with a View”

Tips: Find out about weather conditions by calling the Snow Phone at (503) 222-2211.

Timberline Lodge and Ski Area

USDA prime beef, elegant tableside service and mammoth martinis.

Reviews:

• “Mediocre food for expensive price”
• “Very romantic place, great for a special occasion”
• “Our favorite steakhouse”
• “Over-Rated and Over- Priced Not Romatic”
• “Decent steak, but questionable service…”

Tips: Rare means rare: If you don’t want a cool, red center, move to medium.

Morton’s – The Steakhouse or email Morton’s – The Steakhouse

The oldest rose garden in the country attracts visitors for its colorful variety of flowers.

Reviews:

• “It’s so beautiful”
• “Roses”
• “Peace & Beauty”
• “a place to play”
• “Stop and smell the roses!”

Tips: Within the large garden are smaller themed areas, such as the Shakespeare Garden—featuring plants mentioned in the Bard’s works—and the Gold Medal Garden, where winners since 1919 of Portland’s own annual awards are displayed.

International Rose Test Garden

Deliciously dark and seductive, this downtown hot spot has set Portland’s bar scene on fire.

Reviews:

• “Never liked this place, but now I can safely say it’s somehow worse.”
• “Saturday Night Entertainment”
• “My hang”
• “Sundays are fun, other nights appear a little hardcore if you are without ear plugs”
• “Good bar, bad pizza…”

Tips: Munch on New York-style pizza by the slice, available until closing.

Dante’s