Category Archives: Steakhouse Roundup

Review: Back to Ringside Steakhouse

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Food Dude
Leave a comment

In the early 90′s, I had my first dinner at Ringside, yet I remember the night like it was yesterday. It was a cool, crisp winter evening. I wanted to impress a date, and knowing nothing about the Portland food scene, was told it would be a safe bet. Going inside was like stepping into a steakhouse circa 1960. It … Continue reading →

52 Fords, Fallout Shelters and the Steakhouse Review Summary

Posted on July 20, 2009 by Food Dude
30 Comments

On a recent warm night, I stuck my head out the window and smelled summer; the odor of fresh cut grass and brush drying, triggering memories of long ago.

I’ve talked many times about my summers on the family ranch in Texas. I’ll never forget one of my last trips as a kid of about 16. My grandmother was getting old, and we knew she wouldn’t be able to stay there alone much longer. My visit was as much to say goodbye to the ranch as it was for anything else, as I knew I probably wouldn’t be back again. Continue reading →

Review: Morton’s The Steakhouse

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Food Dude
79 Comments

I hadn’t been to Morton’s in at least eight years when I pulled up to the valet a few weeks ago. The last time my experience had been pretty good. On this warm Thursday evening, I was expecting a meal that would be close to the quality of El Gaucho. Morton’s was founded in 1978 by Arnie Morton and Klaus … Continue reading →

Review: El Gaucho

Posted on June 16, 2009 by Food Dude
36 Comments

To many, El Gaucho epitomizes what a steakhouse should be. It feels sophisticated. The atmosphere is formal, the lighting dim and romantic, and lots of dark wood provides a backdrop to tinkling stemware and white linens. Live jazz wafts from the background as tuxedo-clad waiters scurry by with carts for tableside Caesar salads, the darkness punctuated by an occasional burst of flame from a bananas Foster in the making. To many people, this type of ambience is it, as fancy as they will ever dine, a place Continue reading →

Review: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Posted on June 9, 2009 by Food Dude
92 Comments

Ruth’s Chris is the largest steakhouse chain in the United States. As such, it was the first major restaurant of that type to give the Portland institution Ringside Steakhouse any real competition. After it opened, I used to go now and then to experience something a bit more upscale. I enjoyed the cleanly modern, yet clubby feel. However, as I’ve … Continue reading →

The Steakhouse Showdown!

Posted on May 27, 2009 by Food Dude
73 Comments

A friend called me a few weeks ago. “My boss is coming into town, and I need to take him to a steakhouse. Which one is the best?” I paused and thought about it. I really had no idea. I’ve heard good things about several, but as a dedicated gourmand, I don’t really eat a lot of steak, and I … Continue reading →