Portland City Grill is an upscale New American restaurant at 111 SW 5th Avenue, 30th Floor, in downtown Portland’s Old Town–Chinatown area. Opened in 2002, it occupies the upper reaches of the U.S. Bancorp Tower, better known as Big Pink. Travelers come for USDA Prime steaks, seafood, sushi, and cocktails accompanied by sweeping views across the Willamette River toward the Cascade Mountains. It works particularly well for an anniversary dinner or a first evening getting acquainted with Portland’s geography.
What to Expect at Portland City Grill
The restaurant combines steakhouse richness with Pacific Northwest ingredients and Asian influences. Its menu spans USDA Prime beef, seafood, and an extensive sushi selection rather than following a narrowly traditional steakhouse format. Lobster bisque is a concrete starting point: a cup costs $12 and a bowl $14. New England clam chowder also appears among the soups. Consult the official menus when planning around dietary restrictions or a particular seafood dish, since preparations and selections can change.
The setting matters as much as the menu. Completed in 1983, Big Pink is recognizable by its pink-toned granite and angular profile; upstairs, broad windows frame downtown blocks, river crossings, and distant mountain scenery when visibility allows. The dining room suits a longer, celebratory meal, while the lounge has a more social rhythm, craft cocktails, wine, happy hour, and nightly live music. Window seating is desirable but should be treated as a request rather than an automatic benefit of reserving.
- 30th-floor panorama: Watch the Willamette River and downtown skyline change as daylight gives way to city lights.
- USDA Prime steaks: Beef anchors the restaurant’s upscale steakhouse offering alongside seafood and sushi.
- Lobster bisque: Choose a $12 cup or $14 bowl as a rich opening course.
- Sushi selection: Japanese-influenced choices broaden the possibilities beyond a conventional steak dinner.
- Live-music lounge: Nightly performances accompany cocktails and wine in a livelier alternative to the main dining room.
Portland City Grill at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 111 SW 5th Ave, 30th Floor, Portland, OR 97204 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown, at the Old Town–Chinatown edge |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Tuesday 4–9 p.m.; Wednesday 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Thursday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday 4–10 p.m.; Sunday 4–9 p.m. |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission charge; dining $$$. Lobster bisque: $12 cup, $14 bowl. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for dinner |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | MAX Transit Mall stops at SW 5th & Oak and SW 6th & Pine; paid parking in the tower garage. |
| Official Website & Phone | Portland City Grill; +1 503-450-0030 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through the official website for weekend dinners, celebrations, and sunset-adjacent seatings. Arriving before sunset gives you both daylight orientation and illuminated city views; allow extra time for the lobby and elevator journey. Lunch is available Wednesday through Friday. Smart-casual clothing fits the room, though a jacket is not necessary to enjoy the occasion. Tell the restaurant about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy requirements when booking, particularly for sushi sauces and shared preparation areas. Budget for drinks, gratuity, and additional courses beyond the headline dish price.
The tower sits beside the downtown transit mall, making MAX convenient; check routes and service changes with TriMet. Drivers can use the building’s paid garage, but should confirm current rates and any restaurant validation before parking. Elevators provide access to the 30th floor, so dining does not require climbing stairs; request suitable table clearance and confirm the best step-free entrance when reserving. Pair dinner with Lan Su Chinese Garden, roughly ten minutes away, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, about eight minutes away, or Pioneer Courthouse Square, approximately twelve minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Portland City Grill open, and when should I visit?
Dinner is available daily, with lunch Wednesday through Friday. Book around sunset for changing skyline views, and check the official website for holiday schedules.
How expensive is it, and are reservations required?
This is a $$$ restaurant; lobster bisque costs $12 per cup or $14 per bowl. Reservations are strongly advisable for dinner, especially on weekends, while lounge availability and happy-hour arrangements should be checked directly.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a seated dinner with multiple courses. A lounge drink or lighter meal can be shorter, but leave time for elevators and seating.
Is the restaurant suitable for wheelchair users and families?
The restaurant is reached by elevator, making the high-floor location accessible without a stair climb. Families can dine here, though the upscale atmosphere and leisurely pacing favor children comfortable with a longer restaurant meal.
When planning your Portland travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Portland, pair this stop with standout local spots including Portland Japanese Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, The Porter Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton, and The Hoxton, Portland (0.2 km away).
