I love the view of a city from up high. When I visit a city for the first time, I go to the highest vantage point to get an overview of how the city is arranged. It’s like a model of the city has been laid out all around you. You can investigate whatever you decide, either from your bird’s eye view or later, at ground level.
In Portland, one of the best places for a view from up high is the Portland City Grill. On the 30th floor of the U.S. Bancorp Tower, known to some as Big Pink, the City Grill has a commanding view of downtown Portland. During the day, you have a view of the Willamette river and several bridges, as well as the downtown buildings and the west hills. At night, instead of seeing the tops of roofs, you get to enjoy the night lights of downtown Portland (Hint: If you want to take a picture of the city lights at night, turn off your flash. Everyone will appreciate it).
The restaurant is a fine dining establishment, and sitting in the dining room makes a pricey date night event. My preference is to sit in the bar, where a drink and a bowl of soup are a budget dinner while I enjoy the view. The prime view from the bar is from the window seats. Low tables with benches on either side make sort of carrels where you can look out over a section of town, and the high tables in the bar area have decent views as well. If you don’t care as much about the view, there are booths against the walls and, of course, seating at the bar itself.
I visit the City Grill to make a great start to an evening on the town. Cocktails, nibbles and a great view of Portland, then off to other adventures.
Portland City Grill – 111 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97204 – (503) 450-0030
portlandcitygrill.com
La Vida Local 