written by Julie Lee
Here are some of our top recommendations to hole up in and keep warm this winter.
Le Bistro Montage
Nothing screams winter like a dark, candlelit restaurant, a life size mural of The Last Supper, and waiters actually screaming “shooooooter!” whenever an oyster is served in a shot glass. Montage, with heaping bowls of mac & cheese, is just flat out comforting, as long as you don’t mind sharing tables with neighbors.
301 SE Morrison St.| montageportland.com
Decarli
Eating good Italian food always feels indulgent and gratifying on a cold winter’s night. You can’t go wrong with any of Decarli’s Italian inspired dishes, however, we do have one favorite suggestion: the braised beef shortribs with espresso and dried prunes. Plus a hot toddy.
4545 SW Watson Ave., Beaverton | decarlirestaurant.com
The Fireside NW
Fireside Portland has become a staple on a bustling NW 23rd, which is in itself a perfect hang during the holidays. With trees lit up on every corner and plenty of stores and one-of-a-kind finds, it’s easy to spend an entire day shopping, then land quite comfortably in the cozy arms of Fireside, cuddled up next to an actual fire with some bubbly to celebrate the shopping day.
801 NW 23rd Ave.| pdxfireside.com
Any McMenamins
McMenamins does seasons well. In the summers, most locations offer all-day patio seating with plenty of room for the kids to run wild. They rock winters, too, with candles galore, a variety of hand crafted hot toddies, house-made soup made daily, and the same great brews served by waiters who can see in the dark. With more than thirty locations in the Portland Metro area alone, you can find a McMenamins on just about every corner of the city when you need to get warm.
Lechon
New on the Portland foodie circuit is our top recommendation for a flaming fun night out. Lechon is inspired by all edges of South America, and chef Jaco Smith combines the South American flavors reminiscent of his youth to create inspired Argentinean, Patagonian and Chilean grilled dishes. Try the Chilean pork ribs with lemon honey marmalade to warm your tummy.
113 SW Naito Parkway| lechonpdx.com
