Update 2020: This Portland restaurant is now closed.
Sometimes, a classic simply needs a little updating.
RingSide Steakhouse-Eastside, part of the RingSide family of restaurants owned by the third generation of Peterson family restaurateurs, was a well-established dining spot on Glendoveer Golf Course in East Portland for 36 years. In January of this year, it closed entirely to undergo renovations including a menu overhaul and interior revamp.
On May 15, 2015, the restaurant re-opened as RingSide Grill. Before We give you a peek inside the better-than-ever "new" dining hot spot on Portland's Eastside, We feel like you should first know its history — through the eyes of a child growing up in the area.
RingSide Steakhouse
As a child, We remember RingSide Steakhouse-Eastside as one of those places We imagined only fancy people went. It was, after all, located on Glendoveer Golf Course. In the child mind, golf courses were for fancy people. Therefore, We assumed all restaurants on golf courses were extra fancy. As a first generation Filipino-American who came from a family where one person (out of a bajillion; only a slight exaggeration of how large the family is) played golf, the knowledge of golf courses and restaurants was quite (obviously) limited.
RingSide Grill
But as soon as We walked through the doors of the "new" RingSide Grill, We was instantly transported back to a time in high school when the family did have dinner there for a special occasion. Was it someone's birthday? Someone's graduation or anniversary? Regardless, We remember being dressed in the Sunday best and feeling pretty darn special ordering from (what We considered to be) the fancy menu.
We simply wanted to use the word fancy one more time.
Fast forward to many (many) years later, and what is old may be new again, but the feelings are still the same. Guests are still made to feel special at RingSide Grill, and that little girl's idea of the fancy golf course restaurant was only partly correct: the setting is casual upscale, warm, friendly, and quite welcoming to all, regardless of whether you are there for a special occasion or for lunch on a Tuesday with friends.
The new interior includes additional seating for about 100 more people than the original design could seat. There are lots of windows to let natural light in, three main dining areas, an expansive bar, and two outdoor seating areas.
What to Eat
Steak still reigns supreme at RingSide Grill, but the new menu also includes a fabulous happy hour — served DAILY!! — that includes four oysters for $5.95.
We believe the above pictured salmon appetizer was served simply for the pre-opening event, but RingSide Grill also has a fabulous salmon cake on its Happy Hour and Dinner menu.
You can also order Poached Salmon Salad, Albacore Tuna Melt, Pork Schnitzel, and steak frites. You'll have lots of salads and sandwiches from which to choose, plus a variety of classic American cuisine main entrees.
And of course, no trip to any of the RingSide locations would be complete without the restaurant's amazing onion rings, as well as their signature delectable desserts.
What to Drink
The media pre-opening event is where We fell in love with this tasty Patton Valley Rosé. We've been obsessed with this Rosé ever since — which is amazing, considering We am not normally a fan of rosé.
The bar has been completely remodeled and you'll find 35 taps pouring a good selection of beer, plus wines, ciders, and cocktails.
What to Wear
Since RingSide Grill is located on Glendoveer Golf Course, you'll want to wear appropriate attire if you plan to play golf before or after your meal. Otherwise, it seems as though almost any thing goes: dresses, jeans, shorts, nice knit tees. Think business casual, although you could definitely dress up here and fit right in (leave the sloppy tees and short shorts at home).
Visit RingSide Grill
RingSide Grill
14021 NE Glisan
Portland, Oregon 97230
503-255-0750
Dining Room Hours:
Lunch: 11:30-2:30pm Monday-Friday
Dinner: Mon-Thurs – 5-10pm • Fri & Sat 5-11pm • Sun 4-9pm
Lounge:
Mon-Thurs: 11:30-11pm • Fri & Sat: 11:30-12am • Sun: 11:30–10pm
DAILY Happy Hour: 3:00-6:00pm & 9:00pm-Close
Garden Patio: Open from 11:30am to close
www.RingSideGrill.com
