Need some new date night ideas in Portland, OR? We are a local Portland, OR wedding photographer and videographer team and we’ve met hundreds of couples who have flown to Portland to have a romantic, PNW dream wedding. With nature all around and the urban escape of the quaint city, we’ve seen first hand just how romantic and aesthetic this city can be. Whether it’s for your honeymoon, anniversary, or you’re a local in need of something new to do with your partner, read this Travel Guide made just for you!
Meet your Portland, OR Travel Guide | Alesia Films
I’m Alesia Films, a luxury wedding photographer and videographer who specializes in analog film. I’ve shot all around the world capturing love stories, but my favorite place ever is right where I call home: Portland, Oregon.
Looking for someone to capture your memories in Portland, OR? We love doing casual couple’s shoots!
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Where to eat in Portland | Romance Edition
Portland is known for being a food city. The heart is in the many food cart lots cuddling by an open fire or on a street cafe under twinkle lights with a good IPA. Either way, here are some local recommendations for a moody atmosphere with a great food + drink menu.
Nostrana PDX
Nothing more romantic than an Italian meal made by local ingredients and a glass of wine! Chef Cathy Whims is a master of inventive regional Italian cuisine. Her menu includes classic wood fire pizza, fresh pasta and regional wine options straight from Italy. If you come during the summer, they have an outdoor patio option that’s extra romantic. We highly recommend the pizza!
Eat at Nostrana PDX from Monday-Saturday. Reservation recommended.
1401 SE Morrison Ste. 101, Portland, OR 97214
The Departure
A classic local’s favorite for elevated asian-fusion cuisine, this rooftop restaurant at the top of the Nines Hotel in Portland’s downtown is a perfect place to get dressed up. An outdoor bar/deck overlooking Portland’s Pioneer Square is available in the warm season, and is a great place for a pre-dinner cocktail while you wait for your table. Though, the magic is inside after taking the mirrored elevator ride up (a classic IG photo too!). Your greeted with ambient lighting that guides you to the host stand. From there, you find your seat at one of the many moody booths. During the summer months, you could also be seated for outdoor dining – which is an excellent option to experience the city at twilight from a bird’s view. We highly recommend the crispy pork belly!
Eat at The Departure daily from 4-11pm
West Deck available Fridays and Saturdays.
525 SW Morrison Street, 15th Fl,
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 802-5370
Le Pigeon
Elegant French-inspired fare served with a diverse selection of wines in a lively & intimate room. The chef and co-owner offers a playful menu so you’ll never be bored with anything you pick. If you’re looking for a more Portland aesthetic atmosphere with that familiar fine-dining feel for your romantic night out, check out Le Pigeon!
Open for dinner Monday – Saturday. Reservations are recommended.
See their seasonal menu HERE.
Other Portland dinner restaurants to try for your next date night:
- Tope PDX – Mexican flavors with rooftop views.
- Lovely Rita – Live music on Thursdays until 9pm and located right next to Portland’s downtown clubs.
- Paadee – Modern Thai food with craft cocktails.
- South Park Sea Food – fresh PNW seafood with the most yummy oyster shooters!
Where to drink in Portland for your date night | Romance Edition
Here’s our quick list of bars that are sure to set the mood before a fun night out!
- Bar Cala – girly pink aesthetic with jungle plants everywhere!
- Multnomah Whiskey Library – a delicious whiskey tasting room. You must make a reservation 2 weeks in advance!
- Xport Bar & Lounge – a rooftop bar with a live DJ on the weekends to kickstart a fun night out to club!
- Hey Love – craft cocktails located in a vibrant tropical lounge inside the Jupiter Next Hotel.
- Two Wrongs – a great starting point for younger crowds who want to bar hop.
*Bonus! River Pig Saloon – right next door to Two Wrongs, is a loud social bar with a high-quality photo booth to remember your night out in Portland.
Portland Restaurant Guide | Breakfast + Lunch
Portland doesn’t have much of a romantic, moody scene for breakfast or lunch, but the food sure is delectable! Here are some great bites that the local’s love.
Portland, OR | Breakfast Restaurants
- Jam on Hawthorne
- Mother’s Bistro and Bar
- Tin Shed Garden Cafe
- Slappy Cakes – cook your own pancakes!
Portland, OR | Lunch Restaurants
Food Cart Guide | Date Night Edition
Looking for a true Portlander experience? Come to any of these food cart lots and eat your savory meal by a warm fire and twinkle lights. A perfect setting for a date night in Portland.
- Hawthorne Asylum
- Cartopia *Try the chicken satay with peanut sauce and a fried banana at BKK Thai
- Midtown Beer Garden
Want to see the full list of food cart pods around the city? Here’s an extensive Food Cart Guide from Travel Portland!
Portland Oregon Coffee Shop Guide
Last but not least, a Coffee Shop Guide to Portland, OR. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily count as a “date night” as most coffee places close in the evenings, but let’s start the day off right! You cannot come to Portland without visiting multiple cafes. Portland is known for it’s established coffee culture. From independent roasters and themed cafés, you’re sure to start your day with an excellent cup of Jo at any of these places!
Futura Coffee
With 3 different locations around the Portland area, this regenerative café takes specialty coffee to a new level. We also love that they offer seasonal pastries. If you happen to catch them offering Pear Danishes again, it is a MUST EAT. Our favorite is the NE Glisan location!
Flour Bloom PDX
This new coffee shop is for our instagram lovers! Enter a worldly space of hanging florals and bright colors upon entry followed by an adorable corner of local handmade artist goods for sale on the shelves. After ordering an on-brand coffee full of color and flavor, sit down at their many lounge areas to socialize and take photos with your partner!
Location: 103 NE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97232
Caffe Umbria
A local’s favorite with multiple locations. Our favorite is the downtown location after hanging out in Pioneer Square or catching a show at Arlene Schnitzer Hall.
Location: 710 SW Madison St, Portland, OR 97205
Our Favorite Date Night Idea in Portland | Thrifting!
If you’re asking yourself what’s the most Portland thing you can do with your date, it’s finding the right PNW hipster cold-weather outfit from a vintage vendor booth! It’s important to know that Portland is known for the best thrift shopping. Of course, any classic Goodwill will have the best prices and scores when trying to find hiking gear and basic home goods. Especially if you’re in a pinch for a rain jacket (because of course it’s probably raining while you’re here!)
So, if you’re looking for the local experience to start off your date night, you need to go thrifting at these curated antique malls. Either to buy some classic Portland clothes or a fun item for your house. All of these vendors provide their own artistry or curated finds. We’ve found countless clothing and home decor goods at affordable prices.
Where to go thrifting for clothes
- House of Vintage
- Hollywood Vintage
- Buffalo Exchange
- Memory Den Vintage Mall (half clothes/half antiques/decor)
Where to go thrifting for antiques (maybe bring home a souvenir?)
Date Night in Portland | What to Do
Finally, we’re getting to the real action of Portland’s romantic scene: where to go for your next date night! Whether if this trip is for your honeymoon, anniversary or a simple romantic getaway, you’re sure to have a splendid time at any of these places!
Hopscotch
My husband and I’s favorite date night was at Hopscotch! We surprisingly enjoyed this interactive art museum after kicking off the night with two of their decorative mocktails. You can especially have fun in the glow in the dark ball pit if you’re not a germaphobe!
Address: 1020 SE 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Knot Springs
Indoor hot spring meets urban jungle. We loved our reservation at Knot Springs for it’s relaxing atmosphere and views of the city as you soak in the hot water. With plants all around you, a sauna room, steam room and different massage/spa packages to choose from, this is our #1 recommendation if you’re looking to unwind.
Address: 33 NE 3rd Ave Suite 365, Portland, OR 97232
Santé Aesthetics & Wellness
Another honorable mention for a place to rejuvenate in Portland is Santé. More known as a medical grade spa offering services such as body contouring, botox and fillers, they have some incredible spa packages worth checking out. If you want a truly aesthetic atmosphere with moody lighting and relaxing interior design, check out their soaking pool and steam room after your massage!
Romantic Picnic at the International Rose Test Garden
We love visiting the Rose Garden in peak bloom season around June-August! Pack a lunch and make it a romantic picnic surrounded by an aroma of flowers.
Address: 400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade & Bar
A mix of retro and modern arcade games made for 2 player competition. We also love the dark, club-like atmosphere of a neon-lit stairwell and bar to order drinks from!
Address: 115 NW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Browse the shelves at Powell’s Books
Powell’s is a local favorite that doubles as a tourist spot nowadays as the world’s largest new and used bookstore. Powell’s contains over a million books and fills a city block. Multiple color-coded floors help you find your favorite genres, from popular fiction on the ground floor to the rare books collection at the top. After you shop, stop by the cafe for a coffee and a pastry. To keep the date going, you can head to the Living Room Theater across the street.
Portland Art Museum – for art lovers!
Digest your food with a slow stroll through Portland’s Art Museum. If you go on the first Thursday of the month, admission is free!
For Nature Lovers – parks to stroll before it gets dark!
Want to kick off your date night early and actually see the beautiful scenery our city is surrounded by? Grab a coffee or tea and start your stroll at these parks for easy walking paths and classic PNW vibes. We recommend these parks during the day as some close early for lack of lighting on the paths. Keep in mind these are actual thick forested areas! Maybe add bird watching, plant identifying or nature photography to show off for your date. Remember to never leave trash in our parks!
Hoyt Arboretum
Our favorite park to see giant redwood trees and take couple’s photos! You’ll want to head to the redwood viewing deck and take in the great views. This place can be busy on the weekends. Must park to visit during the fall!
Forest Park
5200 acres of wildlife refuge with more than 80 miles of trails. Visit this Portland.Gov website of Forest Park to pick the best walking trailhead before your date night. There’s a lot to choose from and all of them lead to adventure and intense greenery!
My favorite thing to do after this park? Simply drive through the neighborhood and head towards NW 23rd St. for some post-hiking food + drinks and drive by the beautiful homes and neighborhoods in those hills!
Walk around and/or Picnic at Cathedral Park
Okay not a thick forest vibe, but this waterfront park is an absolutely gorgeous field of grass with a giant staircase leading you through the historical and picturesque St. John Bridge. My husband and I love grabbing a margherita pizza from Love Verona and eating it at this park while enjoying the view.
Where to Stay – a downtown Portland, OR Guide
Need a place to stay that’s iconic to Portland?
If you’re coming in from out of town and want a true Portland accommodation experience, look no further than the quirky, maybe haunted?! McMenamins Crystal Hotel. We love getting a quick drink here every now and then, especially around the holidays with their fun Christmas cocktail mugs, but did you know this hotel has a salt pool? And a haunted history? The employees will be happy to share the spooky stories with you if you’re brave enough to book a room. Nothing screams Portland more, right?
*NEW! A Wellness Sanctuary built for an immersive and sustainable experience.
Okay so haunted hotels aren’t your thing, I get it. If you want a luxury stay that is classic to the Pacific North West vibes where nature meets modern architecture, art, music and adventure collide, check out Portland’s newest hotel: Cascada.
With a year round heated pool conservatory and a spa offering services like infrared/salt therapy, meditation, sound headling and mud facials mixed with century-old massage techniques taught around Northern Europe and the Middle East, you’ll never want to leave. Grab your partner and spend the whole day drinking smoothies from the cafe, taking yoga classes and lounging at the Thermal Spa.
Ready for your ultimate date night in Portland Oregon?
We hope you loved your trip to Oregon and enjoyed the many delicious eats, coffee, thrift shopping and dates you went on with your partner while here. Got any more ideas you did and loved? Leave a comment below!
