You’re standing in the elevator of the US Bancorp Tower—locally dubbed the "Big Pink"—and your ears pop. By the time you hit the 30th floor, you’re expecting a lot. Usually, when a restaurant sits on top of a skyscraper, the food is an afterthought to the skyline. People go for the sunset, they snap a photo of the Willamette River, and they tolerate a mediocre steak. But the Portland City Grill menu tries to play a different game. It’s a massive, sprawling list of Pacific Northwest staples, sushi, and high-end surf and turf that manages to stay relevant in a city that is notoriously snobby about its food scene.
Let’s be real. If you’re a local, you probably have a complicated relationship with this place. It’s where you take your parents when they visit from out of town. It’s where you go for a "fancy" date when you want to feel like a high-roller without actually being one. But if you don't know how to navigate the menu, you can end up with a massive bill and a "meh" experience.
The High-Altitude Balancing Act of the Portland City Grill Menu
Most people don't realize that Portland City Grill isn't just one vibe. It’s two. You have the formal dining room, which feels very "mid-2000s power lunch," and then you have the lounge. The lounge is legendary. Before the world changed, it was famous for one of the best happy hours in the country. Today, the menu has shifted toward a more unified experience, but the core identity remains: Pacific Rim meets classic American steakhouse.
When you look at the Portland City Grill menu, the first thing that hits you is the sheer variety. It’s risky. Usually, a restaurant that does sushi, filet mignon, and miso-glazed sea bass all at once is a red flag. However, they lean heavily into regional sourcing. We’re talking about Carlton Farms pork, Draper Valley chicken, and whatever seafood is coming off the boats in Astoria or Newport.
Why the Steaks Actually Matter
A lot of people skip the beef here because they think of it as a seafood joint. Big mistake. They use USDA Prime and Choice cuts, often aged for 28 days. If you're looking at the dinner menu, the Center-Cut Filet Mignon is the safe bet, but the Grilled Ribeye with blue cheese balsamic butter is where the actual flavor is. It’s fatty. It’s salty. It’s exactly what you want when you're staring at the West Hills through a floor-to-ceiling window.
The kitchen uses high-heat broilers that create a crust you just can't get at home. Honestly, the char on the New York Strip is probably the most consistent thing they do. You aren't getting molecular gastronomy here. You’re getting a piece of meat cooked exactly to 135 degrees if you ask for medium-rare, and in a world of "experimental" dining, there is something deeply comforting about that.
Navigating the Seafood and Sushi Section
Portland loves its fish. If the Portland City Grill menu didn't have a solid seafood showing, it would have been laughed out of the Big Pink years ago. The standout for a decade has been the Miso Glazed Sake Roasted Sea Bass. It’s buttery. It basically melts. They serve it with a bit of bok choy and a ginger dashi that cuts through the richness of the fish.
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Then there’s the sushi.
It’s weird, right? Eating a Spicy Tuna roll 30 floors up. But their sushi chefs aren't just throwing things together. The Portland City Grill roll—usually featuring spicy tuna, avocado, and unagi—is actually better than half the dedicated sushi spots in the Pearl District. It’s a great way to start the meal if you aren't in the mood for the heavier appetizers like the calamari.
- Pro Tip: If you see the "Chef’s Choice" Sashimi on the daily specials, get it. The turnover at this restaurant is so high that the fish is remarkably fresh.
- Avoid: The standard shrimp cocktail. It's fine. It's just boring. You're at the top of the city; don't order something you can get at a grocery store deli.
The Happy Hour Myth vs. Reality
If you mention the Portland City Grill menu to a local, they will immediately bring up the happy hour. It used to be the stuff of legends—cheap sliders, discounted martinis, and a view that made you feel like you owned the city.
Post-2020, things changed.
The happy hour still exists, but the "screaming deals" have been tempered by inflation and a shift in how they manage the lounge. You can still get a killer deal on Kung Pao Calamari or a PCG Burger, but don't expect 1999 prices. The value now lies in the "Chef’s Small Plates." They change frequently, but look for the Dungeness Crab Cakes. Oregon crab is iconic, and they don't filler it up with too much breading. It’s mostly lump meat, a bit of lemon, and a kick of aioli.
The Drinks: Liquid Courage at 300 Feet
You cannot talk about the menu without the bar. The wine list is heavily skewed toward the Willamette Valley. If you aren't drinking an Oregon Pinot Noir while looking at the mountains where those grapes were grown, are you even in Portland?
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They have a massive selection from producers like Adelsheim, Erath, and Argyle. If you're overwhelmed, just ask for a local Pinot. The tannins work perfectly with the fat in the steaks. If you're more of a cocktail person, the "Sunset Martini" is their signature, but it’s a bit sweet for some. The "Old Fashioned" is stout, well-balanced, and uses decent bourbon. It’s the kind of drink that makes the city lights look a little bit brighter.
The Sides: Don't Overlook the Potatoes
Honestly, the Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese on the Portland City Grill menu might be the best thing they make. It’s aggressive. The cheese is sharp and smoky, and the noodles actually hold their texture. It's a side dish, but it's really a main event. Also, the Garlic Mashed Potatoes are exactly what they sound like—heavy on the cream, heavy on the garlic. No one comes here to count calories.
Dealing with the "Tourist Trap" Allegations
Is it a tourist trap? Kinda. But only if you let it be. If you go on a Saturday night at 7:00 PM without a reservation, you’re going to wait two hours and end up frustrated. If you go on a Tuesday afternoon for a late lunch or a "power hour" session, it’s one of the most serene places in the Pacific Northwest.
The staff here are pros. Many of them have been there for years, which is rare in the high-turnover world of Portland dining. They know the Portland City Grill menu inside and out. They know which fish was delivered two hours ago and which bottle of wine is peaking. Trust them.
Specific Recommendations for Every Occasion
The Business Lunch
Go for the Salmon Caesar. It’s fast, it’s light enough that you won't fall asleep in your 2:00 PM meeting, and the salmon is almost always perfectly seared—crispy skin, medium-rare center.
The Anniversary Dinner
Start with the Oysters on the Half Shell. Move to the Chateaubriand for Two if it’s on the specials list, or both of you grab the Twin Cold Water Lobster Tails. Finish with the Chocolate Decadence. It’s cliché, sure. But clichés exist because they work.
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The Solo Traveler
Sit at the bar. Order a Dragon Roll and a local IPA. The bartenders are great conversationalists, and you get the same view without the pressure of a formal table.
A Note on Dietary Restrictions
The Portland City Grill menu is surprisingly friendly to the gluten-free crowd. Because they focus on high-quality proteins and fresh veg, a lot of the menu is naturally GF or can be modified. They have a separate gluten-free menu if you ask, which covers everything from the steaks to specific sushi rolls. Vegan options are a bit more limited—this is definitely a "meat and potatoes" kind of place—but they can usually whip up a solid vegetable risotto or a massive seasonal salad that isn't just iceberg lettuce.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of the Portland City Grill menu, you need a strategy. This isn't a "wing it" kind of place.
- Book the "Window Table" in advance: When you make your reservation on OpenTable or over the phone, specifically request a window seat. They can't always guarantee it, but being early (5:15 PM) drastically increases your chances.
- Focus on the Regional Specials: Ignore the generic pasta dishes. Look for anything that mentions "Oregon," "Washington," or "Columbia River."
- Validate your parking: If you're parking in the underground garage at the Big Pink, bring your ticket. The restaurant validates, and downtown Portland parking prices are no joke.
- Check the Daily Catch: The printed menu is the base, but the daily seafood specials are where the kitchen actually gets to show off.
- Split the Sides: The portions are "American-sized." One order of the Smoked Gouda Mac is plenty for two or even three people.
The Portland City Grill menu is a reflection of the city itself: a bit traditional, a bit obsessed with the coast, and always focused on the scenery. It isn't the cheapest meal in town, but for the combination of atmosphere and consistent execution, it remains a pillar of the Portland dining scene. Whether you're there for the $50 steak or a $15 cocktail, the experience of watching the fog roll over the Willamette while you eat is something every visitor—and local—should do at least once.
Make sure to dress "Portland Casual." You'll see people in suits and people in flannel shirts with hiking boots. Both are welcome, but aim for the middle ground if you want the best service. Head up to the 30th floor, grab a seat, and order the sea bass. You won't regret it.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the current seasonal rotation: The menu updates every few months to reflect PNW harvests.
- Verify Happy Hour times: These fluctuate based on staffing and season, so call ahead if you’re planning a budget-friendly trip.
- Plan for the sunset: Look up the exact sunset time for Portland and book your table for 30 minutes prior to catch the "Golden Hour" over the city.