RingSide Steakhouse Downtown

12/30/06

Living on its reputation

by halross

I recently treated family and friends to a special occasion dinner at The Ringside. I come from a family that owned a restaurant meat supply company so i know good beef. The steaks at Ringside were too much fat and grisl and not enough meat. We ordered the bone in New Yorks and the flavor of what edible meat was available was just so-so and definitely not worth trying to carve around the grisl. Salads were good and onion rings OK but not that great. The service was acceptable but very slow. All in all a big disappointment and not worth the price.

11/11/09

Great steak, excellent service!

by jrod119

What can I say? This has been named one of America's top 10 steakhouses and it certainly did not disappoint. While the flavor of my 14 oz. New York was immense, it was not as rare as I had ordered (I ordered med rare and got a steak closer to done). They also seared the outside almost too much, as it was quite crunchy - almost too much so.

Overall, I can't wait to go back. The rest of the menu looked extremely appealing, and I cannot wait to try the Prime Rib Eye.

Lastly, the service was top notch! Our waiter called us by name and made sure the entire dinner was perfect!

• Pros: service, employees, atmosphere

10/05/09

I like that it's dark inside

by hollywood38

I want to eat in a dark, intimate setting when I go out. If you want a bright diner, you should go down to the Original. This place remains relatively unchanged since the 70s, and that is half of the charm. The staff is just great, the vibe is warm and welcoming, and the food is right on the money.

• Pros: Fantastic food
• Cons: None that I know of

09/05/09

Good but not great

by CRobroy

Just came back from a company function at the RingSide. I was really exited to be there cause I've been wanting to go to this place for years, but never had the chance. Overall, good experience, however, a bit of a let down. I guess given the reputation of this place (America's top 10 steak houses) I was expecting more.

Parking: Free valet parking right next door - can't ask anybetter in Downtown Portland.

Atmosphere: Why do all steak houses in Portland have to look like you're walking into a dark cave? It was a beautiful day outside, and frankly, I found stepping into a dark restaurant gloomy and depressing. Though everything was clean and well kept, I thought this restaurant needs to seriously things about updating its accommodations to be in par with its competitors. Maybe the sister restaurant in Glendoveer Golf Course may be better?

Menu: What you'd expect from a steak house. Except, choices for the non-steak eaters are pretty limited. Several co=workers didn't feel like steak that night and had a tough time figuring out what to order as the other entrees seemed bland and limited.

The steak was good, but not fantastic (I had better steaks at El Gaucho and Ruth Chris') And better yet in Morton's Chicago, Jay's Seafood in LA to name a few.

Service was fantastic. Everyone was eager to welcome and help in any way possible. I loved all the warm smiles (some may feel the service a bit starchy... but, I like it that way.)

Overall - I would recommend quite a few places in Portland before the RingSide. You won't necessarily leave disappointed, but, I think you would have a much better experience for the same tab.

• Pros: Good steaks, valet parking, service
• Cons: dark, old decor, limited menu

02/10/09

Best Steaks in town!!!

by RandyWill

I love going to the Ringside for the best steak in town! Friendly people with just the right atmosphere! I know that there are others in town that try to compare, but they don't quite reach the mark when it comes to the overall review. The Ringside staff remember your name, their prices are great...and sometimes that corner booth in the lounge is a nice place to just hang out!

12/08/08

Good solid steakhouse

by blegs

I went here with my husband and father, both enjoy a good steak. They were pleased with the quality of the meat and the taste. I was informed if it needs to have sauce, it is not good. I say this because I am a vegetarian and usually am a litte short changed at a steakhouse ( broccoli and a baked potato -rah) Not here ! I asked for a vegetable plate and they made me a platter with several yummy vegetables. Love that customer service ! I do not think you will be disappointed.

• Pros: Great customer service

11/14/08

Poor comunication fron the reservation desk

by 2105

I made my reservation on 11-13-08 over the phone for my 26th anniversary. . I arrived at the Burnside location, valet my car, stood in the entrance for about 5 minutes. A pretty lady asked my name then checked the computer for my reservation. Another gentleman approached me and stated The person that took the reservation over the phone did not make them for the burnside location. I stated I did not know there was another location as I always ate here. I asked if they could correct the mistake. I was told no it would be an hour wait to seat my wife and I. But they could save the reservation for the other location. I declined. I then left quite mad as they ruined my anniversary at this point , it was 7:17 in the evening and I had to find another place to eat . I was driving east down burnside trying to decide where to go. I used my wife?s gps to find my next destination. I called the London grill at the Benson hotel to see if they had a table. The answer was yes . I was pleasantly surprise the food was much better, the service was impeccable. If anyone has the same problem you know where to go

Anthony R.

• Pros: close to home
• Cons: fail to take responsability for their reservation desk

06/05/08

Amazing Steak, Good service

by rockelita

My husband and I just moved to Portland from Texas. We have had our fair share of good prime steaks, so we decided to try Ringside for my husband's birthday. He had the bone-in ribeye and I opted for the choice filet. I was hesitant to try the filet since it was not prime, but I was surprised at how flavorful it was. The choice filet was just as good as other prime filets I have had at different steakhouses. My husband said his ribeye was the best steak he has ever had. Like any other native Houstonians, we are pretty picky when it comes to our food. The service was a little slower than I would have preferred, but it was not a problem. Our waiter was very nice and told us all about the history of the restaurant. it was a great experience, and we will be back many more times.

• Pros: Great steak, many steak choices, great special occasion restaurant
• Cons: Service can be a little slow sometimes, a little dim inside

12/25/07

Absolutley oppulence!!

by brandijn

We had dinner ther over mother's day. It has been a while and the fabulous meal is still on my mind. I have been to a number of nice steakhouses and few compare. From the friendly staff to the overall experience. I love the decore and dim lighting. The food was exceptional. You cannot go wrong, regardless of what you order. A beautiful atmosphere while still being comfortable. I have every intention of going back!!

• Pros: everything
• Cons: parking

12/15/07

Like stepping back in time

by reareaotu

My husband and I had dinner here last Wednesday night and had a fabulous time. Our server Frank was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We were seated promptly at a great table and the food as always was delicious. My husband and I have both worked in the restaurant industry for many years and have found few other places in town that are as consistent and tasty. Not to mention old school.

11/05/07

Great Service, Good Atmoshpere, o.k. food.

by gunner23

This was the first time visiting the Ringside, but have heard great things. We were warmly greeted and seated promptly even though we did not have reservations. Molly our server was excellent, very attentive. The food was dissapointing, in essence they seem to have lost their passion for providing a high quality product. For prime cut steaks they were not have any better flavor or tenderness than than choice grade steaks. Also when a grocery store is offering better quality asparagus than a steak house, there is a problem. Apparently they do not have quality control, spindly asparagus with woody and discolored ends, flavorless hollandaise. Steaks are middle of the road even though they boast prime cuts. We had a 12 oz fillet with baked potato and trimmings and a 22 oz bone in rib eye with garlic mashed potoes(1/4 the size of the baked potatoe). Also they don't leave room for you to fit sides on your plate. Over all they just seem to be going through the motions. I did enjoy the atmoshphere and will probably go back and try something other than a steak.