ASK EATER: WHERE SHOULD I TAKE MY FRIEND WHO JUST GOT DUMPED?

Welcome to Ask Eater, an Eater Portland column where the site’s editor and reporter answer questions from readers and friends. Have a question for us? Submit your question in this form with the subject line ‘Ask Eater.’

My friend just got dumped, and I want to take her out. I’d love to find a space that gives ‘friend romance’ — I’d like to show out but not necessarily in a luxurious way, more along the lines of cute/vibe-y aesthetics. I’d also like to spend less than $100. Where would you go?

—Amanda

May we all have friends as sweet as you, Amanda; there’s nothing like a platonic date to remind you how nice life can be outside of a romantic relationship. These parameters are doable, depending on your approach — you didn’t specify if you’re thinking about a full-blown dinner or just drinks and snacks, so I’ll give you options for both.

“Cute/vibe-y aesthetics” could mean quite a few different things, but I notice that my personal definition includes several wine bars. Heavenly Creatures on Broadway is so sweet and pretty; its bar is lined with flowers and candles, and the whole space has this sort of bistro energy I love. Yes, it’s a wine bar, but the food is fantastic and super snack-y — definitely get the whipped Camembert and the yellowtail toast, and maybe one other plate. That will keep you at around $100 if you each get a glass of wine. On the other side of the river, Bar Diane has such a cool vibe; the owner, who is also a graphic designer, developed the cute pink mural at the center of the space. The food is really great here, as well; if you grab a few snacks and a few glasses of wine, you’ll stay under budget. There are also places like Nil., Les Caves, and Company, which are more about wine than food — so, so many wine bars in Portland have incredible vibes, if that’s what you’re going for.

Another option: bars that aren’t bars, or places that many people think of as bars, but that are really restaurants if you size up the menu. The Miami-vibed Palomar on Division comes to mind: Yes, it opened as a cocktail bar, but with Ricky Bella in the kitchen, the food menu is substantial (and inexpensive for what it is). Most plates are under $25, and most drinks are under $15 — with two drinks and two entrees, you’ll likely stay under $100.

If it were me, however, I’d want to be soothed with pasta, and there are quite a few spots that I think will still provide the atmosphere you’re going for. Luce’s beautifully stocked shelves and black-and-white checkered floors give the space a timeless, European feel, and the pricing here is still really reasonable: almost every dish on the menu is available as a half-order, and prices mainly stay in the teens and 20s. The bar at Campana is also super vibe-y; happy hour runs all night long there, so you could treat your friend to a few $10 Aperol spritzes and a bowl of penne alla vodka. It’s hard to tell what specific vibe you’re going for, but other honorable mentions could go to the sapphire and cerulean-toned Dame, the banquette and brass-noted Ava Gene’s, or the ultra-airy Cafe Olli.

Without knowing exactly what you’re looking for, I’d say places like the super lush and tropical Hey Love, the straight-outta-LA Tusk, or the Parisian chic Canard could all hit the spot — and all three run happy hours, to keep the final bill somewhat low. However, when going for vibe, it might actually be a good idea to dig through some Instagram influencer accounts, people like @nomnom_nori, @foodiesnitch, or @foodbellypdx; it’s hard to get an idea of what you’re looking for without seeing it. Wherever you end up, I think the gesture will go a long way.

2024-05-22T16:39:08Z dg43tfdfdgfd