DOWNTOWN. This great restaurant caters to the executive set in a see-and-be-seen atmosphere. You'll often see tables of suited powerbrokers closing deals in an environment similar to an old-fashioned supper club. The dim, intimate dining room is upscale, a fitting environment for expense accounts. Steaks, naturally, are large, tender and perfectly cooked. The baseball cut of top sirloin is highly suggested, and the filet mignon is succulent as well. Plus, the caesar salad, prepared tableside, adds a theatrical touch to the meal. Cherries jubilee and bananas foster are subject to the same treatment. Reservations recommended.

This saloon-like place, with its tiled floors, architectural detailing, and mounted animal heads, feels as if it's been around forever. That's just what the owners were hoping for. The friendly, popular eatery is a great gathering place, especially when you want good food that's done well. Along with traditionally prepared steaks, you'll find cuts seasoned with cabernet, garlic and peppercorns, and blue cheese. Chicken, seafood and pastas are available as well, along with entree salads, sandwiches and an array of hot comfort foods such as meat loaf, Salisbury steak and chicken pot pie. Specialty beers and West Coast wines create another layer of flavor.

DOWNTOWN. Occupying a lovely, traditional space in the Failing Building, M&S plies Portland residents and visitors with some of the city's freshest seafood. You'll find a variety of regional oysters each day, along with a lengthy list of fresh catches. Grilled Oregon ling cod, smoked rainbow trout, and pan-fried razor clams provide a local taste, while pan-seared thresher shark and grilled mahi mahi add an island flair to the menu. A sauté of Dungeness crab and rock shrimp is enticing, and a chunky seafood stew warms you when the fog rolls in. Steak, chicken, lamb, and pastas are also available. This long-standing favorite has great regional wines as well.

Tuxedo-clad waiters set the tone for a Midwest classic that's staked a claim in the Northwest. Known for tableside presentations (yes, that's a live lobster on the cart), this steak house is famous for its 24-ounce porterhouse and its hearty portions. Sides must be ordered separately at additional cost, and the menu offers seafood, chicken and veal for those who don't relish red meat. Wine complements are available as well. Expectedly, the atmosphere is plush, and Sinatra croons in the background to add to the whole experience. Reservations recommended.

A perennial favorite, this refined establishment occupies space in the refurbished digs of the former Multnomah Hotel. A masculine ambience complete with dark woods and leather defines the space, which curries particular favor with expense-account patrons. The menu, a meat-lover's paradise, features New York strip, filet mignon, prime rib and top sirloin. You'll also find lamb chops, roast pork, duck breast and a host of pastas, salads and seafood dishes. Entrees include salad, potato and vegetable. Service, expectedly, is wonderful, and drinks are well-mixed and refreshing. Great for special occasions and for happy hour too.