Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar: A Historic Portland Gem for Memorable Gatherings
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 23 Dec 2025 09:33
TL;DR: Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar Surfing is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Portland
Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar, established in 1954, is a cornerstone of Portland's dining scene and an exceptional place to meet up with friends, family, or colleagues. Located atop the Alameda Ridge in the Hollywood District, its distinctive castle-like stone exterior with a bright red sign immediately catches the eye, setting the tone for a unique dining experience. Inside, the ambiance transports guests to another era with its dark walls, elegant chandeliers, and bright red booths, complemented by historical photos that celebrate its rich heritage and significance in Black history. Music plays softly in the background, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere ideal for conversation and celebration. Known for its legendary prime rib, Clyde’s has maintained its reputation for quality and tradition through thoughtful care and community connection. Whether you are visiting for a casual dinner, a family outing, or a special event, the restaurant offers a welcoming space with attentive service and a vibe that reflects both history and contemporary Portland culture. Its popularity is evident by the consistently busy parking lots and street traffic during evening hours. As a rare Black-owned business historically, now lovingly preserved by owner Alex Bond, it honors its roots while continuing to thrive as a vibrant gathering spot. Clyde’s also accommodates private events, ensuring memorable celebrations in a remarkable setting.
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What people think of Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar, based on reviews
As of recent, Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar holds a 4.3-star rating based on 2631 reviews.
Reviews for Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar generally reflect a strong appreciation for its historic charm, classic prime rib offerings, and welcoming environment. Many patrons praise the restaurant for its friendly and attentive staff, which contributes to a pleasant dining experience suitable for families, couples, and groups. Positive reviews highlight the quality of the prime rib, noting it as a standout feature, along with other menu items like the sirloin Cobb salad. The blend of old-world décor and modern touches creates a nostalgic yet comfortable atmosphere, with many guests enjoying the ambiance and music that complement their meal. Reviewers frequently recommend Clyde's as a must-visit Portland destination for both locals and visitors seeking hearty, traditional fare in a storied setting.
On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional issues such as wait times during busy periods or varying experiences with food consistency and service speed. A few guests have expressed that the dark, dim interior may not appeal to everyone and that portions or prices might not meet all expectations. Despite these critiques, the majority opinion remains positive, attributing such issues to typical challenges faced by popular establishments with long-standing reputations.
In conclusion, Clyde’s Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar holds a revered place in Portland’s culinary and cultural landscape, celebrated for its prime rib and rich history, with an inviting atmosphere that many find perfect for social gatherings. While minor negatives exist, they do not overshadow the overwhelmingly positive experience reported by the majority of diners.
How to reach Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar
5474 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213, USA
FAQ about Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Portland, Oregon
If you are looking for a venue that combines classic American steakhouse vibes with a vibrant social scene, Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar in Portland, Oregon, is an exceptional choice for gathering with friends and family. This restaurant has earned a solid 4.3-star rating from over 2,600 reviews, reflecting its consistent popularity and high-quality dining experience. At Clyde's, you get the comfort and sophistication of a traditional steakhouse, but with a lively twist that makes it far more than just another dinner spot. From its renowned prime rib and bacon-wrapped filets to its approachable prices—typically under $40 per person—Clyde's offers delicious meals that don’t break the bank, which means you and your group can indulge without worry. Moreover, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, ideal for both intimate catch-ups and larger celebrations. Whether it’s a casual meetup or a special occasion, this restaurant's blend of great food, live entertainment, and a welcoming bar gives friends a reason to linger and savor the night together. Add to that the history of supporting local music since 1955, and you have a place where memories are just waiting to be made.
When it comes to activities, Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar offers much more than just great food. For starters, the venue is a classic steakhouse with a focus on prime rib, a staple that is expertly prepared and adored by many patrons. But food isn’t the only draw here; the restaurant transforms nights into celebrations with live music every evening. Guests can enjoy a rich variety of genres including funk, jazz, blues, R&B, and disco, performed by local bands. The restaurant’s layout strategically places a dance floor and stage just around the corner from the main dining area, so diners have the option to indulge in their meal while enjoying live performances or head to the dance floor for some rhythm-filled fun. This makes Clyde’s an exceptional place not only for sitting down with friends over a meal but also for those looking to dance and socialize in a vibrant atmosphere. The bar complements the setting perfectly, serving top-notch local craft beers, cocktails, and a curated selection of wines from Oregon, Washington, and California, enhancing the nightlife vibe without needing to leave the restaurant.
Clyde’s Prime Rib is especially well-suited for groups because it balances excellent dining, entertainment, and spacious comfort. The restaurant’s design accommodates various group sizes, from intimate tables for a handful of friends to private event spaces ideal for gatherings up to 200 people. This flexibility means your meetup can maintain a cozy feel or transform into a lively party depending on your wishes. Additionally, Clyde’s offers a diverse menu that caters to many tastes, including classic steakhouse options alongside vegan and gluten-free dishes, ensuring everyone in your group can find something delicious to enjoy. The staff’s experience with hosting events adds to the ease of planning meetups like birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, office celebrations, or casual friend reunions, allowing you to focus on your guests instead of logistics. The restaurant also has ample parking and is wheelchair accessible, making it convenient and inclusive for everyone attending. Add live music into the mix, and you have a dynamic setting where friends can talk, dine, dance, and create memorable experiences altogether.
Clyde’s is celebrated primarily for its prime rib, a tender, flavorful cut that remains a favorite among patrons. The restaurant distinctly positions its menu as “old-school steakhouse classics” with a modern twist, offering juicy steaks like the bacon-wrapped filet mignon, as well as seafood, burgers, and fresh salads. But the menu’s inclusivity stands out as well—with vegan and gluten-free options thoughtfully integrated, ensuring everyone in a diverse group finds something to satisfy their cravings without compromise. This diverse and hearty menu makes Clyde’s a perfect place for groups with different dietary preferences or restrictions. The portions are generous enough to foster a sense of sharing and indulgence, which is ideal for outings where food is a central part of the social experience. Moreover, the price point—generally ranging from moderate to affordable considering the quality—means groups don’t have to splurge heavily to enjoy a satisfying meal, which encourages longer visits and more frequent gatherings.
Live music is a cornerstone of the Clyde’s Prime Rib experience, lifting the ambiance from a simple dinner into an event worthy of celebration. Every night, patrons are treated to performances from local bands playing blues, jazz, funk, and R&B, accompanied by instruments such as guitars, keyboards, horn sections, and drum sets. This live soundtrack perfectly complements the steakhouse’s classic interior, which combines wood paneling with an upbeat, social energy. The presence of a dedicated dance floor near the stage invites guests to partake actively by dancing, making it a lively evening for music-loving groups. The music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a reason to stay longer, mingle, and create collective memories. Since Clyde’s has been a supporter of Portland’s local music scene since 1955, it also carries a sense of tradition and community pride in the arts, adding an authentic cultural layer to your meetup. For groups who value both gastronomy and nightlife, this combination is especially appealing.
Clyde’s Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar excels at providing a seamless experience for group events due to its comprehensive amenities and attentive service. The venue allows reservations which are essential for ensuring smooth seating arrangements, particularly for larger parties. It has wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms, making it fully inclusive. The availability of valet or nearby parking facilities adds to guest convenience, a critical factor when meeting up in the city. The full bar offers an extensive drink list featuring local craft beers and regional wines, so your group can enjoy specialty cocktails or casual drinks while socializing. Clyde’s also supports private events including weddings, corporate retreats, holiday parties, and award ceremonies, customizing menus and setups to fit your event’s needs. Staff engagement in event planning minimizes your preparation stress and maximizes comfort for your guests, turning your meetup into a memorable occasion. Their hospitality and classic American charm converge to create a welcoming environment perfect for any type of group gathering.
Located at 5474 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, Clyde’s is situated in a vibrant area with easy access points and parking, simplifying arriving with a group. The neighborhood is known for its accessibility and proximity to other notable Portland attractions, giving your group additional options for before or after your meal. The convenience of location is an often overlooked but vital feature when organizing meetups, reducing the hassle of long travel or complicated logistics. Furthermore, the restaurant’s hours—open from 11:30 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and until midnight on weekends—offer flexibility for lunch, dinner, or late-night plans, adapting to different group schedules. Whether your friends are coming straight from work or you are planning a weekend party, Clyde’s time frame and locale are accommodating. This prime spot, combined with a reputation for quality food and lively entertainment, makes it a strategic choice for group gatherings in Portland.
With its combination of excellent food, live music every night, accommodating spaces, attentive service, and a convenient location, Clyde’s Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar is truly a top pick for groups looking to enjoy a relaxed yet festive dining experience. Whether you are hosting an intimate dinner or a large party, Clyde’s provides the atmosphere and amenities to make your meetup pleasurable and memorable.