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Portland › Portland › Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar
Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and BarBMixed Bag
5474 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213
· Steak house, Bar
· 4.4/5 Google (2873 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Classic Portland steakhouse with retro lounge vibes and live music; prime rib and French onion are standouts, but service and consistency vary, parking is tough.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Clyde's Prime Rib delivers strong food quality anchored by celebrated prime rib and French onion soup, with distinctive retro ambiance and destination appeal that draw loyal repeat diners. However, inconsistent execution on doneness and sides, combined with concerning clustered foodborne illness reports in late 2024, prevents a higher grade and warrants caution—particularly with raw items like oysters.
Restaurant Summary
Step through the door and the room glows with retro red lounge warmth, chandeliers, and vinyl booths. Servers bustle between the dining room and a live-music lounge, and guests gush about generous soups and prime rib. One diner put it plainly: "It felt like old Portland with steak and a show." Parking can be a hassle and noise rises with the band. The cooking leans classic steakhouse with prime rib at the center, supported by French onion soup, creamed spinach, and hefty sandwiches like the French dip. A few modern touches appear (miso-honey salmon, chimichurri on hanger steak) but this is elevated traditional more than experimental. Consistency can wobble—most praise tender cuts, while a minority cite tough ribeyes or oily sides. Families do fine here thanks to familiar comfort dishes like burgers, fries, pasta, and fish and chips. Note that one review says happy hour food is bar-only, which limits younger kids. No kids menu is listed in the provided menu; portions are big enough to share.
At a Glance
- Iconic retro ambiance with live music in the lounge
- Prime rib, French onion soup, and creamed spinach earn frequent praise
- Parking is difficult; small lot and limited street spaces
- Inconsistent execution reported on ribeye and some sides
- Several late-2024 illness reports tied to oysters/prime rib; exercise caution with raw items
What Sets It Apart
- retro_1950s_steakhouse_vibe
- live_music_lounge
- prime_rib_focus
What People Love
- Nostalgic Rat Pack atmosphere
- Tender, flavorful prime rib
- Hearty portions and satisfying soups
- Friendly servers who keep things moving
- Live music that completes the lounge feel
Points of Concern
- Parking is genuinely tight and can delay seating
- Noise levels spike during live music and peak hours
- Execution varies: occasional tough ribeye, cold food or oversalted vegetables
- Illness reports clustered in late 2024 suggest caution with oysters/raw items
- Review patterns are largely authentic but include some marketing-style language
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$48-65 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Stick to house specialties: prime rib, French onion soup, creamed spinach
- If ordering seafood, prefer cooked options like salmon or fish and chips given recent raw shellfish reports
- Add chimichurri to hanger steak for brightness
Perfect For
- Date night with classic steakhouse vibes
- Group celebrations in a lively lounge
- Out-of-towners seeking a Portland institution
- Happy hour bites and drinks at the bar
Location Insights
Area: Northeast Portland arterial corridor with neighborhood businesses; retro venues and lounges attract locals and weekend diners.
Safety: Generally safe with steady traffic; typical urban lighting and foot traffic along Sandy Blvd.
Nearby: Near small retail strips, residential streets, and other eateries; lounge draws late-night music crowd.
Hollywood DistrictThe Hollywood District is a lively neighborhood centered around the historic Hollywood Theatre and the Hollywood Transit Center. It features a mix of casual and upscale dining options, with a social atmosphere that attracts locals looking for quality food, entertainment, and nightlife. The area is known for its walkability and community-oriented vibe.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–22:00
Friday11:30–00:00
Saturday11:30–00:00
Sunday11:30–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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