Welcome to Montavilla

Montavilla used to be a sleepy, unloved part of the city, but those days are long gone. Now, it’s one of the hippest spots in Southeast Portland, with a wide selection of gustatory delights and plenty of romantic things to do.

Here we’ll give you a rundown of some of the best date nights you can have in this part of town, from the tried and true to the quirky. Enjoy, and good luck on that date!

Get a Massage

After a long week on the job, there’s nothing like a massage to help you kick the weekend off right. And there happens to be a highly skilled masseuse right here in Montavilla. Her name is Brook Brandsmith, and you can find her at Serenity Therapeutic Massage. Why not book back-to-back massages for you and that special someone?

Learn the Art of Thai Vegetable Carving

We love Thai food, and we’d recommend Paitong Thai Cuisine on the strength of its entrees alone. But did you know that owner Bounnam Somvong is also a master in Kau Sa Lak, AKA the art of fruit and vegetable carving? She is, and even better, she offers classes. Learning better food presentation will add an element of romance to all of your meals together, and the classes are a lot of fun.

Dine at the Country Cat

The Country Cat has gotten quite a lot of buzz lately, and deservedly so. We’re fans of the Red Wine Braised Beef, and the Asparagus Salad is great, but you and your date are sure to find favorites of your own in this cute and cozy comfort food spot.

Bike Up to Mount Tabor Park

Mount Tabor is one of the most beautiful parks in the city, and it’s just up the street from Montavilla. Don your helmet and air up your tires for a romantic ride to the top, where you can enjoy sweeping panoramas of PDX and one of the best sunsets in the city.

Catch a Flick at the Academy Theater

Why brave the multiplex when there’s a great theater right here in the neighborhood? Montavilla’s Academy Theater hearkens back to the golden age of the silver screen. It originally opened in 1948, and in 2006 it was fully restored to its opening night glory. And if you happen to have youngsters, babysitting is available by appointment.

Cook at Home With Fresh Ingredients From Montavilla Farmer’s Market

There’s something romantic about cooking at home. And whether you’re preparing a surprise meal for your date or cooking up something special together, fresh local ingredients are just the thing to really make your recipe shine. Stop by the Montavilla Farmer’s market to make your date night dinner table part of the farm-to-fork movement.

Eat Lebanese Food at Ya Hala

Ya Hala was Montavilla before Montavilla was cool. This delightful Lebanese eatery has been pleasing neighborhood gourmands for more than a decade. The atmosphere at this place just keeps getting better, and it’s still as affordable as ever.

Enjoy Coffee and Pie at Bipartisan

Looking for a great spot to meet someone new? Why not schedule a date for evening coffee and pie here at Bipartisan? The atmosphere here is casual and quaint, and while we don’t like to toot our own horn, let’s just say our pies are very popular.

Savor a Sumptuous Meal at The Observatory

Have you had dinner at the Observatory yet? If not, you’re missing out. The atmosphere is stylish, the dinners are deliciously elegant, and the presentation is top-notch. Oh, and they do brunch now, too.

Sip a Classic Cocktail at Vintage Cocktail Lounge

What makes something a classic? Well, the criteria are difficult to pin down, but you know it when you see it. Or, in the case of Vintage cocktail lounge, you know when you taste it. This cozy little bar serves lovingly prepared craft cocktails that you just have to try to appreciate. Have some spirits to get yourself in the date night spirit.

Build Something Beautiful With Mr. Plywood

We love dinner and movies, but building something together can be sexy too, in a rustic sort of way. If you need supplies for your latest collaboration, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Mr. Plywood. Watch those thumbs, and don’t kiss and saw.

Romance Is in the Air in Montavilla

PDX is full of romantic spots, but if you live in Montavilla, there’s plenty to spark your lust for life right here in the neighborhood. Whether you spend it here or venture outward, we hope your next date night is a smashing success.