OLD TOWN. This Portland institution has its hands in a lot of different pots. While it's a fabulous Greek restaurant, it also features a game room (in the old Church of Elvis location) and a cafe and functions as a popular music venue and nightclub. The busy spot attracts all kinds of people, in part because of the variety of entertainment available. Local and national bands take to the stage each night and play music ranging from alternative and classic rock to big band and acid jazz. You'll also find dancing, regular poetry slams, DJs spinning in the restaurant and a fetish night that invites patrons to dress in their most outrageous garb. Definitely a one-stop extravaganza!

Perhaps Portland's most exclusive restaurant, the hip, sleek Bluehour caters to an upscale set with its scintillating cuisine and clean-lined, lush decor. The Northwestern fare takes cues from the Mediterranean, always using, of course, the best ingredients produced in the region. Starters include seared scallops, beef carpaccio, poached oysters and grilled quail. Main courses, from a menu that changes daily, could feature venison medallions, fresh pasta laced with herbs, horseradish-crusted salmon and a risotto flavored on the kitchen's whim. Desserts are executed by an in-house pastry chef and feature innovative takes on chocolate pudding, creme brulee and cake and ice cream. A well-received bar draws the nightlife crowd.

A haven for beautiful people, this chic bar can be found in a lovely, stylish home and seems quite distinct from the city's other nightlife. The well-appointed interior is lush and decadent, an apt setting for sensory stimulation. Potent drinks, especially martinis, are de rigeur and highly inventive, and half-price during happy hour. Cigars are also prominent, smoked by both male and female patrons. Light fare and desserts sustain when hunger pangs set in, and a romantic veranda allows you to escape the smoke or simply enjoy the nighttime beauty with someone special.

DOWNTOWN. Polished woods and subtle colors enliven the dining rooms in this historic building. An open kitchen provides a glimpse of efficient, almost choreographed preparation, led by the chef, an expert in Northwest cuisine. Local, organic and seasonal meats and produce provide a base for intuitive flavor combinations, such as seared halibut with spring vegetable stew and cheddar-green onion spoonbread. A seafood stew features braised greens and red wine, and duck magret comes with rhubarb chutney. The menu changes frequently but always features well-considered, inventive entrees that are both beautiful and tasty. Business lunches are especially popular at Higgins, and the bar scene draws a bevy of patrons, who love the great beer selection. A bistro menu is available all day in the bar.

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.