Portland, Oregon’s iconic Ringside Steakhouse, an 81-year-old institution cherished by generations, has triumphantly announced its Ringside Steakhouse reopening on August 4, 2025. This return marks the end of a challenging four-month closure initiated by a kitchen fire in April 2025, an event that tested the resilience of one of the city’s most beloved dining establishments. Far from its first trial, Ringside has once again demonstrated its unwavering spirit, having previously navigated another significant fire and the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic. [2]
The venerable steakhouse, which first opened its doors in 1944, has become synonymous with a timeless dining experience. It relocated to its current Nob Hill address – a former Piggly Wiggly – in the early 1950s, establishing itself as a landmark with its distinctive boxing-themed decor, a nod to the nearby stadium where the name `Ringside` originated. [2, 5] The consistent family ownership, spanning three generations since Marguerite and Allan Delephine sold the restaurant to their daughter Bev and her husband Wes Peterson around 1954, underpins its enduring legacy. [5, 16]
The April 2025 Fire and Ringside Steakhouse Reopening Journey
The most recent ordeal began on an April Saturday afternoon when a kitchen fire erupted behind the stainless steel lining of the sauté and south grill stations. Firefighters from Portland Fire & Rescue swiftly contained the blaze within an hour, ensuring the safe evacuation of all staff and patrons. [4, 8, 17] While no injuries were reported, the fire caused extensive charring and smoke damage, necessitating a complete, albeit behind-the-scenes, restoration. [9, 17] Scott Peterson, whose family has long helmed the restaurant, expressed profound relief, stating, “It’s fantastic, it’s big to our community, it’s big to our family and our staff.” [4]
Remarkably, the establishment retained all 80 of its dedicated staff members on payroll throughout the entire four-month closure, a testament to the deep-seated values of the Ringside family. [2, 4, 15] This commitment to its employees reflects the loyalty that has seen Sous Chef Albert Spor dedicate 48 years of his life to Ringside, having even experienced a previous chimney fire in the late 1970s while still a busboy. [2]
Preserving the Timeless Ringside Experience
For generations of Oregonians, Ringside Steakhouse is more than just a restaurant; it’s a repository of memories and traditions. Director of Operations Geoff Rich, who began his Ringside journey 12 years ago as a lunch bartender, emphasized the deliberate choice to preserve the dining room’s historical essence. “People won’t notice any changes to the dining room, and that was definitely the intention,” Rich noted, acknowledging the strong “history and legacy and tradition of people’s experiences” within its walls. [2]
The careful approach to the Ringside Steakhouse reopening ensures that guests will continue to find the ambiance “as warm, familiar, and timeless as ever.” 9] The extensive renovations, which took less than three months to complete once work commenced, focused on updating the unseen infrastructure while meticulously maintaining the classic aesthetic that defines the establishment. [4, 9] This dedication to tradition, even amidst necessary modernization, is a hallmark of Ringside’s enduring appeal in Portland’s dynamic culinary scene. For more insights into this remarkable comeback, readers can explore [Portland’s Legendary Ringside Steakhouse Rises Anew: An 81-Year-Old Institution Reclaims Its Place After Fire.
A Menu of Legendary Status and Acclaim
At the heart of Ringside’s allure is its renowned culinary offering. The menu proudly features a selection of USDA Choice, Prime, and Prime Dry-Aged steaks, meticulously aged for a minimum of four weeks in their on-site facility before being hand-cut and cooked to perfection. [3, 20] Beyond the exceptional steaks, patrons can indulge in Pacific Northwest lamb, pork, chicken, and seafood. [3]
However, few items command as much reverence as Ringside’s legendary onion rings, which the esteemed food writer James Beard famously declared “the finest French Fried Onion Rings I have ever eaten in America.” [3, 6, 11] These iconic rings, introduced to the menu in the early 1960s, continue to be a must-order. [10] Other favorites include the 10 oz Prime Rib with Yorkshire pudding, Lobster Mashed Potatoes, and a selection of craft cocktails, with the Ringside Old-Fashioned being a particular standout. [2, 3, 11, 14]
The restaurant also boasts an award-winning wine list featuring over 900 labels, which has earned the “Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator magazine since 2001. [3, 6, 21] This commitment to excellence in every detail contributes to Ringside’s consistent recognition, including being continually voted as a favorite restaurant by Portland Business Journal readers and earning national accolades like Tom Horan’s America’s Top Ten Hall of Fame. [3, 6, 9, 21]
Serving between 200 and 350 diners in approximately five hours on a typical evening, Ringside Steakhouse continues to be a vibrant hub of activity. [12] The triumphant Ringside Steakhouse reopening is a testament to its enduring legacy, its dedicated team, and the unwavering affection of its patrons, ensuring its place as a Portland staple for years to come.
