WHY does corporate America seem to destroy everything? The Underground was hands-down the most magical place I'd ever been to see a show or to enjoy a mind-bendingly great meal. Well, that's just not the case anymore. The Underground is in The Monarch hotel, which was independently-owned until some corporation bought it, and the new ownership systematically destroyed everything that made The Underground unbeatable. I intentionally held off on writing any updates to my review because I wanted to give (new) staff a chance to work the kinks out under the new ownership. Well, nothing improved, and everything got worse: * The AWESOME lobster bisque? GONE * The mushroom medley served with the steaks? GONE * Freshly-prepared appetizers? GONE **NOTE: Some of my favorites were still on the menu, but they're clearly made ahead-of-time with far inferior ingredients and reheated before service *The amazing Jacobsen finishing salt lovingly and PERFECTLY sprinkled on every steak before service? GONE *The AMAZING staff that LITERALLY were literally more like family than wait staff? GONE (well, probably 95% of them anyway, a literal couple originals were still on-staff during my last visit, but they clearly weren't happy, and appeared to be under a LOT of stress). *Steaks that defy their relatively low price point? GONE **The steaks are still on the menu, but the prices have skyrocketed (seriously, some by as much as $25 per on my last visit), and the quality is and preparations are far WORSE than previous. The previous steakhouse menu has been added to with other non-steak dishes, but they're even worse than the steaks now are. Their web site shows that they're "closed for renovations" for two months, but I doubt I'll be back. I doubt it will be even remotely close to what it was before when they're done with it (who knows, they may just put a chain restaurant franchise down there). DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY!!!!! read more

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Food is delicious, they set the mood for a romantic evening, and they do well at table touching! We've been pleasantly surprised with the consistency from each visit we've had. read more

We had a reservation for 6 pm, we got there around 6:04 pm, and we were seated with our table near a large table of 8. We sat until 6:20 pm when the host brought us water and said she was sorry for the wait and that our waitress had a large table and would be there to help us shortly. Well 7 minutes later she finally came to the table to take our drink orders. I think it is extremely unprofessional to have people pass by us 20+ times and not one person stop and ask if we need anything or at least bring us water as we were sitting there for 15 minutes. The one thing that made us from not standing up and leaving was the other tables waiter, John. He is the only staff in the entire place that cares about customers! At least that we saw. Aside from the bone marrow bread and the shrimp cocktail, our steaks were dry and did not have a lot of flavor. My boyfriend ordered another drink that took 25 minutes to get and it came as we were almost finished with our meal. Dessert? I wouldn't know if you have it or not because we didn't get the option. We were brought our bill and that was it. 2 drinks were on the house for our wait but unfortunately we had multiple moments we were sitting waiting. I was really disappointed because The Undderground was recommended by a few of our friends. I hope that more servers are hired and another bartender. I would have given one star but John and the music made the experience a little better! read more

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This place has the best steaks. It was melt in your mouth delicious. We also got the pork belly add on which is a must. For a side we ordered the fondant potatoes but they were just okay. This is a really great place to take a date. Very great atmosphere. Good food. Live music. The service wasn't bad but for the price, it could have been better. read more

The Underground - Dry 90 Day Aged Prime Ribeye - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Clackamas, Oregon

EDIT: after leaving the review below, I was informed The Underground was recently bought out and the management team was gutted and replaced. The prior team was INCREDIBLE. I will no longer be supporting this business. Man oh man, I am so disappointed to be revisiting my review of what was once my all-time favorite restaurant! The last handful of times that I've visited the underground have been underwhelming, to say the least. This has always been my go-to for date nights, special events, and friends/family visiting town. Unfortunately, my last visit may be my last. After a few exciting life accomplishments, my date and I were ecstatic to celebrate over dinner at our favorite spot. Our favorite item on the menu, the bavette, has been removed and the next-best-thing is six ounces smaller, lower in quality, and about 50% more expensive. My date and I were so disappointed to see the bavette still available on the online menu, but unavailable on the restaurant's physical menu. When we (very politely) asked about it, our waitress gave us a dirty look that caught me absolutely off guard given how great the service usually is. We did not complain or show disappointment, we merely asked if it were available and when we were told it was not, we quickly picked another menu item. My date ordered the NY Strip and I got the Teres Major. The demeanor of the staff in this moment really rubbed me the wrong way. When our food was brought out, we were both a bit disappointed in the size and quality of our steaks, mine was also quite overdone. Food aside, recently, the volume of the music has been obnoxious. The talent is lovely, but the volume is so booming that you have to practically scream at the person sitting next to you. Not only is it live in the venue, but there are speakers amplifying the sound as well. Lastly, whenever I've booked a reservation for a special event, the staff have been friendly, inquired, and brought out dessert. The past few times I've booked here were all casual, but my most recent visit was for a special event. My date had graduated and it was also our anniversary. There was no friendly conversation about our special day and no dessert offered. I wouldn't mind this if it were not the standard here, but over the years all birthdays and anniversaries have been notably celebrated and this time it fell flat compared to all prior special days. Had this just been a normal date, the disappointment may not have hit so hard, but my date and I felt very let down after what was supposed to be a celebratory dinner. The service, food, and noisiness really dampened our excitement. I'm bummed out to say that for the price and experience, I don't see myself choosing The Underground as my go-to after this. read more

Amazing food and ambiance! We had a reservation at 8:30 and were a little late - apparently the kitchen closes at 9 PM!? We ordered as soon as we were seated. The oysters were wonderful, good amount and flavorful. All our steaks were delicious and cooked perfectly. All our drinks were tasty and the service was fantastic! Just wished the band played longer and food was served past 9, but besides that it was exceptional I'll definitely be back! read more

The Underground - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Clackamas, Oregon

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If you're looking for an excellent steak this is the place to be. Most evening, especially Friday and Saturday, are on the busy side so you'll want to make reservations to be sure to get in. On the busiest nights they allot 2 hours for each table to enjoy dinner. We set out to have a really good steak dinner with friends. We weren't disappointed. We had a variety of cuts between all of us and every one of them was well prepared, served hot and was delicious. We also had a variety of sides including asparagus and roasted potatoes. All the sides were great as well. It's a very cute speak easy themed restaurant. The staff dresses in era appropriate clothing. Everyone was very friendly and attentive. When we arrived there was a piano player entertaining the guest but within 20 minutes we had a live band playing throughout our stay. Yes, it's all on the expensive end but it's an average price for most, good, steak houses in the Portland area. The food and experience is definitely worth a try at least once. read more

The Underground - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Clackamas, Oregon

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This is one of my favorite steakhouse/speakeasy in the Portland/HV area! It's located downstairs in the monarch hotel. It's a good place for a date night or a special occasion. The place itself is beautifully decorated with low warm lighting. And there's even live jazz music/ musicians playing. My favorite thing about The Underground is how good their sides are and the different options to choose from. If you like truffle get their truffle Mac & cheese or the truffle mashed potatoes. They add the perfect amount of truffle where you can actually taste it but it also doesn't overwhelm the dishes. The portions of these sides are also big enough to share family style. Steaks here are sold a la carte. Every time I come back I like to try a different one and so far my favorite is the peppercorn steak! The caprese salad was light and fresh--it was a nice break to eat this from all the heavy foods. I've been here a couple times and our server were always so nice and helpful. Service and hospitality are on point. read more

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What a gem of a place! We LOVED our waitress. She was so kind and fun to interact with during our time there. They do offer mocktail versions of the drinks, but you have to ask as it is not on the menu. We had steaks. My filet was perfectly cooked and tasted wonderful. However, my date's steak was lacking flavor. We also had the mashed potatoes, which I thought had too many different flavors going on at once. They were VERY rich! Oh! They have AMAZING horseradish that will clear out those sinuses! The ONLY downside, is this place is in the basement of the Monarch Hotel and there was a reception occurring immediately next door to The Underground so the musicians playing jazz in the restaurant was almost competing with the music from the reception next door. I was overwhelmed with the over-stimulation of sound. read more

This place is such an experience! Everything from the jazz music to the speakeasy vibe, the traditional absinthe serving and the outfits made me so happy. Our waitress was excellent and gave us attentive and entertaining service. We ordered the bread, prime rib and the brussel sprouts. Do not sleep on this bread! Excellent starter to the meal and great pesto that comes with it! Brussel sprouts were also tasty and crispy, prime rib was maybe the underperformed of the night but still a star. A perfect spot for a date night or just a fun night with some friends and love that it's outside of the city so you're dealing with a different crowd! read more

The Underground - Crispy Brussels - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Clackamas, Oregon

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One of the best dining experiences in the Portland metro area. This restaurant is located in the basement of a hotel. The vibes and decor looked like something straight out of proclamation and was very elegant. The waitresses even dress in feathers and dresses to fit the atmosphere. Now the food...absolutely amazing. I love a good steak and these did not disappoint. I got the tomahawk and my friend got the waygu. Both were delicious and reasonably priced. $55 for a 24oz tomahawk...can't get that too many places. The sides were delicious as well. We got the truffle mac and duck fat potatoes. The duck fat potatoes were average...not something I'd get again. The star of the night was the bread service with duck fattiere. That was AMAZING!! 10/10 and highly recommend. We devoured the food before we could snap a photo. Also neglected to take a photo of the chocolate cake dessert. Was nice and warm and yummy. I will for sure be back to this place. I loved the live jazz band playing, the service was phenomenal, and food was good quality and reasonable. For a glass of wine, 2 entrees, appetizer, and dessert W/ tip wasn't even $200. Amazing prices! read more

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Thank you Underground for the great service and hospitality. We're coming back for more. And, Willow (reservationist) was exceptional. She took great care of me under the difficult circumstances (large party, last minute request, etc.) She was a gem to come through for us. Our event for our friend, Zenny's birthday was a success!! Thank you to your fabulous, professional staff, too. I, especially, was truly, impressed!! Thank you, And your music was on top of this planet!! Brenda read more

The Underground - Zenny's Birthday February 17, 2024 at Underground. Clackamas OR - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Clackamas, Oregon

This place is one of those hidden gems for some great steaks. Its like a speakeasy vibe with live music. This time, we ordered our food family style so we can try a bit of everything. Their All The Things (bread board) is a great appetizer to get to share with the group. We ordered the Tomahawk, Porterhouse, Dry Aged ribeye, Snake River Farms Bavette, and Imperial Teres for our main entrees. We also ordered a handful of sides, with the Mac and cheese being my favorite. The service was good and attentive. read more

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Absolutely one of the best places I've been. So much fun and great drinks too. Took our friends and they really enjoyed it!

The aesthetics alone will soothe the savage beast. After a long day of flying this was a calming place to land. Lauren was AMAZING and that cake with the berries was simply decadent. What a perfect little gem! Will look forward to retuning just to unwind here. read more

The Underground - Cool lighting set the atmosphere - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Clackamas, Oregon

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Came here for a 7 person dinner and were very impressed with the decor and space. They had some live music that we really enjoyed. For dinner we had a seafood platter - the oysters, shrimp and crab legs were great - unfortunately we didn't enjoy the mussels and clams as much. For appetizers we had the bread service with burrata and the beet and ricotta salad. We also ordered the truffle mash and frites. For dinner we had salmon, the burger, and steak. Everyone enjoyed their meal. Great place for a big group. read more

The Underground - Seafood platter - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Clackamas, Oregon

The Underground is a place you're not going to want to miss. Located in the downstairs of the Monarch hotel. This is really considered a speakeasy, rather than a bar or restaurant. This is not to be confused with de fuego, which is located upstairs. Walking into this speakeasy, you'll find beautiful decor and well dressed staff that fits the scene. The warm environment and live jazz instantly makes you feel comfortable. With pre prohibition era cocktails, a bourbon bar, and a table side absinthe service, which is not to be missed. The cocktails here don't disappoint. The steaks here wonderfully dry aged and prepared to perfection. Whether you're having a Bavette or a Rib Eye, you'll enjoy every bite. However, as good as the steaks are, the appetizers and sides really shine. The Prawn Cocktail, Truffle Mac and Cheese, and Herb Roasted Petit Carrots should not be missed. I've been here twice now and I'm ready to go back. The live music is at the perfect volume, the latest band playing such classics has Moon River. The service here is outstanding. Dressed to fit the scene, polite, pleasant, and attentive. The food is prepared to perfections, and plenty of dessert options. If you're looking for a nice evening out with friends or a date with a loved one, you'll want to give The Underground a try. read more

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The Underground was such a pleasant surprise! I didn't know it existed but I had a friend visiting me from another nearby Portland suburb while I was staying here and wanted to treat him to a drink. I saw the sign that said this speakeasy is rated in the too 50 of all speakeasies in the nation so we had to give it a try. This speakeasy is decorated in a very old school LA way. Super trendy and even classy. The live music was great and definitely provided a "vibe." Our server was super patient with and kind to my buddy and me. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised that they let us in because we were definitely not dressed for the occasion. We ordered the Prawn Cocktail and it was legitimately the best shrimp cocktail I've ever had. Super generous portion as well and was only $18, which is definitely a deal. We also ordered bread from a local bakery and it was some of the best bread I've ever had with great sides to compliment all those carbs. Next time I'm in the area, I'm going to definitely order a full meal here and treat myself to a steak! Oh and I almost forgot l, I don't think I've ever been to a $$$$ establishment before lol. read more

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Super fun ambience and the food is delicious. Love the live jazz and the dressed up servers. Great for a date night.

The ambiance takes you back to the roaring 20's. The food and drinks are fantastic! I highly recommend the absinthe ritual. And the service and friendliness of the staff is wonderful. A great experience if it is your first time or 100th. Don't forget to tip the band! read more

We came here for my birthday and the place is just perfect. Classy with live jazz music! It's great for all types of events; date nights, birthdays, anniversaries, groups gatherings.... No kids in my opinion cause they would be too young to appreciate the place ( I think ... ) The food and drinks are delicious... the servers took the right amount of time in between the course so I didn't feel like I were rushing to finish them nor have to wait for too long. Would definitely come back! read more

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Made a reservation for a birthday dinner but our previous plans changed so we wanted to change our check in time. It was an ease to adjust and we were promptly seated near the jazz performance. Great ambience and decor at The Underground - the staff were nicely dressed to suit the theme as well. Per the recommendation from our server, we tried the Green Fairy which was a fun experience! Interesting combination of basil and absinthe in a drink. The fondant potatoes had a lingering duck fat flavor, bread device was great, and steaks were perfectly cooked. read more

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Does LIVE music make food taste better? My next-table-neighbor says "Yes! It lifts The Spirit!" To that I say absolutely! Here I was, my first time in Oregon and I was invited in by the sound of the piano. To my delight, a cozy, chic speakeasy appeared! As a true foodie often does, once I saw raw oysters on the menu I had to try them. My Jules Sauv Blanc was a crisp and creamy accompaniment; I couldn't resist the lobster bisque which did not disappoint and ultimately the 10 oz Teres Major steak with a truffle mac and cheese. Do I have to ask if you're drooling yet? Somehow I started this review and it sat incomplete and unpublished, so I'm sad I don't have more photos, but I will revisit tonight and enjoy another appetizer and the live tunes. If I eat more I will divulge all the deets, just know, if you want to come- make a reservation and prepare for a lovely evening. read more

What a great hidden gem. The service is top notch which is hard to come by these days! They have a different menu than upstairs which is a treat with some of the same items. Definitely order a drink! The drinks are deliciously strong. Highly recommend! read more

We sought out the Underground Speakeasy once we settled in to our hotel, for it's downstairs of the Monarch Hotel. We shared the Herb&Chimi, very good, and the Absinthe Experience. Quite the novel experience. read more

Top 3 steak spots in town. Finally got the chance to make a reservation here. I've been to de fuego many times but never could get a reservation on short notice here. Keep in mind that the menu at de fuego upstairs is completely different to the speakeasy Underground. We had the Del Monica bone in NY strip as well as the Peppercorn steak. Both were 5/5. Highly recommend the cocktails to pair with your dinner as well. Overall service was A1. We came right before Christmas and they had a live musician performing christmas tunes however we were told that there's usually a live musician almost every night. Will be coming back more often to try out the rest of the men read more

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Went to the underground for my birthday and it was such a fun time! The atmosphere is fantastic. The staff is dressed to theme, the decor is beautiful, and the live music was so fun. We ordered a bunch of food and it was all great! We started with oysters, then salad and bone marrow bread service, the tomahawk steak and Cajun salmon. We ordered a different drink each time and they were all great. My only complaints are that the crab leg we got was dry and that I'd skip the beet salad. The ratio of toppings to salad was wayyyyy off so in the end we were left with a bunch of plain salad. read more

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Food was perfect! Service was excellent! This restaurant has soft lighting and peaceful music, it has a pleasant, soothing ambience. Celebrated our Anniversary here and will come back again. We also had the wagyu and Tiramisu but did not take pictures of it. I recommend the Tiramisu for dessert read more

The Underground - Seafood Platter - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Clackamas, Oregon

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We went to there for our anniversary. It was Fantastic restaurant. Live Jazz, wonderful foods &drink and nice customer service. They dressed up 1920's. We will come back next weekend with Gatsby dress up. read more

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First time in this evening and was pleasantly surprised. Very classy and well decorated speakeasy style but not the dark dungeon eerie kind...... more like a kickin 30s style with even the servers dressed as such. Nice band on a Friday night. read more

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The underground was my favorite restaurant in Clackamas. It was my husband and I's favorite go to, to catch some jazz on a Friday night, to celebrate something special, or just to enjoy a great meal. The food was exceptional, the ambience was magical, and the staff was always first rate. Sadly, I don't know what's happened to it since it's been taken over by Hilton. Every time I go, a tiny piece of what made it special is an eroding away, I hope somehow it can get back to what it was. There was really no place like it in the Portland Metro area. read more

I've been a loyal customer here since the beginning and have spent multiple thousands of dollars and brought in many new customers. It used to be the BEST restaurant I've ever been to. But in March of this year, the hotel was bought by A1 Hospitality Group, and everything has gone down since then. They bought the place under the pretense that they were going to focus mainly on renovating the rooms (and eventually turn it into a Hilton), promising to not make any changes to the upstairs and downstairs restaurants. But they fired the creators, chefs, and managers, and destroyed the menu. And they keep closing the restaurant, forcing remaining employees to find another job because they can't pay their bills. Also, I heard there is no HR department, so employees have nowhere to turn. Is that even legal? On A1's website, it states: "The core of our success is our Family of Employees. Each hotel team is comprised of a family, which strives to welcome each guest to their 'home away from home'..." However, they destroyed the amazing sense of family that existed in the Underground, starting with the founders, whose creative contributions were the sole reason that A1 found the hotel attractive in the first place. I've heard from a few of the servers that the General Manager - I believe his name is Willy - has never even sat down exclusively with the Underground team to explain his plans to them, face-to-face. I wonder if Hilton knows that A1 is running both restaurants into the ground. I doubt that Hilton will want to put their name on this sinking ship. read more

Food and Services are amazing until you go to leave and realize your car was vandalized in their pairing lot and the signs that say cameras and security watching was a hoax. My gas tank was drilled and funneled for gas and when notified Mgt they said ownership doesn't care and refuses to acknowledge a problem or concern. I absolutely felt robbed twice Even after giving my number to Mgt, allowing them ample time to respond they ignored my loss and my n convenience after spending money on dinner and hotel rooms I'll never go back to support such disregard for patrons read more

The perfect date spot. The food, service, and live music are all top notch. Highly recommend.

We drove out Clackamas to eat at the Underground while visiting Portland. I'm so glad we did! this restaurant/lounge has grown and sexy vibes. The food was also DELICIOUS! My expectations were exceeded. The jazz quartet playing this night was also excellent. I noticed the bassist is the same musician who plays with local band Pink Martini. It was a fabulous evening out. There was a good mix of young and older age groups as well as people dressed to impress and casually dressed patrons. It was a very welcoming place- come as you are! don't be fooled by the hotel exterior, a nice surprise awaits inside. read more

My new favorite steak spot! I've been to every steakhouse in Portland and this was the best steak I have had in quite sometime. The oysters were so fresh and delicious, and the service was incredible. Beyond impressed with the beautiful atmosphere as well! read more

The Underground - Oysters - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Clackamas, Oregon

The drinks are great. The atmosphere inside is pretty good. The location of the Monarch hotel is mediocre. The food is decent, but not at all worth the prices being charged. Come here for drinks and maybe appetizers. If you want to pay 60-80+ for a steak, go to Ringside or El Gaucho, where the food quality and service are actually worth that price point. read more

The Underground is an immaculate experience! We celebrate my birthday here and couldn't have asked for a better experience to celebrate this occasion. We made a reservation through Resy and we're delightfully seated right in from of the live Jazz band, which Ron and his crew did an amazing job in the entertaining the whole restaurant the whole night, extremely talented! The service was wonderful and the food is extremely well crafted. Everything is cooked and prepared with love and care. I'd highly recommend the Underground for an classy 1920's Gastby-esque experience! read more

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Very cute downstairs "underground" with the best service we have had in a very long time from anywhere! The portions here are very impressive especially for the price, well worth what you pay. We tried a handful of cocktails including the vesper, Vieux carre, and a boulevardier. The Vieux Carre was our favorite of the evening. Cocktails- 5 stars Oysters- 4 stars Truffle Mac- 5 stars (lots and lots of truffles) Mashed potatoes- 5 stars Steaks- 5 stars Service- 10 stars!!! Also amazing to see they have an outdoor cigar program as well. We didn't get one as we were food and drink focused but will go back for that! read more

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The food was great as well as the service. Would recommend it highly. The live music added to the ambiance.