University Club

Portland, Oregon

Reviewed June 2007

At the University Club, it really does seem like everybody knows your name. "We make sure everyone here knows who's coming when the letter of introduction is sent," promises the ever-gracious Membership & Marketing Director John Goodwin, who greeted us in style. "We want our guests to feel welcome."

As we toured the 1913 Jacobean Revival building (it's listed on the national Register of Historic Places), the introductions continued, from General Manager Bob Parsons, who shared some history about the club, to several members coming and going on a busy Monday.

Lunch in the elegant Main Dining Room was followed by more introductions—this time to legendary bartender Mario Balangue, who has been holding court for more than 40 years. Behind Mario rests an entire wall of personalized cups of game dice—a club tradition. Look just past the bar, and you'll notice a large brass bell that, when rung, means some unlucky cell phone owner is about to buy a round for the whole club: Consider this a warning!

Highlights:

• Dining options: Main Dining Room and Jefferson Bistro and Grille, open Monday through Friday and some Saturdays
• Meeting space for small gatherings up to 350
• Formal library

For more information on Reciprocal Clubs, visit our Reciprocal Club Library on the 9th Floor or call WAC Member Services at 206.464.3068.