Drink: The Urban Cosmo; a taste sensation for $10.
Scene: Upscale living is king in this part of downtown Phoenix, as the neighborhood surrounding Portland's consists of countless condos, lofts, and other high-priced domiciles (not to mention plenty of steel-and-glass office buildings). As such, the wine-centric eatery is constantly packed with well-heeled urbanites and office workers who suck back their fair share of chic drinks and spirits in a tony setting filled with the work of downtown artists. (We've even spotted a few cougars on the prowl drunkenly hitting on the cute male bartenders). Besides numerous brands of vino available by the glass or bottle, Portland's serves top-shelf liquors like 15-year-old Dalwhinne single-malt scotch, and other chichi concoctions like the aforementioned Urban Cosmo (a mix of Ketel One, Cointreau, and cranberry and lime juice), as well as the chocolate martini and the Italian Lemondrop. It's a tad pricey, but at least you'll feel like some highfalutin power broker after a few sips. -- Benjamin Leatherman
