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MOVIES
bagdad theater & pub
If you don't know about this McMenamins movie house and pizza joint you can't have been in Portland for more than an hour. The old-fashioned Bagdad sign and neon Terminator Stout logo mesmerize newcomers. Step through the door and you're forever hooked. It's not the pizza that does the magic. And it's not the beer--the Brothers M's hoppy libations can be sampled at dozens of pubs citywide. Instead, it's the sheer novelty of the experience that brings 'em in. A mere buck will get you into the charmingly old-fashioned theater, where you can choose a seat in the balcony to get a glimpse of the colorful trim on the domed ceiling. Prop your pint and your slice on one of the theater's long wooden tables and wait for the evening's selection, usually a cult classic or a movie barely off its first run. (MO) 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 232-6676. Open daily.
20 taps. mission theater & pub
One of the Northwest's most famous cinemas, the Mission is best known for offering a nightly lineup of first- and second-run films for $1 to $3. The McMenamins movie house doesn't slack on the beer, chalking up a rotating selection nightly. As with other pubs in the McMenamins posse, it's advisable to try a seasonal special. There's the usual assortment of burgers and sandwiches to accompany a pint or pitcher, not to mention couches, cabaret tables and a movie flickering on the big screen. (RM) 1624 NW Glisan St., 223-4031. Open daily. 19 taps. oscar's
Five bright TVs blast out movies while you sit on raised booths at Portland's version of Planet Hollywood. At first glance, the cinema theme seems like a Bennigan's-style gimmick, but Oscar's is the real deal. The owners got into the food business catering films, TV shows and infomercials shot in Portland, and all the paraphernalia was hard-earned. The bar gets busy, even on weeknights. The huge salads are healthy and filling--try the grilled balsamic vegetable. Even if you're not in the mood to sip a Full Sail or Black Butter Porter while watching Cape Fear, at least pop your head in to see the amazing reel-to-reel water fountain. (BD) 4729 SE Milwaukie Ave.,
235-6117. Open daily. 8 taps. |
