Laurelhurst Theater

Reviews 12

XE

Xess Dx

Theres really little to fault about the Laurelhurst. From the huge marquis neon sign to the chalkboard movie signs in front of the theatres, the place just screams "cool". I remember riding my bike here as it was one of the few places a teenager could afford going to, now its revamped for grown-ups, and that makes me happy too. As a beer theatre, its excellent, mainly because its independent, so youre not beholden to McMenabeer, and thankfully, the prices for a pint or a pitcher are much better. Also, they have better food options, and much better beverage options for those who dont drink beer, both wine and non-alcoholic. Its more comfortable seating than the Baghdad or Mission, etc... sound is about the same crappy quality as any beer theatre. What is really cool here though is how they select the screenings. There will be the obligatory second-run flicks you can find anywhere, but theres also often an 80s or 90s throwback, or a theme movie or classic appropriate to the season. Should a slice not be your dining preference, tons of eatieries are within a block or three walking distance, and good bars for "afters". Limited parking, and lines ot get in, so you want to ensure a good time buffer before your screening to find parking, get your ticket, buy your refreshments and grab a seat. All in all one of the best entertainment values in the Rose City.

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MI

Mike Perkins

Great theater-pub on 28th and E Burnside, showing second run movies for $4 (used to be $3, but still you cant complain.) Nice beer selection on tap that you can fill up in a personal sized pitcher, cheap concessions, and pizza slices from New Deal Cafe. Theaters are small but cozy, with some seats providing tables for you to sit your food/beverages on. My favorite thing that Laurelhurst does is every month they show an older movie once a week (ex: March is sci-fi month, or April is all action movies.) Theres something about seeing your favorite cult classics or childhood favorites on a theater screen that just makes it 10 times better, even if you own the movie and have seen it 100 times. If youre as tired as I am of having to pay $10-15 bucks at a Regal or Cinemark, and you can stand to wait a few months for a movie to come to Laurelhurst, this is the place to see it. Movies. Beer. Pizza. Nuff said.

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A

A Private User

Portland has plenty of cheap beer theaters, but the laurelhurst theater is definitely one of my favorites. First, they have multiple screens, so theres almost always something you want to see, and almost always something about to start. Second, unlike the chain of other brew-pub theaters in town, both the food and beer here are really good, and the prices are much better too. I really like how the films are curated here as well. Its always a good mix of recent second run films, true classics, and something foreign thrown in for good measure. The picture and sound is sufficient. The interior is a little plain, and the theaters are on the small side, but once the films begin, its easy to overlook. This place is definitely worth checking out for dinner and a movie. And a few pitchers.

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A

A Private User

Not sure how to rate the Laurelhurst now. I loved it for second run movies and classic films when they were screening 35mm prints. They always took care with presentation; careful, conscious framing and good attention to focus. I avoided weekend nights when the crowds could get a bit beernoxious. Now that theyve converted to digital projection I tried one movie (since I didnt find out about the conversion until after Id paid my admission) and was disappointed by quality of presentation which had incredibly distracting double images. They claim theyve held on to a 35mm projector for some of the classic/repertoire films. Ive asked if they will be indicating on their online schedule or in their emailed schedule when they show a 35mm film but havent gotten an answer. Time will tell.

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KY

Kyan Hartley

Take that, Regal Cinemas! Our citys beloved Laurelhurst has such a loyal following. How can you not love their ridiculous $4 movie tickets, pizza and noshes and delicious beer that somehow makes every movie twice as nice? Their raggedy seats only add to the charm. In front of every seat is a mini shelf for placing your previously mentioned delicious beer. No more worrying that youll kick your cup over in the dark abyss of a movie theater! Heads up: show up a bit early on weekends; the line can get a little deep.

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LY

Lyric Andy

Laurelhurst Theater is an excellent place to watch films. The ticket price is more than reasonable (especially for their Special Event showings of older films like DR. STRANGELOVE and THE LADY VANISHES). They have beer and wine for 21+ patrons to enjoy and serve pizza and subs that you can enjoy during the film. The audiences are typically pretty chill. It is overall one of the best theaters in town because it offers a more small neighborhood laid-back sort of cinema experience.

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MA

Mathew Quinn

Just recently I have discovered Laurelhurst Theater. It is a low-cost cinema house that serves food and beer that is allowed to be brought into the theater. The atmosphere is very relaxed and it is a good place to catch some of the new releases that dont make it to the major cinema chains (Regal, Cinemark). I highly recommend this movie theater for the adventurer who wants to try something a little different. Bring a friend or go alone; you will enjoy yourself more than likely.

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PE

Peter George

Weve been going here for years. I love this place and almost hate to rate it highly for fear it will become too popular. But the truth is Id rather go here than any other theater, regardless of price, because the vibe is so good--traditional, laid back, happy. I even like the quirky little ads they show onscreen (without sound, thankfully) before the show. It has spoiled me for anyplace else. Great choices for dinner nearby if you want that too. Long live The Laurelhurst.

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BR

Bryna Sampey

This place is a stand-by for date nights for us. The most money spent is on a sitter- and thats perfect- because to call my husband "frugal" would be an understatement. We go here and see a movie, get some beer or soda and some pizza, and everybody is happy. Nothing about the food or the place is super fantastic- sort of chintzy, actually- but its all good. We love it, and thats what makes it beautiful.

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A

A Private User

This place is quintessential Portland: unpretentiously hip, great pints of micro-brews, killer popcorn and pizza, and cool flicks all at rock-bottom prices. Nothing cheap about this place except the prices. It would be a great place just for its pizza and brews, but the movies are first-rate if not first-run. The Laurelhurst was a WOW! on my first visit and has never disappointed me in my many visits since.

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AN

Anne Bumbalough

Great establishment! Awesome to be able to watch newer movies for only $4 ($3 matinee, before 5PM) in a more intimate theater setting. The only reason I give the facility a 2, is that its an older building. However, nothing felt unclean - just an older look to it, which I appreciate. Reasonable food and drink prices (serve both beer and wine as well).

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A

A Private User

I dont usually write reviews, but I gotta give props--yes, I said "props"--to Laurelhurst. Theres just so much to like. From the $3 ticket to the pizza and beer. From the older, well-loved building itself to the lack of obnoxious advertising before the flick. And the selection of movies is usually pretty decent, too. Highly recommended.

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