Kennedy School
Categories: Cinema, Hotels, Lounges, Restaurants [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Concordia, Northeast Portland5736 NE 33rd Ave
Portland, OR 97211 (503) 249-3983
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Dinner
- Music: Live
- Best Nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour: Yes
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: Yes
- Coat Check: No
121 Reviews for Kennedy School
The Kennedy School concept is wonderful. It's especially a great place to bring out-of-town guests for a uniquely Portland restaurant and bar. I continue to return here for the great beer and good outdoor seating. However, please note that the service here is spotty at best. Because they have such a unique venue, it seems they don't feel it necessary to provide good or timely service. I have often had to flag servers down, walk up to the bar myself, and wait over 20-30 minutes to get a drink! This definitely overshadows the overall experience.
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Ummm... Pretty much the BEST place ever. Seriously. I LOVE The Kennedy School with all my heart.
How come there aren't more movie theaters where you can sit on couches, drink alcohol and eat pizza? Isn't that what everyone really wants to do during a movie?
The Detention Bar is probably the best thing ever... drinking, smoking and being bad at school.... IS SO MUCH FUN! And a gorgeously dark, den-like fabulously decorated room to do it in...? Awesome.
I love how you can wander from room to room, exploring each very different scene. I love how you can stay here, soak in the pool, have dinner, drink local wine and beer, go to the movies, go exploring... all under one roof. Genius.
Such a truly unique, fabulous place, from concept to execution.
This might be one of my favorite places on the planet.
xx
Dragged here by friends last night, I kept thinking, "No way this place is real" during the drive. I figured I was being chauffeured to some hole-in-the-wall dive bar with an overriding school motif, and I prepared myself for the kitschy worst. OH LORD WAS I WRONG. And now I feel like a fool, thanks.
Obviously, by the 100+ positive reviews here on Yelp, all of Portland knows about Kennedy School. But my Boston friends don't, and considering they don't hate me for moving across the country (SRY GUYS!), here's the lowdown:
Kennedy School is an ACTUAL SCHOOL OMG WHAT that has been converted into hotel rooms, a restaurant, bars, and a movie theater. YOU CAN DRINK BEER IN DETENTION. REALLY. The old gym has been converted into a movie theater, with large comfy couches in rows. Three bucks gets you in, a couple more dollars with fetch you a slice of pizza and a pint. UM, HECK YES.
I'll definitely be back to dine/drink, but I won't be spending the night in one of the hotel rooms because I'm afraid of ghosts. And high school ghosts are the meanest. I watched Are You Afraid of the Dark. I know what's up.
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CAUTION: Going to Kennedy School will ruin you for all the lame-assed restaurants/bars/hotels in this city; the ones that think you don't have to do much to get people's money other than open the front door and have a table with a few chairs and ketchup (which you have to ask for, of course).
Kennedy School has a variety of settings to suit your mood and still rates the best place to take out of town guests.
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I was in from out of town when my friend suggested this- so glad he did. Don't miss it.
I don't think you can grasp the magnitude/concept until you actually go in and look around for a half hour.
(I'm sure it's been said 100 times already, but...) This place is a relatively big old school that was turned into: 4 bars, a restaurant, a movie theatre, a bed/breakfast, a 'soaking pool,' banquet hall, gift shop :), and even a quasi-museum. Frankly, I've never seen anything like it.
As for the service, everyone on here is raving about it. My two cents- since I've never been there before, they gave me small samples of all 4 beers they make. (The beer wasn't that good, but that's okay.) Every one of the bars is pretty different and has it's own theme so make sure to choose properly.
Check it out-
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When I told a friend I was going to Portland he kept telling me I had to go to Kennedy School. I had no idea what he was talking about. Once in Portland, one of the friends we were visiting took us there. What an amazing place! You gotta understand, I live in California's central valley near Modesto. We have nothing like this place; not even close! The douchebags of the valley would never let a place like this flourish. So I have to visit the KS every time I visit Portland. I just love walking around the place checking out the cool art on the walls and kicking back on a couch in the movie theater with a slice of pizza and a glass of beer. And don't forget to check out the detention bar!
We went to the Kennedy school on a Friday night and the wait at the Courtyard restaurant was an hour. Ha! No way were we waiting that long, 'cause we were starving.
We opted to eat at the booth where we also bought our tickets to the movie theatre. We're not talking popcorn, icees and hot dogs here. They offer homemade apple cider, house specialty pizza and calzones, hamburgers, sandwiches, appetizers... Hummus, for crying out loud! All of which may be eaten while sitting on the couches in the movie theatre.
Loved the food (although it was a bit pricey), loved the couches, loved everything about the experience.
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Bookmark Kennedy School as "TO TRY" Because, If you're coming to Portland this place is memorable, interesting, and of high quality. 100% recommended by me and my stomach.
There really isn't anything I can uniquely say that hasn't been stated here before...
... except for maybe, they're awesome with big groups, I met 14 or so new friends here for a lunch (I only knew one person before being seated) and the food/experience/drinks/everything went so smoothly. For instance, we waited almost NO TIME for our food to arrive, it was delicious and hot, and my glass was NEVER empty.
The service is soooo great here, most of us double tipped. Especially since the group I sat with was a youth group from Vancouver, and I jokingly told them that tipping gets you into heaven. They all shelled out a little cash after I talked them into it. Oh yeah, I'm good. Yes, waiter, you can thank ME for that huge wad of cash you got.
Or I guess you should thank God... either way, the food was heavenly. Eat here and tip well.
I dig the Kennedy School.
Its an ultra cozy spot to see a movie. Always get a couch, but that can sometimes be a pain if you're not the tallest- I tend to sink into it. No worries though, it's never stopped me from enjoying a pint & a flick.
Some of the murals & pictures are ridiculously creepy & the women's bathroom always makes me think of that scene in Harry Potter with Moaning Myrtle... heebie jeebies yo.
Lost a star because the pizza's not that great... sorry McMen's but step it up already.
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I have always enjoyed the great beers of McMenamins; the Hammer Head is a frequent choice and their bottled Sun Flower is a top notch IPA, and a few bottles frequently find their way home with me. Yet as I think about their beer, I realize that I have never raved about them. Their beer reminds me of the girl you tell Mom about, but not the one you brag to the guys about. It a safe bet, never disappoints, but never leaves you wanting more...never is the catalyst for a crazy night filled with drinking adventures, never is cursed the next morning as the cause of finding yourself cold and naked on the bathroom floor (yes there are other beers that can do that...thank you very much Mr. HOD Blue Dot Imperial IPA).
But when you combine their above average beer with an even better atmosphere, it is then that you begin to understand the appeal of McMenamnis...and especially the Kennedy School. Strolling down the school hallways on the way to detention with a cold pint in your hand, getting to detention, taking a seat and then firing up a cigar...can you really ask for anything more? It just feels wrong for all the right reasons...
The Kennedy School falls right behind Edgefield as my favorite McMenamins...standard McMenamins food, great beer and one of the most unique beer drinking environments you will find.
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All the recent Talk discussions about which McMenamins to visit made me determined to revisit the one I always recommend to visitors, but haven't been to myself in far too long.
This is a qualified five star review. Many people quibble about the food at McMenamins and I would agree. We ate lunch in the Courtyard Restaurant and all of our meals were OK, but not outstanding. Hubby had the beef stew over mashed potatoes (containing not much meat) and I had the North African Chicken Curry (too mild for my taste). The kids had the burger and grilled cheese with fries (the fries are always yummy!). But the beer, and in my case home-brewed root beer, were outstanding.
Besides, the reason to come to a McMenamins is the Atmosphere (with a capital A). Portland is just amazing in the spring and they've done a terrific job with the grounds here. The gardens and courtyards are beautiful and when it is warm, I think having a meal in the outdoor courtyard by the fire pit would be amazing.
The building itself is a beauty, but the art inside is a wonder. It feels like you are in an art gallery and my personal favorites are the mosaic tile pieces which are scattered throughout the property.
On my first trip to Portland, family in the area took us to Powell's and Kennedy School. I think visiting those two places practically sealed our fate and made us decide that Portland would be our new home.
So since this review is for the Kennedy School as a whole, and not solely the dining experience, nothing but five stars will do.
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The only thing that could make Kennedy school a better experience would to have a hot teacher dressed in lingerie, giving out hacks in the detention room. Oh teacher, I've been very naughty.
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For some reason my mind was obsessed with the thought of this place being haunted, but that made it all the more exciting. I came here with Andrew C., and boy was he right about Kennedy School. I was amazed by it. The fact that the McMenamin's were able to transform every square foot an entire school into something useful and unique really impresses me. Sad that I really wanted to get a t-shirt but forgot to hit up the gift shop again before we left...perhaps it was for the better...$19 for a t-shirt - really?
The food was really good. I had the chicken pesto with spinach and garlic calzone. Very filling and tasty, but let's just say it's a good thing I wasn't planning on getting any action last night because that garlic stayed with me...yikes. I kept burping it up like crazy. Anyway, Andrew seemed to thoroughly enjoy his pulled pork, highly recommended by his dad.
While I can't stop thinking about the possibility of there being some little kid's ghost roaming the halls, this is the most unique dining experience I've had in a while....perhaps ever. Far more memorable than being accosted by crazies on the street...I think I scream "tourist."
I wanted to check out what the classroom-turned-bedrooms looked like, but I'm not sure how much I'd want to stay there (given my fears of hauntings). I would like to check out the soaking pool the next time I take a trip to Portland, though. Oh Kennedy School, how you have made my experience to Portland even more enjoyable.
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Kennedy School was the best!
Delicious food! I really think it's unique that it's in an old school house. Fuels your imagination of what it would be like to run through the hallways years ago.
The restaurant ambiance I couldn't get over. All the hanging lights were super cool! And the music playing! Oh man! Who eats dinner to Murder City Devils? And The Shins!? That's right. At Kennedy School you do.
I thought the Detention Bar was a really cool idea. One day when I'm over 21 I will have to hit it up.
And the hotel part of it. How cool is that! The rooms are tucked away behind your typical looking door, which leads to corridors, and bam! The room! I'd love to stay here!
Kennedy School for the win!
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This review is only for a "drop by and visit". I was so intrigued by the idea of this place, we drove all the way there just to take a gander. It was worth the drive! What a creative and funky idea.
The loveseat theater with Juno playing looked so cool and posh, and tickets for only $3! Wow! The check-in office is in the Principal's office. As a former elementary school teacher, it was quite trippy to see a bar and people smoking inside of an old elementary school classroom. Hehe..
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Loved it! The food is average and sort of spendy but the setting is Spectacular!! On my visit I ate in the Courtyard area. My meal was solid and my dining partner ordered a personal pizza that was topped with nice fresh veggies. We got the beer flight which was a fun way to get some variety. We were eating a late lunch and I think it was a great time to be there, schools were made for day use and this place shines with sunlight.
As this is a former elementary school it is tucked away in a residential neighborhood and can be tricky to find. You have to budget extra time to wander around the school looking at all the art on the walls. Ask to see one of the rooms for the B&B. Be sure to check out the movie theatre.
I really enjoyed my visit there and though I felt like I could have had the same food at any number of Portland restaurants, I still would go back.
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We stayed here for 3 nights and now I am addicted to Ruby. I drank more of this beer than I have of anything in recent history. It was a beautiful thing....except now I am home and can't have it.
(If any Portlanders want to take pity on me and ship me a case, feel free to contact me!)
Don't come here expecting a normal hotel experience (TV, bathtub, thermostats) and you'll be okay. I loved being able to drink beer and stumble down the hall more than I can even tell you, though.
The food was okay. I got addicted to the Distillers Salad and the Crab/Cheese Fondue. Tried the tots and they were good late night snack food. We should have taken these into the movie instead of the pizza! But again, the beer made up for that.
Never made it into the Soaking Pool because there were too many kids during the day, but it looked like a good time.
Being from California, my girlfriend loved that there were bars onsite that she could smoke in. That kept her from having to suffer in the never-ending Portland rain like she does at home a couple of months a year.
Good times can definitely be had here!
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Live out all your BAD-KID school-age fantasies here. If you didn't get to when you were younger, here's your chance!
- Get drunk at school!
- Write 4-letter-words all over the chalkboards! (in each room)
- In the gym watch movies on couches instead of doing P.E.! And don't forget the beer and pizza!
- Smoke your lungs out without getting pulled into the principles office.
- Get busy at school! (In your room, please)
- Go to Detention - and find out it's FUN! (At the Detention bar).
I do LOVE that they've converted an old elementary school into a hotel/adult playground. However I'm not so fond of their pizza and weird artsy touches.
They have a soaking pool(gigantic hot tub), multiple bars, a restaraunt, a movie theatre, an outdoor patio area/fireplace, and free parking and free wireless.
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Since everyone else has covered the specifics over and over, I'll just say that my dad can not stop talking about this place. He wanted to go twice while in town.
Kennedy School, you've won the heart of a rather conservative 51 year old from San Diego with your pulled pork sandwich, 1975 class photo and detention bar.
I'd say that's a hell of an accomplishment.
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For years, I've been coming to the Kennedy School for pitchers of Terminator or my new favorite, the mixed Rubinator, even though I now live on the East Coast. You just can't beat this place for atmosphere or beer. Is it a school? A smoky bar? A neighborhood theater? Who cares!?
If you live in or around Portland, and have not spent a late night with friends at Kennedy yet (while it's cold outside, I recommend the Cypress Room for groups), then please, PLEASE, find some time to spend a night there.
Kennedy School only exists in its current form because the building could no longer be used by the school district since it wasn't earthquake-proof until McMenamin's renovated it. As a strong supporter of local public schools in Portland, this is one of the few times when I will gladly cheer the closing of an institution of learning.
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Way better then any Sheraton I have stayed in, but Kennedy School is in it's own league. Theater was great, really big and comfy with nice love seats. The Courtyard food was delicious. The Raspberry beer was like alcoholic soda, the stout was really weak on the alcohol content, but tasty. Free WIFI! Easy parking, friendly staff. The paintings/pictures are pretty creepy.
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I love this place. Who would have ever thought to renovate an old elementary school into a pub/restaurant/hotel?!
The Courtyard Restaurant can be quite hectic, but they'll give you a pager and you can always hang out either at the bar in the restaurant or at one of the other bars in the complex.
Try their local brews. The Ruby is very light, refreshing, and raspberry. If you're into IPAs like me, definitely get the Sunflower IPA. OMG, heaven on earth.
For starters, I suggest the tater tots. Hey, why not!? They almost bring you back to childhood until you wash it down with beer. They also have a daily stuffed burger, which if they haven't run out, is worth the wait. And once you're all done with dinner, don't forget to get dessert! Their chocolate cake with the Terminator Stout is so delicious, you'll end up licking the plate.
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This place was the bomb! My girlfriend and I went to Portland for a long weekend and stayed here on the recommendation of a friend (Thanks Pat!). First, it was just cool, architecturally and decoratively. Then it was cool because they had movies every night and they were free for guests. We got to see Darjeeling Limited and American Gangster and then just walk down the hallway to our room (with chalkboards and chalk). Oh, and they serve beer in the movie theatre and I'm always a fan of drinking during movies. There are 3 (I think 3) bars and while I'm not a big fan of smoke-filled rooms, I love that they give you a choice between the smoking (detention) and non-smoking (honors) bars and they brew there own beer which is not bad, not bad at all. The restaurant was really good and you can't really get more convenient than walking down the hall from your room and you could order pizzas (and probably other food as well) and take them back to your room.
ALL of the people that worked there were really really nice. Some of the people were so nice, I wanted to move there and become friends though I am probably not nearly cool enough to be friends with them because they were definitely the cool kids, but they didn't make you feel like you weren't as cool as they were.
My only 'complaint', and this is probably just because I'm not into children, is that the soaking pool is open to non-guests (they have to pay, but probably not much) and the non-guests all bring their children and who wants to hang out in a hot tub with a bunch of kids, especially if they aren't your kids. The trick, we learned, was to get up early and hit the soaking tub as soon as it opened for the day and then not go back again until the next morning because evenings were the worst! Shouldn't those kids be in bed?!?
I would definitely stay here again.
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This is the only McMenamin's I find even remotely tolerable. Mainly because I can smoke a cigar and drink top shelf whiskey with a friend while seeing what movies are playing in the theater that night. The company does do some pretty cool stuff with old buildings, I'll give them that. But their beers are sub-par, as is their food - but at least it's overpriced!
I definitely recommend taking out-of-towners here, as it is pretty unique. I also recommend sticking to the hard A (or maybe the chocolate milkshake) while attending.
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My favorite place to see a movie! There is nothing like the Kennedy school, at least no place I have ever seen. I love being able to sit on a couch while watching a movie, though you have to get to the theater early in order to find a couch which doesn't sit lower than the seat/couch in front of you because you will not be able to see a thing except for the back of the people's heads.
I cannot eat the food here though. The only good food I have had from McMenamins is their tots. I can stomach their pizza, but I don't really like it, though it does go very well with beer.
Overall, McMenamins is a fun place to go, the patio is super nice in the summer, the soaking pool is great in the winter, and the beer is always good.
Another fun thing to do is to try to find the pipe faces at the Kennedy School, it is like playing Where's Waldo (Edgefield has this too).
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3 yelps for a PDX local who can go to McMenamins any time they want, and 4.5 yelps for bringing out-of-town guests here.
McMenamin's is a local chain, and while I try to frown down my nose (as most Portlanders do) at anything resembling a chain (eat at a chain restaurant in Portland?! Psshaw!), it is the coolest chain I have ever seen, and you can't help but love McMenamins.
They are all quirky, historical, weird, oddly creepy, and fun all at the same time. Kennedy School is one of the best examples, and it has something for everyone. The movie theater, soaking pool, assorted restaurant/bars inside, and various entertainment, all set within an old school which has maintained all kinds of remnants from its historical past, like chalkboards, old photos of students and teachers, etc. (it's kinda haunted in a fun sort of way) Kennedy School is just a ton of fun, especially, as I said, for out of town guests who won't have the pleasure of such an odd yet wonderful hotel/dining anyplace else.
I do appreciate the steaming hot tater tots, and the girly pink beer (Ruby Ale..who knew raspberries and beer would taste so yummy together?) and the basic burgers and pizza are ok. Very reasonable prices, overall.
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It is such a lovely old building and interesting concept. It is however INSANE on the weekends, sometimes it seems overbooked with events and you can barely walk the hallways.
We made the mistake of seeing a movie here on a Friday night and people rushed in the theater, staking claim to large sections of seating with coats and being really wierd.
I know entertainment is becoming more expensive and the economy is in the toilet but can't we be civil? Perhaps they need to open another in North Portland as I haven't seen this kind of mania at any of the other branch Mcmenamin theater pubs.
Anyway, the food is all the same, the beer is substandard by Portland standards and the employees are mostly disgruntled.
Despite all this, I am certainly happy to have the Kennedy School around and will continue to go occassionally mid-week.
The Detention Room bar is very cool!
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This place rules. I came here for dinner and some microbrews directly from the airport. The entire structure is a bit of a maze, but it is so much fun to explore. I am still jealous of the hotel guests who got to enjoy the enormous hot tub outdoors, but was pleased with the food, drink, and atmosphere. I cannot believe I can see a movie, grab dinner, and go bar hopping to a few small places all in one place. Really cool concept, really fun adventure.
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If Mr. B ever comes to Portland with me, I'm taking him to the Kennedy School! By far the best bar/pub of the three I visited in Portland.
A group of 30+ of us arrived at the Kennedy School around 8pm. We split up to explore... and there is a lot to explore! Wander the halls (and even the restroom) for art, or stop into one of the many bars for a drink.
I spent most of my evening in the Cypress Room. I'm usually a no smoking section kinda gal but the cigar smoke was tolerable. Ignore the reviews saying the food isn't very good. Everyone at my table gladly cleaned their plates. Honorable mentions go to the West African curry and the curried tuna sandwich.
Service at the bars was prompt but the Cypress Room left much to be desired. The waitress took 20 minutes to return to our table. The food took even longer than that, and my water glass stayed perpetually empty.
Still, props for the awesome atmosphere. Romantic without being over the top. Would give you lots to talk about on a date.
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I'm from Washington, DC and we don't have anything nearly as cool as the Kennedy School. We were in awe as we walked through the halls and discovered all of possible activities hiding around every corner...drinking, eating, movies, soaking pool, hotel, square dancing.
The mood in this old school is great! Vintage photos of past students and sports teams and great mood lighting. We had dinner in the restaurant and the food and beer was also great.
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Spontaneous fun! I love this place. I had the chance to explore most of Kennedy School- celebrating with co-workers/friends and then spending the night in one of the rooms. I love Kennedy School because every part of it is unique and every room has it's own bit of character. You could probably spend a few days here just exploring everything. Every room has a story- either named after someone or something. If you're checking out a room for the night or day- they'll give you a map of the hotel- on the back there is a list with each room name- and a short explanation on how each room received it's name. In the gift shop- they sell videos about the history of Kennedy School- check it out if you get a chance- I love history/architecture....so I found the video interesting.
I am a bit bummed that I didn't get a chance to explore the pool, the theater and most of the bars- but hopefully I'll be able to do this in the near future. But this is definitely a great place to have a fun day at school ;)
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the food and drink here are exactly what you'd expect from a mcmenamins; so unless you're into stuffed burgers and tater tots, probably not really worth your time. the pizza/calzone might be good, i've never tried it. but i know that the rest of their menu has been pretty meh for me in the past. of course, coupled with their own beer and wine, the food starts to look and sound better, and as a watch-a-movie-in-the-theatre-with-beer destination, i'm pretty sold on it. seating consists largely of couches and is thus almost as nice as watching a movie in my living room, only i have to get dressed for this place.
the bonus versus my living room is that the soaking pool (think really long hot tub) is open til 11. the unbonus versus my friend's hot tub is that you're not supposed to take grownup drinks out there. bring a flask or plastic bottle if you're gonna want to drink *in the tub*. there may be kids there, but the thing is big enough to keep to yourself if that's your style.
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I went bar hopping in my hotel. IN MY HOTEL.
I smoked in detention. I had local brews at another bar and, when I got tired, they were happy to let my BF bring a few pints back to the room. I slept in the music room. I drew on the chalkboard. It was FREAKING SWEET.
All of this came with a $99/night price tag. Amazing.
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Cool place for a different McMenamin's experience. Movies are fun, I like the Cypress Room for a beer (smoking is allowed FYI), and the bar in the main restaurant is fun. Nice bartenders in the main. Not a whole lot to say but it's always a pleaser. Enjoy movies for $3 and pretty decent pizza.
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I came out to Portland from Virginia back in August 2007. As a single traveler w/ a nearly five year old in tow, obviously the bar and the theater which, for whatever reason didn't allow children in the late evening, were off limits. Of course, on the one night of our stay, I had just endured the scariest drive of my life from Portland to the Oregon Vortex in Gold Hills and back again so I was in no mood to do anything but to stay on flat land and to not see another tractor trailer for at least a couple of hours until our drive to Seattle the next morning.
The best thing about the Kennedy School is the absolutely sweet neighborhood in which it is located. If I were to move to Portland, this is where I would live. Quaint houses, tree-lined streets w/ sidewalks, a friendly, progressive vibe, and lots of stuff in walking distance including an organic grocery store where we picked up enough crap to tide us over until morning since even the restaurant in this place doesn't seem to be very child friendly after 5pm.
With its spacious maze of art filled hallways perfect for roaming and abundance of blackboards and free chalk, my daughter loved the place. Unfortunately, she kicks in her sleep and rooms in the Kennedy School are only available with single queen beds with lumpy, rock like pillows. Fortunately, even if you were to turn on every light in the room, it would still be dim - great for sleep, not so much for anything else like reading any of a vast selection of books available in each room. We stayed in the "Crooked Room" (oft neglected nursery rhyme) and had a whole wall of huge picture windows blocked by equally huge hedges so that while the only thing visible to me was sky, my disrobing body remained invisible to any would be intrusion from foreign eyes. Win, win, I guess. With my thicketed privacy and child-induced seclusion from adult nightlife, I partook of a library book only to be confronted by a pair of dry rotted women's underwear soiled with a brown hued stain which was not blood. I tell no lie and rest assured that this is none of my own doing, not so much that I am not completely classless and vulgar (which rightly I am), but that panties cost money and neither my former or latter are disposable. As far as I know, they are still there in some purple jacketed book, the subject of which escapes me. If you're feeling adventurous, rent out the "Crooked Room" and knock yourself out.
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I think this is a great concept, saving an old school by putting a restaurant , bars, theater, and hotel inside. The main restaurant was good, although I think the wood stove, antique lamps, and old, carved figures made it really interesting. The food and beer are McMenamins standard stuff with probably a bit more selection. We wandered the halls looking at the pictures and exploring. I would love to go back and catch a movie. Its definitely a good place to take out of town guests, very Portland, rescuing a unique landmark and putting a micro-brewery inside. Gotta love the beer!
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I love this place for the atmosphere and history, but I have to say - the food is lousy! I've been there three times, and it's been the same way every time. I spoke with a manager once, because our service was horrible and the food was third-rate, and the answer I got was "The only thing we do right here is the burgers, don't expect anything else." So there ya go. I had a stomachache from the calzone for hours - but the movie was great and the seating ultra-comfy!
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Wow, how friggin cool is this place!
Answer: Very!!
SO I guess these McMenamenmenemenmenan brothers are quite the restaurant and business moguls around the Portland area because they have several places in their arsenal and all of them are quite cool. You see, they take these old buildings and then convert them into a huge bar/restaurant/movie theater/hotel one stop shop kinda thingamajig while still keeping the charm of the original building.
This one was an old school (No really Steph, Kennedy SCHOOL wasn't a clue) and it now has a few restaurants in it and a movie theater that sells beer and popcorn and pizza. Then there are the hotel rooms which apparently still have chalk boards in them. How handy would that be if you are spending the weekend with someone new for the first time, "You see babe, here is the list of things I want you to work on me...yes there will be a test and no cheating!!!"
We had lunch at one of the restaurants and I can tell ya that the burger is deelish. Get the one with the blue cheese on it. Blanking on the name right now, but order it, it's yummy.
Overall, this was an awesome first place to hit on my trip to Portland. It really set the tone for the interesting and nifty places we hit throughout the trip and if you are in the area, stop by and check it out. It's neat-o.
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