Laurelhurst Theater
2735 E Burnside St
Portland, OR 97214 (503) 232-5511
- Good for Kids: No
40 Reviews for Laurelhurst Theater
Been here for two movies.
It is by far not the nicest drinking theatre but still great. Would be nice if they had couches and coffee tables instead stadium seating but...
Still Wondeful
1. great movie selection
2. great beer
3. fun popcorn toppings
4. pizza selection beyond cheese or pepperoni
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Three years ago, if you were to tell me, "Kim V, you're gonna move to this magical faerie woodland where it rains maybe six months out of the year and the movie-houses smell like hippy and you are gonna love it like you love my mom," I would have said, "You're whacked. Get out of here. Wait, are you buying the next round? Come back here. Who am I talking to?" Then I might have had a cigarette and called the doctor.
But it's true! I moved to the Northwest wetlands, where half of the year it's too cold to do anything outside and the deluge gives you the sensation of being trapped in an ark if you're at home for too long. The other part of the year (I wish it took up the other half but that just isn't the case) it gets really hot, sometimes too hot, and all you want to do is drink a cold one while losing yourself in someone's fantasy. There's nothing new about the cinema as an escape from reality. Aren't you stoked to see what gets made in this contemporary recession age? I sure am, and while it's not exactly a cheap and easy pleasure anymore, that's where Laurelhurst comes in for the win. They show three-dollar movies, many of them just a couple months out of the first-run theaters, and they serve beer and pizza. Really, this is a no-brainer, that one instance of hippy-aroma aside. The doc told me so.
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$3 for a movie.
Wow. I don't know how I'm going to follow up after that statement. I think I almost had a stroke typing it out. You can't even get that shit at Blockbuster. You can't even get Jujubes for $3 at Blockbuster. You can't even get... okay I'm done.
I think I've figured out the rationale at Laurelhurst, and that is saying a lot, as Laurelhurst consistently blows my little fish brain out of the water. I think they rarely play movies that score less than a 85% on rottentomatoes.com - and that my friends brings a little warmth to my cold, dead heart.
Pabst blue ribbon pitchers for $6 I believe (and I love anything that's won blue ribbons). Sierra Nevada pitchers for $10? Cheap pizza that isn't the best but definitely tastes like pizza. The pizza isn't important, it's the beer buzz during the $3 dollar movie that keeps this big boy happy. The building is old, and the theatre is broken in, which lets you know that people have been appreciating it over the years for a reason. The seats are comfy, the aisles are ample; most theatres don't compensate for 6'4" bodies. I can stretch the ole leggers!
It's right down the street from Masu East, which has tasty Salmon, and makes a great date nite any nite of the week.
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Why do we not have a theatre like this near me? WHY?!
All movies = $3
Pitcher of their delicious hard cider = $12 (yes, I want one for myself)
Slice of veggie pizza = $3
COME ON! You can eat and get drunk in the theatre whilst watching a movie.
The theatre is kept nice and clean, the staff are super cool and they've got good eats. This is no stadium seating theatre but who the eff cares. It's RAD. I love it. I wish I lived in Portland just so I could watch movies at that theatre.
I despise going to movie theatres in CA for a number of reasons: ridiculous prices, crowds, screaming babies, smelly people, and suckface snacks.
Laurelhurst made me enjoy the movie theatre experience again.
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Ahhh...finally a movie theater for adults (over 21, that is).
The last time I went to a pub theater, it was in Salem, and it was so packed I had to leave, and the place didn't want to refund my money. So I was naturally a little skeptical about the Laurelhurst. I was expecting droves.
Well, maybe there usually are tons of people here, but I also went on a Monday night...probably not the biggest night for people to go see movies.
I was pleased that my movie ticket was a mere $3, and a filling dinner plus hard cider was less than $10. However, if push comes to shove, I deducted a star because, while the pizza was filling, I didn't think it was very good. It tasted like it'd been sitting out for a while, and that the cheese was old. Ick.
But there's something oddly charming about going to an old movie theater, where everyone's crunching on their pizza crust instead of their popcorn.
I have to say, though, that I was surprised by their selection of barely second-run films, which made the $3 ticket even better. The seats were comfy (especially for an old theater...last time I was at the Moreland, the seats were squeaky and hard), and there was plenty of room for me to spread out, which is always a plus. They've even got some "real" tables out in the lobby area, if you just want a pint after the film.
Mos. def. will be back.
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I must say that seeing Superbad here was about ten times better than the first time I saw it in a regular theater. Why? Because a) it is the best movie ever and I laughed the whole way through, b) they have beer, pizza, and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday they have donuts, and c) you can't get any better for cheap movie houses than the Laurelhurst.
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I love the historical hip trendy awesome Laurelhurst Theatre. Not only they show original prints of movies from the classics to the early 90s. They also serve pizza and beer for your convenience while watching the movie. Movie tickets start from $3, and pizza is about $3 a slice. Each month has a movie theme. My favourite is the Cult and the Classics. If you want to go with a good crowd I would recommend Friday night when they do the first screening of the movie of the week. Sometimes Saturday night holds a good crowd too. I saw Peewee's Big Adventure there and it was awesome how everyone was into it. Until then I was a Peewee virgin, even though Paul Reuben is an alumni at my college (Calarts).
PS: Believe it or not, vintage screening shows can get sold out on a good weekend. For example, Harold and Maude.
PSS: Too bad if you are a minor. No minors are allowed after 3:30pm.
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First off, I love Portland! Everything we want, we have! Including movie theaters with pizza and beer, and to top it all off, it's CHEAP!
I have stopped going to first run theaters for several reasons, no beer is sold, it's expensive, and...no beer is sold.
Laurelhurst Theater is a really nice theater, they only show 5 minutes of advertisements prior to the film, the seating is comfortable, the pizza is good, and most importantly, there is a wide selection of beers.
Another cool thing about Laurelhurst is every month has a different theme, where they play a special "can't be missed" flick of a specific genera (this month is Sci-Fi).
Pizza, beer and a movie for you (under $10) and a date is under 20 bucks! So up yours Regal Cinema and Century 16, I don't need Fandango ever again!
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Shut your face, I'm trying to drink a pint and watch a film.
No talking during the movie.
and quit spilling your beer.
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Now that I live in San Francisco, where there are no theaters where you can have a microwbrew and table- I don't even care about the uncomfortable seats.
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me: "mmm you know what i want? a doughnut"
him: "you always want a doughnut"
me: "so what? doughnuts are good. i love them."
him: "you can't have a doughnut"
me: *eyes open in shock* "OH MY GOD THEY HAVE DOUGHNUTS!!"
you'd be surprised at how well beer and doughnuts go together. And oh yeah, movie theaters with shelves for your doughnuts and beer are awesome.
side note: The movie "Teeth" is sooooo messed up (but funny).
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Pretty much echoing everyone else. Cheap tickets, Pizzacatto pizza for cheap, not expensive beer.
The seats are comfortable and to be honest but sometimes I'm tempted to rest my feet on the small tables where the pizza and beer go.
The projection quality is decent.
The *best* part? NO COMMERCIALS and 5 minutes of previews. AMEN.
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What follows are essential Tips for enjoying the L-hurst best.
1) The Popcorn / Beer Special. Shakespeare Stout, and NO GOOP on the perfectly dry popcorn. Next, Do this: Alternates shakes of Brewers Yeast and Parmesian, tap it on the counter to shake the flavor down a bit, and repeat. Twice. YUM! (My favorite way to get IMPORTANT B Vitamins. Stout is loaded with Bio-Flavinoids!)
You Must do this monthly to remain happy and healthy in Portland.
2) The Double Header. Each January/Feb - there will b one of those otherwise worst days ever - staring you in the face. GET THEE over to the revered L'-hurst for a wanton double-flick escape. See 2.
3) Specifics on how to enjoy The Double-header: Go alone, with a friend, or look for WHITE HAIR and sit with ME.
We'll take turns buying Pitchers.
For one film enjoy the Popcorn/Beer Special. Next film, Pizza.
Duck into another Theatre for a Free Preview between your movie picks. Have a glass of water, relax and smile at people while you're in line. Read the Upcoming Show Posters, tell me your reviews.
4) MISC.
Strat-ee-ger-ee Bonus section...
Consider wearing a raincoat with DEEP Pockets, to bring Port and Chocolate. (Sorry, no Cigars at the Theatre. You could take a walk, and pay again to come back in) Or go to Wine Down after...for the best Port Selection in P-town: #128 - 2 blks north of Burnside.
The #19 Bus makes it easy to do this - and get home alive.
You'll be fine in the A.M. thanx to the healthy Food and Brew.
If you only see 1 movie, make it Tuesday, for the Happy Hour at Wine Down. Try the $6 Pasta Bowl with any beer or wine. Very nice folks, good selections, mellow place. Music some nights too - great choice for a quiet dinner away from the crowds.
OR Spice it up before your film. Great Indian Food just 2 blocks east on Burnside. The site is in the Entertainment Book...read fine print on hours.
See you at the movies!
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i saw ghost dog: the way of the samurai at this place back in like 1900. reason alone to give it 7 stars. unfortunately, since they don't have any 3D screens, i have to bump the rating down to 5.
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I like things that are cheap, within bike riding distance from my apartment, and associated with beer; the Laurelhurst Theater qualifies in all three categories.
The Laurelhurst is a four screen multiplex that shows movies several weeks or months after their initial release date along with one older movie that fits with the theme of the month.
Admission is only $3 (!) for all shows, all of the time. You have to be 21+ to get in, except on weekends when you can go to any show before 4p if you are accompanied by someone of age. Children 12 and under are only $1.
Along with the standard concessions such as popcorn and candy, the Laurelhurst also sells pizza and beer. Hooray beer! Of course no business is allowed to operate unless Pabst Blue Ribbon is on tap, but they also serve local microbrews (by the pitcher or glass) and wine.
Inside the actual theatres, several rows of chairs have been removed and replaced with tables so you have a place to rest your adult beverages.
I cannot give the Laurelhurst five stars because although the sound system is good (much better than the Bagdad's), I have been spoiled by the larger screens and stadium seating of the big chains. That being said, I will almost always not see a movie when it first comes out so that I can wait and see it at the Laurelhurst.
Now if only they would let me pause the movie while I head to lobby for another beer...
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This place makes for a great night out. If you are reading this review close to when it was published I also recommend the movie I saw, Lars and the Real Girl.
Really how can you go wrong when you can have your pizza and beer right in the theater with you. You have a nice little shelf to put your plates on, very well thought out since they still have lots of room for seating.
There is a small parking lot on the side as well just in case you have to drive from the burbs.
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If you grew up in a puritan state with 'blue laws' that severely restricted the purchase and enjoyment of alcohol, these theaters that allow beer drinking are too cool. A friend from 'back there' said, "No shit, drinkin' at the movies? Ahn't theah fights???" It's a civilized place where there are no fights. I love the Laurelhurst. $8 bucks for a movie, good beer and popcorn or, as mentioned above, $9 for a movie and pitcher of PBR!
I love this town!
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This is my favorite movie theater in Portland. It's cheap ($3.00 a ticket) and they have six movie screens. They have a great selection of foreign and independent films. Beer and pizza. Nut yeast to sprinkle on your popcorn. I will so miss this place.
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I've recently become the Laurelhurst's biggest fan. Pleased to meet you.
For years have I shirked going to the pub theaters. They seemed cheesy and gimmicky...I'm judgmental and hardheaded, I suppose.
It was foolishness! Beer and movies?! In the same building? I was living a total lie.
The Laurelhurst is the jam. Yes, beer and movies. Also...they're good movies, you guys. Movies I actually want to see. Sorry, I'm not much of a heavy-handed-overwrought-blockbuster gal. Old and new. For young and old. So nice!
There's also pizza. I really like pizza.
And it costs me $3. I can totally and completely afford that.
I watched Purple Rain here. I like that. Period!
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$3 movies, pizza and beer? I'm so there!
Sure, there's other places like this in town, but this is the closest to my place. Plus they show some classics from time to time.
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Despite the fact that I often bemoan how places like this get reviews numbering in the double digits whilst businesses like, oh, vets & dentists & optometrists, where reviews would be super-useful, are sorely lacking in such...I MUST write this. Damn you, Laurelhurst, for being so wonderful. So without further ado:
It is one of the joys of my life that the Laurelhurst Theater is a five-minute walk from my apartment. $9 at any other movie theater might, just might, cover the price of admission.
$9 at the Laurelhurst buys me admission AND a pitcher of PBR.
Plus an (adult) audience that can get as rowdy as I apparently can after drinking some beer. An audience that cheers when good things happen. An audience that will (thankfully) laugh rather than shush me when I get saucy & semi-yell "[Expletive] straight, [expletive]wad!" at the screen. It can be disconcerting to look around you & realize that pretty much everybody there is just like you, but you know? It's also fun. Because this audience knows exactly when Johnny Castle walks up to the Housemans' table & says "Nobody puts Baby in the corner", & you know that they know it because you all say it as it happens. And erupt in shouts & applause.
Of course, the general audience interactiveness probably depends on which movie you go to see. I am of the opinion that if I am going to a theater pub, I should see movies that are suited to a beer-swilling environment. Hence I tend to attend things like "Grindhouse", "Dirty Dancing" & "The King of Kong".
It has actually gotten to the point where it takes a really, really special film to get me to see it in a first-run theater. When the closest theater to me costs so little & gives me so much, why bother?
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The Laurelhurst Theater has made a significant contribution to the erosion of the suburban values I was raised on. I don't think it took more than one visit before I began to loathe the "real" movie theater (ahem... Regal). I mean, how could I not love saving money with their 3 buck flicks? Is it wrong that I embrace the over 21 policy that weeds out bratty children and chatty mall-rats? And the brews! Ah yes, the brews and hot slices at the concession rather than the usual overpriced junk food. Oh Laurelhurst- you complete me. XOXO
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Classic films for three bucks. Pizza and beer. Table at your seat. Says it all, don'cha think?
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I LOVE IT. Just went there for the first time recently, and I can honestly say it was probably my favorite movie theatre experience ever (better than my first kiss, but she left scars on my lip from braces) Every other row of seats has been removed and replaced with tables for your choice of their great offerings: cold beer, pizza, sandwiches, and of course, popcorn & candy!
I also love the over-21 policy keeping out what I refuse to admit is our country's future :O No kids means a great adult experience no matter how you look at it... they even have parking!
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This cheap theater has the highest number of screens (7) and therefore is the cheap theater most likely to have something worth watching for three bucks. Like it's McMenamin's competitors, it serves beer and pizza; the presence of alcohol does require you to be of age, however. On any given week, the Laurelhurst is usually showing the same cheap flicks as the other cheapos in town, but it often offers an oldie that it drags out of the woodwork. I've seen Harold and Maude and Ghostbusters here for next to nothing.
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I love this place! They always have the best variety of shows and it's really just a no hassle place. For $3, I don't know if you can get a better entertainment value around.
Harold & Maude, The Life Aquatic, The Godfather, etc..... They always have the second run movies and then they have classics. They get the themes going and never fail.
They have the beer, they have the old pizza and they have the candy & popcorn. The seats are comfortable and you have plenty of space in front of you. Other than the loveseats and couches at Kennedy School, they have the best seats. The advantage for them is they have more movies and a cozy theater.
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I don't like normal movie theaters. Why pay 30 bucks to be spied on by creeps in night vision goggles, when you can see a flick, get beer and popcorn, and be across the street from Beaulaland when it's over. True, the projectors and sound system won't be quite as nice as in a Regal, but your blurred vision won't know the difference, but to be honest, the projectors aren't usually focused all that great at a regal either, but what do you expect from stoned teenagers?
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This place is SPECIAL. $3 for flicks. They play second run movies, but really seem to take pride in the ones that they choose. They also have a special film of the week. I just saw a pristine print of They Live, and it was a very special experience. Tasty Brews, pizza and snack are all there. You will NEVER be dissapointed at this theater.
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This theater is a real gem. Unpretentious and cozy, it's a real pleasure to watch a movie here. I recently saw "Hot Fuzz" at the Laurelhurst, and it was a great experience. I took a star off, though, because the theater can be kind of noisy (what with all the eating and drinking going on) and the volume for the movie should have been a bit louder to compensate. Other than that, there's no better place in town to grab some beer and watch a cool flick.
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It's impossible NOT to crave a 3-buck flick at Laurelhurst, especially when you can grub on beer and pizza during the show. The Laurelhurst is movie-going the way it was meant to be: sticky floors, squeaky seats and projectors that display a crooked movie on the screen.
In addition to their regular movie offerings, they play cool monthly flicks based on a specific theme. June is flicks from the 60s and July features flicks from the 70s...makes for a fun way to catch up on some classics or see a movie that you wouldn't have been able to see on the big screen.
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A fun, affordable night at the movies
When was the last time you saw a movie, ate a slice of pizza and drank a beer for less than $10? And these are just some of the highlights of this old Portland gem.
If I had the money, I'd steal the idea of a theater and pub and build a couple in my hometown. I think it's a great concept and every time I go to one, I wonder why it's been so long since the last time. The price of new release movies can be a bit steep for most of us to go often, but here they cost just $3. There's often a variety of ones just a bit old, classic and indy flicks. You can grab a slice and a brew on the way in and maybe even some candy depending on how much your chosen beer cost. Throw in the classic decor, although a bit rusty, and you have a fun night at the movies that won't break the bank.
Tip: You have to be 21 or older to get in, which I like.
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I think this is probably the cheap theater I go to the most often in Portland, and that's because it always has a nice classic running. Who doesn't like watching timeless classics like "The Enforcer" (1951, starring Humphrey Bogart) whenever they aren't feeling quite up to "Land of the Dead", or are just hankering for some nostalgia? When I was a kid those good old movies were on during the day and late at night, competing with Saturday night's Portland Wrestling. There's nostalgia for you. Oh yeah, and if the movie blows, you can always pound pitchers of beer, or better yet go to the Hungry Tiger kitty corner across Burnside. Or Beulahland if you think you're hip and cool enough.
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This is still my favorite theatre in town, after all these years.
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When I moved to Portland, my friend described this place to me. It was one of the things I was looking forward to enjoying. His description fell utterly short. I can get pizza, a pitcher of good beer, and watch great old movies for cheap. They have a decent wine selection, and donuts / popcorn for those purists. I'm going to see Aliens there tomorrow. My girlfriend and I frequent the cheesy date movies. But I'd have to say that Spaceballs and Life of Brian have been two of my favorites since I moved.
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A selection of great $3 movies, Beer, Pizza, comfortable seats with tables to put your beer on! and 2 blocks from my house! YAY!
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There are a lot of $3 drinky theaters in Portland, but this is the one that I always ended up going to the most, even though it is not the prettiest. They just always had the best movies playing there. I saw Harold and Maude on a blind date. I saw Amores Perros, and Stripes! There's nothing like being able to get a beer, a slice of pizza, and admission into the movie for under $10. The marquis here is also very pretty. If you are ever in Portland, don't miss the chance to experience the bargain drinky theater, a rarity in the nation!
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the laurelhurst theatre is a little theatre in my old portland hood where you can see $2 movies like "the birds" or "hedwig" & drink beer & eat pizza...it's great! there are quite a few "brew pub" theatres like this in portland including the baghdad & mission, but laurelhurst is definitely my favorite. san francisco should have a place like this!
what a great use for the old harding theatre!! anyone? anyone?
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This place gets an automatic 4 stars for the fantastic neon art deco sign, and the last star is more than covered by the excellent and cheap beer and wine selection, the Pizzicato pizza, the comfy seats and tables for beer and food, and the fun crowd that always seems to engage in the good humored commentary, laughing, applause, and general cheerfulness that make movie-going here a much more relaxed and convivial atmosphere than other theaters.
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Simply my favortie theater in Portland...why:
$3 movies - great price
independently run
good local beers
21 to get in=no high school kids or junior high kids swarming in packs --sorry kids, but I'm too old for us to go to the same places
good pizza
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sometimes the small screens are too small but who cares? three dollars for a movie? yeast for your popcorn? good beer? tea or coffee or pizza or candy? shelter from the rain or air conditioning when its 100 degrees and your only other option is to stay at work (if you have a.c. there) or troll around the mall? this place rules. the folks who work here rule. its great.
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