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Categories: Cinema, Bars, American (New) [Edit]
Neighborhood: DowntownMon-Thu. 11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
"VQ you deserve more than 4 stars! I think it is a crying shame that there are other restaurants who share your rating but are not even close…" read more »
The staff was very, very friendly. We were greeted with a menu and told that we could have our food and drinks brought to us. I picked a prosciutto plate and a cheese plate, which each came with other little treats like candied nuts, olives and artisan toast. The plates were $4 and $5, and I got a beer to go with them. My wife had a pizza ($8) she said was one of the best she'd ever had, and paired that with (what else?) a cosmo.
The seats were comfy enough, but the real benefit was the size of them! The arm rests are such that you don't have to fight with the person next to you, and with the center arm rest up, it was like a love seat for my wife and I. Also, the leg room was enough to stretch out and use a foot rest.
We saw an HD flick, and the picture and sound were amazing.
We will be going back often.
How I eat a slice of theater pub pizza in the dark:
Step 1: reach out in front of me roughly where I left it after my previous bite.
Step 2: pick up the mostly solid object and insert it into my mouth.
Step 3: repeat if desired.
How I eat a hummus & baba ghanoush plate in the dark at Living Room Theaters:
Step 1: reach out in front of me and feel around for a pita wedge, and -- oops, I dipped my hand in some sauce. Ok, I've found a pita.
Step 2: dip the pita in some sauce. Some baba ghanoush sounds pretty good right now.
Step 3: lift pita + sauce towards my mouth, and -- aw crap, it's hummus.
Step 4: maybe the sauce I got on my finger is baba ghanoush -- ooh, it is! But there's not much there.
Step 5: go back in with pita to a different sauce, trying to avoid the hummus. (Um, I think I got some hummus on my pants while working on that last bite. It's starting to soak through a bit.)
Step 6: lift pita back towards my mouth, and -- dammit, hummus again. And now it's on my shirt, too! Aargh!
Step 7: repeat if desired. And make friends with my neighborhood dry cleaner.
The difficulty inherent in eating problematic food in the dark is just one of a few things the management didn't quite think through when they launched Living Room Theaters. Also on the list: food/drink delivery in the dark, and trying to figure out a path around those coffee tables in the dark if you have to get up to go to the bathroom mid-movie.
Common sense issues aside, though, LRT has the right idea: fancy downtown cinema providing a moviegoing option almost completely unlike the typical corporate experience. Score. They offer food that goes far beyond the offerings at any local theater pub, including sushi, flank steak skewers, and the aforementioned hummus/baba ghanoush plate. And the food's decent, so long as it somehow gets into your mouth. Plus, wine, beer, and a full bar. And they focus on foreign and independent films, many of which won't ever make it to a mainstream theater. Tickets are $9 -- pricey, to be sure, but not outrageous (only a dollar more than Cinema 21, for example).
In theory, a movie at LRT seems like a pretty fun way to spend an evening. But in practice... well, maybe I should just order a panini next time.
What a great indie theater! The things that were odd and strange (like noone told me which theater to go to), I just chalked it up to the whole indie thing. I mean it wasn't bad service, just strange moments when I was like huh?
Anyways, i love the seating, and I"d love to cuddle with my hubby when you lift the armrest up on certain seats. What great ambiance! Small, so get tickets early if it's a popular show.
This is what the restaurant-theatre merger should be like
Okay, the screens are kinda little, but the sound and picture are truly perfect. It's six freakin dollars to get in if you're a student, so you have enough money to justify that beer and chocolate cake. The desserts are all good. Haven't had many entrees in my two passes at this place, but it has freakin' footrests so you could kick back with your food coma.
Service is really top-notch. They're speedy and efficient and as good as any decent restaurant, and completely unobtrusive.
It was pouring per usual on our trip and we dipped in to see the Informant. We grabbed a bottle of wine and a couple of seats. What a great concept. If this was in Los Angeles I'd go here at every chance I had.
The bar has a nice ambiance to it, perfect for relaxing before your movie, had a cup of decent chai tea that was priced right. There's wifi for those of you carrying around your laptops. The theater itself was cozy with wide seats and a few ottomans laying around. They are small with about a sixth of the seating you find in regular theaters so don't expect a ginormous screen. You are allowed to bring your drinks in there which I sort of wish didn't happen. There's definitely a 'beer / bar' smell in the theater which bothered me a bit. The pricing for the movies were pretty damn good (especially when compared to NYC prices). Would love to see one of these in NYC but I doubt the pricing will be as low. If I move to Portland you can expect me to catch movies here every Mon/Tues when there is a $5 special.
If I can't find the movies at Fox, I'm guarantee to find it here. The space for each of the theatre is perfect for the size/crowd. The seatings are extremely comfortable and the place is spotless. I love it.
I didn't get to lounge out at the bar section, but it seems very chic. For the price you pay, the ambiance and movie selection seems on par.
I have fallen for the LRT. We went when it first opened a few years and thought it was okay but a bit pricey and the food really small and average in quality/interest. A friend mentioned LRT again to me about a year ago and we decided to try again. Wow, am I glad we did. We go to LRT about once a month or so now. I love that you can have grownup drinks, good restaurant quality food and really interesting movies all at a reasonable price. You can get a popcorn at a normal multiplex for what you can get a nice margerhita pizza for at LRT. The staff are very helpful and friendly, we always go early and have a glass of wine or beer at the bar. It's really a great addition to PDX, Recently we had the tortilla espanola and it was magnificent! We also had the pulled pork sliders the other night and while a little more cuminy than I would have expected, they were nice and kind of grew on me. We are becoming regulars now, it's definitely worth it!
Full transparency: I've never seen a movie here.
My wife and I were wandering a bit lost through downtown Portland, looking for a good cocktail, and were drawn in by the big windows and the corner location. What kept us there for a drink was not only the cocktail menu, but also the amazing women who work there. Three cheers for these ambassadors of Portland, and for Maria who went out of her way to act as an ambassador of San Francisco as a bonus. We left with a huge list of things to do around town, and when we checked them off the next day we were very thankful.
Although I can't remember the name of the drink, I highly recommend the cocktail with gin and fresh ginger - outstanding.
Ever since I heard about this theater that has been open for a few years, I was curious to how it would compare to other local theaters in the city. I was impressed when I notice they would be showing some great classics such as Cassablanca and 2001: A Space Odyssey. I could not remember the first movie I saw there, but the experience I had was joyful. I loved the fact that you can order real food besides popcorn and soda. They also have a cafe too to get that coffee fix and the prices were reasonable too. Student discounts are welcome, I think it's still $6.00 unless they raised it recently.
The seats are comfortable in the auditoriums. Minda ya, they are not really huge there is a lot of space in between aisles. Foot rest stools are there so it does feel like your having a real living room experience. The screen is in HD so you can see the high quality in the picture. The sound quality is excellent too. A real huge bonus is the servers at the restaurant will bring food to you as you watch the movie. Drinking alcohol is also allowed so it feels like having the theater pub experience.
The restaurant itself is pretty good for the most part. Happy hour is great if you want to have some light eats before or after the movie. Beer special is only $2. Everytime I have gone it has been Blue Moon which is one of my favorite beers. It could change too so ask the server which beer it is before ordering. The food choices are pretty good but not huge portions. It is good quality such as the hummus plate which was my favorite. The taboluh was delicous and the hummus was creamy, not dry. These plates will not fill you up but are great as a side item. The popcorn is delicious since they put a variety of seasonings with butter. Service is friendly and doesn't rush the hospitality. The desserts are fabulous, especially with the chocolate cake they serve. It was definitely worth the price I payed for.
OK this is one of those that if I wasn't honorable that I'd say please please stay away from. Why? I can always get a table on a Friday night and look across at the cramped quarters inside Clyde Common and giggle. Yes, the theater totally rocks - Casablanca on the big screen with a bottle of wine? Awesome. But it's also a worthwhile stop for drinks and appetizers, and I've been in there for a coffee as well. Good cocktails, although the average $9 price point I think is a little steep and unnecessary. Good lemon drop. Mojito? I think they forgot the rum and the mint was so muddled that it came up in my straw. Service was very very good - I think it's great when it's not just your own server who greets you but other waitstaff as well (kind of like when you leave a sushi bar and they all holler 'arigato'). Only small tip on service would be to have a bit more understanding of the wines offered, as my friend who ordered and had some basic questions (who the prosecco was by, describe the wines) that our waitress seemed to not be too sure about. Totally forgivable though, and the comfy seating is really great for both intimate drinks and group get togethers. Food is also very tasty, albeit a bit on the pricey side as well. Not grooving on the Miami Vice lights but it's entertaining. Last but certainlynot least, I always hear some great jazz - interesting little quartets or solo vocalists yet not so loud that you can't hear your friends. Kudos Living Room for a great alternative in downtown for cocktails with a lot less hipster than Clyde (love ya Clyde but it's definitely a PDX stereotype) and with a lot less posturing and suits than CIty Grill.
4.5
I had a great time at the lounge!
We stopped in on our was to Aura but ran back since it was more my speed. I had their Spanish coffee which was good but not as good as Chameleon's. I enjoyed the live blues singer and it was nice people watching:-) I can't wait to go again. Maybe next time I will actually see a movie!
I'm a sucker for a dinner & a movie....at the same place. So when I find a joint which allows you to have a drink and a snack while watching a cool flick---I'm totally down.
Living Room Theater is a fairly new facility (around for the last few years), and I remember this space about 10years ago when it was a dance club. So where the dude in the thong was dancing on stage years ago, there is now a stylish lobby and bar to chill out in before your movie. The space is warm, clean, and so inviting that I'd come here to chill out even if I wasn't seeing a film.
I was here to see the movie Synecdoche, New York (it was a good, but trippy & surreal movie).
Now I was here for a matinee. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to grab a drink while watching the movie---all shows before 3:30pm do not allow one to take alcohol into the theaters (that's a shame because it might have helped me really understand Synecdoche!). So, you have to down your boos in the bar beforehand---ummm...I just went with water. There did look like some nice options of drinks and microbrews though.
I did order something to eat...the Spanish Crepe. It was pretty tasty, but a bit of a mess to eat...luckily I gobbled it in the dark. Otherwise people would have seen my sloppiness!
Oh, and I've also read that this is an eco-friendly establishment as well. Did I say, I like this place?
I've seen some great movies here and some awful movies here but all in all the service was great! We had some noisy idiots in one of the films we were watching and the staff did their best to ferret them out. Coraline was wonderfully presented and all the better for the lounge chairs and the small screen. They have a bizarre selection too, though do suffer a little bit from gay cowboys eating pudding indie.
Drinks are nice and strong, bar staff are accommodating even if you don't look as hip as the rest of the clientele. All in all the perfect replacement for the pit that was Panorama!
It's taken me a while to get around to writing about my experience
at the Living Room Theaters, greatly in hopes that those 2 hours
were a dream caused by being knocked in the head by someone
hurling their iPhone at my face... but sadly, it was all real.
I can understand the niche that this place satisfies,
I am not a part of that niche, hence I felt taken advantage
of upon leaving.
A fancy movie house for "fancy" people, check, got it.
At least, the wine was good.
I love a movie theater where I don't have to smuggle booze into! I'm stoked that I'm actually allowed to have a drink inside, while watching the movie! No need for hiding flasks in my pockets here. I'm not an alcoholic (deeeenial), I just enjoy the fact that I can feel like I'm in your living room watching a film, eating food better than you make at your home, and enjoying a beer or a glass/bottle of your wine while doing so.
Rad place! And it seems like the movies always turn out to be good ones, too.
on our last night in portland, we decided to watch "departures." how fitting..sort of. we both got student discounts, hooray! the concept is really neat - restaurant/bar mixed with movies.
we didn't try any of the food or drinks they had to offer, but the theater itself was pretty good. we had to wait about 15mins, though, while they were finishing up cleaning the theater. instead of "the 20" or some random ads that run before the previews, this place had a woman lecturing on pleasure. or somethin like that!
anyway, they had comfy seats and pleasant staff. would definitely go back. bathrooms were clean too, and right across the street from the ace!
I had never been...
The trip to The Living Room Theatres: This was last minute idea for celebrating Valentine's Day with the Old Ball & Chain ( he had said- "how come we never go anywhere or do anything?"...jeeze...the 4 pairs of sexy red underwear wasn't enough?).
We enjoyed really quality cocktails, B- food, but we had a private screening of a very good film-Were The World Mine. The seats were very, very comfortable & the screen & sound were impressive. The staff was very nice & helpful when I couldn't figure out how the whole food-drink-enjoy- in the theatre thing worked. Having the place to ourselves was so cool. I like the look & comfort of this place. Dinner + drinks+ movie = expensive evening, but I would do it again.
I just cannot eat a salad in the dark. On a wobbly tray that slants downwards even, for god's sake. What kind of purgatory is this??
In concept, the dinner plus cocktails plus indie documentary plus leather ottoman sounds like a pretty schwanky night out. In practice, I'm happier with a pint and some greasy pizza on a crumb-filled couch at Kennedy School. And about $30 richer.
Living Room Theatres, to some, is a misnomer. To me, it's a dream realised. One day, my living room will be always perfectly lit with natural or candlelight, have a magnificent bar and a nonchalant bartender flaming some spanish coffees for me after work. I'll have seasonal salads and perfectly prepared fusion dishes for dinner, before I swank into my modestly sized theatre with modern versions of Lazyboys and lap tables to watch the latest indie release film that's not playing anywhere else.
Of my two visits here, the first was for dinner. The crab cakes here were scrumptious, and the mezza was a good gathering of fresh ingredients. There was an OBNOXIOUS group of people who had just come from a wedding or something, who felt it necessary to yell. Sad when twentysomethings find fortysomethings to be immature. Even more sad when LRT staff have to interject and ask them to quiet down. But awesome when your server will talk about how annoying another patron is.
The second time I visited here was a part of a three-part series that I like to call Graham B. and my first date. We decided to see the Auteurs, a mockumentary on the Portland pornography industry (truly hilarious and off beat and awesomely uncomfortable movie to watch with a first date). Before the movie started, we grabbed a draft beer and Spanish coffee, which we brought into the theatre when the movie was about to start. The seats are large, and for lovers or friends with benefits, you can lift up the arm to cuddle a bit. You have large drink holders for your cocktails. Just what I love: boozin' and a movie. I suppose LRT gets an extra star because it's just such a smooth date idea. Another star because it gives me great ideas for my future home.
Better yet, I'll just buy out the block and plunk my house adjacent to the building, and Living Room Theatres can be an add-on. Until then, I can't wait to come back again to watch 10th St. pedestrians live before my indie flick.
I was visiting Portland for a few days and saw an ad for the living room. After visiting their website, I saw they had a special on Mondays and Tuesdays for $5 movies. So I decided to try it out after work. I thought the concept sounded really cool.
The staff was very nice and accommodating. They help me with my menu selection and offered friendly small talk. The menu items were very different and interesting. And I must say that I actually enjoyed the ham/apple combo in the panini that I ordered. The only con was that the actually movie rooms weren't as cozy as a living room (like the name implies). The theatres are furnished with regular stadium seating with a few chairs and ottomans in the back. I was hoping for more cozy, relaxing furniture such as couches and big chairs.
The unk and I had four hours to kill between Yom Kippur services and so we decided to see a movie. I thought about the Regal at Pioneer Place but my very smart uncle had a better idea: Living Room Theaters.
Looking over the movie options, it was nice to see a more art house lean than other theaters around here. We found a movie we wanted to see at a time that worked and so we headed over.
To those who complained about parking, don't. Go to the Smart Park garage on 10th and Yam Hill. It's about a five minute walk. Plus, if you go during the week you can pick up some food truck grub.
We got there for a 2:15 movie. I asked for my ticket. $14. "OK" I thought to myself, "Well, with what looks like a high-end movie theater, I guess that's what I would expect. It would be at least this much, and likely more in LA." Then I looked at the receipt/ticket. Two tickets. Hold on, $7 for a chic theater? Score. I was already digging the place.
The theater itself is really nice looking. Even before entering the individual theaters, the hallway reminded me of the Landmark in LA. It's my favorite movie theater of all time. To even be reminded of the spaceship like wonderland gives this place serious props. Once we got to our screen, I was entirely impressed. The chairs and tables in the front and back, the recliner in the back corner, and the incredibly comfy theater seats. Oh, the seats. It's like watching a movie in your own private theater. I loved it. The sound/visual qualities were superb as well.
I was fasting, but the unk got a latte. It looked pretty nicely prepared and it smelled like they used a good roast. I'm tempted to go and try the food too.
tre cool, tiny theaters showing indie and foreign flicks. full bar and where else can you get a beer and dessert served to you in your theater.
great service and nice people.
OMG. How cute is their decor. It just could not be cuter I swear. I wanted to put a bow on it and get it for a present to be my own personal living room theater. There is an actual granite hand washing TROUGH in the bathroom. You just have to see it. Magnificent. Perfect. Accolades galore.
We went to see this slavery in India movie and apparently some church group bought out the whole show while I was parking and my husband was getting tickets, so there was this awkwardness that seems to permeate my world incessantly when I got there.
"Did my (Mr. Kitty) buy me a ticket? He's bald. Hi."
I say this to the lovely woman at the box office, hoping he never knows that baldness, is, in fact, his most defining feature to describe him to strangers in this kind of instance when it took forever to find parking and I know I missing the first few minutes of the movie which I totally hate. But it beats letting Mr. Kitty drive so I'm willing to miss a few minutes of movies and live. Live in a world with unscratched tire rims too.
"No. Are you with the church?"
To this I have no precedent or response. Scooby Doo cold stop.
"Um. Church? He's bald." I repeat, though kind of wincing when I realize he's already been described. I'm just so dang confused and late.
A nice theater manager man jumps in this debacle from the ticket booth. THRILLING, "He's in theater #5. He has a little sign with him that says #8. You can go right in."
And indeed, this was all true. Though oddly, the #8 placard on a chrome stand had to do with MK having ordered us lattes and them saying they would bring them to wherever he was, just so long as he took the little numbered placard with him. "How long can it take to make lattes? I really CAN wait." he offered. Apparently long enough to need a numbered placard. It's not like he ordered a cedar planked salmon, though I later learned that just very well could have been an option. Go figure.
The seats were fantastic and Mr. Kitty was able to fidget ad naseum while still a safe 18" from my wrath of non-fidgeting calmness. I think this is the theater that can brought us closer by keeping us apart.
And I'd like to thank that church for the free ticket. Next time I am totally going to have a cocktail and/or meal. AND pay for a ticket.
Let's make a list of things you I like in a movie theatre:
Great Movies
Ridiculously comfortable seating
Food served in the restaurant or brought to you in the theatre
A great beer selection
Live music in the lobby on the weekends.
This place has it all. The beer can be a little expensive but the movies are reasonably priced if you go to a matinee or have a student ID card.
Also all of the servers/bartenders have been very friendly and have done their jobs exceptionally.
I just wanted to hang out. Didn't want a movie. The space looked to inviting when I passed it on the way to Powell's. So I hung out here the next day.
The tea was excellent and the floor to ceiling windows provide terrific light for reading. And the place has comfy modern furniture, friendly staff and a cool vibe.
Can't wait to check out a movie here.
Thank you Living Room Theaters for giving away free tickets for Presidential Debate this year. I came for the first debate and I was impressed by how stylish this theater is.
The recliner seat was very comfy. The food was tasty. The drink was strong. The staff was friendly. I couldn't complain, but the service was slow. Most of it, I think because of there were many people over there for the debate and I think the staff was overwhelmed.
Get the Lychee Martini, it was so good and strong (well maybe it was strong for a light weight like me)...and the pizza dough was really good. It's a bit pricey, but hey you got free admission for debates and you can watch it on big screen instead of tiny television (like mine..).
This place is fantastic:
Awesome films.
Comfy seats - although get there early if you want the really good comfy seats, as the theatres are small.
Very good wine list and house cocktails.
Great food.
Live Jazz.
Excellent service.
This place is yet another Portland place that was headed toward greatness. However, the staff readily admits that Chef Warner is recently gone and it shows.
Now the food takes forever to arrive and it's not at all worth what you're paying for it. I would honestly rather pack a sandwich in my pocket than eat what they're serving there. But you're in the Pearl, so it's easy to find another place to eat and still make your movie time.
Also, parking is a real pain around here.
Edited to mention I heard a rumor that Chef Patrick Warner was back, but alas, this is not the case.
Sometimes I feel like no one else knows about this little gem, because everyt ime I am there, it is like watching a movie in my living room, as the theater is practically empty.
I have no idea why. They show great movies (most recently War, Inc. and Kabluey - fantastic) have great food - deviled eggs and tuna hand rolls? Tamales? All great. And their happy hour is super fantastic. Also? Every show on Mondays and Tuesdays (holidays excluded) are five bucks. Hard to beat that.
Such a great selection of independent and foreign films. Comfy seats too.
I like the idea that you can have a cocktail with your movie. Only in PDX. That would be unheard of in prim and proper Seattle.
Sure, food and beverages are pricey. But that's been true in all theatres since the days of Cary Grant and Bette Davis!
I LOVE THIS PLACE!
In Portland, this is a rare oasis from broken-down light rails and late departure Amtrak trains. Bluntly put, Living Room Theaters was a shining spot in my recent travel to PDX.
Lo and behold, it's a short walk from where I stayed, too. Imagine my pleasant and heart-felt surprise when my guy and I stumbled into this place on a Thursday, when most of Portland had already shut down by 10 p.m. I was hungry. I needed some food.
Enter Living Room Theaters...
My guy and I had seen the place while we were out exploring 10th Ave. Both of us agreed it looked really cool. What caught my eye was the Yelp sticker, and how this is a Yelp-friendly place. Awesome! Even better, this place is as cool as it looks! You must go. C'mon, I insist. (The pics posted on here don't do the place justice. Not at all!)
If I could pick this place up and bring it back to Phoenix (or wherever I go), then I would. I love it that much. No, I didn't see a movie here, but I could have. The thought crossed my mind... Instead, I enjoyed the relaxing vibes of the bar/lounge area and savored the huge Caprese Panini, one of the best paninis I've ever had in my life. And it was only $9. Mozzarella fresca, basil, grilled roma tomatoes, roasted garlic... C'mon, how could you go wrong?
My date had the $5 Spicy Tuna Hand Roll, which wasn't as spicy as you may think. But, he said it was really good. Then, he shared my panini and agreed it was very good. He also said here is where he had the best cokes of his entire life. I tried it; it WAS tasty!
Our late night dinner didn't even break $20. Fantastic!
I love the drink menu here.. Sadly, on the day we went, they were out of Rogue's Hazelnut Brown. But, hey, big kudos for even offering it on the menu, since that's my fave beer! And big kudos for staying open past 10 p.m. on a "school night." Us hungry vacationers need a cool place to go!
Living Room Theaters was so cool, we went back the following night for a glass of wine. There was live music, which was cool, and the service - again - was excellent. I thought the wine was just so-so. My $11 glass of pinot noir could have been soooo much better. But, maybe this isn't where you go for wine. Maybe you go here for amazing food and a great beer menu. Oh, and to see a film or two. Nice! I can definitely live with that.
Living Room Theaters, I miss you already. Won't you consider moving in with me? I'd be a clean and respectable roommate. I'll even let you keep all your friends; yes, I will. Invite them over anytime you want. Just don't forget lil ol' me, who loves your personality and the earth-friendly message you share with others. Oh, and of course the grub. Who could forget that? (It was so damn fine, I took one of their tiny menu books with me - so I can get my own cooking ideas, while reminiscing about the one place in the Pearl District that made my trip to PDX worthwhile.)
Living Room Theaters, thank you thank you thank you thank you for being the best thing to happen to me while I was in Portland!
While being a Vantuckyite mostly sucks bolz...there are a thing or two that make it worthwhile...
A. - No state tax...jealous much?
B. - Cinetopia...I lives just down the street...
So...why do Cinetopia get the same number of stars that Living Room Theater get? I tell you...QUALITY and CONSISTENCY. And no..not just the food, drink, etc...but the actual FILMS. If we are talking about a place to eat, Cinetopia wins hands down...but for films, there is NO contest. Cinetopia needs to appeal to a much broader audience to be profitable. Living Room Theaters with their downtown locale need not pander to the Harry Potter loving masses.
But let's get down what really kicks ass aside from all that...good booze. They made some mean cocktails and martinis. I won't lie, the shits not cheap, but it's damn good and got me well buzzed.
The bathrooms? Well...funky...after you drop a deuce you wash your hands while staring at the ladies in the sink station of the ladies room...now this is a bit creepy but needs to be experienced nonetheless. In fact, even if you have no desire to watch a movie here, I'd recommend stopping by just to check out the sideshow mirror action of handwashing shenanigans alone. It's a show all in itself.
But if you are spending a little bit of time having a drink before the flick, the people watching is tops. Plenty of comfy, albeit awkward, seats surround the bar and windows. Not conducive to cuddling up with a nice girly, but certainly adequate for staring at the sidewalk and pondering what the motivations behind each stranger is for wearing that crappy jacket or unfortunate smirk.
What does all this mean if the movie selection sucks...well, not a problem. Personally, I'd have gone and seen damn near anything they had playing...I mean, 2001: A Space Odyssey? FAWKIN....HELL-O. Checked out Living in Oblivion which was every bit as hilarious and enlightening as I'd remembered. I love that I can watch a minor classic like this on the big screen in a comfy setting. The lighting, the seats, the presentation all around is awesome.
They have lots of wood paneling too. I dig it.
I love independent films, and getting to see old classics in a theater setting. I love chi-chi happy hour food for fast food prices. I love drinking alcohol. I love $5 admission specials on Monday and Tuesday. I love upscale yet unpretentious atmospheres. I love when all of these things can be found within a block of my home.
I hate bad service. I hate untidy movie theaters. I hate slow service at a restaurant when you have given yourself ample time to eat before seeing a movie, yet, you are still in a rush at the end because of said slow service. I hate when you stand at a counter waiting to give someone your money and they mill around at the opposite end, obviously seeing you and even more obviously ignoring you.
I love the idea, prices, and atmosphere of Living Room Theatres, but the execution on my two visits has been terrible. The first time we went, we ordered from an overpriced menu of small appetizers before someone mentioned, "Oh, yeah, it's happy hour, we have other options too." I think you should inform patrons of things like this! On both occasions, I have stood around waiting for someone to wait on me while they restocked glasses, chatted with coworkers, etc. Both times the theaters have been littered with glasses, plates, and other trash from the prior screening. Seriously? In a place aiming for the class and vibe of Living Room, they can't pick up the used martini glasses in between movies? Again, nice idea, and worth the price for the food, etc., but it just seems like the staff doesn't care. Lower your expectations and you will have a great time.
Big fan of Living Room Theater! I really, really want to have frequent and convenient access to a high quality theater that serves good food and beer while at the same time allowing you to watch movies. Living Room is clean, comfortable, stylish, and technologically up to date. The screens are large and the focus was sharp, the sound was excellent.
We saw Man On Wire this evening and had an order of pop corn, a Rouge beer and a hot cider. The movie was great and the popcorn was tasty. One of the few improvements I'd suggest would be better serving units for the popcorn - the bowl was really more of a plate, so it was hard to avoid losing a few kernels off the side... no one likes a wasted kernel, at least I don't.
Open one in San Francisco! Thanks.
Ok, so call me snobby, douchy, or whatever...but I freaking love this place.
Not only do you get to enjoy some of the latest foreign/ art flicks in a cozy living room like setting, equipped with ottomans, but the tickets are cheaper ($6) than your average cinema and there is booze and great food!
Since I like to eat, I usually order some sort of food here. And let me just say.. I would probably come here just for the hand rolled tuna sushi and the tuna tar tar yaki soba! They are light and tasty and get all of the flavors and textures perfect. Not to mention the full bar and well suited wine list.
Even if you skip the food and fancy extras, this place still is a nice, private, and quiet way to see a film and or impress a date.
We showed up about 30 minutes early so we ordered a bottle of red wine and some olives, flat breads and some sort of cheese dip. The food was delicious, the wine was pretty good too and the theater was very comfy. It's a very chilled out atmosphere in my opinion. We saw Fan Boys and everyone seemed a little tipsy and the laughter never seemed to stop. Definitely a good experience & I'm looking forward to going back.
Popcorn was way too expensive and stale. Nice seating, though.
Ok, so having been in Portland for many years, it's really odd to see the parking garage, turned Panorama, turned theater building. But, it works. The theaters themselves are comfy and small enough to be able to get a good seat and kick back without a bunch of kids or the masses in front of you. And, food/booze while you watch? Who could complain?
I am not a big fan of their food though. All small plates with large price tags, I have attempted each time I've been there to get something different, and each time, I'm just plain hungry before the movie starts. I do like that you can order and they'll bring it to you, and of course that you can have beverages inside the theaters. Just be prepared to have a $60+ bill if you are going with your sweetie for a movie and a bite.
So THHHHIIIIS is the evolution of the pub theaters Portland is so famous for. Hmmm...I see. And I like...mostly.
Trade in your tots, pints, and classic rock for foie gras, martini's, and jazz fusion. Or so it would seem upon initially walking in. No denying, we all like to swank-what-our-mamas-gave-us, and this is seemingly the place to do it. STAR.
But wait - what's this?!? A $3 happy hour menu? With cheesy-buttery popcorn and $2 Coors light in a CAN? And free wi-fi? Now this seems more like my living room! star, star, STAR.
I too was a wee bit disappointed with "theater" part of this story...I could see them calling this place "Living Room Lounge" or "Best Bathrooms in Portland" ...both of which may have been more fitting names. Unless they are referring to the fact that the projection quality is no better than what we have in our own living rooms (which is 100% spot on in my case,) I think "living room theater" was a bit misleading. I was just expecting...more? Maybe some coffee tables? Or couches? Throw me a friggin' throw pillow or something!
But I don't want to end sour. Overall - I have had two wonderful experiences here - and for $5 independent movies on Monday and Tuesday - this is an establishment I can really get behind.
p.s. no joke: BEST bathrooms in Portland. Trust me.
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Neighborhood: Southwest Portland
Happy Hour $4 1/4 lb. Burger
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland
Neighborhood: Northwest
Category: Cinema
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland
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Neighborhood: Northeast Portland
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Neighborhood: Northwest
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Neighborhood: Southwest Portland
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