The Oriental Theater

 

0

11

Samantha G.

Portland, OR

The Oriental Theater is beautiful and fun, generally 21+. The tamale shop across the street is a+, so is Parisi, the restaurant across the street in the other direction. Cool neighborhood.

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2

8

Kristie P.

Denver, CO

This is a great place to see local bands.  Admission is usually less than $10.  you can always find a seat.  Drinks are affordable.  Decor is unique.  The main downside is theres no dance floor.

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Elite '08

313

315

Alexandra F.

Denver, CO

It is called Berkley, and it is one of Denver's up-and-coming hottest neighborhoods.  Last night we ventured over and up there to check out our friend's art show, which was art on magnets, or something like that.  

The big Oriental Theater sign hung high above the theater in only two neon letters, the rest of the lights were out, making this cheeky and yuppie-artist-mart even more sleazy to enter.  I told my friend that the theater reminded me that maybe it used to be an old oriental porn house... Where men went to check out sexy Asian women on the big screen, and sat aisles and seats apart... for the privacy of course.

The front of the theater is shmeared with smoky artists, probably hating the improvement's of health standards in Denver, where no smoking is allowed inside anymore.  Suckers.

One guy was in a robe and was telling his friend's a story... some kind of sexy story, because he was thrusting his hips and grinding his groin into the air as the smoker-crowd roared with laughter.

We were excited to enter, despite the $8 cover fee, which I never like paying... But I guess if it is going to starving artists, then I don't mind helping feeding the creative class.

Well, there we stood at the front door, and I can't help but to criticize the "moody" door clerks... as we asked about our friend, they had no idea what we were talking about, and instead pointed to the line-up on the wall... "It changes all the time dude, I have no idea."  Really the truth is, that guy probably hates looking like a doofus, but enough of that negativity.... "May I see your ID's please?"  We all passed our ID's except my 28-year old boyfriend, who lost his recently.... Nope, wouldn't let us in.  Which I guess is smart of them, it just pissed us off at the time.

So, we got in the door and were so tempted to leave my beau, but followed close behind him and decided to return to the Oriental Theater next week... When my boyfriend finally gets a new license.

* Star one is for the location, hip, cool, smooth, and silky... Sounds like a Soy Silk commercial
** Hip star two is for an interesting crowd, this is definitely an area you must explore NOW, before it turns into up-and-coming Colfax
*** Bright star two is for not fixing the hanging neon sign outside the building, makes the theater look even more starving
**** Money saver star four is for having free street parking

Star five was only taken away because they wouldn't let us in, even if it was our own fault... I can't wait to go back.

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10

5

Patrick C.

Denver, CO

I am so glad that this place is open again especially since I live in the neighborhood.  And yes it was used to show adult films back in the 70's and 80's but much has changed. I saw the Dresden Dolls about a month ago there and the acoustics are actually really good, like many of the old Theaters in Denver.  On the first Friday of every month the Tennyson Art walk is in full effect and the Oriental opens its doors to display work from many local artists.  Also a great place to catch an old Kung Fu movie or to grab a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich.  If you want to see a great show every week check out Johnny Vegas who I think usually plays on Tuesday or Wednesday, he's hilarious!

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6

274

Vince D.

Boulder, CO

I've been to the Oriental a number of times, but man, I still don't know how to get here! But if you know somebody who does, it's worth the trip. This is a great little theater that is more unique than the ones along Colfax. The interior is that faux grand style indicative of the budget theaters trying to look like grand ballrooms, and they have really cool events here, such as my friend's comedy nights.

This place used to be a porno theater many years ago. My belief, and hope, is that they've put in a new floor. They've lost the sleaze, but kept the politically incorrect name of the theater, which is charming in its own way I guess. And I agree with Alex--it's great that they kept the old neon sign.

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Elite '08

25

61

Daniel A.

Denver, CO

Well, this is a unique place. Old, dirty, with interesting acts, cheap drinks and best of all in Berkley. Parking on the street can be a drag but it's not terrible. The bar is small and always crowded and they appear to have sold thier soul to corporate sponsorship from hell as I've never really seen any place that has had every inch covered in Camel logos but hey, rent's due muthaf**kas....

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