Bagdad Theatre (movie theatre): "Cheap Movies with a Place to Put your Beer" Top 5 Page for this destination Portland Nightlife Tip by glabah

The Bagdad is one of Portlands old movie theatres, dating back to a time when live orchestras were required as musical accompanyment to silent films.

The theatre was purchased by the McMenamin brothers and added to their now substantial empire of old buildings that have been restored and renovated to a condition that appeals to more modern audience.

What was once the dressing room for the orchestra is now the "Backstage Pub" and other drinking and establishments are part of the same building.

However, by far the largest purpose for the theatre remains: enjoying a movie. These days, however, about half of the seats in the theatre have been removed to make way for tables, and beer and pizza are available for purchase - as well as a number of other beverages and food common in any McMenamin's establishment.

Movies are second-run, so chances are what you are seeing here is something you have already seen, or maybe it is out on DVD already. However, at $3 a movie (the prices have been the same for years) you can barely rent the thing for what you can see it here.

The name of the theatre comes from the age of film when movies transported people to exotic, far away locations. The entire theatre has been decorated to inspire thoughts of a grand Middle Eastern palace or Turkish bath house, or some other such grand building of the Middle East.

While the movies are the primary attraction, check the schedule on the web site, as there are other special events here. In the past, this has included authors from Powell's Books (Powell's Books on Hawthorne is basically across the street), presentations on solar power, and various other one-time showings. At one time the Battlestar Galactica TV series was showing on the big screen on Friday nights. Big sports events may also make an appearance here on the big screen.

As the facility serves alcohol, those under 21 are usually excluded from entering. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, from time to time there are "Mommy Matinees" ("Crying babies are welcome" says the advertisements) or other special showings in which the facility is open to all ages.

Dress Code: Pacific Northwest Casual: wear some sort of clothing. The theatre (as are virtually all public establishments in Multnomah County) is non-smoking.

Address: 3702 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214
Directions: South side of street at corner of SE Hawthorne and 37th. Bus route 14 is right outside the front door.
Phone: (503) 236-9234
Theme: Theater
Website: http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=9&id=176