McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub
| Address: | 3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, USA |
| Phone: | +1 503-249-7474 |
| Site: | mcmenamins.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–12AM 11AM–1AM 11AM–1AM 11AM–12AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 6
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Kieran Cannistra
This used to be our go-to place for movies and dinner; could afford to take our kids and chow down without thinking too much about about. Since the changes, we find two things have changed for the worse: 1) the price increase makes this a "once every few months" kind of place, rather than an "any time we want" place. 2) A movie (ONE MOVIE) comes and stays. And stays. And stays. Until I no longer care whats playing at the Bagdad and stop thinking about it. I know the changes are blowing some peoples minds, but I didnt notice the supposedly supercomfortable seats. Theyre just seats. The sound system didnt impress me, either — both times since the upgrade it just sounded mushy, to me. I had nowhere to put my drink. And I really missed table service downstairs. (Yes, I KNOW the change was engineered for my benefit. I liked it the way it was; cant help myself.) Its an OK theater. I enjoy going there, just fine ... but its not as much fun as when I felt like I was getting a great deal in a quirky joint. The kids still love it, but Im saying "No" to them a lot more than I used to. Its almost always either, "Same movies still playing, kids," or "Theres nothing appropriate for you to see, there." Its no longer the kind of place we take visitors to, either, when theyre in town, though I cant place my finger on why this is. Some of the magic is gone, I guess. Changes dont seem to be hurting the business, any. Was as packed as it ever was, last time I was there ... and yeah: they still havent really figured out how to deal with a line of people; show up early (especially if you hope to order food / drinks).
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Kyan Hartley
How have I lived in Portland for over two years and never visited the actual theater part of this place? Sure, Id have some of their delicious beers and a pizza while I watch the people stroll down Hawthorne... but, whoa! This is my new favorite theater! Hands down. No questions. How do big-box cinemas get away with charging $11 + for a ticket when they have competition like this? Good Stuff: + Design!! What a plush surrounding. It felt like Id stepped through a portal into Istanbul or Morocco (okay, Ive been to neither but this is what I hope they look like). Ornate chandeliers, beautiful tile work, columns, stellar lighting + Comfortable chairs - and a rarity, each seat (at least in the balcony) had their own arm rests (no more of that "do I give my arm rest to my neighbor or do I take it?" thing) + Tables in front of many of the seats + BEER! Pizza. Burgers. + Very friendly staff Room to Improve: - The food. Im glad theyve got it, but its a bit mediocre. I dont expect a culinary masterpiece - We are at the movies after all - but it was a bit bland - Somewhat archaic restrooms, but again... not anything to keep me from coming back over and over again
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A Private User
First of all, the service is really not that great to begin with and then the food is very mediocre for the outrageous prices. I gave this place two chances and the last time did it! The first time I came the service was alright but the food not so super for a $9 burger. Ive had better at fast food places. Got the burger again since it was on the Happy Hour menu the 2nd time I went. It was almost the exact size burger I paid $9 for, happy hour is $4. The burger was a little better, but the service still not so great. To top it off, I left an item there and called the next day to see if it was found, and they were like just come up here after 5. I live far away was only visiting a friend in that area when I went. I exlplain this and the person would not even offer to take my information, I had to give myself the option of calling back after 5. I would have just got my friend to pick it up. I work in customer service and this is just awful. I would never treat a customer like that. I will never go here again, even if Im starving and they are the only folks open. I would rather go to the grocery store! This place needs to seriously step it up.
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A Private User
Its a McMenamins. Ill start with the good. This theater is gorgeous. Its huge. Theres a bar-top in front of each row of seats, so you have tons of leg room between you and the person in front of you, as well as a place to put your beer and food. Theres a nice balcony up top too, and a decent sized stage up front, meaning the Bagdad is able to feature more than just film. Then theres the "bad" Theres only one screen, so your viewing options are pretty limited. Also, it seems that the selections mirror their other locations pretty closely, so you wont often find something special here that you cant see other places. I think the beer and food is mediocre, and overpriced too compared to the competition. Still, its waaaay better quality than the options at the local megaplex, and a lot cheaper than them too. I love living in a place where one can actually complain about the beer and pizza in a theater. If you want to check out an awesome historic theater, drink some beer, and eat some pizza while watching a good film (and who wouldnt?), definitely check this place out at least once.
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Mike Perkins
This is a great historic theater-pub on SE Hawthorne brought to you by the Mcmenamin brothers. Not only is it a movie theater but also has a carpeted stage and dance floor, hosting various concerts and stand-up comedy shows. Large downstairs theater with seating and tables, as well as a large 200+ person balcony with comfy couches that you can lounge out on. Serves mostly Mcmenamins food and beverages, such as pizza and flagship beers like Hammerhead and Ruby ale. You can even order off the regular pub menu and have the food delivered right to your seat. I find the beer and food prices to be a bit high considering the quality offered, but come by on Tuesday for $2 movies (noraml price is $3) and use that extra buck toward a pint. I will admit, I am in love with Mcmenamins Cajun tater tots, so good with some ranch and Terminator Stout mustard. The best part of this place is actually just the theater itself, with mosaics, Mediterranean architecture and designs, and iron fixtures that transport you back into the silent picture era of the 1920s. Definitely one of the best theaters in town.
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Ryan Bigham
Went on a Fri and it was the worst experience Ive ever had at a bar. They only had two people working to serve the 60 or so people there and the people they had working were slow and took their sweet time doing everything. In the hour and a half me and my brothers were there I think we only were able to get two beers and only saw a waiter once. They never clean their lines so their tap beer also has a funky taste, and the double jack and coke my other brother ordered tasted like it had maybe half a shot, the drinks we did get were fairly disappointing. When we started to complain to the manager he just shoved our tabs in our faces like we did something wrong and didnt apologize or anything for the terrible service we had. The atmosphere was great sure, but worst service Ive had anywhere in a long time.
