In a city with a strong DIY culture, finding a good independent move theater is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Luckily, there are a few gems that stick out among the rest.
The St John’s Cinema & Pub stjohnscinema.com
Tickets $4.00 before 6 P.M., $6.00 after 6 P.M., Seniors/children $4.00
8704 N Lombard St Portland, OR 97203 (503) 286-1768
The St John’s Cinema and Pub is a shining beacon in a working-class neighborhood and is one of my favorite theaters for first-run movies. The St. John’s Cinema is perfect for group movie outings and is easy on the pocketbook. Popcorn, snacks and local microbrews are available for purchase along with pizza by the slice. After the movie, some of North Portland’s best dive bars like The Wishing Well and Twilight Room are within walking distance. Coffee shops filled with regulars and vintage clothing shops nearby are perfect for post-movie discussions.
The Academy Theater www.academytheaterpdx.com
$4 Adults, $3 for seniors (65+), $3.00 for kids (12 & under)
7818 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR 97215 (503) 252-0500
Built in 1948, the Academy Theater is a local favorite for second-run movies. The Twofer Tuesdays special (buy one ticket, get one free) and Double Feature Mondays are very popular during these tight times and, for a nominal fee, parents can drop off their kids at the babysitting services during the movie. The fare at The Academy strays from the usual popcorn and soda. Local fresh fruit, sushi, garden salads and local wine and microbrews are available for purchase along with pizza by the slice from Flying Pie Pizza.
Cinema 21 www.cinema21.org
616 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
$9.00 General Admission after 6 P.M., $8.00 for Students after 6P.M.
$8.00 for Seniors (62 and older) and children after 6P.M.
$6.00 General Admission before 6P.M.
$7.00 Seniors (62 and older) and children before 6P.M. $6.00
Cinema 21 is home to the best and weirdest art-house movies in town. Classic movies (The Man Who Fell to Earth, Brighton Rock) and sing-a-longs (Sound of Music, Grease, Mary Poppins) share a marquee with the choicest movies foreign and local cinema has to offer. Cinema 21 serves microbrews but is really not known for their concessions. If you find looking for a nosh, the popular NW 21st Ave neighborhood has plenty of coffee shops, bars and restaurants for a quick bite or night out with friends.