Laurelhurst Theater

Stephanie Bergnaum V 22 Jun 2025

Laurelhurst Theater - Portland's Beloved Cinema Spot

There's a special spot in Portland, Oregon, that many people hold dear, a place where the love for movies meets a cozy, local feel. It's a cinema that, you know, has truly become a part of the community's story, offering something a bit different from your typical movie outing. This particular theater, the Laurelhurst, is, in a way, known for its rather unique blend of showing films and serving up some interesting craft beers, creating a very relaxed atmosphere for anyone looking for a good time. It’s a place that, honestly, feels like a comfortable living room, but with a big screen and some really good snacks, too.

This Portland favorite is, you could say, a real neighborhood treasure, consistently drawing people in with its particular charm and, as a matter of fact, its commitment to showing a wide variety of films. From current independent features to some truly old-school classic pictures, and even, you know, just some of those movies that have been out for a bit but are still worth seeing, the Laurelhurst offers a welcoming space for all sorts of film lovers. It’s a spot where, quite frankly, you can catch what you might have missed or revisit an old favorite, all while enjoying a refreshing drink or a bite to eat.

For anyone in the area, or even those just passing through, this cinema provides a really cool alternative to the usual big-screen experience, offering, as it does, a more intimate setting that many people seem to appreciate. It's, you know, a place where you can settle in, get comfortable, and just enjoy a film without feeling like you’re just one face in a huge crowd. This approach, honestly, makes the Laurelhurst Theater a stand-out choice for a night out, providing, you know, a very memorable way to watch movies.

A Look Back at the Laurelhurst Theater's Past
What Kinds of Movies Can You Catch at the Laurelhurst Theater?
Finding Your Way - Parking at the Laurelhurst Theater
How Do You Find Showtimes for the Laurelhurst Theater?
What Are the Age Rules for Laurelhurst Theater Shows?
What Can You Munch On and Sip at the Laurelhurst Theater?
Can You Support the Laurelhurst Theater in Local Polls?
How Can You Help the Community Through the Laurelhurst Theater?

A Look Back at the Laurelhurst Theater's Past

The Laurelhurst Theater, you know, has quite a story, becoming a significant part of Portland’s cultural scene and, you know, its building history when it first opened its doors way back in 1923. It was, as a matter of fact, built by a person named Walter Tebbetts, who, interestingly enough, also went on to build other well-known local theaters, like the Hollywood and the Roseway. Back then, it was, you know, quite different from how it is today, starting out with just one screen for showing films and, very cool, a pipe organ, which, honestly, must have added a lot to the movie-watching experience of the time. This bit of history, you know, really shows how long this place has been a part of the city's entertainment landscape.

It’s really something to think about how this building has stood for so many years, adapting through different eras of film and, you know, changing tastes in entertainment. The very fact that it was built by someone who also shaped other parts of Portland’s cinema scene, you know, gives it a certain importance in the city's story. From its beginnings as a single-screen picture house with live music from an organ, it has, in a way, kept its character while also moving with the times, making it a very enduring fixture for people who enjoy going to the movies. It’s, you know, a testament to its staying power, really.

Thinking about its early days, with that one screen and the pipe organ, gives you a pretty good idea of the kind of experience people had when they first visited. It was, you know, probably a very grand occasion to go to the pictures back then, and the Laurelhurst was right there at the forefront of that. It’s, you know, pretty neat how a building can hold so much history and still be a vibrant spot for people to gather and enjoy something together. This theater, you know, truly holds a piece of Portland's past within its walls, which is, you know, quite special.

What Kinds of Movies Can You Catch at the Laurelhurst Theater?

If you're wondering what sorts of films you can see at the Laurelhurst Theater, you'll find, you know, a pretty interesting mix that caters to different tastes. They show, for example, modern cinema, which means current films that are out right now, but they also feature independent art films, which are, you know, often more thought-provoking and come from smaller studios. And, very cool, they also play classic films, so you might get a chance to see an old favorite on the big screen again. This variety, honestly, makes it a really good spot for people who like all sorts of movies, from the newest releases to timeless pieces of cinema history.

One of the things that people often talk about when it comes to the Laurelhurst, and you know, it's a big draw, is that it's a really good spot to catch what are called "second run flicks." This basically means movies that have already been out for a bit, but you can see them here for, you know, a much lower price than what you'd pay for a brand-new release. Some people have said, quite plainly, that it's a "great place to catch second run flicks for a fraction of the first run price," which, honestly, sounds like a pretty good deal to me. It's, you know, a way to enjoy the movie experience without spending too much money, which is, you know, something many people appreciate.

The idea of going to a "theater pub" like the Laurelhurst, where you can watch a film and also enjoy a drink or some food, is, you know, something that many find very appealing. People will tell you, for example, that if you don't want to spend, say, twenty bucks for a movie experience, you should "just go to a theater pub." This suggests that the value here is, you know, pretty high, offering more than just the film itself. It’s, you know, a complete outing, where the atmosphere and the offerings go beyond just the screen, making it a really inviting place for a casual night out, or, you know, a planned movie date.

Finding Your Way - Parking at the Laurelhurst Theater

For those planning a visit to the Laurelhurst Theater and, you know, wondering about where to leave your vehicle, there's some good news regarding parking. You'll find, as a matter of fact, a parking lot located directly to the west of the Laurelhurst building itself, and that space is, you know, specifically set aside for customers. This means you won't have to drive around searching for a spot on the street, which, honestly, can be a bit of a hassle in some areas. Having dedicated parking, you know, just makes the whole experience of getting to the theater that much smoother and, you know, more convenient for everyone.

Knowing that there's a specific place to park your car, you know, right next to the building, can really help when you're planning your trip. It takes away, you know, some of the stress that can come with trying to find a spot in a busy part of town. So, when you're heading out to catch a film at the Laurelhurst, you can, you know, pretty much count on having a place to park your vehicle without too much trouble. This little detail, honestly, makes a pretty big difference in making your visit feel more relaxed from the moment you arrive, allowing you to focus on enjoying the movie, which is, you know, the whole point.

The address for the theater is 2735 East Burnside Street in Portland, Oregon, with the zip code 97214, so, you know, if you're using a map or GPS, that's what you'll put in. And then, once you're close, just look for that parking lot right on the west side. It’s, you know, a pretty straightforward setup, which is always nice when you’re going somewhere new or, you know, just don’t want any surprises before your movie starts. This thoughtful provision for visitors, you know, really shows that they consider the comfort of their patrons from the very start of their visit, which is, you know, pretty cool.

How Do You Find Showtimes for the Laurelhurst Theater?

When you're eager to see a film at the Laurelhurst Theater, finding out what's playing and when can be, you know, pretty simple, though sometimes you might need to check back later. For instance, if you've picked a certain date and there are "no showtimes from the theater yet for the selected date," the best thing to do is, you know, just "check back later for a complete listing." This means that, sometimes, the schedule might not be fully set far in advance, so a little patience is, you know, sometimes needed. It's, you know, pretty typical for movie schedules to get updated closer to the date, so don't be discouraged if you don't see anything right away.

Showtimes for the Laurelhurst Theater and Pub are, you know, generally available for specific periods, like, for example, from June 20th, 2025, through June 26th, 2025. So, if you're looking within those dates, you're more likely to find what you're looking for. If, however, you've tried searching and it tells you to "please change your search criteria and try again," it might just mean that the date you chose doesn't have anything scheduled yet, or, you know, perhaps you made a small mistake in your selection. It's, you know, a good idea to double-check your dates and make sure they align with when shows are usually listed, which is, you know, pretty standard practice for any theater.

In cases where you're still having trouble finding something, or if the Laurelhurst Theater doesn't have what you're looking for on a particular day, you can, you know, always "check the list below for nearby theaters." This is, you know, a helpful suggestion that gives you other options in the area, so your movie plans don't have to be completely derailed. You can also, you know, view showtimes for movies playing at the Laurelhurst Theater in Portland, Oregon, by looking up their zip code, 97214, which will usually come with links to more information about the movie itself, like a plot summary, reviews, and who's in it, which is, you know, really convenient for planning your visit. It's, you know, pretty much all the details you'd want before you go.

What Are the Age Rules for Laurelhurst Theater Shows?

Understanding the age rules for attending shows at the Laurelhurst Theater is, you know, pretty important, especially if you're planning a visit with different age groups. Basically, for "all shows starting after 8:00pm," they are "strictly 21 and over." This means if the movie begins at eight o'clock in the evening or later, everyone attending needs to be at least 21 years old and have a valid ID to prove it. They are, you know, pretty serious about this rule, even stating, "we card anyone that looks under 30," so it's a good idea to have your identification ready, just in case. It's, you know, a common policy for places that serve alcohol, which the Laurelhurst does, being a theater pub.

Now, if you're wondering, "Do I have to be 21 to come to a movie?" the answer depends on the showtime. While the evening shows are for adults, "minors with parental accompaniment are welcome to shows starting before 8:00pm." This means that if a movie begins before eight o'clock in the evening, younger people are allowed in, but they must be with a parent. So, for daytime or early evening screenings, it's, you know, a family-friendly spot, which is, you know, really nice for those who want to bring their kids along. It's, you know, a pretty clear distinction that helps everyone plan their visit appropriately, making sure everyone has a good time.

To put it simply, if you're planning to go to a movie at the Laurelhurst Theater, just remember the 8 PM cutoff. Before that time, with a parent, younger folks can come along, but after 8 PM, it's strictly for the 21 and over crowd, and they will, you know, definitely check IDs. This policy, you know, ensures that the theater can maintain its status as a place that serves both a family audience earlier in the day and an adult audience later on, providing, you know, a different vibe depending on the time. It's, you know, a pretty straightforward system that works well for everyone involved, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons.

What Can You Munch On and Sip at the Laurelhurst Theater?

When you visit the Laurelhurst Theater, you're not just there for the film; you can also, you know, enjoy some pretty tasty food and drinks, which really adds to the whole experience. The Laurelhurst Theater & Pub, as a matter of fact, "proudly serves pizzas, salads, and cookies," and the best part is that these are "made fresh daily by our sister restaurant the New Deal Cafe." So, you're getting, you know, fresh, good quality food right there at your seat, which is, you know, pretty convenient and much better than just plain old popcorn, though I'm sure they have that too. This connection to a local cafe, you know, really highlights their commitment to offering more than just a typical movie snack bar.

Speaking of the New Deal Cafe, it's worth noting that this sister restaurant offers, you know, "breakfast every day, all day and lunch on weekdays." While you might not be having breakfast at the theater itself, knowing about the cafe gives you a sense of the kind of fresh, local food they're bringing to the cinema. It suggests that the quality of the food items served at the Laurelhurst is, you know, pretty high, given that they come from a place that focuses on daily fresh meals. And, you know, don't forget the "unique blend of cinema and craft beer" that the Laurelhurst is known for; they have a selection of craft beers, which, honestly, pairs really well with watching a film and enjoying some fresh pizza. It's, you know, a pretty good combination for a relaxed evening.

So, when you're settling in for your movie, you can, you know, order up a fresh pizza, maybe a crisp salad, or even, you know, a warm cookie for something sweet. And, for the adults, there's the option of a craft beer to sip on while you watch the story unfold on the big screen. This focus on providing a full menu, rather than just basic concessions, is, you know, one of the things that makes the Laurelhurst Theater a "beloved local gem." It’s, you know, pretty clear they want you to have a comfortable and enjoyable time, from the moment you walk in until the credits roll, and good food and drink are, you know, a big part of that experience.

Can You Support the Laurelhurst Theater in Local Polls?

Yes, you absolutely can show your support for the Laurelhurst Theater in local polls, which is, you know, a pretty direct way to help them gain recognition. For instance, they were, you know, asking people to "vote for us as best movie theater in Willamette Week's Best of Portland 2025 poll." This kind of poll is, you know, a big deal for local businesses because it helps them get noticed and shows how much the community appreciates what they do. It’s, you know, a simple act, but it can make a real difference in their standing within the city, which is, you know, pretty cool.

The voting period for these kinds of polls is, you know, usually for a limited time, so it’s important to pay attention to the deadlines. For that particular poll, for example, voting was set to end on "Friday 6/20." This means that if you wanted to cast your vote, you had to do it by that specific date. They also, you know, made sure to express their gratitude, saying "thank you for your support!" which just goes to show how much they value their patrons and the community’s backing. It's, you know, a way for people to have a say in what they think are the best spots in their city, and the Laurelhurst is, you know, often a strong contender.

Participating in these polls is, you know, a nice way to give a shout-out to places you really like and want to see succeed. It’s, you know, pretty easy to do, usually just a few clicks online, and it helps highlight businesses that are doing a good job and are, you know, important to the local culture. So, if you're a fan of the Laurelhurst Theater, keeping an eye out for these kinds of opportunities to vote is, you know, a good idea. It’s, you know, a small gesture that contributes to their continued success and popularity within Portland, which is, you know, something many people are happy to do.

How Can You Help the Community Through the Laurelhurst Theater?

The Laurelhurst Theater isn't just a place to catch a film; it also, you know, provides opportunities for the community to come together and help others. For example, they were, you know, actively involved in collecting donations for the KGW Great Toy Drive. This kind of initiative shows that the theater is, you know, more than just a business; it’s a part of the fabric of the community, willing to use its space to support important causes. It's, you know, a pretty heartwarming way for a local establishment to give back and encourage its patrons to do the same, which is, you know, truly commendable.

During the period of the toy drive, which was, you know, "now through December 16th," people had a couple of different ways to participate. You could, for instance, bring your donations right into their "lobby," which is, you know, a very convenient way to drop off toys while you're there for a movie or just passing by. Or, if you preferred, you could also donate "online," which makes it, you know, really easy for anyone to contribute, even if they couldn't make it to the theater in person. This flexibility in how people could help is, you know, pretty thoughtful and encourages more participation, which is, you know, what you want for a successful drive.

These kinds of community efforts are, you know, pretty important because they show that businesses can play a role in making things better for everyone. By hosting a toy drive, the Laurelhurst Theater helped gather gifts for children who might not otherwise receive them, especially during the holiday season. It’s, you know, a simple yet powerful way to spread a little joy and support those in need. So, when you visit the Laurelhurst, you're not just enjoying a movie; you're also, you know, supporting a place that cares about its community and, you know, actively works to make a positive impact, which is, you know, a pretty good feeling.

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