A Big Screen & A Beer: Unique Moviegoing in Washington County
October 11th, 2011 by Angie Marsh
Going to catch a flick here can be more than a cineplex experience; choices abound that involve amenities such as leather seating, digital high definition projection, or a $4 ticket price for all showings—and each of these destinations offer drinks for the 21-and-older moviegoer.
Valley Cinema Pub – Once known as Valley Cinemas, this Beaverton theater has reinvented itself while still keeping its biggest draw: the $4 admission for every screening.
In a tie for its second biggest draw: The “second-run” offerings are often good movies; and on Tuesday through Sunday nights, minors are not admitted to showings after 7 p.m. Both beer and wine are served during these evenings, alongside an assortment of slices from local chain Pizza Schmizza as well as the standard movie fare such as popcorn, nachos, soda and candy.
I’m thinking that a pint of IPA, slice of pepperoni pizza and the next showing of “Bridesmaids” is the perfect weeknight movie combination.
Cinetopia’s Progress Ridge - This sparkly new high-end theater in Beaverton offers an upscale moviegoing experience. This location, which opened in June 2011, has multiple unique auditorium options, all of which offer extra-wide leather seats, extra leg room and digital super high definition projection! There are different viewing options under this one roof: Grand Auditoriums, Grand XL Theaters, Living Room Theaters and Parlor Room Theaters.
The Grand Auditoriums have steep stadium seating with both extra-wide rows and reclining seats. The Grand XL Theaters have giant screens and Super HD projection and extra roomy space as well.
The Living Room Theaters are for ages 21 and older only, and have a “skybox” type of viewing experience, complete with beer and a wine bar containing more than 100 options and restaurant service—and on the weekends, enjoy live music before the feature begins. Some of the Parlor Room Theaters are 21 and older only; some are all ages.
I had my eye on the artisan cheese plate, paired with a Syrah and a viewing of “The Ides of March” in a Living Room Theater. Then I eyed the gourmet popcorn bar. This location ups the ante for what “going out to a movie” can mean.
The Compass Room Theater at The Grand Lodge – This Forest Grove option offers second-run movies with the luxury of dining with a table in front of most seats. Choose from pizzas, burgers and other pub fare, which can be paired with McMenamins signature ales or wines. I’m thinking the sweet potato fries with chipotle ketchup pair well with a Ruby ale and a showing of “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Well, it’s only a $3 admission; first and foremost, you’re there for the experience.
The Venetian Theatre in Hillsboro also offers an historic feel and full bar. Movies are shown on a more limited basis; often the venue features theater productions. But check their website calendar for upcoming movie listings—it’s worth the wait.
For a complete list of movie theaters in Washington County, go here.
Tags: cinemas, Cinetopia Progress Ridge, Compass Room Theater, McMenamins Grand Lodge, Valley Cinema Pub, Venetian Theatre, washington county oregon
This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 11th, 2011 at 2:29 pm and is filed under Attractions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.