Touring McMenamins on a budget | The owners of the McMenamins chain of brewpubs and venues have been purchasing historically significant buildings and repurposing them for of-age entertainment since the mid-1980s. Their stable of notable properties includes a church, a movie theater, a funeral home, many old saloons, a former brothel, a poor farm, an elementary school and a pioneer homestead. In 1987, they first hit upon the idea of combining a movie house with a pub, the success of which led to an explosion of new additions. There are now more than 60 different franchise locations
The McMenamins franchise of fun
Touring McMenamins on a budget
Photo by Kayla Nguyen
Apricots are fruit, yo: If you’re on a strict fried-chicken diet but have been forced to eat more fruits and vegetables, try these chicken hazlenut tenders with apricot sauce.
The owners of the McMenamins chain of brewpubs and venues have been purchasing historically significant buildings and repurposing them for of-age entertainment since the mid-1980s. Their stable of notable properties includes a church, a movie theater, a funeral home, many old saloons, a former brothel, a poor farm, an elementary school and a pioneer homestead. In 1987, they first hit upon the idea of combining a movie house with a pub, the success of which led to an explosion of new additions. There are now more than 60 different franchise locations
Crystal Ballroom
1332 W Burnside St.
Crystal Ballroom features several different venues in one, making it one of the more compact McMenamins sites. Just 20 blocks from campus, it’s a trolley ride and a short walk away. For those under 21 years of age, there isn’t much to do on the cheap, but Crystal Ballroom does offer medium-to-large music shows. For those 21 and over, Lola’s Room, directly under the ballroom proper, hosts both ’80s and ’90s dance nights for a cover charge of $5 and $6, respectively.
White Eagle
836 N Russell St.
For a $2.50 MAX ride—or, for the extra-thrifty, about a 45-minute walk—one can find not only a bar and music venue steeped in storied tradition, but one that’s said to be haunted as well. While the ghost stories might be a draw for some, White Eagle hosts free all-ages and 21-and-over shows most days of the week, which saves you a ton of money for beverages. According to their website, White Eagle has boasted such acts as ZZ Top, The Holy Modal Rounders and The Isley Brothers during its history. Shows usually start between 4:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Kennedy School
5736 NE 33rd Ave
Without a car, some of the more interesting locations are somewhat difficult to get to, but they are more than worth it. Kennedy School is a $5 round-trip bus ride and represents one of the more unique McMenamins destinations. Multiple bars, a soaking pool, a restaurant, lodging and a movie theater aren’t just for the over-21 set—all ages are welcome before 8 p.m. They offer cheap movies ($3 for most, occasionally free) and charge $5 per hour for the soaking pool.
With five different bars to choose from, Kennedy School makes for a novel drinking experience. Moving between the Honors Bar and the Detention Bar carries obvious connotations, while the exposed subterranean layers and vintage plumbing motifs of the Boiler Room Bar take over the senses, and make the trip to another time and place complete.
