McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub — Attraction in Portland

I have visited the Bagdad Theater & Pub three times over the past year (I attended two movies and dined in the Pub once.). As a newbie to the area, my first visit and second visits (one more successful than the other) were confusing...how do I get a seat and also get in line for food without risking my property being stolen or moved in my absence? How do I coordinate with another whom I vaguely know what they will eat or drink or where they would prefer to sit? Oh, and how do I figure out what I want and where I want to sit while also separated in some fashion from my companion?

On my first visit I asked to review a menu while standing in line and was denied. I also, pulsed anyone in line around me for information in hopes I could devise a plan of attack. It all went up in smoke. My friend got food and no drink, I got a drink and no food and our seats were really uncomfortable (At the advice of our line mates we sat in the balcony, row one, center; the seats are tight on leg-room and well worn so you lose a lot of height in the seat...meaning for me I could not see over the balcony wall and see the movie without sitting on the edge of my seat for two hours.). The second time, I bypassed the balcony, which I learned the first visit is the only space in the theater where orders can be delivered, for a seat-romp on the main floor. I ended up back upstairs, but this time higher up where the seats are newer and the view is better. Overall, the theater is nice and the food average which is kind of what I expected (I am a pescatarian and most pub menus are challenging.). What I didn't expect was the confusing and not so process friendly aspect which is why I am giving it only 3-stars. I think there is a better, more customer-centric approach to be had...

Do not go to this theater if it will be a full showing. I went on Saturday to a sold out Barbie viewing and it was the hottest movie experience I have ever had- it was cooler OUTSIDE on an 80+ degree day. I am not exaggerating. Walking out was a RELIEF after the show.

I was with friends and thought maybe it was just me, because no one was saying anything- nope turns out we were all suffering in silence. I have been a few times before, but never to a full/fullish show- I thought maybe something happened to their HVAC system, so I decided to call today to see what the heck was going on.

I was told "ya if you get 500 people in a small space it's gonna be hot" WHAT!? LOL I can't believe that was the response?? Like I was in short shorts and tank top- I brought a sweater assuming it was going to be cold, yknow- like move theaters are.... nope!

Anyway, the staff member I spoke to blamed the building being built in 1920 on it, but I am currently typing this from my 1910 office building and our HVAC is great. I asked "well if you guys know it gets too hot at 500 people why would you sell that many tickets?" She did not have an answer for this. Don't blame her, I know it's not her problem, but damn if this is a known issue that management chooses not to address it should be mentioned at time of ticket purchase. Woof.

Also, I have no idea if they actually seat 500 people, that was the figure the employee gave me- so...

The movie was good . My family went a group of 6 to see a movie prepared our tickets online to make it easy and all was good got to the entrance and it started the reception at the door was aggressively not happy asked for our name couldn't find it had to open the online purchase and found our ticket purchase and after the cold reception said ok go ahead keeping in mind I'm not from Portland and have never been here for sure we didn't know where to go no signs saying this way and the receptionist was done and walked away so I entered ok fine went to order food got drinks and popcorn and ordered a Pretzel and fries for 2 and was given a number and told to proceed to my seat got in the movie was good and after 30 minutes no food .my wife and I go to consession to ask about my food got ignored for over 10 minutes to be told we are backed up get in line I explained I had been waiting for 45 minutes at this time and nothing a blank stair we went back to our seat and 30 minutes later surprise our food that was $ 60.00 2 fries 2 cokes and a pretzel shows up after 1.5 hrs into the movie and causing me to miss over 30 minutes ignored in the food court the fries were still cold and soft and the pretzels were like rocks in short If you looking for old nostalgic type buildings you will find it But if you're looking for service. You will...