Aladdin Theater — Local services in Portland

I went to see a show a few days ago. The door and bar staff were great and the show itself was also great. The ushers/management staff were less than stellar. I bought an ADA ticket because I use a mobility device and my seat had a videographer directly in front of it so that I could not actually fit in the space with my device. The usher asked if it was a problem and I said yeah, so he went to go get the manager. I sat in another seat while I waited. The manager arrived and was very condescending, explaining to me I couldn't sit in that seat and I needed to sit in the seat I paid for. I told her I was only sitting there while I waited and that my seat was blocked by the videographer. She was dismissive and said I had to sit there and it had never been a problem before. I tried to sit in that seat with my device in front of a different seat, since it couldn't fit in front of mine, and discovered the seat was not even attached to the floor. It wobbled precariously and I asked about it, and she just shrugged and said "it's attached to the seat next to it so it won't fall." The seat was also too narrow for me to fit in (but the other seat hadn't been, so clearly differently sized seats in the ada row) so I had to sit on my rollator instead. This was uncomfortable for several reasons: the videographer was so closer were literally touching each other, the floor was slanted so I kept rolling forward, and the additional height made it so I was blocking everyone's view behind me. I felt really bad about that, but I didn't know what else to do. At the end of the show I wanted to buy a record but the artist merch area is up stairs with no accessible entrance. I mean, it wasn't the WORST experience I've had, but maybe keep those things in mind if you are planning to come here with...

Absolutely adored this place. There were definitely faults, but not worth docking any stars. The chairs are old and I had a spring against my butt all night, they are rather close together so hopefully you're okay with getting to know your neighbor.

The wife and I went to see Ezra Furman and Pancho Morris. I'd never heard of Pancho Morris before, but I'm looking forward to his next album. He's amazing. As for the main event, Ezra is a life changing experience, and this place only added to it. His passion through his singing when solo, and band complimenting him only benefitted from being so close to everyone around you. It felt more intimate than any other show I've been to.

When I first got inside and my elephant was stamped on to me, I was a bit skeptical as to why such an incredible person like Ezra would choose a place that almost looked rundown. Don't make the same mistake I did. This place has a certain air to it. Just trust it and enjoy your experience. You'll be glad you're coming here. Cheap seats, the nicest staff, and definitely the best bands/artists. You should come here, and you should start listening to Ezra Furman.

I'm not good enough with words to describe the sensation being in this place gives you, nor a good enough detective to tell you why it happens. Just come here, and I know you'll get it. It's friendly, welcoming, cheap, historic, and it has a lot of personality. Just do yourself a favor. Support your local...

I've been to two events here, it is an older building that has beautiful architecture. While I appreciate the history and the ambiance, I think if you've never been there you should really know exactly what to expect.

It isn't a super convenient venue. You always have to drive around looking for parking in the neighborhood. The neighborhood is hilly, so you might be parking on an incline or decline. If you have mobility needs there really isn't enough designated handicap parking.

Arriving early to find parking, one then has to stand in a line that wraps around the very busy corner along Powell. In the events I attended, seating is first come, first serve... So another reason to arrive early and stand in line. Once in the front door to the left appears to be a bar/sit down restaurant. Forward and to the right is a long bar where you can get drinks.

There is seating in a lower level and up the stairs in the balcony. My understanding is that the only public bathrooms are up the stairs next to the bathroom. This is terribly difficult for those with mobility needs and down right impossible if you are limited to a wheel chair.

The music can be quite loud depending on the group playing and where you sit. It is a relatively small space.

Overall, both times I've gone have been enjoyable. I don't buy drinks or food, water...