A new lounge is opening next to the Hollywood Theatre, who owns and operates it, called Bar Hollywood. It is in the space that was formerly home to Vivienne, which ended their time there in late 2023, and subsequently moving to the Alberta Arts District. Bar Hollywood is described as “David Lynch-themed.”
Piqued Interest
A couple of months ago I learned that something intriguing was opening up next to the Hollywood Theatre. A Redditor asked, “Anyone know what is coming? Did the Hollywood absorb this space?” They remarked on their experience with the status of the neighborhood, but also that “It would be cool to have a little movie lounge or something here to hang out at before or after seeing a movie.”
This last point is spot on and I am glad to see the Hollywood Theatre is on the same wavelength with this new lounge. I have stated more than once how much I miss The Magnolia, a pandemic loss, which was a great pre-movie spot to have a drink and a bite to eat. Bar Hollywood could take up that mantle.
Bar Hollywood: A David Lynch-Inspired Lounge
This intimate 45-seat lounge drew inspiration from Lynch’s body of work for the interior design. This is expressed in the blue and red walls, film reel tables, large framed posters, and even a special “blue velvet sitting area.” Electric Spaghetti Neon created the “Bar Hollywood” neon sign at the entrance.
They’ll be serving beer, wine, and NA drinks; there will also be snacks.
The David Lynch Tribute Series
Bar Hollywood opens in conjunction with the Hollywood Theatre’s David Lynch tribute series, “In Heaven: A David Lynch Retrospective.” This curated collection of Lynch’s films runs from Wednesday, April 23 to Sunday, April 27. Films include Eraserhead, Mulholland Drive, The Straight Story on 35mm film. And The Elephant Man, Wild at Heart, Inland Empire, Blue Velvet, and Lost Highway, area all digitally restored.
The Hollywood Theatre put together this nice trailer for the series:
Bar Hollywood’s Hours of Operation
During this first week along with “In Heaven: A David Lynch Retrospective,” they will be open today, Wednesday, April 23 through Sunday, April 27 from 6pm to 10pm. And special for Friday, April 25—they will host a David Lynch-themed pop-up featuring local artists from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
The following week they will start up their regular hours, which are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6pm to 10pm (minors will be allowed until 9pm). Special events are also being planned.
I’ll finish this up with a quote from Doug Whyte, Executive Director of the Hollywood Theatre:
“We are excited to finally have a dedicated space for the community to gather before and after films, and to be able to host special events such as film festival parties, visiting filmmaker receptions, and art pop-ups.”
I expect Bar Hollywood will be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. I’m looking forward to checking it out. Many thanks to the Theatre staff for providing many of the details in this article.
Bar Hollywood [opens April 23, 2025]
4128 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland
Hollywood Theatre website | Hollywood Theatre Instagram
Updated April 24, 2025.
Meg Cotner
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Cool concept but the hours of operation don’t make sense. If you go to the Hollywood regularly you know you almost always have to get your seats at least 30 minutes before the start time, so if your show is at 7 you aren’t chilling here beforehand unless you’re cool with bad seats. If your movie ends after 10 you’re going somewhere else because this place is closed. I don’t get it.
You make a valid argument, Adder. I could see them trying out these current hours, seeing what works and what doesn’t, and adjusting as needed. I’ll keep an eye on it.
This is amazing, can’t wait to check it out. I wish they would take over the old soda fountain just down the block too. Imagine the cool theming they could do there. And how fun it would be to have a legit Soda shop so near the theater for pre movie treats.
I wish something would move in there! I remember when I first moved to the Hollywood District, going to Paulsen’s and having a milkshake. Even in 2016 they had been dealing with crime (they had been robbed that summer). But it’s a great location. The last remaining soda fountain in Portland is Fairley’s in the Roseway neighborhood.