McMenamins Detention Bar

Nice bar. Friendly service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is another gem in the McMenamins line of fun, historical establishments - and by far my favorite! Been here many times over the years - actually even had my very first lobster roll EVER here (as a special item years ago) and it was amazing. The vibe is so quirky - you definitely feel like you’re walking the halls of your old elementary school - except there are bars and a lively restaurant and even a brewery haha!! The staff has always been super welcoming and friendly. The food at their main Courtyard Restaurant has always been great. On my last visit (July 2023), I had their chicken salad sandwich on croissant and it was SO GOOD!! Even their tater tots were perfectly cooked. And they even have some of the best iced tea I’ve had outside of the south! Their menu changes seasonally so it’s always a treat to try something new. After eating, leave time to explore - the grounds are just gorgeous and you’ll get lost in the nostalgia as you wander around the old school’s hallways. They have several bars - one is huge and has total steampunk vibes. They have a small hotel and a salt water pool - even the bathrooms are beautiful. I’d definitely like to stay here next time - but I imagine it can be a tad spooky at night haha! The school opened back in 1915 so it’s a historic building. The wall art is gorgeous and there are lots of info signs and historical pics scattered around. It’s in a good location in north Portland with plenty of parking and easy to find. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in the area!

This is a fun place to stay. We enjoyed all the bars that were open (a couple are closed Monday and Tuesday), the free movie theater (that has the best unique seating), and enjoyed the food and drinks. Room has ac, but I am not sure we have control, so the room was a little warm for us. The Devore and old school feel was so cool! I understand why people rave about these properties.

This review is in regards to my recent stay at The Kennedy School. As an avid traveler, I’ve stayed in many places- good and bad. However, I generally know what to expect and set my expectations accordingly. On a pacific NW trip with my (18 year old) daughter, we opted to stay at the Kennedy school during our stop in Portland. It was sadly one of my all around worst experiences in a very long time. Starting from check in, and past check out. We knew there would be no TVs in the room and were ok with it since we were told there would be theater access, WiFi, and of course plenty of things to do in the hotel itself. However, the day we arrived there was an event we were not aware of (we should have been told in advance) and could not utilize the theater. Additionally, the WiFi never worked for us, so utilizing our own devices was impossible. I had booked a breakfast package - was told they couldn’t honor that, (don’t know why) and I’d receive a credit for it. We attempted dinner, but were not allowed inside all but one restaurant because my daughter wasn’t 21. Ate in the hotel, but had to eat outside because there were no tables and we couldn’t be in the bar area. We never got to use the (small) salt water pool as it was consistently overcrowded with drunks- apparently anyone can use it and you don’t have to be a hotel guest. No problem... it is what it is. Until we see our very underwhelming room, with a shower no bigger than what’s inside an rv, a toilet that sounds like a tsunami when flushed, and a stained bed (see photo). But the kicker, was receiving an email from management stating that I’d be charged an extra $200 because they “found evidence” of smoking in my room. I don’t smoke, so I emailed back that they must have the wrong guests, and never received a response. Bad business from a place that in my opinion, should have been more forthcoming on what to expect. I filed a dispute with my credit card, but lost. And the reason- they sent photos after they dug through my trash!! and found items I discarded from my car, including someone’s cigarette pack and cigarettes. I didn’t expect the four seasons, but I didn’t expect any of what we walked into either. It was disappointing to say the least. Staff was mostly unfriendly, (with the exception of some bar staff and the gentleman in the gift shop). I emailed corporate and never received a response. I wouldn’t have taken the time to leave this review if they had addressed some of these issues, but couldn’t be bothered. Huge waste of money- overpriced for the sh*tty room you get, and only good if your 22 and just need a place to crash after partying all night. I’m truly surprised and disappointed in the entire experience and everything that occurred from start to finish.

My brother recommended this hotel to me and it was AMAZING! Absolute gem in Portland. The property is a converted old elementary school turned into a swanky, bizarre hotel complete with a restaurant, brewery, and 3 cocktail bars on site (and a patio and a gift shop - the list goes on). The hotel wing is decorated with music posters and funky lighting and steam punk-esque decor. Being far from the center of the city, the area is safe and not suffering from the high levels of homelessness downtown. The facilities were clean and and super comfortable.

I had always gone to the McMenamins restaurants in town at the coast and was really excited to check out this location! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was inviting. I got a salad and appetizer and was pleasantly surprised on how fresh the vegetables on the salad were. The hummus plate was really good too and even came with some pita bread that was warm and cozy in the middle. I met a friend in town and they wanted to share the experience with me and boy was I impressed!

We stayed one night while in town visiting family. Bars on site were awesome. Food was delicious, movie theater was fun and the bed oh-so comfortable. We didn't get to enjoy the soaking pool but next time!

Excellent bar inside the Kennedy school! Mainly a whisky bar but a great selection of other liquor as well. Tiny, but awesome atmosphere and the bartender was great!! Knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating.

The area around the school is sketchy. I didn't feel comfortable leaving my car, but it was fine. AWESOME job they have done with this property. The detention and honors bars are not to be missed. Will go here again!

Really sad I didn’t get a chance to explore this amazing place more! My fiancé and I went here for a quick bite with an old friend and I was so amazed by all of the rooms and how well the schools has been kept up. Is a hotel, restaurant, bar, gift shop, and im sure so much more that I didn’t see. I highly recommend if you’re in the Portland area

My husband and I ordered a butter beer because of the Harry Potter theme that weekend. Enjoyed a flight of cider (3) and a flight of beer (6). Big glasses & we could not finish them all. All excellent though. The pool area is quaint & peaceful. Valuable artwork adorn the walls. Unique building alright.

I have always wanted to stay here and it was just as much of a delight as I hoped it would be! The classroom style guest rooms are darling but the best part of this hotel is all the “extras”! The soaking pool was incredible and I made sure to end every night with a long soak, I loved that it wasn’t crowded in the evening and that you could bring a drink out with you. The movie theater and restaurants on site are all lovely additions and even just a walk around the historic building is a fun activity. Location is great as well, having off street parking while still being in the heart of Portland is a big plus. Definitely worth a stay or even just popping in for a soaking pool dip!

Lovely property in a residential area of Portland, several pubs and restaurants on property as well as a very fun courtyard heated soaking pool. You stay in converted classrooms, ours had the old cloakroom and sliding doors to cover it with blackboards. Great food and drink like all McMenamins properties. With plenty to amuse and interest right there on site, small movie theater (complementary with room) and plenty of free parking. We stayed in room 101 that was by an access ramp that had people clomping up and down it (rather than take the stairs) late into the night, otherwise rather quite for in "town".

Very cool location with lots of ambiance and interesting artifacts. Movie theater, pool, pool room, several bars and gift shop as well as a hotel and restaurant. Very good bar food. We had Shepard’s pie, burgers, humus and chicken strips. Love to come back.

Once an amazing bar, removing cigar smoking made this bar lose its charm. Such a shame.