The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

What was supposed to be the highlight of a trip to PDX was honestly the biggest letdown and worst value for our money. I attended "Dirty Money" over V-Day weekend with my husband. He would have left 1 star, but I want to show some appreciation for the actors.

Pros:
- When food was being served, it came out with record timing.
- The actors seemed to be working hard. At times they were loud and explosive. Especially the actors who were "plants" in the room. They did well.

Suggestion:
- If the actors were mic'ed up while talking, it would have been an infinitely improved experience. For a relatively tiny investment in a sound system for the two detectives and a portable one for the "Rick" role and talking to guests during table interviews, I am confident others will enjoy the experience so much more. I also believe all my issues (with the exception of the food) would be assuaged.

Biggest disappointments:
- Very hard to hear the actors throughout the event (I'm in my 40s with excellent hearing). Rick tried to "shhhh" tables across the room from him but with little success. 12 tables x 8 people each = nearly 100 voices competing with the actors. Plates clinking. It didn't work! Please fix this; the reviews are abundantly clear.
- This was my first murder mystery experience ever. I was so freaking confused throughout the night! I didn't know what I was supposed to do. I guess a sheet of paper that had some questions was supposed to prompt me to mingle, but no one else was mingling. The awkwardness was on level with being the plus one at someone else's high school reunion.
- Food: When I sat down (and mind you, we were one of the first couples in the room), a plated salad was already at my seat and it was wilted and room temperature. Then the main course of chicken arrived - disappointingly a dry, grilled chicken breast on a few broccoli florets and diced potatoes. There was a roasted chili tomato sauce on top of the chicken that thankfully added moisture. Dessert was a generous yet stodgy slice of carrot cake while my neighbor got a berry tart. Neither of us had any say in the matter.
- When the mystery was finally solved, the culprit was a person that I had ZERO awareness of who I guess was in the room. Even though I was outgoing and mingling with others and asking the prescribed starter questions, I clearly had no idea what the heck was happening. I submitted a blank "guess" of who done it.
- Atmosphere - It's a basic hotel conference room. Nothing gave off "dinner detective" vibes except a few strips of "caution" tape affixed to the door as we were standing in line 10 minutes pre-show.

I was disappointed and distracted by some disorganization with table seating. Somehow two people at my table were seated at the wrong table, so there was some confusion. It was a distracting way to arrive. For the price and considering how many shows they do, it's reasonable to expect a relatively seamless execution.

If you're planning to go, I hope the dice roll and you have a better luck than we did. Seems from the reviews that this place is "hit or miss." I'm rooting for you to have a better experience!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 3

Went with my partner to this the day after Valentine's Day. Wonderful food, was delicious! The show was awesome the actors have such a great energy

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

What a fun evening out! Food was good and the show was really great. Highly recommend for a night out... bring your friends

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Food tasted fabulous. But small portions.. apsolutly fun fun fun!!! Worth the money.. . Laughed and laughed and yes I did guess the murderer. It was loud due to the fact it's a theater with participation of guests... so much fun

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 4

Food was great and the whole thing was fun.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very engaging, food was good

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

very fun

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Pretty funny and we all had a great time!

Vegetarian options: Vegetarians

Dietary restrictions: Gluten free

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

👏👏👏

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lots of fun! We did the suspect package for our daughter and she had a great time being surprised called out by the actors as a suspect in the murder.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was so much fun! The food was great. The actors were so funny. I would recommend doing this

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Super fun night with friends! Would recommend

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Really fun show!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It was a very fun night with the bestie for her birthday.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5