Portland's Best Off-The-Wall Date Spot 2008

Restored 1940s movie theater features re-released films inside three theaters with Dolby digital sound and stadium seating; baby-sitting available

Reviews:

• “My favorite movie theater”
• “best theater in portland”
• “Best "
• “They do everything right.”
• “Great pizza, very nice staff! Overall AAA+++”

Tips: Order pizza, sandwiches, salads, hot dogs and ice cream along with beer and wine.

The Academy Theater or email The Academy Theater

Dance instruction with classes in hip-hop, dance fundamentals, jazz, lyrical and more, plus fitness classes including yoga.

Reviews:

• " Best Adult Dance Studio in Town. Cheaper than a gym memberhsip. You will leave feeling hot!!!"
• “It’s great, if you have a dance background”

Tips: Not sure if dancing is for you? Observe a class for free before signing up for one.

Vega Dance+Lab

South Portland spa offers sauna, massage, steam room, tea lounge and bar in a Japanese-influenced minimalist setting.

Reviews:

• “Relaxing, refreshing.”
• “Lovely Loyly!”
• “Simply AWESOME”
• “Deep Clean”
• “soooo relaxing”

Tips: An entry fee of $25 gives customers access to the sauna, steam room and tea lounge for up to three hours.

Loyly Sauna & Steam or email Loyly Sauna & Steam

One of Portland’s oldest neighborhood bars has pool, shuffleboard, lottery, eats and live music on Saturday nights.

Reviews:

• “Great little Local Bar”

Tips: If you’re worried about leaving your laptop for even a few minutes to grab a drink, this tavern has free Wi-Fi.

The Hutch or email The Hutch

Interesting toppings and a funky split-level dining area have made this a Portland favorite since 1974.

Reviews:

• “Its all about the happy hour.”
• “Avoid the Spaghetti”
• “friendly service, but hugely overpriced unsatisfactory pizza”
• “Terrible pizza joint….stay clear of this place!”
• “Great crust! Great beers… Fun place to be…”

Tips: There’s an impressive collection of microbrews and wines, all reasonably priced.

Old Town Pizza or email Old Town Pizza

This combo of slick ’50s lounge and rustic mead hall draws a diverse crowd for live tunes and late-night noshes.

Reviews:

• “Nice Place for Cocktails & Happy Hour”
• “Thanks we had fun”
• “After Years Of Support… The Doug Finally Disappoints”
• “Great place to see an intimate show”
• “Really bad food”

Tips: Mint juleps and bloody marys are potent and not for the light of heart. Daintier palates will appreciate a blackberry cosmo or specialty martini.

Doug Fir

The bar equivalent of a Leatherman tool.

Reviews:

• “Friendliest strip club ever”
• “Best Girly Club”
• “Devils Point Update”
• “TV John is the best!”

Tips: The weekday, 4pm to 6pm happy hour knocks half a clam off wells and drafts.

Devils Point Bar

Singing servers, big steins of beer and fabulous fondue make this a bustling bit o’ Bavaria.

Reviews:

• “Wow, are we spoiled here in Portland!!!”
• “German Food Done the right way”
• “Great for late night”
• “Great German Cuisine”
• “AMAZING”

Tips: No dining experience here would be complete without a giant stein of German beer.

Rheinlander German Restaurant or email Rheinlander German Restaurant

Step forward—or backward—in time to a wacky, retro bar with a sci-fi theme.

Reviews:

• “Good place to get WAISTED!”
• “If only there were fewer Hipsters”
• “Too smokey but GOOD late night sandwiches…”
• “It used to be a lot better than it is now”
• “GET OVER YOURSELF”

Tips: It can get pretty crowded, even on weekdays. But if there’s a big show across the street at Mt. Tabor Pub, expect standing room only, as patrons from that beer- and wine-only establishment often flood here for a quick cocktail.

Space Room Lounge

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