Moviegoers love a good comeback story, and that’s exactly what they’ll find at the “new” Times Theatre & Public House – a downtown Seaside institution brought back to life as an independent cinema and craft brewpub.
Originally opened in 1940, the Times played first-run movies inside one of town’s most historic buildings. After nearly 50 years, the theatre closed its doors in 1989.
But now, the local owners of Twisted Fish Steakhouse and Finns Fish House have reopened the Times Theatre with the addition of a brewpub. The Times is once again showing movies — second-run classics at discounted prices ($3.50 for children, $5 for adults and $4 for military and seniors). It also broadcasts live sporting events like college and NFL football throughout the week.
“People seem to love opening the doors to memories from years ago,” says Marla Olstedt, marketing director for TD&M Enterprises, the company that reopened the theatre.
The Times Theatre is a spot that brings people together — visitors and locals alike — to enjoy a local brew and upscale pub classics while watching a movie on the 30-foot screen.
The pub’s menu has you covered with comfort-food favorites such as fried dill pickle chips, cheese curds and poutine (hand-cut fries covered with cheese curds and brown gravy). Tasty mains include elevated grilled cheese sandwiches, loaded chili dogs, homemade mac and cheese, and a full slate of specialty burgers.
Perhaps the marquee highlight is Sisu Beer, brewed on-site. Sisu is a Finnish word that references extraordinary courage and resoluteness in the face of extreme adversity. It’s a nod to the hardiness of the people who live along the Oregon Coast.
Honoring the theatre’s past, the new owners have tried to maintain some of the original charm of the 1940’s architecture — preserving old film reel-to-reels, signage and even a movie poster from 1951. And adding a local touch, the theatre sells candy from Phillips Candies, one of the longest-running businesses in Seaside.
“More often than not, locals will walk in, reminisce on their most memorable time at the theatre — either their first date or the last movie they watched here,” Olstedt says. “We love to hear each story.”
