McMenamins Kennedy School

McMenamins Kennedy School Restaurant Review:

Dining is only part of the experience at McMenamin's Kennedy School. The McMenamin brothers transformed this classic 1915 educational institution into a complex containing an enormous restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, five distinct bars, a movie theater, 35 hotel rooms (in converted classrooms, complete with chalkboards), a gymnasium and a swimming pool. A flower-packed courtyard showcases an oversize mosaic-tiled fireplace. The menu ranges from sausage and pretzels to seafood, steaks and pasta. Your best bet is to order standard pub-style food such as fish ‘n’ chips, burgers (including a tasty The Grateful Veg burger) and perhaps McMenamin's most notable specialty, Cajun tater tots with peppercorn Ranch dipping sauce. Breakfast emphasizes the classics with fluffy pancakes, omelets, and a savory smoked salmon hash. A kids’ menu will appeal to younger diners, as will the soaking pool. After dinner, roam the halls to view the eclectic art and historic photographs, or watch a second-run movie (patrons may also eat and drink in the theater). Many visitors retreat to the Detention Room for cigars, Cognac and jazz; the Honors Bar for civilized goblets of wine quaffed against a background of classical music; or the Boiler Room for a game of pool or shuffleboard. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables.