Elite Theatre

“The Elite Theatre, first of three theatres to be built in Rose City Park, was located at 1316 Sandy Road. The present address is 4630 NE Sandy Road. With the opening in 1914, this provided the area with the first theatre east of the 24th Avenue "city limits”. Early patrons recall the accompaniment to the movie by a skilled pianist. He or she followed the melodrama or villainous acts with the proper musical interludes. The facility was closed in 1921 when the Highway Theatre opened at 1435 Sandy Road."

– From N.E. Portland Rose City Park History: 1907–1977, page 44

According to the 1914 American Motion Picture Directory, the Elite Theatre and “Grischow Theatre” were both located at 1316 Sandy Boulevard. That address would be changed to 4630 NE Sandy in Portland’s “Great Renumbering” of 1931-32.

In 1937 “Pal’s Shanty Tavern” opened in the building. From 1966 to 2012 it operated under that name as a popular neighborhood seafood restaurant. Burned in an arson fire, the building was restored and continues to operate as a pizza restaurant.

Get Movie Tickets & Showtimes

Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.