Life in 2026 is bleak. One key reason for this is streaming platforms, instead of distracting us from the horrors, continue to hike rates, insert disruptive ads, drop film and TV titles unceremoniously, and merge with each other, creating confusion and enriching the oligarchs who work to consolidate power and undermine democracy.
But—for now, at least—you can still watch a movie in a bar for almost nothing.
These days, pubs all over Portland subscribe to streaming services (and/or hefty cable packages) and, for much of the day, keep at least one screen tuned to something other than sports. This creates a chance for the thrifty among us to outsource streaming costs to the local watering hole and pocket the savings. (That’s of course minus the price of a low-cost menu item and a tip of at least a dollar—you’re a cheapskate, not a monster.)
But does it pencil out? And is it worth the trouble? To find out, we nursed cheap drinks (here you’ll find the cheapest alcoholic and NA options on each establishment’s menu) and squinted at subtitles at some of Portland’s best bottle shops and dives.
A couple of caveats: Sports fans already know why it’s cheaper to catch a game in a bar than at home. If you want to watch the Blazers continue to “show improvement” only once or twice a month, cut the cord and find a good sports bar. (Die-hards will likely reach a tipping point where they need a full cable package to ruin their mental health several nights a week.) Also, we recognize this experiment isn’t terribly practical. But then, if you’re the type to while away the afternoon with Leprechaun 2, you don’t care about practicality.
AleFire
3520 N Williams Ave., 503-560-2989, alefire.pub. Noon–10 pm daily.
What was on TV when we visited: Leprechaun 2 (1993)
Cheapskate drink pairing: $4 Maui Brewing Hard Lemonade, $4 Fort George FRüT LüP Yuzu Sparkling Hop Water (NA).
Cost to stream at home: Available with subscription to Peacock, Hulu or Amazon Prime or…