Drink Whiskey in Detention at the Kennedy School
If you spent your elementary school years dreaming about skipping class so that you could spend your days drinking milkshakes and lounging in a toasty swimming pool, a visit to Portland’s McMenamins Kennedy School Hotel is an absolute must. In 1997, Portland’s McMenamin brothers renovated a derelict elementary school building which was originally built in 1915 and converted it into one of the hippest hotels in the United States.
The Kennedy School Hotel features original artwork, multiple bars which serve craft beer and cocktails, and an outstanding restaurant which is located in the Kennedy School’s former cafeteria. Though certain aspects of the architecture of the converted school cafeteria may bring back memories of dry, square slices of pizza and rubbery nachos—the perfectly prepared pub food will remind you that you’re not in 6th grade anymore.
Guests of the Kennedy School Hotel are encouraged to load up on whiskey at the Detention Bar and stumble over to the well-heated pool in the former teacher’s lounge. The Kennedy School features 57 guest rooms—many of which feature artifacts from former classrooms, including several chalkboards. The Kennedy School also features a theater which hosts themed events, such as an 80s prom night where revealers can tease their hair, wear flashy neon, and dance the night away like it’s 1982.
Spending the weekend wandering the halls of the Kennedy School Hotel is oddly comforting. An ultrahip converted elementary school hotel is the ideal place to live out all of your most seemingly far-fetched childhood dreams—such as drinking adult beverages in your school’s boiler room—without getting sent to the principal’s office. There’s even a brewery in the former girl’s bathroom.
Every corner of the Kennedy School Hotel features a nostalgic nook adorned with something quirky, curious, and exciting. You’ll leave wishing that your elementary school was as cool.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Detention Bar at McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd Avenue, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Coordinates
- 45.56491, -122.63014
- Access
- Detention Bar is inside the McMenamins Kennedy School hospitality complex at 5736 NE 33rd Avenue. The bar is for guests aged 21 and over. The pin marks the Kennedy School building, not a separate bar entrance; the wider property also has a restaurant, other bars, hotel, theater and soaking pool.
- Admission
- The operator lists no general admission ticket to enter Detention Bar; food and drinks are paid separately. A distinct Kennedy School History & Art Tour is ticketed at $20 on the current operator event listing; that price is not bar admission.
- Time needed
- No standard bar visit duration is published. If you also book the separate History & Art Tour, the operator estimates 60–75 minutes.
- Best season
- No preferred visitor season is published. Detention Bar is an indoor venue; check the operator’s current schedule and event calendar before visiting.
- Opening hours
- Detention Bar: Thursday–Friday 5–10 p.m., Saturday noon–10 p.m., Sunday 2–9 p.m.; closed Monday–Wednesday. Open to adults 21 and over. Confirm the operator page before travel.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-29
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-08
Map marks the area, not a visitor entrance.
Location
Use the zoom buttons or pinch to zoom. Use arrow keys to pan when the map is focused.
Interactive map loads when in view.
Explorer Passport
Next badge: Trail Scout
Unlocked after exploring 5 different unusual places.
0 of 5 places explored
Discover more from Unusual Places
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
