Why Archive Coffee and Bar in Salem Oregon’s Harry Potter Party is Absolutely Magical
Salem Oregon is an up and coming city in the Pacific Northwest. Being the state capitol, it features many activities, restaurants, and events. One of my family’s favorites is the annual Harry Potter Party at Archive Coffee and Bar. When they say on their Facebook page that they decorate their “Great Hall” to the nines (and three quarters) they aren’t kidding!
You get to Dress Up!
No matter what your Hogwarts house is, there is a costume option for everyone at this Potter party! Come as whatever character fits you best from Doby to Luna, there is room for everyone! This is fantastic if you love to cosplay and Halloween/ Comic Cons just aren’t enough. Some of my favorite costumes are the Deluxe Gryffindor Adult Costume, Harry Potter Child’s Robe, Hedwig Scarf that makes you look like an owl, and McGonagall’s Hat.
Witches and Wizards Line the Street
The moment you drive by Archive on this blustery January day, you know mischief is afoot. Groups of cloaked muggles (or maybe not) are standing in line laughing outside. House banners are hanging featuring crimson and gold, Green, Blue, and Yellow. Out front is a handmade wand maker (Salem’s version of Olivander but much younger.) There is magic in the air as everyone anticipates getting into Hogwarts.
You Get Sorted into Hogwarts Houses
Here is where I got nervous because I am a teacher and hats mean head lice in my line of work. I was exceptionally relieved to learn that as you enter curtains and step into the main restaurant “Great Hall,” a sorting hat is hovered OVER your head. Their fully robed staff tell you if you are a Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherine. I appreciated that they were clearly looking at how people were dressed to help decide what house to select (obviously with the help of the Sorting Hat.) A young Hufflepuff in front of us shrieked with joy as she got into her favorite house.
Themed Food and Drinks are so Fun!
You choose a comfy couch or table to sit at to enjoy an expanded Archive menu. However, before you even get a chance to order, a shrill voice shouts, “Anything from the trolly dears?” You resist the urge to yell, “We’ll take the lot!” (Unless you recently inherited a large amount of gold and went to your vault before heading to Salem.) Teens enjoyed Pumpkin Pasties, Chocolate Frogs and Fizzing Whizbees (cake pops covered in pop rocks, genius.) We decided to stick with some Felix Felicis also known as Liquid Luck because who doesn’t need extra luck sometimes? Also, it was shiny and gold so we were persuaded. The Whomping Willow drink also had my husband happier than Hagrid with a new dragon egg!
Downstairs is a Hidden Chamber
As you make your way down steps past the dinosaur head (seriously) you will enter a hidden chamber complete with Boggart. Young witches and wizards delight in releasing the Boggart and using their spell work to put it back where it belongs. There is also a Mauraders Map to check out, quills to sign in, and an additional pub for festivities or tabletop games.
Attention to Detail is on Point
Even the bathroom had a Harry Potter theme with Ministry entry! I am a girl who really appreciates this attention to detail. (My Disney themed Wedding is proof of that!) Every nook and cranny has something from the magical world including Crookshanks the cat, house tapestries, moving pictures (on tablets), map footprints, photo booths and even a ministry entry in the restroom. It’s a dream come true.
At Night, it’s Adults Only
After 4 pm, underaged wizards must go back to their chambers (at home) and allow the adults to show off their magic skills. At 8pm the bubble water really gets exciting with a $5 cover charge that is totally worth it! No matter if you are an Auror or Professor, you will delight in how many grown up Potter fans enjoy time together. Laughter fills the Great Hall and you realize these are your people, you belong, and everything is as happy as a first year on a love potion.
I hope everyone makes it to next year’s Harry Potter Party. Keep checking Archive’s Facebook Page for the final January dates. Subscribe to this blog to get more updates on pop culture events! Mischief Managed.
