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Central Cinema
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Restaurants Pizza Cinema, Venues & Event Spaces, Pizza [Edit]
1411 21st Ave(between Pine St & Union St)
Seattle, WA 98122
Neighborhood: Central District
(206) 686-6684
Now Playing:
Dream Date Sing Along
Showtimes on RottenTomatoes.com
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
167 reviews for Central Cinema
Review Highlights
"The movies played are diverse and always enjoyable."
(in 72 reviews)
"I loved the fresh popcorn with real butter."
(in 6 reviews)
"By far my favorite theater."
(in 60 reviews)
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167 reviews in English
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Review from Nora W.
Seattle, WA
1/21/2012
Central Cinema is everything you want in a neighborhood theater. Great film schedule- from campy classics to independent documentaries to the"TV Dinner" nights we love! (Your $5 tix is credited toward food/drink for these shows!) They do a fantastic job scheduling for a mix of audiences- families, the date night crowd, girls night out... Check the schedule, there's usually a wide rage of showings each week. Buy your ticket a day in advance and save $2 and come early for the best seats!
The dinner menu is great- but don't discount the popcorn! Curry - yum!
And just to be clear- Central Cinema isn't far, but is NOT on capitol hill. It's a proud resident of the central district. -
Review from Reama R.
Seattle, WA
2/3/2012
This review is written after 3 bad experiences here. I tried to like it!
Oh, how I hate this place.
The food:
-There is always something that isn't available on the menu and it's usually something I want.
-The server suggested the rosemary pecan pie and uh, it was really nasty. It tasted like freezer, first off. Secondly, it was dry and way too crumbly. And for $7.50, it was TINY!
-The popcorn tastes burnt every time.
-$2.50 for a soft drink with no refill? Come on!
The staff:
-The wait staff is usually rude, uninformed, and SLOW.
-They don't serve water, so you have to get it yourself out of a cooler at the back of the theater. And they give you these 5oz glasses so you have to bring like 3 to your table, just to make it through the movie without having to get up. Isn't the whole point of a place like this having to NOT get up during the movie? They even provide a poorly timed intermission to allow a potty break for that reason.
The venue:
Good luck coming with more than two people. Someone will have to sit alone.
Just because it's the only kind of theater like this in Seattle doesn't mean it should suck so much. I won't go back. -
Review from Raina D.
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really wanted to like this place more, but there were just a few problems. I went for Movie Cat Trivia, which was very fun, maybe a little long, but hey, whose in a hurry anyway?
Just a warning (and I cannot fault Central for this really since I read about this policy SO long ago), they no longer put your $5 admission fee toward food/drink, so you end up paying $5 in addition to whatever you order.
I'd come back, but earlier to get a booth. We ended up in the top deck and the chairs were uncomfortable and the little table (think college desk style) was just not enough room to write and eat our food/beverage.
Also, the food really is mediocre and expensive for the size! I was surprised to see my mini mac was SO mini (small ramekin), the taste was OK, overcooked noodles drowning in cheesyness. I would totally steer far far way from the corn fritters with honey butter, they were pretty horrible. Floppy pancakes, mostly flour, with super sweet honey butter, not crispy delicious fritters.
I'd give this place another try because I like what they are trying to do, make a more interactive environment for watching moves, but I would maybe just get some booze and call it a day. -
Review from Michael K.
Seattle, WA
11/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Unfortunately, I can't talk about the most memorable moment of my night spent at Central Cinema, and thus, I will focus on the second; stuffing my face with delicious food while watching the Bride massacre hundreds of really big jerk-faces.
The booths are pretty comfortable, the views are unobstructed, and the sound and picture quality are very good. The little shorts they played were pretty damn funny as well - no spoilers here. The popcorn was good although I confess I didn't dig the popcorn with curry powder *no fault of theirs, the flavor just didn't work for me. The bacon wrapped, cheese stuffed dates were good and the pizza was pretty fantastic. The selection of beer made the night though and the price is just about the same as any bar for a good microbrew which was a nice surprise. I expected movie theatre caliber price inflation but did not experience it.
I will certainly return to this far off place - hopefully when they wise up and put the Princess Bride on the playlist (sorry if it is and I didn't notice). Or maybe... Encino Man... just saying... -
Review from Jessica D.
Seattle, WA
12/20/2011
First timer to a place we had been told to go to many times... I hope to visit again soon and have more to say...
PROS:
2 person booths - how fun! (great for a date!)
Butternut squash, goat cheese, walnut pizza - thank you baby Jesus!
Great selection of old flicks to see on the big screen again!
Tucked away in a fun neighborhood
CONS:
Super dark - hard to see food!
Zucchini boatS... with an S... but yet there was one. For the price, having a half stick of zucchini on the plate, we were completely disappointed. And it wasn't even that good.
Apple crepes: Not delicious
As far as I know there are only 2 places that exist in Seattle for one to see a movie and have a meal. (Cinebarre being the other) The Big Picture is fantastic but only sells snacks/drinks. I think Cinebarre does a much better job with the food/movie thing... but they are a much bigger beast. Central Cinema is a little more fun, plays the oldies and the menu is a bit more interesting.
I'm hoping to return and see if I can't feel a 4star coming on. :) -
Review from Stuart M.
Seattle, WA
11/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you're like me, then over the years you've become an expert at sneaking food into movie theaters. Full order of Chinese food? Done it. Shopping bag full of popcorn? Yep. Something to add a little 'kick' to your $5 Coke? Uh huh. Candy? Well, of course, even the amateurs can handle candy.
But, wait, you're saying there's a theater that makes sneaking in your own food/beverages unappealing? No!!! Oh, actually, yeah!!! And Central Cinema is that place.
Central is not a traditional theater by any means: first and foremost, they serve a solid selection of beer/wine; seats are more in the style of restaurant booths--arranged in twos and threes, each with their own table; they play some hilarious short-films prior to movies starting, so there's incentive to get there early to pick out your spot/watch some cool shorts/start drinking; and gourmet food is served to you in your seat! What could be better?
Oh yeah, the food could be better. Stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates sound good? They could have been, but the bacon was terribly under-rendered, and when added with soft dates and cheese, the whole thing just became texture-less and fatty. How about curry popcorn? Ok, I guess, but if you're adding both curry powder and butter to popcorn, why not dissolve the curry in the butter instead of just sprinkling it on? Like, oh let's say, The Beatles, both of these dishes were screaming out for some extra lovin', and unfortunately just didn't get it. To be fair, a piece of pizza I had, which had butternut squash, chevre, and walnuts, was fantastic.
All-in-all an awesome place to spend the evening. Check it out! -
Review from Kristine H.
Seattle, WA
I love that this place exists. Tucked away on Capitol Hill with parking that's not too headachy, they have themed movie nights and sing-a-longs and cult classics for a good price. There's also tasty food and adult beverages! I've always had great service from the servers with minimal disruption during the features.
A friend and I went to the Gay Pride Pajama Party for Spice World and we had an absolute blast, clad in our pajamas as our favourite Spice Girl. This place is awesome. The seats are comfortable and if you can snag one, grab a booth for a more intimate evening. I highly suggest getting on their mailing list or making it a point to check their monthly calendar. You can buy seats online or become a member to purchase discount admission. -
Review from Amy D.
Bremerton, WA
1/11/2012
It is smaller and a little out of the way but there is a certain ambiance that is unique to Central Cinema. With a variety of good food, coffee and liquor to choose from - it doesn't matter if I have seen the movies before. A good friend by your side makes this a memorable night. Plus everyone needs to try hecklevision at least once in their life!
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Review from erica r.
11/22/2011
I love this place! It's nice to have the space to sit at a comfy table while watching a movie, and there's table service during the films so your glass never has to be empty. I haven't tried the food, but love the fact that they offer it and plan to try it at some point!
They have an interesting selection of movies, although sometimes when I'm in the mood to go, they aren't showing anything I want to see. It's worth waiting until something good is there, though! -
Review from Kris L.
Seattle, WA
9/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is one of the best places to go and watch a movie. Why? Well, how often do you get to go to the big screen, get served (without moving out of your seat) food and beer and get a buzz going?
They have good food, however it can get fairly pricey - same goes with the beer. Pricing is about 30% higher than the average place around Capitol Hill / Central Dist. areas.
Otherwise, if you're just going to have fun and relax at the same time, this is a good low-key way to do it! They play a lot of great (and cheap) movies so get over there and have fun! -
Review from Zach L.
Seattle, WA
12/10/2011
Great, fun dinner-and-a-movie place. Food falls a little short, but the servers have always been great (and they have to handle a lot). Go to one of the emcee'd shows, too, as they tend to get the crowd going. Always reserve our tickets ahead of time because shows sell out often. Crowds have always been fun, tolerant and engaged. Have not been to the bar. Agree with other post in that it is great that this place exists.
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Review from Kristin C.
Redmond, WA
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love that they show old movies, and that if you buy your tickets online before hand you can save a few bucks. Their prices for the movie itself is completely reasonable. I paid $9 to see the entire Back to the Future Trilogy.
It's the food and drink that I have a problem with. The food options are few, and, lacking. Lacking in what, I don't know. They have popcorn and a few different seasonings. I went with just butter, and was sorely disappointed. The popcorn was burnt, there wasn't that much of it for $3, and the "real butter" really didn't add anything to it. I also tried one of their pizzas with 3 cheeses, mushrooms and roasted garlic. The mushroom and garlic were both TOO much, they were completely overpowering to the point that they ruined the pizza for me. The pizza itself, and cheese were fantastic, so if I just got a cheese pizza, I would probably be fine.
They have a decent beer selection, and they were nice enough to let me sample a beer before ordering a pitcher. But both the beer I sampled, and the beer I ordered, were on the warmish side. Plus, their beer prices are a bit high. $5.75 for a pint, and $17.50 for a pitcher(which only gets you 3 1/2 beers).
The place is really cute though, I like the seats and tables. We were able to find a nice comfy spot against the wall, which had some beautiful exposed brick. They have a short intermission in between movies. I just wish they had a way to get a hold of your server if you want to order anything. Apparently they have a system where you can use some website on your smart phone, but you have to get the info from your server initially, which we didn't do.
Overall, I would come here again for the great ambiance and fun movie selections, but maybe skip too much beer and food. Which was a bit overpriced, and underwhelming. -
Review from Celeste T.
Seattle, WA
9/11/2011
I love that you can see old and independent movies here, while eating pizza and getting an alcoholic drink. Their Hecklevision shows are the best!
Arrive early to get a good seat, because some of the tables are booths, others are bar tables, while the ones in back are more like school desks. -
Review from Lori F.
9/6/2011
This place rocks! I only recently found out about this place from a friend who got me to go see Flash Gordon with her - it's easily the most fun I've had watching a movie in a very, very long time!
They opened the movie with actual props from local collectors, as well as a Queen music video sing-along. Also audience participation and commentary is encouraged and I found myself laughing almost as much at other people's input as at the awesome absurdity going on on the screen.
Service was quick and food was reasonably priced, though nothing spectacular. Water is free though, jugs set up in the back to help yourself to. Besides, you're coming for the movies more then the food anyway so it's totally worth coming and checking out! -
Review from Vanessa J.
Seattle, WA
6/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Central Cinema is one of the very few movie theaters in the city that doesn't leave me feeling like, "that was a waste of cash" at the end. They play fun, offbeat, out of theater movies, and often host strange film festivals (like this week's "Seattle's True Independent Film Festival), which are part of the color and quirk I love about Seattle.
Not only that, but you can sit down and order a drink -- beer or wine -- and some really delicious munchies, like pizza, small plates, roast chicken dinner, or salads (all great). The seats are comfortable, with built-in tables in front of you, which also ensure that the person in back of you won't be kneeing you in the head and spilling popcorn down your neck. Oh yeah, it also doesn't smell like stale, greasy popcorn, which I consider to be the best thing about this place, other than the cool people who run it.
For my money, Central is the best cinema in the city. Beer and pizza at a movie? What's not to love?! -
Review from Rosalie G.
Seattle, WA
7/28/2011
I really like the movie selections at Central Cinema and the fact that you can order food and drinks while you sit in a big booth.
That said - a couple of tips from my last visit:
Don't bother with the SpeedMenu app that they tell you works to re-order food/drinks at your table. I ordered coffee four times last night and it never came. Then, I asked the server for coffee and she forgot to bring it so I had to ask for it again. Kind of frustrating.
Also, don't try the "fresh seasonal pie." It was a weird - probably microwaved pre-made pie. Not sure why berries have to be in season for you to heat up a pre-made pie. I got blueberry and it had the consistency of taffy. What? Yes. I said taffy. I took one bite and left the rest. I'm not one to make a big deal out of sending things back so I didn't say anything but no one inquired why I ordered pie and then didn't eat any of it.
All in all though -- it's a great place. Great concept and great movies. Get rid of SpeedMenu and the pie and it's a-okay in my book.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Betsy H.
Seattle, WA
8/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great concept theater and so much fun! Came here on our first "post baby birth date" to celebrate a friend's birthday and watched Labrynth. It was a great time, comfy booth seats, good local beer selection, and interesting and pretty affordable artsy pub fare.
We will be back. :) -
Review from Doug C.
7/15/2011
It's tempting to compare Central Cinema to Cinebarre since they're both part of the dining-theater genre. They're different niches in the genre (Cinebarre more first-run movies, big screen and Central Cinema smaller, more intimate and more artsy), but Central Cinema does well enough by it's own merits.
CC is a smaller venue with a few booth seats and a small movie screen. I like the seat layout: there's aisles along each side so that when they're delivering food the server doesn't have to keep stepping in front of you (compared to the long rows at Cinebarre). And the menu is fairly diverse: it ranges from the pizza staples to kale salads.
The array of movies and events is also nicely diverse. I was here for a poetry reading, but there's also a wide variety of movies, music and what appears to be a MST dissertation of rap music. Seems perfect for a nice eclectic evening. -
Review from Gorman E.
5/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
My first time experience at a sit down, dine with a full menu while being waited by excellent friendly staff at the movies.
Pros:
Central Cinema has beer, wine, and food but no hard liquor. They have a quality food like tasty pizza, burgers, and wieners in the blanket. Really yummy popcorn with butter, spicy curry powder, and brewer yeast. They have great older retro & classic movies and great service throughout the movie. The front part has comfy booths and lamp lighting. Friendly customer service from the staff.
Cons:
The area is near many homes so you have to find parking on the streets, it took us a bit to find parking. The seating is not really comfortable and the back seating reminds me of highschool chairs with the movable side table.
I will definitely be back if they are showing a great movie that I like to see. Central Cineam is taking your movie experience to the next level!Listed in: Best Movie Theaters
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Review from Andrew F.
Seattle, WA
9/1/2011
The good: the atmosphere is great here. Nice wide benches if you get a seat up front, lecture-hall style seats in back with fold-away tables if you don't arrive so early. The food was excellent - had the kale salad and a brisket calzone - though I must confess that I don't understand pairing marinara sauce with brisket? Its a barbecue dish, folks.
The bad: Technically, it's not a cinema. They don't play films. They play blu-rays on a big screen (at least the night I was there, and I didn't see a film booth). Still the picture was great, and the sound was pretty good, though lacking in bass definition. They need some subwoofers.
The ugly: the service was terrible. We arrived ten minutes before the posted start time and took our seats. During the 15-minute introduction, we were passed by a waitress no fewer than four times and she did not even acknowledge us despite us holding up menus to show we were waiting. After thirty minutes, she then said "I'll send *some guy's name* over to you". Why? We've waited 30 minutes. Would it kill you to take an order? I got up, followed her out, and bumped into a food runner who I complained to. She got us served but made excuses: "its a full house tonight". And..? That means we don't get service for over 30 minutes? Staff accordingly, serve first those who were seated first, and don't make patrons wait.
The slow service was inexcusable, but the waiter was nice when he finally arrived. I still don't get why the other waitress ignored us while serving everyone around us. My recommendation is eat dinner before you go, and maybe have a snack while there. Which is sad, because the food was really good. -
Review from Amanda C.
8/9/2011
Central Cinema is so much fun! I have yet to find a better venue in Seattle for watching old movies and independent films. I was here for the first time last month attending a surprise party and everyone had a great time. I love the intimate and relaxed vibe of this theater, plus it was nice not dealing with screaming children, since Central caters to adults. Depending on the movie, crowd members will interact and make funny comments during the show, which makes things a lot more interesting, I think.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how good the food is! I was only planning to drink, but halfway through our movie I got the munchies and caved. We ordered the mushroom pizza and the dates, both extremely good. The booths were comfy and actually the whole venue is really cute.
I can't wait to go back! It's a great place for couples, groups, double dates, whatever. Next time I have out of town visitors, I'll take them here on a rainy night. -
Review from Michelle C.
Seattle, WA
11/17/2011
This place is all about community! The staff's super friendly and the moviegoers totally rock. The crowd's never afraid to get into the spirit of the move - it feels like one big happy family. Pretty rare experience nowadays.
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Review from Marc M.
5/23/2011 6 Check-ins Here
High marks for a theater that offers a more intimate movie going experience by combining dinner, drinks, and a movie all in to one fun evening. Central Cinema offers a great variety of films from legendary classics to cult films and crazy sing-a-long presentations.
The food selection is just as fun and they are known for delicious pizzas but also offer sandwiches, salads, entrees, and a great assortment of snacks and small plate items. You will also find a variety of beers and wines so keep in mind this is a 21 and over joint, so don't bring the kids to see that Rocky Horror midnight screening! I mean, seriously.
This is obviously not one of those gigantic 19 screen mega-plex theaters that you will find groups of teenage girls swooning over pale-faced vampires and screaming toddlers being rushed out of the theater (hopefully) by a parent that for some reason just couldn't find a babysitter that evening. This is where you will find couples and small groups of friends gathered together for a great experience in a classic movie house that actually feels new and refreshing while at the same time retaining it's old school charm.Listed in: Movie Theaters, Pizza
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Review from whitney w.
Seattle, WA
5/23/2011
By far my favorite theater. Seeing as I am no where near old enough to have seen such movies as Say Anything, Teen Witch, or Gremlins in the theaters, it is nice that I can experience it now. The movie selections are diverse and very nostalgic.
The food is averaged price, for what it is... the alcohol a bit more so. I can't wait for the summer menu to come back out, because they have a delicious lemon lavender cake that I miss. Try the popcorn with brewer's yeast. It is well priced and yummy. -
Review from Sarah Z.
Seattle, WA
6/27/2011
This place is a real gem. Comfortable bench seating (like Denny's booths but better) an actual table in front of you, to set your beer and pizza, and not a bad seat in the house.
The pizzas are delicious. I've had a standing "friends night" here monthly since 2006 and doesn't disappoint. -
Review from Lily E.
San Francisco, CA
7/14/2011
"Guuuuuuurl!"
I'm the type of person that when I find a business I like, I try to visit as often as possible. Central Cinema is a place I went OUT OF MY WAY to visit, and as much as three times a month. Some of the staff recognized my face. Or maybe knew me as "the overly-apologetic girl who's not Canadian".
My favorite special events were Pajama Parties and oh god, I have never laughed so hard as on Hecklevision nights. Particular standouts were the clip from 'Cool as Ice' and The Wraith.
Kudos to whoever puts together the pre-show entertainment. The food is really good, and the service is friendly. Can't say enough good things about Central Cinema.
Word to the wise though, don't sit in the middle of the balcony. People there are usually dicks. -
Review from Alex S.
4/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love this cinema. I wish I had a cinema like this in Cincinnati. I wish I had a cinema like this growing up. Seriously, I just wish I had a cinema like this.
What's so good about it? Well, first off, the movies they show are crazy - weird B-movie stuff and cult classics and terrible films and basically anything else they feel like showing. I saw "The City of Lost Children" here with a bunch of friends who had never seen it and it was just as weird and awesome and amazing on the big screen that I wanted it to be.
Also, the seats! Comfortable rows and rows of seats - in the front, each has its own table for putting upon food and beer. In the back, your regular movie seats. (The only issue - the biggest group of seats with a table was three. We had four people and so had to rock in the back. Not a big problem and each seat comes with it's own little tray, but still, I would have loved to sit at a table.)
Did I mention you can drink beer here! And not crappy beer either, they'll bring a pitcher of delicious beer! And wow.
The food was fantastic and it's a long menu filled with items. The one thing I wish they did was better snacks - yes, they have a crazy good menu filled with amazing meals, but sometimes at a movie theatre, I just want bad for you food. Oh well.
Still, I am insanely jealous of this theatre. Know it.Listed in: Alex's Whirlwind Adventure To…
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Review from Keriche C.
Seattle, WA
5/19/2011
I love this little theater.
They serve beer, wine, and food. They have THE best popcorn at any movie theater I've ever been to (butter and brewer's yeast is the winning combo), they have great older movies and great service throughout the movie.
The only reason they get a 4 instead of a 5 is that the seating is not that comfortable. It's totally bearable, just not that comfy. -
Review from Jackie turner T.
Seattle, WA
9/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you are looking for a unique selection of films, food and good wine, definitely check out Central Cinema. The popcorn is quite delicious too.
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Review from John K.
Seattle, WA
7/5/2011
Awesome fun!
Good movies, tasty food, nice atmosphere. A great place for a night out with a friend or your partner. The movie tickets are fairly cheap, the food is reasonable. If you get there a bit early you can grab a booth seat towards the front. -
Review from Rachel G.
This place made me believe in Seattle again. Seriously. Central Cinema, I want to kiss you on the mouth! Forget the fact that the food isn't all that great. It truly doesn't matter because you will have the most amazing time.
I realize that not all nights can be as fun as New Year's Eve, but last night I went to their New Year's Eve Footloose quote-along dance your ass off party and it was the most fun I've had in a long time. From the moment we walked in everything was fantastic. The staff was great, helpful and most importantly, FUN.
The host/program director, whoever he is, was a breath of fresh air. He knew what the audience wanted and he delivered! I totally felt at home and like I was with my people! The friendliest, most fun people were there and just like in the movies, when the good songs came on, people started getting up in the aisles and dancing one by one and screaming, singing and dancing was all totally encouraged.
The movie was followed by an hour of the BEST 80s music videos to dance to, a champagne toast and party poppers! I should also mention that tickets were a mere $10 and I would have paid much, much more for the amount of fun I had.
I plan on making the Central Cinema my home away from home where I can get my freak on regularly. Seriously, if you have a chance to go to one of these quote-along/sing-alongs, DO IT! I only wonder why I didn't go sooner.
SWOON. Central Cinema, will you marry me? -
Review from T C.
Eastlake, Seattle, WA
5/30/2011
Central Cinema was fantastic! It is as close as you can get to watching beloved (or love to be ridiculed) movies with a bunch of strangers, and feel like you are at home with friends. Well at home with friends and a waiter who brings you delicious food and beer whenever you're looking parched.
The pizza was flavorful and well cooked, and the bowl of popcorn covered in real butter reminds you of quality time spent on your couch before the invention of the microwave popcorn bag. The prices are fair, and honestly cheaper than going to see a movie in a big chain and buying a soda and some snacks.
I'd recommend this place to anyone that likes good food, adult beverages and regrets never seeing some of their favorite movies on a big screen. -
Review from Coral N.
Seattle, WA
10/2/2011
I love to be able to eat and drink while watching a movie. They also have really goofy events with audience participation. I can only speak to quote-alongs and regular movies, but I would highly recommend them. It's great to see a movie theater where events are based on having fun rather than making as much money as possible from mainstream garbage. The only criticism I have is that the movies are hit and miss.
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Review from Tyler H.
Seattle, WA
9/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went for a Yelp event, and I will definitely be going back. The servers were quick and friendly and the overall feel of the place was quite nice. You really can't beat watching a movie in a small theater, drinking a beer, and enjoying curry popcorn all at once. Having said that, it is a bit pricey. Well worth it in my opinion.
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Review from crystal s.
St Paul, MN
2/28/2011
I recently went with a friend to their Oscar party and it was a blast! I've never been a huge Oscar fan, but it is so fun to find a place like this that can make events fun again. You can cheer, clap, boo, whatever you like. Plus, the MC (or whatever he was) was really great and made the commercial time very fun. Im super excited to go back for one of the movie showings that they have. I noticed a 9 to 5 showing coming up......that would be awesome!!
My only complaint is about the service and food, definitely nothing to be excited about. If I was reviewing this purely as a restaurant, it would be more like a 2 star. :( Don't go expecting any 5 star service, but the rest of the experience makes up for it! -
Review from Rick S.
Fun venue. $6 movies and good bar menu. Burgers are great. Fun atmosphere.
Drawback is that some families come with their kids sometimes and they make noise.... this place isn't designed to absorb sound as every sound is reflected off the walls. -
Review from Jessica G.
Kirkland, WA
1/27/2011
Ok ok ok it has been a long time since I wrote my first review and I must update it. I have been back to Central Cinema several times over the past year and it has been amazing.
Cute night, Found Footage Festival, They Live, and the best New Year's Party I have ever been too. It is cheap, fun, great atmosphere and a great date place. I've had the pizza and it was good and consistently enjoy butter popcorn and beer. I have had good service and loooooooved the host of the New Year's Footloose bash.
So much fun! Cheap, free and easy parking, great fun and interactive shows. Just get there a little early to get a booth and you're set! -
Review from bea f.
Seattle, WA
1/18/2011
Thanks to many helpful Yelp reviews, I've made a couple of successful trips to Central Cinema this summer. The trick is to get there no later than 45 minutes before the show starts. Earlier if at all possible.
I love, love, love that they are friendly to the vegans and vegetarians out there, and that I can get a lemon Italian Soda full of lemony goodness.
Seriously though, it's important to get there as early as possible before the show if you can, if you want to get your order in and get a good seat. -
Review from Chris W.
8/31/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I will without a doubt give this place a 5 for the movies. Their programmers and staff do a wonderful job bringing great retro movies, current festivals, and interspersing with fun events and weird shorts while you wait for the movie to begin. They'll even co-sponsor events at larger theaters to bring bigger acts and fill the balcony!
For the food, I'd say a 3 that tries. The ingredients (especially the buns and bread) are good, some food items are hit or miss and seem underseasoned and a bit bland. The beer selection is great, and the waitstaff are attentive, friendly, and very tolerant of drunk cheer. The rest of the attendees are also fun, rowdy, and otherwise respectful.
I'd give a $ to the price, events are VERY cheap to attend, however it will seem like a great idea to get two pitchers, an appetizer and dinners for two, and you can find youself spending a lot more than you expected for a 5-10$ movie. This is of course, not a downside or a sign that they're expensive, just a note to plan on spending more. I'm very fine with this, I want to see this institution to thrive and continue to bring us quirky offerings. -
Review from Liz P.
Seattle, WA
2/6/2011
Tonight was my first visit to the Central Cinema, and I was not disappointed! I listened to the advice of my fellow yelpers and showed up an hour before show-time, got some drinks, ordered some soup and relaxed before the show. I am super glad that we did show up early because the seats were completely filled once show-time started to near. The servers were super nice and helpful, the food and drinks arrived promptly, the seats were comfortable, and the crowd was rowdy and fun without being obnoxious. My only complaint is that the soup I had (Mushroom Leek) was sooooooo bland. It tasted like no thought went into it whatsoever, major bummer. I quickly got over it once my brewers yeast & curry popcorn arrived though :)
Oh, and I would like to make a quick shout out to our awesome waitress who managed to wait on all of us with one arm in a sling and a smile on her face! I used to be a waitress and I know that is not easy!
This theatre is quite the Seattle gem and I definitely will be retuning soon.
