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Somerville Theatre
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Davis Square
55 Davis Sq
Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 625-5700
55 Davis Sq
Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 625-5700
- Nearest Transit:
-
Davis (Red)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
204 reviews for Somerville Theatre
Just jumpin' in on the 5 stars for the Somerville Theatre here, woot woot!!
Popcorn was made for beer, I scoff at the misguided soda sellers at other theatres, boo!
The Somerville Theatre in one word= Awesome!
Beautiful historic building which is conveniently located in the heart of Davis Square, right next to the T stop.
Harpoon+ Cider on tap= hurray for beer service in a theatre!!
The popcorn is super fresh and tasty. The ticket prices are very reasonable and the staff is super friendly. The stadium seating and lots of leg room is a big plus. I love that they showcase great independent musicians and wonderful plays and shows. Saw the Slutcracker last year--hilarious!
Somerville Theatre is a real gem! Definitely worth a stop if you're on a date, movie night or just feeling nostalgic!
PS: The Museum of Bad Art in the basement is super cool and worth checking out, not to mention free!
I love the Somerville Theatre. To start, it's really close to where I live. Additionally, they serve beer. And most of all, they play all kinds of great movies, as well as live performances. I've seen things from the newest James Bond movie (eh...) to Mike Judge's Animation Show 3 and a documentary on World of Wacraft addicts here.
The tickets are reasonably priced, the seats are all pretty great, the balcony is nice, AND there's the Museum of Bad Art in the basement! If that's not worth checking out, I don't know what is.
If you're looking to catch a movie, the Somerville Theatre should definitely be on your list of places to go.
And did I mention they serve beer?
This is the perfect movie theatre to bring a date. They decor is cool looking, especially the silver owl light covers. The popcorn is very good and is never stale. They have a concession stand just for beer next to the ticket office. My favorite part of the Somerville Theatre is the Museum of Bad Art in the basement, which is freaking hilarious and free when you purchase a movie ticket.
THEY SELL BEER! you can drink it during the movie... I don't drink beer but I am a fan of civil liberties.
The movies are cheaper than Loews, or Regal or what ever the chains are and has that old school neighborhood charm, like wow the movie theater is cool and not annoying cuz there's a bazillion screens and people waiting in a serpentine line for 4 miles like cattle in a corral.
Movie selection is generally independent with some main stream flicks making it into the queue. I've seen many a fascinating film not because I'd heard about it, but because the Somervillle had it on the marquee and I wanted to watch a movie.
Also check out its sister, the arlington. I think they tend to have more family/kid type films there.
Absolutely love this place. The old school atmosphere and seats that are kind of falling apart just add to the charm. But the best part by far is beer and wine served. And, no kids during evening shows. Nothing like a screaming baby to ruin a late night show (while also making you wonder, who the hell are these people that bring their kids to a movie at 10 pm?)
Great theater and hopefully a long standing standard of Davis Square.
In a world where stadium seating rules, the Somerville Theatre lives on serving as a great place to see a movie in a smaller setting. Not only that, you can have a pint of beer along with the movie!
I recently went there for a private party. They have a private screening room where you can bring your own DVDs. The fact that I was able to see "Major League" and "The Sandlot" on the big screen earns 5 stars alone. You can bring food and drink, or order it there.
The final thing is the Museum of Ugly Art. It's located in a hallway in the basement by the bathrooms. It's worth strolling through for 10 minutes before a movie. Depending on the quality of the film you're going to see, the museum of ugly might be more impressive!
Seating: A+ - Plentiful, and comfortable.
Movie Selection: A+ - They are known for playing movies that have been in the theaters for a bit. You know, the ones you wanted to see, but didn't get to in time. Awesome.
Popcorn: A+++ - Not only is it fresh, but you have a buffet of flavorings to put on top. AND... there are free refills.
Show up 15 minutes early to get a beer as well, and browse the Museum of Bad Art.
That's right, I said Beer.
Go. Now.
I can't say enough about this theatre. Harpoon beer, real butter for your cheap ass popcorn, and great shows. The staff is always friendly.
Other bonuses include accessibility, value, and the random theatrical events and concerts they have; it's a great, historical place to see your favorite indie musician at. Make sure you arrive 15 minutes early or stay on after the show to visit the MOBA in the basement- certainly worth a trip for sure.
This place would get 5 stars for the beer and wine alone. I can have a glass (well, a cup really) of merlot while watching my movie???? And the beer is decent, I recall UFO being offerred. Count me in! But in addition, it's a really cute charming little theater. Everyone who works there is friendly. They have good popcorn and a good selection of candy. The place is kept clean and is clearly well-maintained. My one objection is the owl decor. I. Hate. Birds. But I can get over that. Otherwise, the place has a really cool vibe. $8 movie tickets, affordable food and beverages. Decent video and sound quality. My favorite place to see a movie, hands down.
If it's not playing at the Somerville Theatre, I probably won't see it.
Because that would mean paying more than 8 bucks
And not drinking beer legally
And not having a pre/apres 'gallery visit'
XOXO
Great place. Love the beers at concession stand, cheap ticket prices, and the bad art museum in the basement. I also love how they really maintain the place well and never overlook any detail with various eye candy hanging on the walls/ceilings. Hell, even the chairs were comfy.
Only minus, and it's not the Theater's fault...obnoxious hipster clientele who laughs at not funny moments during the movie. DIE.
But yeah, the Theater is sweet and I wish the upstairs was haunted or at least has some creepy stories about it. I like haunted local stuff.
I love the fact that you are sitting in an actual theater. The seats are still comfortable, my date's legs weren't cramped (and he is 6'3" or 6'4"), and as an added bonus after the movie, wen went downstairs to see the museum of ugly art.
I think this theater is a nice treat, you get to experience some nice decor, have booze if you want, watch a show, and then go see some art (ugly art, but art), and it's right in the heart of Davis sq so you'll have plenty of options for dinner before/after a show and/or bars to go out to if you want to do that as well.
Support the hell out of this theatre.
It is a locally owned gem with reasonable prices, Richardson's Ice Cream, an art museum in the basement, and a relaxed, friendly staff.
It is The Perfect Local Theatre.
This is my favorite movie theater, ever. They serve beer, have a "museum of bad art," and they have midnight premieres occassionally. Also, balcony seating? Oh yes.
Plus one star for proximity to JP Licks, and another for being in an old and awesome building.
I used to feel like an outcast for drinking at the movies. You know that terrible sound you hear when someone drops a flask and rolls ALL the way down the theater floor? Yeah... Sorry about that.
But Somerville Theater seems to understand that and remarkably have a liquor license. How can they pull this off and some restaurants NOT be able to serve? God only knows or cares, because regardless this place is the bomb. I dare even say its bombtastic with cheap tickets to boot!
Support your local sketchy theater. I know I will.
Going to the movies.... 1 star.
Going to the movies and NOT paying $10/ticket ... 2 stars.
Going to the movies and not paying 10/ticket and NOT being in REVERE surrounded by eleventeen year old skanks with horrid Boston accents....3 stars.
Going to the movies and not paying 10/ticket and not being in Revere surrounded by eleventeen year old skanks with horrid Boston accents and being able to order and DRINK BEER legally during a movie ....4 stars.
Going to the movies and not paying 10/ticket and not being in Revere surrounded by eleventeen year old skanks with horrid Boston accents and being able to order and drink beer legally during a movie and then when it's over being in Davis square and walking to a bar for MORE BEER....5 stars.
It's amazing how an otherwise mediocre movie theater can become truly amazing just by serving beer. And it's not just that adding beer to your viewing experience makes it amazing, but it pulls in a crowd that also makes the movie amazing. The roving packs of bored teenagers and mall druids you get in the suburbs are replaced by Gen X and Gen Y urbanites with an appreciation for fine film. Plus the theater's main stage is always host to a plethora of interesting acts, from burlesque shows to U2. There's almost a camaraderie that can be felt when watching a movie in Davis Square.
And if you can't feel the camaraderie yet, you should have another beer.
p.s. Also, don't forget to check out the Museum of Bad Art in the basement (it's free). Come a little early, save yourself a seat and go check it out.
I am the queen of nostalgia, so it's no surprise that old theatres make the list of my favorite things. Still, while it's cool to go watch a movie here (and people love getting a beer, although I'm more of a popcorn and soda kind of girl for the full experience), I am not a fan of going to concerts here. The sight lines aren't so good because they have to plop huge speakers on the stage, blocking stage space. Also, because there are seats, people are more inclined to sit down. What are you doing? This is a concert! Stand up! Get into the music and groove! It just feels a little weird to have an assigned, actual seat when I'm going to hear my favorite band.
This can be such a fun place for opening night shows. Aquateen with a couple hundred high teenagers, and a beercan rolling down the theater, Dark Knight till 2:30am on a work night...
Somerville Theater is such a big part of Davis Sq, I can't imagine it going anywhere. The prices are better than the major theaters in the area, but they still have good equipment. And they serve beer! There's a CVS next door to sneak food in. Plus you get free admission to the Museum of Bad Art downstairs.
Oh how I love you, Somerville Theatre.
You are but a mere stone's throw away from tasty restaurants/bars for pre or post show dining.
You have awesome owl shaped lighting fixtures.
There are always good movies to see and sometimes a good concert or two.
I can only say this: in the hot summer months, I am glad your air-conditioning is at full blast.
Also: thank you for affordable ticket prices. And beer.
Especially the beer.
The best place I have ever been to see a movie.
Very awesome theatre, and not as expensive as any place I go to in Chicago. They allow you to bring in outside food, which is awesome, and the Museum of Bad Art is downstairs, which is even more awesome. I wish this theatre were in Chicago...
You can watch a movie AND drink a beer! Fun-O!
The main theater is awesome: Lots of pretty molding highlighted by cool paint colors, pretty light accents, and somewhat comfortable chairs. Restrooms: tidy. But most of all, BEER.
Love love love! This is my favorite movie theater because, as everyone else has mentioned, you can drink beer or wine there AND I can walk to it from my house. But let me ALSO point out that I've never come across a belligerent loud drunk person interrupting the movie which is basically magic because those beers seem like pints not wee dixie cups.
The ONLY time there has ever been a hitch was I saw a movie while there was a Jonas Brothers concert going on and you could hear little girl screams a bit through the wall BUT considering little girl screams for the Jonas Brothers are probably the loudest of the loud the fact that we only heard it a little is a testament to more of the Somerville theater magic.
I split my moviegoing between this theater and Fresh Pond Cinema near Alewife. The two places are like polar opposites.
ST is just a fantastic theater. The location is great, lots of stuff to do in Davis before/after, making it a perfect date theater or hangout spot. The decor is very eclectic, being a mix of beaux arts and art deco, with plenty of owl sconces thrown in.
Although the movie selection is obviously more limited than at larger chain theaters, ST shows a good selection of new releases, rarer and independent films, art films (Boston Film Festival) and midnight movies.
The employees are typically young and competent and the bathrooms are clean.
The really outstanding aspects of ST would definately be the cheap tickets, the large main theater/screen, and the fact that you can get a 4 DOLLAR PINT of two different beers, cider, or a glass of wine. It's an old theater, so I guess they grandfathered in a liquor license or something. Alas, you're limited to one drink per person, so don't plan on partying too hard. Unless you bring nips with you. Which I always recommend.
Fantastic theatre. Cheaper than the big chain places, and they have a nice assortment of concerts, first-run movies, movies that have been out for a bit and harder to find and independent films.
It is nice to be in an older theatre and the older pictures and posters are nice to check out. Good popcorn and decent seats with cupholders.
Oh, and there is beer. $4 for a nice cold pint of Harpoon. Awesome.
This is one of the best movie theaters around Boston. It's independently owned and screens both mainstream and limited-release movies ("Let the Right One In" and "He's Just Not That Into You"), which you can watch while drinking a nice cool beer.
But this place is way more than a movie theater. In the basement, near the bathrooms, is the new wing of the Museum of Bad Art, the best museum of all time (the original wing is at the Dedham Community Cinema). They currently have a number of foundational masterworks on display, including the volatile "Sunday on the Pot with George" and the electrifying "Pablo Presley."
More than just a cinema and a gallery, the Somerville Theatre is also a venue for shows. They Fleet Foxes performance was ethereal in this space, and it was a great space for the burlesque spectacular "The Slutcracker."
This place breathes creativity. Go there.
As far as movie theaters go, I know very few in Boston that sell beer, so I was instantly in love with this place. It's Harpoon, to boot!
And a movie theater that books live music commands more of my love. I've seen The Books and the Magnetic Fields here, both times enjoying an IPA from my seat.
I like the rustic look of the place, but this does make the seats moderately saggy and uncomfortable. Meh. Again, good movies, good music, good beer, so who cares?
Also, the bathroom is all the way in the basement, but it's oddly club-style and modern, so I dig it.
I finally made it to see a film at the Somerville Theater. And what better opportunity than to see the premier of Speaking in Code at the iffBoston. The Theater was the perfect venue for the screening followed by a Q & A session with the director and producers. We sat on the main floor, towards the back, but dead center. In a theater of this size, there doesn't appear to be a bad seat in the house. I would love to see a concert or other live show here.
Note - On 4/8/09 Ed wrote "$4 for a nice cold pint of Harpoon" but last night 4/23/09 the beers were $5 and wine was $6. Maybe they prices are higher during the film festival. Also, the Museum of Bad Art was also closed during the festival - I'll need to return to check that out.
A movie theater that sells booze - count me in!!
I have seen movies here, but have yet to see a live show - however it is definitely on the "to do" list because this place is an awesome venue.
This place has a lot of character. Some might deem it as old, but honestly, they have done a good job of taking care of the place and it truly is about the charm and character of the place.
For me, and for anyone in Somerville, Cambridge, and Medford - the location is great. There are places for dinner, drinks and dessert both before and/or after you see a show. Also, on some days and times, they offer a student price for tickets which is always nice. Also it is RIGHT off the (Red Line) Davis Square T stop, so it is really easy to get to.
The coolest thing, they serve beer and wine! Plus, the drinks are not even that expensive, they are the same or just a tad more than what you would pay at a bar - far less than at a sporting event or concert. I have never been to a movie theater that did this - and I have been to movies all over the world! It is awesome! Having a beer or two can make even the worst chick flick tolerable, so ladies - use that to your advantage!!
I forgot what a great place the ST is to see a show. I haven't been here for that in years, maybe way back to the time when Ween was going to try to play every song they ever recorded (I didn't last through that whole show).
Anyway, last night we went to M. Ward here, and sitting three rows from the back in the orchestra was just as good as having front row seats. The sound was excellent and the only thing lacking was of course, the leg room. I do think you get at least half an inch more than the Orpheum though! And I'm not lazy, but I do love the option to sit at a show.
Popcorn and beer add extra points even though we didn't partake in either. A lack of security also makes things here so much more welcoming. All that it's lacking is nice a way to tell the person behind you to stop kicking your seat. I think I see a business opportunity in my future.
Somerville Theatre is pretty cool. After probably 20 trips to Davis, I finally discovered the big white building on the corner has movies - and for reasonable prices. I've been to 2 movies now, as well as the Museum of Bad Art, and I think it's a great place to go if you're like me and care more about what you're seeing than having a big stadium movie experience.
I haven't had a beer yet but I'm looking forward to it.
$5, $7, and $8 movies, yes please!
I've never seen a show here, but, I have no desire to see movies anywhere else. And here's why:
1. Affordable prices - I have a hard time rationalizing spending more than $10 on a movie. Even if they're really good.
2. Alcohol served at the theatre - not a huge selection, but still, that's a touch of class.
3. Good selection - I'm always pleasantly surprised about the mix of mainstream and indie films that they have.
4. Funky decor - I don't know what to call it, but it definitely qualifies as some combination of funky and quirky. If the show you're seeing is playing in the main theatre, you're definitely in for a treat.
5. Friendly staff - Maybe I'm seeing what I want to see, but the people on staff seem to be one step above the angsty teenagers who can't get a job elsewhere and so are doomed to mega movie theatre purgatory.
6. Location, location, location - Yes, it's close to where I live, but it's also right in Davis, so there's plenty of places to go and grab food/drinks/ice cream before/after the movie.
The Somerville Theater has given me more happy memories, than pretty much any place around Boston. I've seen great movies there. I've seen great bands play there (Tom Waits, comes to mind). I've enjoyed the Bad Art Museum. I've REALLY enjoyed imbibing in beer there. They are great, and should keep doing what they do SO well, forever.
In tribute to them, I offer this song. Imagine Dinah Washington singing it, as she did it best:
If they asked me, I could write a book;
About the way you walk, and whisper;
And look.
I could write a preface;
On how we met;
That the world will never forget.
And the simple;
Secret of the plot;
Is just to tell them;
That I love you, alot.
Then the world discovers;
As my book ends;
How to make two lovers of friends
Shhh... don't let the seekrit out. I flat out lurve this movie theater. That's right L-U-R-V-E. Apparently they have concerts and I've never been to one, but I lurve it as a straight up movie theater.
The tickets are the lowest in the area-- you won't pay more than $7-8 a ticket for an evening show. Really. And, they have beer on tap and Harpoon at that. That alone, is worth it. They don't get all of popular release movies in there, but there's usually one or two that I want to see and that's what really matters. In fact, I'm emailing Patrick F right now to see if he wants to see the new Bond movie there :D
Oh, the Somerville Theater. How I love and loathe you simultaneously.
Your seats are small and cramped and not especially comfortable. Your movie prices should be less for the seating you provide and the age of your theater.
But the theater IS lovely. And you bring in some spectacular live shows...
All this gets you three stars... but wait...
Beer! And not stupid Bud either, but good, delicious, quality beer at reasonable prices.
FOUR STARS!
I didn't think there could be sunshine after seeing Changeling. I don't have children, but I have more nurturing tendencies than most mothers and my heart tore in half for poor Angelina- I felt her hope, her terror, and her frustration for the two hours of run time and it made me feel like the sun would never shine again. My boyfriend escorted me (as I was blinded by tears) to the ladies room so I could wash my face once the movie was over.
It was while I was blowing my nose with toilet paper that he discovered the Museum of Bad Art. He pulled me in and my tears of sadness slowly morphed into those of laughter. The art would be pretty meaningless without the captions, so be sure you take those in along with each masterpiece. Once I pulled myself together and stopped all the crying, I realized that the theater would not be a bad place for a date. You have lots of casual Davis dining options, and can then enjoy a movie and the "art" "museum."
This is a review of a recent attempt to get a row of seats together for an upcoming event at this theater. I'm sure it is beautiful, has great sound, and yes, I'm pretty stoked to get a Harpoon for the MST, but this here had to be yelped first. Ugh.
The customer service was freaking awful. Multiple calls to the box office yielded very confused people answering and re routing to other offices. Neither office had any idea how to handle this extremely simple request (a group rate, seats together). We were told that they just don't do group rates, and could not guarantee that we could order seats together online. Eventually, we drove over to the theater, parked, talked to them and ended up buying seats on the three consecutive aisles, because we couldn't get a damn ROW of seats. Umm, crap.
Like I said above, I'm sure the place is cool, and the show I'm really looking forward to, but seriously, no group rate and no ability to get seats together? Lame.
Hello people!
What's not to love about the Somerville Theatre?!
First off, Alcohol! And frankly the liquor is just as cheap as the tickets to the show you'll be seeing, but ever so tasty.
Next up, this theatre is the HUB of the Independent Film Festival of Boston. A plethora of fantastic films, celebrities, and panel discussions every April.
Um CONCERTS anyone? Adele? U2? Fleet Foxes? Name your genre and I guarantee you that somone you like will be playing there soon.
Free entrance into the Museum of Bad Art! C'mon, it's fun. Admit it. Stop being a pretentious turd.
New Microcinema. Check! Just another way to see a great movie. And the great thing is, they have the artsy "films" and the guilty pleasure "movies."
So yeah, in the span of one afternoon you can get tipsy, see a movie, check out a museum, get a little tipsier, then go to a concert... all in one place! How badass is that?
