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The Davis Theatre
Rating Details »
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood
4614 N Lincoln Ave
(between Eastwood Ave & Wilson Ave)
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 784-0893
4614 N Lincoln Ave
(between Eastwood Ave & Wilson Ave)
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 784-0893
- Nearest Transit:
-
Western (Brown)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
214 reviews for The Davis Theatre
I can completely understand why some people don't like our little neighborhood movie house, but the mere fact that we HAVE a neighborhood theater which features first run films that you can walk to, have a huge choice of great dinner spots nearby, and see a first run film for $5.50 does have some effect on the locals' point of view.
So the Davis is kind of like an old great uncle who lives in the neighborhood, who's unkempt, a little dull to look at, and there' s food on his chin. But he's lonely. His furniture is uncomfortable. He needs the company and maybe the money to keep going. He's close by, and he's family! And he has cable and a big screen TV. So how could you not visit him every once in awhile?
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The main (well, only) reason I chose this theater was because it was walking distance from my apartment. I thought it would be a nice change of pace to have dinner, a movie, and a nice autumn walk all in one evening. Even though though the location provides the makings of a perfect (vintage if you will) date night, there's something extremely off about The Davis.
I don't think of myself as a person that is particular about her movie theaters, but I was overwhelmed by the decrepit interior. When I say this place looked like the 80's, I don't mean it looks like something that has been restored to look retro. I mean it looks like they haven't so much as painted since Reagan was in office.
I had budgeted my caloric allowance for the day so that I could have a small movie theater popcorn in all its fatty glory. There was a massive amount sitting in the sub counter warmer (like it does at most theaters) but the empty theater and off coloring of the kernels led me to believe that it had been sitting there for god knows how long. The concessions are much cheaper than a chain, but you probably get what you pay for. I didn't bother finding out for myself.
The actual theater was the saddest part of the bunch. The screen is sloped! Since we were the first to arrive (and the lights were still up) we went up to the screen and could clearly see that the right side was about 5 feet closer to the audience than the left side. Because of this, the best view of the screen was against the left wall. Even then, it provided an odd angle for the entire showing. If you've got a decent tv and sound system, I guarantee you'll have a better experience watching a DVD than a movie here.
The seats were horrible. It was nice that they had a few seats for two, but they were aligned so low that I could almost not see the screen over the seat behind me. The regular seats were better, but again, I felt an odd connection to the Reagan administration.
I expected The Davis to be a little more run down than a cookie cutter Kerasotes, but it fell even below my diminished expectations. Come on, guys! You've got a prime location and would probably be one of Lincoln Square's major attractions if you got your act together. You don't have to sell out to a chain, but could you just maybe fix your screens so that I don't feel like I'm watching a movie via periscope? Please?
I apparently live a mile from The Davis' front door, so when I suggested a movie it was to Lincoln Square we went.
I already smell like stale piss and forgotten butter most days, so visiting The Davis is actually a lot like watching a movie in my closet.
Of course, my closet doesn't seat nearly as many people and I charge $6.50 for a large popcorn, so The Davis is technically a better bet on both counts.
The screens are not amazingly large and the audio system is not going to coccoon you in a multidimensaional aural soundscape so realistic you'll feel every explosion as if you were about to be killed by it, but tickets are never more than eight bucks and a two drink + large popcorn special is also ... eight bucks.
It's in a great neighborhood, only has half the piss smell of the Logan Theatre, nobody would notice if you smuggled in a shotgun and a couple of rugby players let alone some Skittles or a flask and it always feels good to support something smaller and independent vs. shelling out $25 for some Milk Duds and a nacho tray at a deafening half-arcade multiplex.
If you're one of those people who needs to see their special effects as large and as loud as possible, go somewhere else. If you want to catch a cheap movie in a neighborhood that's worth nosing around in afterwards, go to The Davis.
Then swing by my house and we'll kill a bottle or two of wine. Maybe make sex with each other. Whatever you're up for.
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I Looove The Davis. It's so charming and quaint, prices are awesome, and the staff is always terrific. I just wish they had more screens so we could come more often, although then it would lose its charming appeal. It's like stepping back in time, in a good way :)
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Not too bad. The seats looked like they could give me a rash, but I never got one. I laughed that many of the seats were broken and at one point some were covered in garbage bags. It kind of reminds me of that scene in Escape From New York when Snake Plisskin meets Ernest Borgnine in that theatre while watching men in drag singing and dancing on stage.
It does have that retro small town vibe to it, and that's what makes it an interesting place to see a movie. If I wanted the full on head exploding experience of huge screens and amazing sound, I would go to an AMC theater.
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Who am I kidding? Now that the Davis is walking distance to my house I love you more. Five stars all around! Thank you for always having, despite only four theaters, at least one movie that I want to watch at a price I can afford. I heart your old timey posters that line the walls and your really random freezing bathroom. I'll never forsake you, Davis.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/16/2008
I heart the Davis. Is it clean squeaky huge like the mega theaters? No. Are they just starting to… Read more »
The floors are sticky, and that kind of reminds me of going to the theatre as a kid.
The seats rock slightly if you want, but they also squeak when doing it, so I don't really recommend it.
It's cheap, and right in the middle of Lincoln Square, so even if it was terrible, which it's not, it'd still be pretty good.
FIne little theater, good price & great neighborhood.
One of the screens is on a slant! People in the theater sometimes are rude. I'm a movie snob. I like the Evanston theaters the best.
The best thing about the Davis is the matinee pricing. And this is GREAT!
I agree with other yelpers about the bad smells.
The women's bathroom is really weird and could be used as a movie set for a high school horror film from the 50's.... that's the coolest part of the theater. They have a claw machine, too!
I wish they hosted weirder, quirkier films to play up their shady image.... and then it would just be campy, instead of pathetic.
On the positive side... it is convenient for me and a good fall back if I don't want to get on public transportation or get the I-GO to go to a movie.
Honestly... the sideways screen is my biggest complaint! Can't this be fixed???
Have you ever seen Red Dawn?
Remember the scene where a few of the Wolverines sneak downtown to the drive-in that's been converted to a reeducation camp and Harry Dean Stanton is there, and he and his sons are crying because of World War III and stuff, and, right when the Wolverines get ready to leave (so they don't get caught by the occupying Cuban military, duh!), Mr. Eckart (Stanton) yells, "BOYS! AVENGE ME!!! AVENGE ME!!!"
OK, that drive-in is the Davis, only indoors. It's what American theaters would have looked like if the Russians (along with the Cubans and the Spanish, I think, for some reason...) got together and won the Cold War. They would keep it open and never EVER fix the seats or the weird angle of the screens or provide enough toilets. The only thing currently missing is that borscht is not for sale at the snack bar. Not yet.
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I love the Davis. For those nights when you're just not sure what do, yes. For the stroll down Lincoln Ave. when you smell the popcorn being made inside, yes. For the charm and neighborhood feel of it, yes. For the blow-your-freaking-mind AV equipment, NO.
If it's special effects you're into, this might not be the place to go. Also if you have back problems or require really ergonomic seating. If you just want to sit back, relax and enjoy the show then carry on.
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me and my best frans went to see Up here on a thursday night recently. I really enjoyed the loveseat that i sat in. i don't like that people on yelp think only horny teenagers could enjoy the loveseat!
loveseat pros:
1. doesn't squeak every time you shift your weight.. like the single chairs
2. your popcorn gets its own seat between the two of you
3. going to a movie by yourself and lounging in your seat is now made possible
the popcorn was just ok. i bought my m&m's at a convince store.
mostly i like that it makes me feel like i'm hanging at the mall in the 90's. don't remodel, davis! its beautiful!
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I always feel like I'm walking into a time warp when I walk in. It's kinda cool, actually.
Last time there was a rep from the Davis offering a free small popcorn if you agreed to be on their mailing list. My bf and I tried to pretend we weren't interested for like a second, but then asked, "where do we sign up?" Hey, we wouldn't be at the Davis if we weren't looking for deals, right?
I heard they've raised their prices, but $11 is still a great deal for 2 at a matinee. They've also got some cozy love seats if you can get there early enough to score one (or see a really crappy movie that no one else wants to see).
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Hang on. HOW is anyone complaining about this movie theatre? A matinee here costs $5.50 - oh, and that goes until 6 p.m. For an adult. For a first-run movie. In Chicago, and in a neighborhood where you can have a whole evening out. (An evening show costs $8.) Come on guys. Sticky floors? Weird smells? You just saved like seven dollars. That's enough money to go get a fancy beer at the Grafton afterward. I wouldn't go here for a giant action movie I guess, but other than that...the Davis is pretty good to us.
I am a fan of movies. There is something about sitting in a dark room and just watching the images. I still remember the first movie that my mom took me to. It was at Towne West Shopping Mall (We are classy in Wichita, Kansas and spell our town TOWNE) and we went to see The Karate Kid. I saw it five times and was instantly in love with Ralph Macchio. I love the smell of the popcorn and the fact that you no matter what theater you are in you can get nachos (I am a fan of fake cheese). Growing up we didn't have fantastic movie theaters. We had the shitty theaters that always had seats falling apart, cheap concessions, and the sound system that was used ten years ago. But still this is where my love of movies was born.
When I moved to Lincoln Square I was most excited by the fact that I was now two blocks from The Davis Theater, my favorite theater in Chicago. Sure The Davis is not the AMC-30, but it has never claimed to be. Tickets are cheap, concessions are as well and they always have at least one movie I want to see. I feel as though it is what a movie theater should be, a place where you can go and sit in the dark, eat popcorn, and watch a movie. I guess I don't need or want the bells and whistles. I just want to be reminded why I feel in love with movies in the first place.
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Yes, a quarter of the chairs here are broken. Sure, the bathroom is kinda scary. But first-run movies for a little over half what the big impersonal theater chains are charging? I'll take the Davis over them any day.
If you're a true movie fan, I'm not sure how you couldn't love the Davis. The prices (on tickets AND concessions) are awesome, and I swear the audiences are far less prone to talking during a movie (GOD, I hate when the guy next to me starts yammering--we're not in your living room, jerk).
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I love The Davis. Old? Yes. Worn? Yes. Broken seats? Yes. A little dirty? Yes.
Regardless, it's super convenient, full of character, and really economical for someone who likes to see a lot of movies. Latest release movies, no less!
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First, I really wanted to like this place. I am all about non-corp, neighborhood establishments. I also enjoy nostalgia.
We went to the Davis theater last night to see "The Hangover" and while we did enjoy cheap tickets, popcorn and drinks, the service was awful, almost scornful. It also left me wondering about the cleanliness of the popcorn and it's handlers. I don't think I've ever worried about that in my life! The bathrooms were pretty gross too.
The seats and the dirty floor I really could care less about. That did not bother me at all.
I wouldn't mind just stereo (not-surround) sound in the theater. I'll quote another reviewer and say "burnt out aiwa" sounds about right. It sounded like a singular, mono, speaker had blown.
I've not done a whole lot of exploring Chicago movie theaters, but if you want to experience a neighborhood "movie-house" feel done right, check out the Oriental or Downer theaters in Milwaukee.
It's possible to have a cheap, neighborhood, movie house that is not mis-managed and neglected in 2009. The Davis is not it.
Dude, it's the Davis. I've been going to this theater for years. It is not your movie theater chain. It's a bit ghetto and charming at the same time. Some of the seats recline nicely in some of the theaters because they're old.
Depending on the crowd, it can be fun and annoying. If you're wasted you won't care if people are chatting it up or checking their phone every couple of minutes. It's great to go here with a group of friends but I've checked out flicks here by myself several times.
Theater #4 specifically needs a sub woofer. The sound can be a bit tinny compared to the deafening theater chains but at least they're considering the dangers of tinnitus. I still would care for more BASS!
As other reviewers have mentioned, they take credit cards now. It's $8 in the evenings and $5.50 during the day. Keep this place in business and buy something from the concession stand!
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This is the anchor of Lincoln Square. An old school movie theater that hasn't seen the gut rehab of so many others, i.e. Landmark Century on Clark.
From the giant iron marquee banner to the wooden ticket sales office this theater screams history. I love going here for a matinee on the weekend and then hitting up one of the many bars on Lincoln for some afternoon delight.
They usually show your more off key films and have four screens. The best part might be the couches they have in their theaters. So if you are in heat and need to spend 2 hours paying for cuddle time this might be for you; who likes PDA?
The theater does not have stadium style seating, does not have imax, or lucas vision or whatever that obnoxious star wars sound system is called - and this is why I give them five stars. Am I a pretentious snob?
I say not, I just like the Davis :) and you should too - go here and enjoy Lincoln Square's finest.
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Davis reminds me of one of the old movie theaters in the small town I grew up in and for that reason I always enjoy coming here. Parking is always pretty easy and it's cheaper than the average place. I think part of the reason I love coming to Davis so much is that I'm not in that neighborhood very often so I always enjoy walking around the neighborhood and stopping in at the dive bar down the street for a mug of beer before the show.
On the rare occasion I go to the movies, I don't require a lot. Give me a big screen and yummy popcorn and I'm pretty much set.
That said, as run down as the Davis is... it's part of its charm. It's a total no frills place to catch a movie - and I like it.
First of all, it's cheap. Movie tickets were cheap for a new movie on a Friday night. Concessions were cheap. In Chicago that's unheard of, right?
The employees were friendly. The concession stand girl didn't even get annoyed with me when I placed my beverage order: "Water - no Diet Co - no.... Sprite. Lightly iced." She just smiled at my indecisiveness. The popcorn was fantastic, which made me happy.
The seats were comfortable and had a nice recline to them. No, there's no stadium seating but I wasn't worried and I didn't need to be. It was perfectly fine.
Are the bathrooms slightly scary? Um, yeah. But the painted over words of wisdom like "everything you want in life is inside of you" made me smile. (Though I have to admit, the toilet that was stained an odd black color did NOT make me smile.)
Do I wish I couldn't hear the neighboring movies while mine was playing? Yes. But it totally reminded me of being a kid, going to a similar theater in my small hometown - before things got all high tech and sparkly and shiny.... hearing the other movies was just the way it was. And I like it.
And they have a bear claw machine. HELL. YES. Paige W and I were quarter-less, but mark my words, I will be back. Oh yes.... oh yes.
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As a new Lincoln Square/Ravenswood resident, I thought it would be reasonable to acquaint myself with "the old" before exploring "the new". Old is definitely an understatement when it comes to The Davis. The poor theatre for sure has seen better days (as the Robbie Seay Band song "Better Days" runs through my head)...but it's all a part of the antique cinema culture. Come on! A new-release movie for $5.50 (that is matinee before 6 pm--otherwise it's still only $8.00 for adults)!!! Sweet and salty delights (candy and popcorn, of course) are SUPER reasonably priced too (all under $4)!
Entering the actual theaters, the black paint on the floors have corroded away to its foundation by all the past sticky, poisonous pop spills...
And you won't think twice about deciding to test your bladder's full capacity; not because you may miss a climactic chunk of the film but because the bathrooms have much to be desired. The fun chairs--definitely comfy and bouncy, but BEWARE when you sit down initially or lean back because I've seen some hilarious people-watching oopsies! Oh and lastly, I adore the old-fashioned "Welcome, turn off pagers & cell phones" screen intro. Not to be missed for nothing!
I love to be reminded that the Davis is still present as a neighborhood treasure, not as a money-hungry business. Lincoln Square would not be the same without you! I salute you (while sticking a specific finger up at the monopolizing Fandango/Kerasotes)!
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So the fiance and I are trying to stay on a budget, and we thought, where to watch a movie for half the price? Davis Theatre in Lincoln Square, we decided. Now, I'm not much a movie theatre snob, but now I know why they charge you $5.50 a ticket - place smells a bit like someone pissed on it and left it out to dry. I guess we can't complain with a price tag like that, though.
Ah ha...they now take credit/debit cards....3 cheers!
Plus, an additional cheer for being....the Davis. It's just, comfortable. Like an old pair of jeans or soft, cuddly, hole-ridden sweatshirt you just can't bear to part with. It's not a big effort to get in and go to a movie. Just simple, and easy...
At $8 it is quickly approaching the price of other movie houses, however...at least now they take plastic.
:)
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/10/2007
2 stars for NOT being Webster :)
I kind of like the old, kinda funky smelling, strangely arranged… Read more »
I have a bit of a history with "Ye Ol Davis Theatre" as I have always lived right down the block from this gem.
I can remember when I was younger, when the theatre strictly showed second run movies. Back then, when I was a kid, I didnt care. I believe it was like $2 for the movie and maybe $2 for the popcorn as well. There is a corner store directly across the street where we would literally load up our pockets on candy and soda, then walk ourselves into the movie theatre being the rebels who snuck food in. Heck, I had a friend who always went to Budacki's (on Damen) before every show. He would buy a gyros and bring that in - the whole place smelled of it.
The odd thing I remember to was they always let us in for R rated movies... Never once do I remember being told that I was too young to see a movie there - and I saw anyything and everything! Yeah, its not an Omniplex with digital sound and screens, its a theatre that reminds me of a small town. Going to the Davis has always been like stepping out of the city for just a short period of time.
As I got older, my visits were less frequent - but I still make a trip everyonce in awhile when a movie is playing and Im in the mood. Now that I hear they take plastic (Thanks Colleen) I may be here a bit more frequent again, the ghetto-ness itself is so appealing!
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Tired of going to fancy theaters with luxury and comfortable seating with the same movie you'll find everywhere else? THIS is the place to go to. Nothing like sitting in seats that are years old, feet sticking to the floor and a movie screen that sits at an angle! I wouldn't have it any other way.
Great venue to get away from the the overdone theaters. PSA: Please pick up your trash and throw it away. Help the staff out. I was told by a dear friend to show them some respect and clean up after yourself. It only takes a second to do on your way out the door!
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So my wife and I just moved up here from Texas where we had a theater that offered $4 matinées and $6 regular shows without sacrificing modern A/V tech or film selection. How they did that there, I don't know, but I never bothered to point out to them that they probably could have charged more if they wanted to. Anyway, I've been looking to replace that place ever since we got here. We've been downtown and the AMC is okay- modern but expensive any time after, oh, noon. We've also been to Landmark in Lakeview. Also okay, but expensive.
The Davis, however, has been a place on my radar for a little while thanks to their lower ticket prices and what has seemed like a pretty well rotated selection of films. I finally got out here today to catch Inglourious Basterds and really all I can say about the Davis is ... meh. The price is nice, but you definitely are sacrificing on some of the expected movie-going experience when you come here.
I'll start with the good. The seats were actually large and quite well padded. Très comfortable. I also liked the neighborhood that the theater resides in. It seems like this would be an interesting place to spend an afternoon or an evening with friends. Lots of neat little shops and restaurants nestled into shorter buildings and quieter streets.
As for the bad parts, well, I thought it a tad strange that the screen in the theater I was in was actually crooked in relation to the room. I sat on the left side and it lined up pretty much perfectly in the end, but it was unusual. It adds character I guess, but it's also something I won't want to put up with while watching certain films. Upon first entering the theater, I was also struck by how small the screen seemed to be. The room was very long, so the perspective was a little skewed and greatly improved by moving up, but the screen was still unimpressively small. The Davis also seems to be lagging a little in the technology department. At times, particularly when there were captions or titles on the screen, the image looked a little fuzzy or stretched. The audio seemed okay, but none too impressive either. For the talkier, drama or art-type films you'd be fine. For the more modern action block-buster types, definitely go elsewhere.
All told, I'll probably go back before I make a final judgment on the place, but I'll also still keep looking for something to replace our old haunt back in Texas.
Why do people hate this place? Sure its kind of dirty. Sure its really old. But I like the location, and their popcorn has less chemical-tasting butter sludge. Its very cheap too! It has a sort of fun charm to it. I think I like it because it reminds me of an old theater in my hometown. And you know what?? If you only pay $5.50-8 for a show, you are getting a deal anyway!
I like it, and I'll go again! So there!
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I have a soft spot for dingy old theatres. The Davis is an ancient neighborhood theatre that has been quadplexed. It's age really shows, but I find that charming. Others may find it disgusting. The bathrooms leave much to be desired though. Each auditorium is decently sized and the seats are comfortable. They even have a few of those "couple chairs" that are big enough for two people to sit in. Some of the screens are hung at an awkward angle and give the feeling of being at a drive-in (except inside).
The concession stand is pretty terrible though. I have heard they are infested with rats too. Maybe sneak something in your purse.
Each movie is reasonably priced (by Chicago standards) and they recently started taking credit cards too. The Davis is conviently located near the Western Brown Line stop and near cute boutiques and dining in Lincoln Square. Despite some of the negatives, I have never had a bad time at the Davis.
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The Davis gets three stars...MOSTLY because of the nostalgia factor. I used to come here for grade school movie field trips (circa '90-'96). Remember Milo and Otis? Yeah, I saw that here!
But, let me tell you - I don't think they've replaced anything since then. Seriously. The bathroom needs a major overhaul and so do the seats. But - for a $5.50 movie ticket, I guess I can deal. Plus, this was the only theater showing Slumdog that was convenient for us. So, we settled into our very worn-in seats and took a trip down memory lane. If you're looking for luxury, Davis is not your place.
They used to be cash only, but they recently installed a cc machine. However, I think the concession stand is still cash only. $2.25 for water and $3.25 for vitamin water. They also have popcorn, nachos, candy...Pretty solid selection for this small theater!
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The Davis may be a victim of its own popularity and location - at least where Saturdays are concerned.
My Logan movie friend Samantha E. and I made our way up to the "other" Square to see "Slumdog Millionaire." We chose The Davis because The Century (where it was also playing) has all sorts of expensive parking and the movie prices are outrageous. Plus the new year needed new habits, new neighborhoods, and new choices.
Driving to The Davis proved to be a mistake. Being right off the Western brown line stop and in the heart of the Lincoln Square entertainment district, there is very little parking around it. And one thing doesn't make sense about the parking situation there is, period. All of the meters on Lincoln Avenue are two hours (and even the lot under the brown line stop is two hour parking). Which is fine if you're watching a kids movie. But, for most movies, this math doesn't add up. Note to the Davis: three hour parking validation? It would be a great idea.
There was a line was out the door of the theater for the movie even though we arrived late. The reason? There was only one cashier slot open. On a Saturday. When they were showing some of the biggest movies out right now.
But New Year, new positive attitude, right? The good thing was despite getting there late and being forced into the front rows (our own fault), the seats were all recliners for less neck strain. At $5.50, the matinee prices are one of the city's few movie bargains. And it's definitely charming (except the bathroom which are sort of "old school" to put it nicely). If they could work on the accessibility from my part of the city, I would definitely make it a theater of choice.
By the way, funny story on the parking. After the movie, we went to the Borders in Uptown. I got a $60 ticket for parking in the unmarked handicapped crosswalk across from it. So the day still ended up being more expensive than a trip to the AMC River East or Century with their parking garages. But if you're not an idiot like me, this shouldn't be a problem - the Davis is still one of the most economy friendly places to see a movie in the city.
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I really, really, really want to love this place. I really do. But I just can't. I just can't. Yelping is about telling the truth, and I just can't fib because I really want this business to succeed.
I wish this city was able to keep more of its neighborhood theaters and I really hope the few that remain, Davis included, can find a way to thrive.
Don't have stadium seating? While I would prefer it, I'm willing to let it slide and I'm not punishing you for that. Not the cleanest and most sparkle-y of places? I'm not too upset about that and I won't knock you for it. However, I have to knock them down for a major reason - I find it inexcusable that they have their screens on a 15 degree angle from where the audience sits. I don't have OCD, but sitting here watching a movie really brings out the OCD in me. WHY CAN'T YOU HAVE THE F'ING SCREENS AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE FROM THE AUDIENCE! WHY!?!
SERIOUSLY!
Please, for the love of god, invest a tad bit of money to fix this.
The only thing preventing them from getting my first dreaded one star rating is that they have a great selection of first-run movies.
But the fact remains, if I were the owner, I would try to find the investors and / or a bank to redo the theater, put in stadium seating and turn the stupid screens so that they face the audience.
This place reminds me of the movie theater I used to frequent as a kid in the early '90s... probably because that's the last time the Davis was renovated. On most occasions that would be a major turnoff, but there's just something about this place......
Maybe it's the $5.50 matinees, or even the $8 evening tickets. Perhaps it's the smell of intoxicatingly buttery popcorn wafting throughout the hallway. Or maybe it's the warped floors, slanted walls and cushy, squeaky seats.
It doesn't smell like daisies, isn't a megaplex and most certainly isn't swank, but the Davis has that something that comforts a moviegoers soul, whatever that is.
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Great hospitality but definitely needs to be given a makeover. Lots of potential. I love the older style of the theater and the allotment of seating. Its that kind before stadium seating started popping up all over the place. Really gives you that vintage feel. Nonetheless, they can really use a revamp of the outside to liven it up.
Right now it does seem a little abandoned. I like to think it could be Lincoln Square's own Cinema Paradiso :)
I like it a lot. It fits the personality and undiscovered greatness of Lincoln Square. Something about this 'hood and this theatre make me feel like I'm in a small town somewhere in the farm country, rather than on the border of a sprawling metropolis. Tickets are pretty cheap, $8 max, screens are a little small and the theater floors are charmingly uneven. It's comfortable and they seem to stay on top of the big openers. They also make it very easy to order tickets from their website.
this place is pretty sweet.
it smells like grandma's basement. the bathroom smells like the bathroom in grandma's basement after it's been given a once-over with a mop and some lysol.
$5.50 for a matinee. booya. it was weird that the screen was on an angle, but really, i can deal. $5.50 for a matinee, remember? I can take my extra leftover money across the street to costello's for a sangwich after the movie is over. i like that.
{tangent: i feel like my first date with the dude i end up marrying will happen here. maybe when the next batman movie comes out. and then we'll go to cold stone for cake batter ice cream with chopped up oreos, and walk around the rest of the square. and years later when we're on the verge of divorce, we'll remember how the bathrooms here smelled like grandma and lysol on our first date.}
it's got character and charm and new releases and they sell vitamin water at the concession stand. and it's biking distance from my apartment.
party time, excelleeeeeeent.
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By far my favorite theater in Chicago. The prices are good ($5.50 before 6:00pm) and they seem to always have first run movies here. The theater is old and run down for sure, but that adds to the charm.
The bathrooms are gross, but you dont come here to go to the bathroom.
The sound quality of the screen was good and the movie started on time. There wasnt any obnoxious music playing in the background or anything on the screen before the movie started but that was fine. Be selective on where you sit--some seats are more bumpy than others and not as comfortable.
It is also nice because you can get there off the Brown Line (Western stop) and there are a ton of cute places to eat around there after the show (Costellos, the Grind, Garcia's)
So much nicer that huge big screen theaters. I also noticed that the crowd that comes to this theater tends to be quieter and more respectful. It is such a nicer experience than one of the bigger, overpriced movie theaters downtown.
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I LOVE this theater!
The Davis Theater is one of the only theaters I can think of that hasn't been completely re-done in the past 10-15 years. The theater needs to be painted. It's small, and lacks stadium seating, but it has tons of charm.
Plus, it's a great deal! Tickets sell for so much less than they do up in Evanston or Lincoln Park, and they still manage to always have movies that my friends and I want to see.
It doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not, and still manages to be completely awesome. It's always such a welcome change to go to the movies here.
After all the swanky movie places all around, this is refreshingly old fashioned. Walk right in to that butter-popcorn-in-the-air foyer. Pay at the lone little counter up front. Sit on the so-well-worn-my-ass-hurts-sometimes chairs. Try not to fidget so the springs don't squeak too much. Swat away a random mosquito or two. Read the XheartsY poetry on the restroom walls.
You'd think "Sounds like it sure could use a make-over!", but therein lies the charm. I catch the after-work 5pm show (5$!!!) occasionally. Make this your very own little local theater :)
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