Great first time experience at the Avalon Theater. Wish I would've visited this gem so much sooner, but look forward to more movie nights there. read more

Avalon Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Such a wonderful place to see a movie, Beautiful LARGE room in the old style, fine selection of movies, respectful audiences, and prices lower most of the commercial places, reflecting its nonprofit character. Parking is usually pretty easy (would have been nice to be closer to a Metro stop), My fantasy was to organize a community movies theater when the Uptown and Ontario closed -- but the Chevy Chase neighborhood got it done. Good for them read more

Awesome local theater with first run and plenty of independent movies. You will not be disappointed!

I don't know how I lived in Baltimore for three years without visiting the Avalon (obviously it's in DC - just across city limits from Chevy Chase - but I'm in DC and its surroundings all the time and LOVE movies and movie theaters). But I learned about it recently and visited a week or so ago for the first time. The Avalon is special. It's the oldest operating movie theater in DC; it opened in 1923, briefly closed in 2001, but reopened after a restoration in 2003. It screens a diverse selection of movies - classics, independent and foreign films, and retrospectives. It's a non-profit theater, too! Is it fancy like the newer theaters with reclining leather seats with heaters? No. But the Avalon doesn't need that. It's special and different and through its history, its mission, and its selection of films offers something different for the DC area. I'm sure I'll be back. A special institution. DC is lucky to have it. read more

Avalon Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Went to see a documentary about Glen Echo Park, which is not far from the theater. Beautiful inside, comfy seating. Showing interesting movies not available at the regular theaters. Parking not a problem on street. Restaurants nearby. Glad to support the little guys! read more

Avalon Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

DISCLAIMER: This review is not about watching a movie. On a couple of occasions, I've popped in here to grab some popcorn while on a stroll in the neighborhood. Each time I come in, the staff is so kind. One of them occasionally sits outside in the tables and will kindly greet individuals going through the neighborhood. Because of my great experience with the staff, I'm inspired to catch a film here and continue supporting the business...with popcorn of course. read more

Avalon Theatre - Outside & Popcorn - Cinema Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I went to see The Boys in the Boat yesterday afternoon, 1:45 show time. The Avalon is a different kind of place to see a film. Non mainstream things plus foreign films come here. The movie was fine ...the CONSTANT crackle crackle from (what I'm guessing) is a popcorn bag really killed the movie. Cool part in the movie with dialogue....crackle crackle crackle. Wisdom from the coach.... crackle crackle crackle. The kids talking to mom for the whole film, at least they were on the quiet side. I'm not sure where the LOUD bad came from but I have to think the concession stand. A different type of bag needs to be considered or like other theatres I go to a cup or a tub. read more

Perfect venue if you don't want a huge amount of people. I have nothing bad to say about this theatre. I am going to try to go as much as I can. read more

Best movie house in DC. Best movies, comfiest seats, easy parking, Good snacks. What's not to like? read more

Avalon theater is our neighborhood movie theater. It is an independently run Place, one of a kind. They tend to show independent and interesting films, foreign films. Sometimes you'll get a box office experience. Everyone there is very sweet and we love to support this community endeavor. The seats are not necessarily as comfortable as you will find another theaters but it's a small price to pay to support independent ownership of media. read more

Avalon Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A terrific evening listening to the Eric Byrd Trio! Like so many great concerts we've enjoyed in past years - Keb Mo, Shelby Lynne, Greg Brown, Matthew Sweet , Richard Thompson - the Avalon knocks it out of the park with first class entertainment in an intimate setting. Get your tickets for an upcoming show. read more

Tonight will be my last visit. I have been a patron of the Avalon for over twenty years. However, I have had two very unfortunate circumstances at during the course of my last four visits. I have been going at least twice a month since the pandemic eased and life returned to a little more normalcy and in view of their policy to have vaccination certification, and mask wearing and kept seating spaced. The two I will address come down to one staff member. An African-American man who tends the concessions and is always there at evenings for the 8 pm show which is when I attend. The first incident was my asking for his assistance in having my seats changed to something closer due to my vision, and having left my glasses at home. He was entirely uninterested in helping me. And pantomimed looking at his screen (you can purchase tickets at the concessions at the Avalon) and in an instant - and obviously making zero effort to assist me - he said there were no open seats. Once the show began, I saw two rows that were completely empty five rows from the screen where I needed to be, and simply moved. When I next returned, I advised him of the fact, and said it was a shame he didn't make a more honest effort to help me. He didn't take that well, though I my intention was that he should be honest next time. Tonight, I came in to see LOST ILLUSIONS, and there he was. It was 7:30 and ample time before show. I asked if he might please pop some fresh popcorn as it was obvious that what was in the machine at the bottom was the leftovers that had sat there for awhile and at 8.00 a bag, I don't think it an unreasonable request. He recognized me from the evening I mentioned his refusal to accommodate my need of a closer seat, and he became confrontational and belligerent immediately telling me he would not pop fresh corn for me. My partner (we have made it a bi-monthly ritual now to go to the Avalon and support it) said he would take what they have. And I said I didn't want anything. Sure enough, it was cold, and tasted old. Popcorn, we all know, is only good for at best an hour. He gave me his credit card and said to go back a half hour later before the show and get fresh. Five minutes before showtime, I return and there was barely a kernel left in the bin. I repeated the request, and the man became even more hostile. Insisting he would not make me fresh popcorn. By now there were many late arrivals coming through the door, as the show was about to begin. And I said, "I can wait. You will obviously run out with the people coming in, and you will have to make some more." At that point he began shouting across two customers speaking to another concessions staff member, trying to get his manager's attention. I stepped out into the lobby to address the manager who was busy taking tickets to the new arrivals. And the man kept jutting his head out to see if I was still there. FInally, he had the audacity to come out to the lobby and threatened me verbally, "You better watch out! You don't know what you're gonna get! You don't know who your messin' with!" Well I did, and do. What I was dealing with was unacceptable. Brutish. Rude. And threatening on top of that? What I was dealing with was completely unacceptable coming from a person whose JOB It is to please the customer, and make sure they have a lovely evening at the theater, and feel valued. Instead, this man twice has acted in a very nasty, and wholly unprofessional manner. And today, took it to thuggish, intimidating street level. And I will never again attend the Avalon. There is always E-Street Cinema with lovely art house films, or the Criterion Channel at home with their globally recognized art house films I can enjoy in the safety and comfort of my home on a huge 4K screen, and pop my own fresh popcorn and not be physically intimidated or challenged or treated like garbage by someone - as I told him tonight - who has no business being on the front of the house of ANY civilized establishment, let alone an elegant, refined theatre offering world class cinema to its patrons. He is jarringly out of place, and is one more example of the civic deterioration in this country that keeps people home. Why spend 25.00 on tickets and another 25.00 on concessions for two people when I can comfortably enjoy a peaceful cinematic experience at home without having to encounter such boorish, and unacceptable abuse from a theater employee? I have two passes that were given me and I will give them away. I don't need to go out and spend my money to be so savagely abused and intimidated as reward for my patronage. The management here needs to find someone better trained in customer hospitality, professionalism, behavioral decorum. This is simply both unforgivable, and unacceptable. Me and my friends will just go to E-Street CInema, the Drafthouse, the Angelika Film Center, Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse...all places I have been to and never experienced this kind of trashy behavior. read more

Avalon Theatre - LOST ILLUSIONS INDEED! - Cinema Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A treasure! Beautiful old fashioned, run like a mom and pop store with a bit more personality than strict efficiency, but presenting a really unique opportunity to see special interest movies and CONTEMPORARY European classics! You never know what is coming next, as well as some first run movies, a little later in their run, some events sponsored by variety of foreign embassies. just when I thought I had the world at my fingertips only on my phone, The Avalon puts it back in Real Life, with a beer in my hand and fresh pop corn. Bravo!! read more

Beautifully restored 100 year old theater. Comfy seats, interesting selection of films, decent snacks.

Avalon Theatre is an art-house cinema in Chevy Chase (15 minutes by foot from Friendship Heights metro on the red line). It has a sense of grandeur. No luxurious reclining leather seats (like the AMC), but the old-school charm is a plus (look at all the wood paneling). There is a recessed painted ceiling near the main screen, for example. There is a cafe (which also sells popcorn). It appears to be a spot where the locals hangout. Great staff and great people. They do show films such as Beauty and the Beast. If we lived near the theatre we would go more often. The Cinema Club is based here too. They show 7 films per season. read more

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Highly recommend the Avalon Theater! Friendly, neighborhood theater that shows both mainstream and indie films. Really makes a difference when a theater is run by people who value movies and people! read more

This is a lovely old theater that plays exactly the kind of movies I like. I wish I could give the two-screen theater five stars, but unfortunately, the smaller theater has some temperature control problems. Last year, I saw Hidden Figures in the downstairs theater. This year, I saw Loveless in smaller, upstairs theater, where the temperature was frigid. I kept my down coat zipped closed so I could stay and finish watching the film. When I mentioned the temperature to the manager, she was apologetic and super nice. She explained that usually the upstairs theater is too warm, but every once in a while, it's too cold. I found that laid-back attitude strangely charming. Still, if I visit the Avalon again, I'll avoid the film with the smaller buzz, smaller audience, and smaller screen. read more

We went to the Avalon for a 1pm showing if "Drive My Car," a deeply moving Japanese film that weaves Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" in with the lives of its director and his deceased wife, his car driver, a cast member who once was the wife's lover, and the mute wife of the theater's producer who (the wife) plays a key role in the play using Korean sign language to speak her lines. The Avalon checks vaccine status before you're allowed in, they book all the seats around you so that everyone's spread out, and everyone wears masks throughout. The theater is as wonderful as it's always been. A great afternoon! read more

I love this movie theater! Great for a date or to watch a movie with your family. It's "old school" style, with the seating all on one level. This theater plays independent films as well as foreign films. They also have a concession stand with an assortment of snacks. If you're looking for a different (read: classic) movie-going experience, you should give this theater a try. You won't be disappointed. read more

I went here for the first time recently and fell in love with this old-fashioned theatre. I wish there were more theatres like this! I think it's great that Avalon Theatre has been preserved thus far and I plan to continue patronizing it in the future. I was impressed by the size of the theatre, the quality of the snack bar and the friendly service. Like many other theatres, you can buy tickets online; just check out their website. I recommend getting there early enough to secure parking; plan to park on the street. If you are tired of overcrowded, noisy theatres and need a nice change, check this out. You'll love it! read more

What an interesting theater! Next year it celebrates being 100 years old. The seats slightly recline. The interior is well-maintained. Parking was available close by with parking meters. I saw a presentation about the artist Edward Hopper. read more

Cyndy's Bottom Line: A great place to watch independent films. Went to see the movie "The Great Beauty". The theater was mellow not overly crowded. The seats were ok. No parking lot but there were enough street parking. read more

Avalon Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I had been waiting for "Loving Vincent" to come to the U.S. for a year. The moment it hit American Cinemas, I began looking for where it would play near us. I'm in Alexandria - the closest theater was the Avalon. I plotted out our route on the Metro. Knew I would need to take a Lyft or a bus from the station (we chose Lyft) and made our way to Chevy Chase one raining Friday afternoon. I had no idea what to expect. I'm glad that I didn't. The whole adventure was a lovely surprise. If you've ever been to the Prytania Theater in New Orleans, the Avalon will remind you of that theater. Elegant. Regal. A gem that was saved by people who love theaters. The Avalon was almost lost, but the people came together to restore her and support her in this era of streaming, screaming electronics. It is a largish theater. Hand painted mural on the ceiling reminds you of the golden age. Clean. Loved. On this rainy Friday afternoon, maybe 10 people joined us in our entertainment experience. No one disturbed the spectacle unfolding on the screen with cell phones or discussion. We were intimately enraptured, but silently apart experiencing the story unfolding. I love independent, beautiful art films. I am so glad that the Avalon remains in existence to feed my need. read more

A gem of a theater. Excellent films. One of the things that makes Chevy Chase DC a great place.

A gem. I adore movie theaters and try to see as many as them as I can when traveling. I live in DC, and had never been to the Avalon, so ventured here to see "Loving Vincent," an indie movie where every frame was hand painted. The movie was about the details more than it was about the way the story developed, and I couldn't think of a better theater to see it in then the Avalon. Comfy and well aged seats, a mural above your heads, and a great sound system seemed to tell a different story in the same way. Absolutely worth the trip to see cinema how it should be seen. read more

Very very cool. The movie I saw here was absolutely horrendous, but I loved the theater. I liked everything about it: from the donor name plaques on each seat (adds to the neighborhood vibe) to the fact that they play the audio in the bathroom. The mural on the ceiling added to the charm and the old-school feeling of the place. I'll definitely be returning. read more

The Avalon is an awesome theatre in NORTH DC, just below Chevy Chase, MD. It's tough to get to without a car, and it has a great community feel to it. There are two screens at this theatre: one fairly sizable theatre downstairs, and a much smaller one upstairs (Avalon 2). They show great movies here: I've seen the Social Network, Crazy Stupid Love, and a few French movies where they partnered with La Maison Francaise. Remember, it's an older theatre, so there's no stadium seating. Be sure you don't sit behind a person with a huge head! You won't see a thing. The snack bar is amazing - one of the best I've been to at a movie theatre. And if I remember correctly, it's reasonably priced, particularly when compared to other theaters in the area. read more

The Avalon is a model for neighborhood restorations. This is one of the great independent theaters in North America. The cafe could be a little more full service but the place has great character. This is the place where I saw my first movie! Please support the Avalon. read more

The Avalon is an excellent movie theater. It is the oldest operating movie theater in DC, and has been nicely restored by the community-based nonprofit (with a lot of pro bono help) that incorporated in 2001 to save the theater after Lowe's closed it and stripped the building of all its fixtures. The Avalon Theater Project's restoration unearthed a lot of the fabulous original detail, and the mural that occupies the main theater ceiling is a great addition. The main theater seats 600+, but feels smaller. Upstairs is intimate at around 150 seats. During the renovation new sound and projection systems were installed, so the theater provides an excellent viewing experience. Seating is also (relatively) new, giving you the comforts of a new theater within the historic setting. In the age of boring concrete multiplexs showing only nasty blockbusters the Avalon is a wonderful community-based theater with historic charm that offers documentaries, classics, good quality new movies (with a lot of indies), festivals and lots of interactive weekend programing. It's my favorite place to see a movie, both because it's lovely and because my cash is going to support a community resource. Also--- points to the Avalon snack bar for offering caffeine free diet coke for us evening patrons who don't want to be up for hours after the film! read more

Avalon is an interesting movie house, because you can rent out space here and also become a member, since it's run by a non-profit. This theatre shows mostly independent films, and actually has the directors hold Q&As after certain showings. I don't know of many other places in D.C. that frequently have the directors on hand after a movie showing. This theatre really adds to the atmosphere of this Chevy Chase neighborhood. Though it was an active theatre many years ago, it was closed down, and later remodeled with the community's support and reopened in 2003. One down point is that it's not metro-accessible. It can be reached by taking one of the L buses, though. I think parking is pretty available up here, too, considering how it's mostly a residential neighborhood. read more

I've lived in Bethesda my entire life and never knew that this independent film theater was just a short drive away. We were in theater number two for a movie and, while the theater was sort of run-down, the seats were comfortable enough and there was no problems with the sound or picture quality. I think theater one might be a little nicer because they are in the midst of renovating the theater two area. They serve beer and wine at their cafe in addition to the normal movie theater fare, all of which you can bring into the theater with you. Prices are at or below larger chain theaters. The best part of the whole experience was the staff. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. I would definitely go back here if they were playing a movie I wanted to see. read more

I don't know how it is that I have neglected to review my beloved local neighborhood theater. The Avalon somehow manages to be a bit of a secret - maybe it's because the flashy Uptown in Cleveland Park gets all the attention. But hey, let me tell you the truth: Avalon is much better than the Uptown. For starters, that Uptown screen can be a little dark (at least for my taste) and the Uptown tends to only play very mainstream movies, and most of the time, those movies play at Uptown for a looooong time. Enter the Avalon, our independent, non-profit, local theater. Avalon #1 is an old school big theater that has been renovated - the seats are very comfortable, the screen is huge, and added plus: the restrooms are actually INSIDE the theater. Avalon #2 is a smaller screen upstairs (the added plus: Avalon finally finished putting an elevator in, so now Avalon #2 is accessible). What I love about this place is that they certainly play mainstream stuff (American Hustle was at the Avalon for quite a few weeks) but they also play quirkier things (I just saw La Grande Belleza there), and the theater is part of all kinds of cultural programming including ReelIsraelDC (4th Wednesday of the month), French Cinematheque, Lions of Czech Film, and on the first Wednesday of every other month, they host Avalondocs. Oh, yes, and there's a little cafe in the Avalon too. read more

I love this theatre (or theater)!!! It's definitely old school and there's very little sacrifice - sure, you can't pick your seats online, but even on Friday nights, this place isn't too crowded. You get there like 10-15 minutes early, and you'll probably get the seat you want. Nowadays, in the new theatres, the Ke$ha crowds they draw are people who are on their cellphones, tweeting this and that, and sunken into those super comfortable chairs. There ain't none of that here... standard seats, and respectable pleasant movie-goers...except, just like in the old days - the back row seat inside the dark, dark theatre is reserved for... smooching couples. There's plenty of goodies - before stepping in, you can stop by and get some wine, beer, popcorn, candy, and all sorts of goodies. Coffee even for those parrot-like people (room dark, sleep time!). Had an awesome evening out watching Ex Machina. Clear picture and good acoustics... not that I really noticed...ya know, sitting in the backrow seat and all...* dmo out *..alone and crying, of course read more

This place is quite possibly the best neighborhood theater in the world. It delivers three important things: 1. Great movies - usually, but not always, the more independent eclectic movies. 2. Good solid entertaining and intelligent family movies. 3. Special kids / family events on the weekends - usually Satruday mornings, they do music / dancing / kids show stuff that is like crack cocaine for the under 10 mob. add to that a beautiful old building, in a great couple of blocks of Chevy Chase and you have a phenomenal experience. read more

I went to the Avalon Theatre for the first time today, and now I regret not having gone sooner. This is a charming, beautiful theatre from the 20s that was almost shut down by the multiplexes....and I am SO glad that the community put their heads together to restore it. There are two screens, so it doesn't have that loud, overly crowded, artificial feel that we've grown so used to in cinemas. The place is really classic and the local atmosphere is great. It truly is a staple for the community. The ticket booth is actually outside like in the old theatres, so it can be bad in rainy or cold weather, but you can also order tickets online. Personally I love that the box office is outside because you can see people waiting and it just gives a further connection to the community. They also have an excellent film selection. They most often play the more independent, artistic, and foreign films rather than the blockbusters in the multiplex theatres. And even better, they host film festivals, bring in filmmakers for the smaller movies, and host special events for families and seniors. All in all, you're certainly going to get the most interesting film selection here. As for the cafe, it's a great balance between standard fair and upscale treats. They have the classic popcorn, soda, and candy, but they also have fresh-baked cookies/brownies, wine and beer, small sandwiches, and even ice cream. In summary, I'll be making this my go-to movie theatre from now on. I'm so glad to have this right in my neighborhood! read more

I can't believe I'd never been here in all my years in the DC metro area. This theater is a joy - a word I don't use very often. I just really appreciate the ability to see a limited-run/non-blockbuster film without battling the parking lot in Bethesda. It's also nice to see a movie without endless, brainwashing commercials, ridiculous trailers and too many people crushed too close together. The popcorn was really good and very fresh. Bathroom is tiny and so is the concession area, but vintage is vintage and it's nice to see the focus on the main event, for a change. read more

I'm a fan and I love it because today the cafe was open when Starbucks and every place else in the city except for CVS, all the liquor stores and the Daily Grill in Georgetown was closed. So I was able to get a nice, hot cuppa coffee, whee! There is a great bagel/pizza shop just up the road from the Avalon. I recommend getting a chocolate chip bagel with butter and smuggling it into the movie with you. (Or you could just get muffin at the cafe and bring it in - they let you, no encourage it - but that's so compliant. Much more fun to be a rebel.) Oh yeah, the movies are great, too. But this is Yelp, right, so it's all about the food! By the way, when I was in college I worked at an "arts" movie theater in Boston. People were always smuggling in outside food and no, we did not allow it nor encourage it. Mainly we didn't mind except when they left us a mess to clean up. The most heinous meal someone ate and left behind - peel and eat shrimp! For real! That was just vile to be confronted by a pile of shrimp shells next to someone else's forgotten gummi bears. So if you are going to be a food smuggling rebel, please be a polite one and clean up after yourself! read more

This is a great theater. If you read up on the history of this place, it's one of the few places in DC where you can watch some good independent/foreign films. I saw The Savages there this month. While they only have two screens, the theaters are spacious, clean, and have comfy seating. The food and drink prices are about as expensive as they normally are in other theaters, possibly cheaper, but I am much happier to give my money to a non-profit theater group than I am a multiplex-money-munching-mogul. The decor is cute and 20's themed. Given that it's the oldest surviving theater in DC, I feel it's more authentic (even if remodeled) than another AMC/Regal kind of theater. The Avalon also hosts cool events such as the Key Sunday Cinema Club, if you're interested in doing something different with your Sunday movie-watching experiences. read more

Sometimes you don't want choices- you just want a well-curated selection of movies in a cute theatre. We saw Selma here but they were also playing Leviathan- I wanted to see both! That's what Avalon is- it caters to the community that surrounds it. The one downside of old-school theaters, the seats aren't comfortable, you're sitting very close to your neighbors, and the floor isn't slanted very much so a tall person in front of you will completely obstruct your view. Its also pretty dark once the lights go on, and climbing over people isn't easy in old school theaters so don't be late! If you're ever bored with the giant chain cinema companies, this place is worth the journey! read more

4.25. The Avalon. It's quite a landmark in the D.C. and Chevy Chase area, and also very well known amongst the local population. A historic theatre, it was "rescued" in the early 2000s and restored to it's former glory which indeed today yields a 2-theatre cinema with two separate screening rooms. It's an experience to enjoy the Avalon-1 (the main theater) an immensely long room with a touch of historical legacy about it and painted to look like something from a bygone era. Upstairs, a clean, efficient, and cute satellite theater for a second feature movie gives them the capacity to show 2 films a a time, albeit at a select number of times (not always the big-box, chain theater standard showtimes). Avalon is chiefly an art and independent film cinema, with often a tasteful selection of though-provoking and not always widely available movies. It also attracts many adult audiences, but sometimes can be a good all-age experience. The cafe is unique and serves a variety of tasty treats and foods including wines, chips, pastries. As a whole, the theatre has a only a few blemishes. First, parking can be hairy, but there is some non-metered parking directly across Connecticut Ave. Then, the theater itself can be limited in showtimes, movie selection and staff members. Personal experience divulged that generally speaking, the staff atmosphere are not exceptionally friendly or spry as are some of the larger-staffed modern theatres. But I doubt there would be any bad experiences. If you have time, check it out. read more