Central Cinema is a dinner-movie theater... they have waiters who come around and take your order for meals, liquor or snacks. The food is quite tasty and it's all reasonably priced. The movies they show vary from classics to weird cult movies to musicals to kids' movies and beyond. I'm in favor of any theater that will feed me ;) read more

If you want to: have sh*tty service, put $5 towards crap food that you have to wait about an hour for, then try to track down the "server" for another 10-15 minutes, only to get the wrong drink, then another 20 minutes or so to have her (and I use that term loosely) to confirm that you got the wrong drink and stand there like an idiot, then wait another 10-15 minutes to get the correct drink... AAAAND then get the bill (which was wrong) and you guessed it, wait to try and get her attention AGAIN (all the while having her bark "yeah, I see you") and groom your fully grown beard while waiting to get the corrected bill (or so we hope)... then by all means go waste your youth (and money) here. Sadly, the girl behind me with the plague, hacking up her lungs without covering her mouth, was the highlight of the evening. See you on the other side. read more

How could you not love a theatre that shows cult movies and has a full bar? The only two things to keep in mind when coming here: 1) don't order dinner, it gets really pricey really quick. 2) try to pick a seat AWAY from annoying fans that will try to quote all the lines from the movie. (To the super obnoxious chicks sitting behind me to the right: I paid to watch baby Jennifer Connelly say those lines, not you. Maybe I should just be grateful you didn't try to sing.) Annoying patrons can easily be ignored with another round of drinks with all money you saved from not buying dinner. read more

Movie + dinner + beer + dessert + popcorn with real butter = awesome. The food: good to very good. This would be a 3 or 4 star place based on food alone. The price: very good. My wife and I easily spent the same or less than we would have at many places without a movie. The service: unobtrusive and efficient. Combine all that with getting to see old movies on the big screen, and you have a winner! My only quibble was that it was a bit loud. But that's what I say at ALL the movies. Must be getting old. This is a perfect weekday date. I'm so happy they're in my neighborhood! read more

what can be said that hasn't been said? We need more places like this. I'm not just talking about the presence food and beer, but also programming that, while not being the rarest or most obscure, is just the sort of thing you want to watch just then, in a booth, with a drink. It somehow fosters a sense of community. It's a place where we are all friends with the same guy and can watch his movies together in his private theater. Or, hers. I haven't decided yet. read more

Central Cinema has a great idea going for them, but I feel like their execution is lacking. I love that they play older movies; we went to see Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz on Saturday. They have an R&B Sing Along show coming up that could be a lot of fun, and it seems like they have all sorts of different themes going on. The menu was lacking in choices. I had the grilled onion panini, and Cam had the pulled pork sandwich and neither of us were impressed. They were served with salads, which the menu described as Kale, and I don't think the lettuce used was Kale, but one of those weedey tasting lettuces. The dressing left something to be desired. I also tried one glass of white and one glass of red (Savaungon Blanc and Rioja) and neither were good. I'm not a wine snob and will typically drink whatever doesn't drink me first but these were both bitter and unappealing. The white was also served warm, and we all know how I feel about that...Cam's beer was a Manny's and it was also warm. They don't do bottomless refills on sodas so we were charged twice for two rootbeers. Also, we had the flourless molten lava cake, and while it was very tasty, it was ITTY BITTY and they charged us $7. Our friends both had burgers and said they were great, so we'll probably order those next time. The service started off great, with the server being pretty attentive, and she even brought us a little cup of popcorn with brewers yeast to try. (Not my thing, btw.) But as the first show went on, she became harder to get a hold of. I understood that the theater was full and she was one of two servers. But when you walk by a table with empty plates and you look at the table multiple times, wouldn't you think to pick it up and check if everything was ok? The popcorn was ok as well. I worked in a movie theater for 3 years and so I know what it takes to make popcorn. I think they might buy bulk popped corn and warm it up to put the butter or toppings on it. The booths were incredibly uncomfortable after more than an hour. Especially because Cam has really long legs. We sat up in the seats during the second movie and the pull out tables were difficult to keep glasses on. Again, our server walked by us about 10 times without checking if we needed anything, even though we told her before the movie started that we knew we'd want another bowl of popcorn when we were finished with the one we had. The idea here is great; I just think Cinebarre has it more streamlined, and it is far more convenient for us. We will likely return though for some of the more interesting showings. read more

Love! Good food and great drinks! Always fantastic device. Saw Elf for $5, love the kitschy ambiance

My honey and I love this theater. We've come here a lot but I think my favorite experience was the Holy Grail quote-along. They handed out coconut halves for the audience to clop along. They have delicious food, good popcorn choices and serve some great cocktails. All in all, four big thumbs up from us! read more

Great Place. I've been to several movie theatre/restaurant places, and Central Cinema does it best. I was expecting it to be a bit loud during the whole serving and bussing phase, but once the movie started I forgot that there was dinner going on. Well, except for the fact that there was some decent food sitting in front of me. I wish the menu were a bit broader, but I guess they're doing what they can. Can't wait to go back. read more

Seattle really needed a dinner-movie theatre. Nothing beats having a cold beer or a glass of wine with a sandwich or pizza while you watch a movie on the big screen. The food didn't wow me, but the array of film showings should appeal to many, from classic Hitchcock to themed nights and independent movies. When I arrived, they had a classic Superman cartoon on, which was a nice touch. This could be a great date night. As their moniker goes, "it was worth a trip over the hill." read more

Great movie experience! Wonderful venue!

Central Cinema is one of my favorite places to see a movie in Seattle. Nowehere else can you enjoy a pint of beer while watching a classic film. They offer a variety of tasty pizzas (I think I've nearly tried them all) and special flavors of creme brulee (my favorite is the orange chocolate). It's funny--I've never tried the popcorn. I love that I can have a terrific night out and only spend $20. I recommend arriving 20 minutes before the show starts so you can get a good seat and be one of the first to order. Plus, you can check out old Betty Boop cartoons while you wait. read more

This place is amazing! You can eat and drink while watching a movie? So cool. The servers were great. I thought they weren't going to come around much more after the movie had started, but they keep silently checking on us and refilling our glasses when needed. I really want to come back. It's an experience like no other! read more

Awesome place. Hands down, one of the cinemas I've been to..seating was nice and comfortable. service is great, i thought that once the movie started theyd stop coming around but i was wrong. they kept coming by to check on our drinks and food, and at the same time didnt really bother us or our neighbors while doing so. they had different kinds of seasoning for your popcorn, not what you usually see. this is a great venue and ill be sure to be back for more movies. very cool! read more

Love that they serve food and alcohol during the films. Love that they play 80s flicks too. But I hate that they stop the film two thirds in for an intermission so that they can make their rounds around the room - serving, cleaning, leaving checks. It's such a bummer to be really into a movie to be snapped out of the experience. read more

As a veteran of the Alamo Theaters in Texas, I have pretty high expectations of any cinema that has full-service food and drink. The Central Cinema comes through in most regards; their menu is great, with usually outstanding service, and the drinks are good and strong, not too pricey, and with a good selection of craft cocktails. The venue itself is cozy and comfortable, and the crowd is almost always fun and friendly without being too obnoxious. It's also just far enough from the main drag that you don't have any hassle getting there. The program selection isn't great -- mostly second-runs and 'cult' films, with very little in the way of arthouse fare, but the good stuff is good, and it's always a great moviegoing experience even if the movie isn't the best. The ownership is swell, and their recent tech upgrade has made the experience even better. read more

Theater was very clean. Seats are rocking style and were comfortable. Popcorn need more salt. Sound was good, not overpowering as in most theaters. read more

Well, we love the concept! Very good programming. But it's mostly a TV-projector theater rather than a true film house. The food is good, but we'd rather watch a film and not be distracted by dishes and glasses. The location is somewhat out-of-the way too. read more

I love the concept. I love going to this place. I wish they would play Repo Man again.

Great neighborhood venue for great movies. One of my favorite places in all of Seattle. Go with friends and have a blast.

Couldn't wait for "50 Shades of Grey," so the helpful Central Cinema showed "Secretary," the James Spader/Maggie Gyllenhaal precurser. In all fairness, "Sleepless in Seattle" was the first show - of an awesome double feature. Genreal admission seating and table service, we enjoyed martinis and curried popcorn. The coming attractions were a true treat - a Terry Tate SNL video and a Scopitone video of Joi Lansing (a Jayne Mansfield wanna be) singing "Web of Love," (check it out in youtube, you'll thank me). Helpfully, the theater has a break in the 90 minute screening for a "last call" and potty break. Parking is limited, so best to Uber. (Ask for Barbara). read more

My friends surprised me by taking me this awesome spot for Friends trivia night. That's right, FRIENDS! It's a small theater that serves food and drinks. The folks putting up the trivia nights do it to fundraiser their production shows, which I think shows their dedication and passion for the business. We got some beers on tap and ordered an array of apps such as the flatbread, pizza, and Mac n Cheese. The pizza and mac won't win any awards but they'll keep you satisfied with a cold beer. The flatbread was not impressive at all. It literally was a flat piece of plain pizza crust served with a salty olive spread. I was very excited to play some Friends trivia so the food didn't bother me too much. One thing that did bother me was the horrible stench of our waiter. The dude was wreaking of strong BO and cigarette smoke. Holding my breath was not enough to keep the stench from singeing my nostrils and permeating my upper lip for hours to come. Pretty gross. But he was nice enough. All in all, I think this is a pretty cool place. If you're into trivia with fun themes, give it a try! read more

Central Cinema is a wonderful little theater hiding on 21st off Union. The movies are fun and varied and it is pretty sweet to be able to get edamame and beer while in a movie theater. This is a great place to check out on a lazy evening. read more

I'm a Louisvillian who loves to travel and happens to love movies too. Maybe it seems pedestrian to see a movie when away from home, as though you aren't fully absorbing the local scenery, but I submit that each cinema I've gone to is a part of that scenery, it is a part of the people's lives. This is where people spend their money on a rainy day, a free afternoon, or when simply excited for the thrill of a new story or an old favorite. Few I've been to can compete with Central Cinema, and when I saw they had a Kickstarter to help with their upgrades I jumped right in. I can think of few theaters where I would be treated to such an obscure showing of On Her Majesty's Secret Service, George Lazenby's sole outing as James Bond. Long panned and pointedly ignored as part of the 50 years legacy of Bond on film, I was shocked to see it listed in the paper. It seems such rarities are the daily fare for Central Cinema and it makes me smile to know that there are cinemas and their operators dedicated to keeping the long and storied history of film present in our minds. Not only am I impressed by the fare, but the ticket price is certainly competitive, the atmosphere is hip yet remains welcoming, and the service during the show is efficient and acutely aware that any lapses could disturb the moviegoing experience. This is how one should enjoy a movie, and the Central Cinema holds a dear place to me, not too far behind my beloved Georgetown Drive-In. read more

This has been on my list for reviews and it's taken nearly four months! We went with a big group to see the movie, "ELF". I was a bit hesitant to go and I'm so glad we did. We got a parking spot right up front, we were there a bit early so we were able to grab seats for our group. I really LOVE the seating there! They are booths that fit three across comfortably. I was so impressed with the menu. The food was both delicious and healthy. Kudos to the staff for taking the orders and delivering the food in darkness. They were so kind and friendly! I can't wait to go back, what a wonderful experience. read more

Visited CC for the very first time tonight, after being desperate to go for years. Ever since I heard about this place and the awesome movies they'd show, I knew I just had to go eventually. I finally found the time and money to go tonight (for the theater's monthly "The Room" screening) and had a blast. The audience was rowdy and hilarious and the movie (which I'd already seen countless times before) was terrible and wonderful to finally be able to behold on a bigger screen. The only marked down-side to an otherwise delightful experience was the food. I had no idea what might be good, so I ordered some baked steak fries as an appetizer and a pizza for the entree. As I was trying to find the best spot to sit, the waitress warned that because it was so busy, it was going to take a while to get my food. I told her I didn't mind at all. Sadly, the food was absolutely disgusting. A lot of the steak fries were either undercooked or had blackened, burned bits on them and absolutely no seasoning to speak of. I hadn't eaten anything all day, so I ate them because I was starving. I got maybe two fries out of the batch that weren't either mostly still raw or charred. The pizza came out with the steak fries and it was equally disastrous. I consider myself something of a connoisseur of good pizza and on no planet would this ever be considered good pizza. The crust was a personal-sized, hand-tossed thin and crispy style (not a fave of mine) with a three-cheese blend. The cheese itself wasn't awful, but there was barely any on the pizza to really be able to enjoy it. Also, the pizza was barely warm when I got it, so god only knows how long it had been sitting there at the pass. I don't know what else they put on the pizza but, quite frankly, it tasted like dirt. I don't know if they just threw some unwashed seasonings on there without bothering to rinse them or dropped the thing on the floor, but it was seriously nasty. I should have cut my losses there and given up on the food, but I thought I'd give them one more shot and ordered the creme brulee for dessert. Huge mistake. They brought out this ramekin topped with a layer of unevenly blowtorched sugar crust that was sunken in, in the middle, which immediately filled my heart with dread. The menu says the creme brulee is the chef's choice of flavor (you see that a lot on this menu - "chef's choice" - I don't know if leaving this up to the chef is such a great idea, considering how the rest of the meal turned out) but I'll be damned if I could tell you what flavor it actually was. The custard (if you could call it that) was the horrifying, unappetizing color of gray/brown putty or wall spackle and was barely heated through -- there were bits that were runny and then other bits in the same ramekin that were still kind of thick and lumpy and custard-ish (and also cold. gross.). I'd seen other reviews talking about how terrible and overpriced the food was, but I just chalked it up to Yelpers being impossible to please, as usual. Turns out, they were actually right on the money, for once. I probably should have just ordered some popcorn and a soda, like it seemed almost everyone else was doing, but - again - hadn't eaten all day, so I figured I'd order something more substantial. With the measly, poorly-cooked portions, I didn't even feel like I'd eaten anything at all. I really don't know if I just caught the chef on a bad night because it was so packed, but at the same time -- they screen this movie literally one night every month (sometimes more, depending on the time of the year) - so it's not like the chef hasn't had a chance to get used to the sheer size of the crowd and how busy it would be. Personally, I think they should dump "The Chef" out on his arse and find someone who actually knows how to cook. Really, really disappointed with the food, but the movie was great. So, by all means - if you want to see a great cult movie that you haven't seen in years (or maybe never even saw on the big screen), then pay them a visit at Central Cinema. Just make sure you don't order anything but the popcorn and a soda. xp read more

5 Stars because: It's the only place like it in the city (or anywhere close); The movies - you won't get to see these on the BIG Screen anywhere else (anytime soon); The food - what dining at the movies can be all about (and certainly is here); Kudos for the K's - the owners live in the "hood" and are committed to bringing the very best experience they can to their community. Come once to check-it-out; return often because you'll want to. read more

I dig this place, they have great programming and all kinds of fun, unique events. The cocktails are good, if a little pricey, but treat yourself to their burger. Oh yum, Painted Hills burger. So, so good. It doesn't event matter what the movie is, just try the burger. read more

I have lived here for five years and have always loved Central. It used to be a great place for strong drinks and a good old movie. The last few times I've come the drinks are so watered down it's not even a normal drink anymore, and they used to be strong! What happened central? Don't abandon us poor alcoholics, we need you to survive the tech bros! read more

This is a great concept that everyone should partake in. Who enjoys watching a movie without beer (especiailly good beer) and good food (yes you can get nutritional yeast on your popcorn) when you can have it a different way? Not me, I would much rather enjoy it at the central cinema. They even provide bathroom breaks in the middle of the movie so you don't have to miss anything after your bladder is full from all your delicious beer. You would think this might be a rundown dirty place with sticky beer everywhere but really its pretty nice. Unfortunately though it can be hard to find a movie you haven't already seen a million times, but if you have they often show ones that include sing a longs. You can sign up for thier mailing list and they will keep you updated on what's coming up. If you haven't checked it out, you should. I have seen two or three really great movies here that I am certain I can not see anywhere else. read more

i don't remember how i came across central cinema. i think it was the stranger. anyway... we came for the 30 rock tv dinner event. what an awesome idea! it was free, we just had to reserve seats with $5 vouchers. free neighborhood parking wasn't too bad, we just had a teeny hike. when we came in, we were greeted by a super friendly guy. we were able to find seating in a comfortable spot, and started looking at the menu. we were intrigued and excited to be able to order from our phone (as the commercials kept informing us on the screen) buuuuuuuuuuut i don't know if it wasn't iphone compatible or what... we couldn't use it. =[ so we had to wait for the waitress to make her way over to us. unfortunately, in the scheme of where-i'm-taking-orders, we were pretty much dead last. and she seemed a bit short on patience. ah well. someone's gotta be at the end. i ordered the cinema burger and please forgive me... i don't remember what i got to drink, but i do remember that it wasn't great. i was trying to look at the menu to refresh my memory, but there aren't any beverage listed. i was pleased with the burger. before the night of the even, i had been drooling over the pizza selections, but when it was go time, i opted for a burger. it was a nice, homemade-yet-bistro-ish taste. i love the building-- retro but not creepy or sleazy. not too small and not huge. cozy. im hoping the waitress was just having a bad day. i'd go back for a fun movie or show event again. read more

Love, love, love this place. The 80s sing-along was waaaaay too much fun. Lol! They have unique drinks on their menu which I love. The absinth was entertaining. Such a great interactive movie venue! read more

Love Central Cinema. Comfy seating, great movies (amazingly terrible ones too) and good food. Every time I check the schedule I see something else they're showing that I have to see, it's sort of like they raided my childhood movie collection and they're playing it all, only this time I can order a pitcher of beer. Really good beer. Did I mention they serve booze? These guys are doing it right. read more

Cushy seats + great grub + beverages of choice + swell films = CENTRAL CINEMA! I have come for a number of films including The Dark Crystal, Carrie, and one during the Lesbian and Gay film festival. I almost always get the curry popcorn. I have also tried the stout ice cream float. YUMERIFFIC! Pizza - check, salad - check, hummus plate - check. Decent prices, variety of films to choose from, table service; it's all so luxurious:) If you haven't gone yet, get there already! read more

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. read more

I really want to give this place 5-stars, but I think there are a few things that they still need to iron out. I definitely recommend spending an evening at Central Cinema, though. I've been meaning to come here for ages, but they never seemed to be playing anything I was interested in seeing. There's problem number one. The other thing that stands out in my mind is the sound system. I was really nervous at first, because I could barely make out anything that was being said in the preview. Luckily that got better after the main attraction started, but it still left something to be desired. I would also like to see their menu expand a little. As it is, there was hardly anything there I could eat at all (I can't eat gluten). However, the waitress lady was very helpful in figuring out what I could eat, and was just all-around very friendly. Like some of the other reviewers said-- I was sure that food service during a movie would be distracting, but it totally wasn't. I had no idea that there was anyone around me until there was a plate or a glass suddenly in front of me. Cool! I like the set-up of the place, too. All in all, it's a great experience, but I wish they would show more appealing movies. I definitely think they would benefit from showing more "cult classics", a la The Egyptian midnight movies. At the same time, it *is* very cool that they give independent filmmakers a chance in their theatres. Okay, I'm gonna stop there, I'm kind of boring myself here. That's not a good sign. In short: definitely give them a try. We need more places like Central Cinema, methinks! read more

Year Two of watching the Oscars here. Super fun time and the waitstaff did a great job. Fun hosts.

We first came to the Central Cinema for Halloween 2012. We were only going to stay for one movie, but was having such a great time we made it a double-feature night. The food was tasty (please bring back the polenta fries!) and the venue was awesome. We went back for this past Halloween and again had a great time. The service was just as we had remember: speedy and nice. And yes, the booths really are as comfy as others have said. Can't wait to go back! read more

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! read more

Come here. Support local theater. Support interesting movie selections. etc. etc. Who doesn't want to be able to drink beer or wine with their movie? It's incredible that really Central Cinema is about all Seattle has to offer in that way. Even so, it's not a bad offering. The theater is cozy, the food better than the traditional hot dog and nacho cheese fare (although don't get me wrong; I have no complaints about hot dogs and nacho cheese). I enjoy the pizzas and curry popcorn (which, if you make it at home, heed the fact that the cinema includes brewer's yeast; there's a reason). I enjoy most everything about this theater--except for the seats. Oh, the seats. I will gladly do all that is good and right by coming here. I will enjoy my tasty treats and suffer through the uprightedness and slight difficulty of sitting behind tall people because Central Cinema deserves my (and your) patronage. End scene. read more