I've been here a few times. The seats are pretty comfy a nice in between from the lazy boy options in commercial theaters and regular auditorium seating. We found it tends to be on the cold side so bring layers. The food is good, the drinks are even better. read more

Great movies & fresh popcorn on the big screen Neighborly feeling with staff. Located in Southwedge with ample parking. read more

The Cinema Theatre has been on my list of must-visits for a long time, but I never got around to it. This past weekend, they hosted the first annual Rochester Genre Film Festival so I was there a lot! The people were very kind. The seats were comfortable and roomy, classic movie theatre feel, though after the 3rd hour they seemed less so. I will definitely be checking out more things there. I didn't see the cat, which I've heard about. So booo to that! read more

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I have always enjoyed going to the Cinema. It's a South Wedge/Swillburg staple & the recent remodel is gorgeous. That said, the service has gone horribly downhill. I was just there for an open mic comedy night & attempted to order a drink at the bar. The tender (also manager, apparently) denied me a drink & told me to go inside the theater & order from there. OK, I can do that. There are QR codes at each seat that you can order your drink/food from. My brother ordered himself & I a drink, but then we moved up a couple rows & he never updated his order. That's on him, fair enough. But the main issue is that when I went up to the bar a second time to just order straight from the bartender (this was about 20 min after my bro put in our order) I was denied a second time (all I wanted was a damn White Claw. I seriously could have gone to the gas station across the street & gotten one in less time). I should also mention that there was another girl in front of me that complained that her drinks also had not been delivered yet & she'd ordered hers even before we did. The bartender/manager barked at her that "60 tickets came in at the same time & he's going in order, so she'll have to wait until he gets to hers". I'm sorry, but I've worked a lot of service bars in my day & there's NO WAY it should take that long for drinks to go out. Especially when there's only 2-4 drinks per ticket & everything is a bottle, can, or a single pour drink. There was a lineup of about 20 comedians who were each given a 4 minute set. That's an hour and twenty minutes total. NOT ONE DRINK. I actually had to go up to the snack bar & ask for an empty cup so I could get my own water from the bathroom sink. First-World problems? Absolutely. An effective way to keep customers coming each week for comedy & drinks? F*** NO. My brother was way nicer about it than I was (I went full-on Karen on this pathetic excuse for a GM). He asked if we could just have either the drinks or a refund, both of which were refused. Oh yeah, and he paid THIRTY BUCKS FOR 2 DRINKS. AT THE CINEMA. I really want this place to succeed. Obviously, open mic comedy Wednesdays are an attempt to stay afloat which we all know is a difficult task in today's economy. But seriously dude--hire a competent bartender or change the system because it's not working for anyone--including the Cinema. read more

A vandal took over the theater and transformed it into an overglorified corporate meeting room. They destroyed a community icon. Office chairs? In a movie theater? What an incomprehensible decision. Food is overpriced and just fine. It's not bad but it's not worth the cost. And it's certainly not worth having a movie interrupted with rolling office chairs. I gave them their chance and see no reason to give them two. read more

The Cinema continues on! A true diamond in a (sometimes) rough part of town. I love the dynamic nature of the South Wedge. The Cinema has been one of the mainstays in the neighborhood. I hope that the Cinema Theatre continues to thrive & prosper in the coming digital age. To do that they need to raise funds & purchase a 4K digital projector (about $60,000!). To raise funds for this conversion, Frank de Blase helmed a "Sin-O-Matic Night at the Cinema!" event, featuring Russ Meyer's classic exploitation film "Faster Pussycat Kill Kill." It's events like these that make the Cinema Theatre so unique & vital. Frank hopes to host additional events like this, and I for one will be there! read more

Cinema Theatre - Audience members enjoying "Faster Pussycat Kill Kill" @ Frank de Blase's "Sin-O-Matic Night at the Cinema!" - Cinema Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Go for the films, not the food. Popcorn was OK. Entrée not so much. Chairs are comfy. read more

A bit off putting at first walking into a movie theater and seeing what looked like a corporate meeting room with tables and chairs but the chairs were very comfy and you have a table so you can order food and drinks while you enjoy your movie. All in all I would definitely go back and enjoy a film there read more

Love it here! The remodel is amazing! The theater is beautiful and the seats are extremely comfy! The food is really great as well! It's fun being able to order throughout the movie and have it delivered. The staff is extremely nice and welcoming as well! We're always looking to see what's playing cuz it's one of our favorite places to go! It's not just a movie but a great experience! They play a lot of great throwbacks that are so fun to see on the big screen! Highly recommend! read more

Growing up, I came here all of the time with my family, so my love of the Cinema is partly due to nostalgia, but also because it's a really great place. It has an old-style feel and it's really authentic in its roots as a local business. It's a single theatre with only one screen, and they show the same double feature throughout the week, with special matinee times on the weekends. Firstly, you can't beat the prices. A regular double-feature ticket is $7 and discounted is $5. Concessions are also very reasonably priced, and the snacks are so much tastier than anything you'll find at a typical movie theater. They serve the big, pillowy mushroom popcorn kernels, versus the butterfly ones you usually see. It might just be me, but the popcorn tastes so much better here than anywhere else. A new addition I really like are the vegan options, from the cookies from Red Fern, a local vegan restaurant, to the vegan butter they top all of the popcorn with. I'm not vegan myself, but I appreciate the inclusivity and honestly, the vegan butter was tasty! What's also great is their seasoning tray, with different toppings you can shake onto your popcorn -- I really recommend trying the nutritional yeast! Also, they now have paper straws, which I know some people don't like, but they're more environmentally conscious and held up for me throughout the 2 hr movie. The parking lot is located across the street by the dollar store, but just be sure not to park right in front of it so you don't get towed (they have maps of parking in the lobby of the theatre). We've never had a problem with there not being enough spaces, so there shouldn't be any issues. Overall, the Cinema is a classic Rochester establishment that you should absolutely visit to experience a really great, locally-owned business. The interior and furnishings may not be as fancy as the plush, reclining chairs in a lot of theaters today, but it's really about the overall atmosphere of the place. All of the staff are super friendly and you can tell they really care about the place, and that sentiment is echoed by everyone who goes for a movie. read more

Nice. I lost a pair if ray ban reddish sun glasses. Two Fridays ago. Please write me if found - reward!!! read more

Super popcorn - the only theater popcorn I will buy. Theater is run by nice adults who have a interest in making the theater enjoyable. Good movies, good cookies, great coffee and a cat. Great movies too, often niche movies that other theaters will not bother with. read more

I really want to like this place. It's local and independent and all that cool stuff. They have a unique lineup of movies and do some fun stuff like the Elf Sing along and I know they even host private events. But ya know what? They also don't gave a parking lot and the one across the street is small, and it isn't far but on winter with out chilly winds? Yeah... The seats harken from the 80s and I get those big leather ones.dont come cheap. The website mentions the cost of fixing all the broken seats but the utheatre isn't arena style so... Why didn't they just rip them out and put in some couches? Some table and chairs? This place never sells out so it's not like space is an issue. It could have been awesome instead it sucks. And when I get having some vegan options but when I go to the theatre I want popcorn and butter not some new age hippy bull shit germ protien! Ok. Rant over. Wish it was cooler but it isn't. read more

I FINALLY got to this hidden gem.. It's CASH ONLY kids but two movies for $5.00 sweet! It's a one theatre place. Parking on street and across the street around the 7-11. They also make killer popcorn with real butter!!! This place is OLE SKOOL.. Nothing fancy, no bells and whistles. The movies that come here are ones that came out a few months earlier. I think this is so awesome that this is here. Reminds me of what the Lake Theatre was/ is in Oak Park. The people who run the place seem cool and it's eclectic and everyone's cool with it. Hey the seats are ok, but if you wanna watch a film with people who appreciate FILM come here. I'll be back in so glad I got here with a friend we saw "Spy" with Melissa McCarthy. read more

Adorable, funky independent neighborhood theater featuring movies that you missed at the big theater or indie flicks that the big theaters don't show. Saturday night showings of rocky horror picture show. Super friendly staff and great prices. Bring your student ID! read more

I can't believe it took living in Rochester for nearly five years to visit this theatre! What a great alternative to corporate movie theaters. I stopped in for a double feature on Thursday ($5/$3 students - a steal!) and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Only downside is that there is only one screen and therefore limited movie choices. It's locally owned and casual. People brought in blankets and pillows to make the 4+ hour experience more comfortable. As I walked down the aisle to find my seat I was greeted by the house kitty, Princess, and I felt right at home. She seems to enjoy popcorn and spent the entire first movie on a stranger's lap. My friend is allergic to cats but did just fine. Cheap concessions range from $2.50 popcorn to several sizes of candy (also cheap) and drinks. Some local offerings too. Stop by one of the many nearby restaurants for dinner beforehand (lettuce b. frank, India House, or anything on South Ave.) and make a night of it. Other theaters take note - they even had someone stationed at the exit to wish you a good night. :) read more

The Cinema Theatre has transformed me into a much bigger movie goer than I ever was. At $3 a pop for students (and sometimes two pops, during the double features), the prices really can't be beat. They show mostly movies that have been out of theaters for a few months -- basically, movies that are still new enough to be cool, but old enough to not break your bank. Note: they only take cash. The theatre doesn't do that many showings (maybe one or two a day) and it's never that full. Nothing fancy; def old school cool. I love this place and I'm there a few times every month. If you haven't gone before, definitely go check it out! read more

This is the first review I've written of a real, living, breathing being - one with more soul, personality and raison d'etre than untold numbers of my species. If you think I jest, just ask his cat. Movies are shown here, yes. Movies released so long ago, the time elapsed between the end of their engagement at the Cinema Theatre and their subsequent release on DVD is measured in minutes... which actually couldn't be more perfect. Not only is the very-limited-engagement movie but a single facet of the Cinema Theatre experience, it's a perfectly consistent facet. Because at its heart, the Cinema Theatre is the friendly older gentleman who treasures afternoon and early evening visits from his neighbors. He offers his hospitality, and the members of his community love him for it. All ages gather at his house, catch up on the news while enjoying each other's company, and munch on the snacks he has on hand. Each need only pitch in a pittance to cover the patriarch's costs. According to comfortable routine, everyone eventually settles into a seat in the gentleman's warmly homey if slightly threadbare living room, which is a cue for him to drag out the film projector. The movie is always one they're familiar with and like all the more because of it. read more

* * CASH ONLY * * This place is a block from my house and the tits. I wish I had time to go here every weekend! I loved when Lettuce B Frank was next door. Too bad they bailed. Fret not, there are still a handful of places to nom before your show though. $5 for adults / $3 students, seniors and kiddos for evenings $3 for matinees Sweet little gem. read more

What a wonderful South Wedge treasure. The Cinema Theatre is another local alternative to the corporate movie factories. With only a few features playing each week, you have to be flexible. The matinees are incredibly cheap ($3) as is the double feature ($5). Yes, 2 movies for half the price of one movie at Regal! The downside: they don't take credit or debit. ...but doesn't everyone carry a few bucks in their wallet just in case?? Also, I hope you're a cat lover because you'll find a kitty wandering the theater. She's a lovable, friendly feline who might even keep you company during the movie. read more

Charming vintage theater, which I love!! I could spend all day here at a film festival or something. And I got to meet the house cat!! I love small, intimate retro theaters! I love Cinema Theatre for the following: 1. They have an adorable house cat that lives there and has free reigns of the place! Apparently he's and they have a find for him. 2. Movies are older, but cheap. Like $3 I think 3. Its next door to one of my favorite coffee shops (Crossroads) and next door to Lettuce B. Frank. 4. Fellow patrons are mature adults. No talking, cell phones or obnoxiously loud chewing. Support you local theater! read more

I've lived within a five minute walk of the Cinema for three years and I just got around to finaly goign there last week. The problem with the Cinema is there are so few showings by the time you get around to wanting to go to the movie, you missed the run of the movie you wanted to see or you missed one of the showings. Finally though I got off my lazy bum and saw two movies there last wek. It is 5 dollars for a double feature but both times I only went for one of the movies. The people that work there are really nice. It has a really homey cozy feeling. At most movie theaters the employees aren't goign to hang around after the movie and talk about the movie with you. I'm going to try to frequent the Cinema more often because it is a great part of my neighborhood. read more

When you can walk to a theater and watch top rated movies for a great price, where you are seated amongst a broad demographic , and munch fresh popped pop corn..... Why go anyplace else? This neighborhood gem is where we had my 8th birthday party more than 50 years ago. We've been attending regularly since! read more

The Cinema is one of my favorite places *in the world* and is among the very, very few Rochester places to hold that distinction. From the faded puce paint to the $3 student double-feature, from the fat, popcorn-slut cat named Princess to the cheap coffee, real-butter popcorn and 25-cent boxes of candy, I would spend every night at the Cinema if I could. read more

Cash only. They sometimes sell a book of ten tickets and a free popcorn/soda at a reduced price. Grab one of these and keep it in your wallet if you don't carry around cash. Local and very casual. You can't beat the double feature. My wife and I have made this theater part of our weekly Dinner and a Movie date. This area has a ton of restaurants to choose from. Grab a date, go out to an early supper (around 5:30pm), watch one movie, buy a snack, watch a second movie, and go next door for Coffee or Ice Cream. They've just upgraded to digital and we're hoping they upgrade the seats next. Till then, make sure to bring a pillow/blanket to sit on, as the seats are uncomfortable to sit on for two movies. read more

I cannot express in words how much I love this theater. Their ticket prices are amazing, the foods great (I like their vegan cookies and iced tea), the films they show are all good (and they offer a double feature, which most theaters don't have anymore), and they've even started using paper straws! The theater itself it big but it's cozy because whenever you go, you recognize someone you saw last time you went. The owners are all very sweet and they have dogs and cats if you're an animal lover. If you're looking for a cute theater to see smaller, independent films with the occasional blockbuster thrown in (but only the good blockbusters), you must come to this theater! read more

The Cinema Theater is one of the best bargains in town. The owners, Alex & Audrey, are wonderful and the snacks are healthy and priced right! read more

Wow what an old theater. Not plush or fancy by any means but you can't beat a discount movie theater. The seats are very small as when it was built we all had smaller butts lol. The parking is not great. This land mark place is quite a gem. Snack bar treats are very reasonable compared to the big theaters! read more

Whenever I go to the Cinema I feel like I am stickin' it to the man. YEAH! You can't beat the prices for both the tickets and concessions. Show your student ID and get in for only $3.00. Now that Lettuce B. Frank is next door, you can stop in, get a panini and carry it right into the theater. Dinner and a double feature for about $12! Great option for a cheap date or a night to treat yourself. read more

The prices at this theatre are amazing, $5 for a double feature and $3 for students! The actual theatre is really no frills, so just be prepared for that. However, I know that I would rather spend less money and give up some of the perks. I like that they switch up the movies regularly and play some of the more obscure titles. Warning, there is a cat who roams the theatre, if you have allergies. read more

How can you beat a $5 double feature? I have spent many hours in those chairs watching the great films that come through. The staff is always helpful and funny and you seriously can't beat the price. Cheap concessions make it so you don't need to hide goodies in your bags, which is always a plus. It also comes with its own theater cat (RIP Princess the Cat; welcome new one eyed cat). I never pay full price to get into movies cause I think it's CRAZY, so I generally wait for them to roll into The Cinema so I can enjoy them at a reasonable price. read more

I went to a $3 matinee the other day. Popcorn and soda is very reasonable with FREE refills!! It is clean with good seats to hold your drinks. read more

A great second-run moviehouse that leans toward quality independent films, and a neighborhood institution in the South Wedge for as long as I can remember. How can you beat a double-bill for $3? And real lemonade squeezed on the premises? I'm not aware that you can. Be sure to give a pet to the resident cat--she's usually lolling around the lobby, soaking up affection from the regulars. And hey--it's kitty-korner from India House, so make a date of it! read more

It's cheap, they show good movies, there's a cat and the regulars are kind.

The only place to see a movie!!!! This charming, vintage and incredibly cute movie theatre is AMAZING! I have been coming here since I was a child, so this place truly feels like home...the prices are great, but it is cash only (be warned!) They offer a double feature for the price of one and the snacks are yummy and cheap! Do not fear if you see a cat hanging around inside the theatre....just another reason to love the Cinema!!! read more

In this day and age of the super pricey megaplex, this locally owned theater is my favorite place to catch a flick. The $5 double-feature is a tough deal to beat. There is only one showing of each film a night - plus a weekend afternoon showing, but the charm of the neighborhood theater can't be beat. I still remember the first time I went. I don't remember the movies, but I'll never forget looking over two seats to my right and seeing the owners cat sitting in the seat, seemingly enjoying the movie right along with us. The concessions are cheap too, so bring your appetite. They are curerntly working out the details of a membership program to help keep this Rochester instituion open for generations to come. read more

$3 for studens and $5 for adults + cozy atmosphere. What can I say, love this cinema! and ofc the best thing is that you can refill popcorns and drinks second time for lower price:) amazing. read more

Awesome place to go for a movie. I have been going since 1990 and no where in town do you get a better deal. Throw in that is one the oldest independently owned theaters and a gentle rub from One Eyed Suzanne, you get a enjoyable experience unlike from any chained owned theater. In addition a double feature for $5 and a soda and Popcorn will get ur expenses for the night at about $10. Plus the cheese power for the pop corn is amazing, why don't other theaters offer it? read more

i don't go here as often as i'd like, but i make it a point to check their website regularly to see if they have something playing that i'd like. you can't beat the price, and the popcorn at the concession stand tastes way better than the chains (maybe they use real butter?). i have a fond memory of the resident cat adopting my lap while we watched "grindhouse" overall a great place, and one with a bit of personality. stalk their listings, and when they play something you've been meaning to see, by all means check it out :) read more