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Super cool experience! We saw Wicked here which was very fun. The food is nothing crazy, but if you stick to the basic items you'll be good. The decor and ambience is really something else. Service was good, but honestly the clearing tables and paying the bills during the movie portion seems like not the best move. Elphaba and Glinda were crying and singing For Good and it was a very pivotal, quiet and emotional moment and the waitress dropped an entire bowl and utensils loudly on the floor at the table next to us then was yelling about picking them up and asking people to move their chairs and help her pick stuff up and honestly it was really distracting and totally ruined the moment. So yeah maybe a better idea to just wait on picking up the dishes and paying the bill until lights are on again...
Great atmosphere with throwback scenery with great eats as well. Dinner and a movie!! Btw: We watched "Michael" and the set up was awesome!! Great inspired Michael menu for dinner, We had his music playing as we ate and the service was on point! Definitely going back soon!
The Commodore Theatre in Portsmouth, Virginia, offers a truly unique and enjoyable movie experience that sets it apart from traditional cinemas. With its charming blend of classic decor and modern amenities, the theater features dinner tables instead of typical seating, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere perfect for a night out. The dining experience is fantastic. The menu offers a variety of restaurant-quality dishes that go beyond standard theater fare. And it's priced at normal restaurant prices. The extensive drink menu, featuring a great selection of beers, wines, and mixed drinks, elevates the experience even further. It's a perfect setup for enjoying a meal while watching a film. You order your food and drinks right from your table, allowing you to settle in and enjoy the show. There's a phone on the table that connects to the kitchen. The staff is friendly and will MOSTLY stay out of the way during the actual movie. However they will go around refilling water/tea. And they'll bring out deserts ordered part way through as well as the check. So if you completely want no interruptions during a movie, this might not be what you're looking for. However, I feel this place does it as well as anyone might. This truly is about the combined experience rather than just watching a movie. Overall, the Commodore Theatre is a delightful venue that combines dining and entertainment in a relaxed setting. Whether you're on a date, out with friends, or simply looking to enjoy a film in a unique way, this theater is a must-visit. Highly recommended for both movie and food lovers alike!
I just discovered this place and we're in love. Old time meets new. The screen and sound were great. The waitstaff was polite and attentive. The atmosphere... I loved every minute of it. The food was good. Better than movie food usually is. Next time, we're going for coffee and desserts while watching! I feel like I'm going to be a regular here!
Old school movie theater with dining-in experience... My friend said that we will be going to see the "Doctor Strange" movie. I told her that I had seen it with my mom already and maybe there's something else I could watch? My friend didn't say anything. During our 20 minute drive to the theater, I asked if they will help me eat a large popcorn and if there are any refills. She smiled, turned to me and said that this is a unique, independent theater where we're going to get dinner, popcorn, and everything! Wow! Earlier on in the day, I thought it was odd that my friend's husband went to get movie tickets... while we went shopping at the mall. It turns out that the Commodore Theater only sells tickets in person on the day of the showing that you want. Each of the tickets for the table of four are a dollar less if you pay in cash ($8). ...and there's only one movie because there's only one big screen. We found free street parking on the street around the corner from the theater. When I saw the theater, I ran ahead of my friends to get a photo of the front. The ticket booth was the old fashioned type where one person sits in the small enclosed area. Stepping inside the lobby, it felt like stepping into decades past. The carpets, antique movie projectors, chandeliers, chairs, and wall murals were like well-preserved historical artifacts! The theater had soft lighting from lamps at each table - set with napkins and silverware. We read our menus and placed our food orders via the telephone on our table. Service was efficient and polite. We enjoyed our popcorn in paper buckets first. My friend pointed out the popcorn maker - stationed between the lobby and the theater. Very cool! Our meals came while the movie was playing. We aimed to arrive earlier, but my God daughter wanted us to watch "Spiderman: No Way Home" first... So we could understand Doctor Strange better. Haha! My Commodore Salad had a container of dressing in it. It was good to pour my own amount of dressing! I wished that the kale was cut up into smaller pieces. I managed to cut the leaves (with a knife) in the bowl. Overall, I liked the salad! It's a new menu item! So - the next movie will be "Maverick". There are matinees on weekends. Weekdays have a 7pm showing. Maybe I'll see you there one day at The Commodore? It's on The Registry of Historic Places!
This theater is great! The experience is one of a kind and everything is reasonably priced. This theater in comparison to others in the area is much cheaper and gives a way better experience and way cleaner. All of the food was delicious and provided many options. The only thing that was annoying was the wait staff is slow and often times forgets little things like your drinks, sauces, or sides. Our food came out about 10 minutes before our drinks and my side salad came out about 20 minutes after we already finished our food - strange but we didn't mind. Also they charged extra for ranch but never brought it out to us. The viewing we saw was sold out so I think the staff was just incredibly busy, not sure if this is a normal thing - so we didn't mind.
The Commodore in Portsmouth was such a wonderful experience! An old school, restored motion picture theater that serves food. Very much like cinema cafe! You can't purchase tickets over the phone or online, they sell via their box office. It's encouraged to pay with cash rather than card (they give a small discount if you do this too). It's also cheaper than movie tickets at a regular theater. The theater is open at 5:45pm and movies start at 7pm. On the weekends, they have matinee viewings at 1pm (doors open at 12:30pm). They also only show one movie for a certain amount of time since it's only one theater. You can check their website or call to see what's currently playing! We parked on the street since parking is free after 6pm on weekdays! I believe there are some nearby parking lots/garages as well though. When we walked in, we came in right when they opened (highly recommend this)! We purchased our tickets and got to choose where we wanted to sit. Once we sat down, they handed us the menu. Once we knew what we wanted to order, there is a little corded telephone at the table. You dial 0 on the phone to connect to the staff and tell them your order. I thought this was cool! If you order dessert, they even ask you if you want it delivered to your table after you finish your entrees. They even have a wine and alcoholic menu. It should be noted that they stop taking orders once the movie starts, so make sure you get there early! The food was ok. It wasn't anything special. Maybe a step up from cafeteria food in my opinion. The cheese sticks were good, however the marinara it came with tasted like.. old? Kind of like there were a lot of preservatives or something. I had to finish the appetizer without it unfortunately. The chicken planks were very dry and tough. I had to eat each bite with the side of ranch it came with. The fries weren't bad. The pizza was probably the best thing. I loved the dough, it tasted the freshest out of all the dishes we tried. We ordered tiramisu as well (not pictured because it was during the movie). The tiramisu did not taste like tiramisu at all. It was definitely still frozen when it was served to us, and there was no coffee or cocoa taste at all on it. It just tasted like a vanilla cake with some whipped cream on it. I was kind of disappointed, but I'm not mad because the theater experience was wonderful. The staff was super generous and checked on us as often as they could without disrupting the movie. I would highly recommend this venue to watch movies! If I were to come again, I'd probably eat before coming and just enjoy the movie/some drinks, or maybe I'll try some different dishes next time! It's a really cute date night spot :) Oppenheimer was the perfect movie to watch here!
Such an amazing experience! I loved everything that made Commodore Theater what it was! Make sure to get there an hour early to get table seats and to get your food ordered before the cutoff. Dress to impress, but nothing too fancy - May look old timey, but there's class to it! 10/10
The Commodore is an experience and I love going whenever I have the opportunity. It's a restored theater that's been around since the 1940s. I my has a very nostalgic feel. While the inside still has the grandeur of the different styles from past years, the theatre has state of the art screen and sound. The seats are layered and spaced out and you get to choose your table at the door. On the table is a phone where you can call the kitchen and order. Get there in advance. Once the show starts you're not able to order anymore, but the menu has salads, sandwiches, chicken, shrimp, pizza, drinks, and desserts. The commodore only plays one movie at a time, but they'll put the schedule out in advance so that you know what's coming up. Definitely worth the experience.
Gentle reader, I have...a past. Yes, indeed. Way back in the 1990s, yes, the late 1900s, I lived in southeastern Virginia, and worked in downtown Portsmouth. This is where I discovered the Commodore. It was, indeed, joy. I had spent time in my teenage years working at movie theaters selling popcorn and soda, and in my very young years when we didn't have AC in our house we would spend Saturdays at the old "third run" movie theaters where for $1 you could watch the movie several times without an issue. Sticky floors, giant buckets of popcorn, wobbly seats, that was my youth and I loved it. So, finding the Commodore, which was being restored at the time, was delightful, because the owner was creating a special experience - a theater where you sit at small cafe tables, each with it's own dim light and telephone. You order by telephone and food is brought out while you watch the movie. Seats are plush and roll smoothly along the soft carpet. The BEST part, though, is the SOUND. To explain, I must tell this story: In 1996 I had a challenging situation at work. Our company was celebrating it's 50th year in business and they wanted each location to have a celebration party that the senior executives would join, and one site would be named 'the best'. Our slot was in November, had to be during the work day, and no alcohol. Hmm. Then we realized the Commodore was also 50 years old - yay! We designed a 'murder at the theater' mystery that took place in 1946. In discussing our plans with the owner, a man I think named Fred, he told us the story of how he came to own the place - a movie nut - and that as a retired engineer he realized the walls were very thick and the space could handle a superior sound system without disrupting anyone outside the building. So he went about figuring ways to install a THX like system - long before THX became a licensed product. He was having some difficulty and wrote a highly technical letter to Skywalker Sound, asking for their thoughts on solutions. The team was so enamored of the project that they came out and helped him complete the installation. The result, gentle reader, is outstanding sound. Truly. For example, we saw Dances with Wolves there and I ducked when I heard those bullets whizzing by my ear. Until we did this event though I never knew the story behind it. Fast forward to this year. I moved away from the area decades ago, but was in town for an event, and yes, I planned to go to the Commodore during my stay. What I saw was so much what I had remembered and more. Restorations had continued, and the lobby had more decor, including an alcove that was set up like a scene from past times. Staff were great. No online ordering, you go to the box office to get tickets. Go. If you like movies at all, go. This place is amazing, unique, special, all those words. You bet I'll be back. PS. Bonus points from me if you can tell me why George Lucas named his groundbreaking sound system THX. :) read more
This was actually our first night going to the theater for a popular movie known as wicked part two and they did a lovely job of making sure we enjoy Every moment. Tickets for this movie theater they do not do advanced tickets and you cannot call in advance to get tickets or go to the place to get tickets. It's the same day ticket sale in for an adult. It's $12 and if you pay cash you get a percentage off. So for us, we managed to get tickets for this movie in particular because it most of the movie theaters for this week. We're completely sold out but definitely wanted to experience the cinema in a classic way in this theater is the place if you want that type of experience. For opening night for a wicked released, they had a YellowBrickRoad carpet for a perfect opportunity for photos they did also have souvenir wine glasses for 20 bucks. The glasses itself is larger than your average wine glass so for all my wine lovers if you want a keep safe I definitely will recommend getting this and they did have a special menu for tonight since it is a big production movie, the layout when you walk into the theater is beautiful. It's definitely something meant to be more of a romantic but classic . You have the lounge chair You have a lamp set up at the table, as well as as your way of ordering your food is through a telephone where it goes straight to the kitchen and they answer automatically and the wait time for the food is not long at all. We got our food shortly after the movie started it which was perfect. The only thing for this movie theater is that any food orders will need to be before the show begins, so I would recommend anybody that does see it a movie at the theater you had to arrive early to be able to put place your order as they prefer to place your order before the movie starts so there won't be an interruptions on people ordering food through throughout the movie. Which is definitely a good way of making sure everyone has all their movie snacks their movie food their movie drinks before the movie start so that you can actually enjoy the movie about having to stop in ordered or be interrupted to order some food so that a plus for them very clever for them to do that. they had different options for tonight due to the opening night of wicked but normally they do have only beer and wine as their main options for alcohol beverage and of course you have your non-alcohol beverage items as well and I got was a specialty drink very light and sweet and on the menu, they have a variety of classic movie foods as well as sandwiches. I got their fish sandwich which was very crispy, but nicely crispy and have that with fries also very good. Definitely a good combination. The atmosphere of the layer of the theater itself is more of like a old school classic theater, where you have the curtains and then the big screen very appealing when you first walk in and the seating is very stressful from each other, so the chairs itself are movable where you can adjust it to your comfort. Overall, it was definitely a fun experience and the movie itself was a 10 out of 10 and I highly recommend this theater if you want more of a classic theater with a beautiful background and layout and of course, a fun way to place your order through a telephone which I find that very unique to do in a fun way. read more
1 month ago
Super cool experience! We saw Wicked here which was very fun. The food is nothing crazy, but if you stick to the basic items you'll be good. The decor and ambience is really something else. Service was good, but honestly the clearing tables and paying the bills during the movie portion seems like not the best move. Elphaba and Glinda were crying and singing For Good and it was a very pivotal, quiet and emotional moment and the waitress dropped an entire bowl and utensils loudly on the floor at the table next to us then was yelling about picking them up and asking people to move their chairs and help her pick stuff up and honestly it was really distracting and totally ruined the moment. So yeah maybe a better idea to just wait on picking up the dishes and paying the bill until lights are on again... read more
1 month ago
5 months ago
Great atmosphere with throwback scenery with great eats as well. Dinner and a movie!! Btw: We watched "Michael" and the set up was awesome!! Great inspired Michael menu for dinner, We had his music playing as we ate and the service was on point! Definitely going back soon! read more
The Commodore Theatre in Portsmouth, Virginia, offers a truly unique and enjoyable movie experience that sets it apart from traditional cinemas. With its charming blend of classic decor and modern amenities, the theater features dinner tables instead of typical seating, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere perfect for a night out. The dining experience is fantastic. The menu offers a variety of restaurant-quality dishes that go beyond standard theater fare. And it's priced at normal restaurant prices. The extensive drink menu, featuring a great selection of beers, wines, and mixed drinks, elevates the experience even further. It's a perfect setup for enjoying a meal while watching a film. You order your food and drinks right from your table, allowing you to settle in and enjoy the show. There's a phone on the table that connects to the kitchen. The staff is friendly and will MOSTLY stay out of the way during the actual movie. However they will go around refilling water/tea. And they'll bring out deserts ordered part way through as well as the check. So if you completely want no interruptions during a movie, this might not be what you're looking for. However, I feel this place does it as well as anyone might. This truly is about the combined experience rather than just watching a movie. Overall, the Commodore Theatre is a delightful venue that combines dining and entertainment in a relaxed setting. Whether you're on a date, out with friends, or simply looking to enjoy a film in a unique way, this theater is a must-visit. Highly recommended for both movie and food lovers alike! read more
I just discovered this place and we're in love. Old time meets new. The screen and sound were great. The waitstaff was polite and attentive. The atmosphere... I loved every minute of it. The food was good. Better than movie food usually is. Next time, we're going for coffee and desserts while watching! I feel like I'm going to be a regular here! read more
11 months ago
The Commodore is the best! Honestly the most gorgeous theatre I have ever been to. Super high quality movie watching experience with excellent sound/visual, comfortable seating, and yummy food. Super unique experience placing your order from the phone right at your table! read more
1 year ago
Such a cool theatre! Amazing prices and just an overall great experience. Staff is super friendly and helpful. 10/10 would recommend. read more
Old school movie theater with dining-in experience... My friend said that we will be going to see the "Doctor Strange" movie. I told her that I had seen it with my mom already and maybe there's something else I could watch? My friend didn't say anything. During our 20 minute drive to the theater, I asked if they will help me eat a large popcorn and if there are any refills. She smiled, turned to me and said that this is a unique, independent theater where we're going to get dinner, popcorn, and everything! Wow! Earlier on in the day, I thought it was odd that my friend's husband went to get movie tickets... while we went shopping at the mall. It turns out that the Commodore Theater only sells tickets in person on the day of the showing that you want. Each of the tickets for the table of four are a dollar less if you pay in cash ($8). ...and there's only one movie because there's only one big screen. We found free street parking on the street around the corner from the theater. When I saw the theater, I ran ahead of my friends to get a photo of the front. The ticket booth was the old fashioned type where one person sits in the small enclosed area. Stepping inside the lobby, it felt like stepping into decades past. The carpets, antique movie projectors, chandeliers, chairs, and wall murals were like well-preserved historical artifacts! The theater had soft lighting from lamps at each table - set with napkins and silverware. We read our menus and placed our food orders via the telephone on our table. Service was efficient and polite. We enjoyed our popcorn in paper buckets first. My friend pointed out the popcorn maker - stationed between the lobby and the theater. Very cool! Our meals came while the movie was playing. We aimed to arrive earlier, but my God daughter wanted us to watch "Spiderman: No Way Home" first... So we could understand Doctor Strange better. Haha! My Commodore Salad had a container of dressing in it. It was good to pour my own amount of dressing! I wished that the kale was cut up into smaller pieces. I managed to cut the leaves (with a knife) in the bowl. Overall, I liked the salad! It's a new menu item! So - the next movie will be "Maverick". There are matinees on weekends. Weekdays have a 7pm showing. Maybe I'll see you there one day at The Commodore? It's on The Registry of Historic Places! read more
9 months ago
This theater is great! The experience is one of a kind and everything is reasonably priced. This theater in comparison to others in the area is much cheaper and gives a way better experience and way cleaner. All of the food was delicious and provided many options. The only thing that was annoying was the wait staff is slow and often times forgets little things like your drinks, sauces, or sides. Our food came out about 10 minutes before our drinks and my side salad came out about 20 minutes after we already finished our food - strange but we didn't mind. Also they charged extra for ranch but never brought it out to us. The viewing we saw was sold out so I think the staff was just incredibly busy, not sure if this is a normal thing - so we didn't mind. read more
The Commodore in Portsmouth was such a wonderful experience! An old school, restored motion picture theater that serves food. Very much like cinema cafe! You can't purchase tickets over the phone or online, they sell via their box office. It's encouraged to pay with cash rather than card (they give a small discount if you do this too). It's also cheaper than movie tickets at a regular theater. The theater is open at 5:45pm and movies start at 7pm. On the weekends, they have matinee viewings at 1pm (doors open at 12:30pm). They also only show one movie for a certain amount of time since it's only one theater. You can check their website or call to see what's currently playing! We parked on the street since parking is free after 6pm on weekdays! I believe there are some nearby parking lots/garages as well though. When we walked in, we came in right when they opened (highly recommend this)! We purchased our tickets and got to choose where we wanted to sit. Once we sat down, they handed us the menu. Once we knew what we wanted to order, there is a little corded telephone at the table. You dial 0 on the phone to connect to the staff and tell them your order. I thought this was cool! If you order dessert, they even ask you if you want it delivered to your table after you finish your entrees. They even have a wine and alcoholic menu. It should be noted that they stop taking orders once the movie starts, so make sure you get there early! The food was ok. It wasn't anything special. Maybe a step up from cafeteria food in my opinion. The cheese sticks were good, however the marinara it came with tasted like.. old? Kind of like there were a lot of preservatives or something. I had to finish the appetizer without it unfortunately. The chicken planks were very dry and tough. I had to eat each bite with the side of ranch it came with. The fries weren't bad. The pizza was probably the best thing. I loved the dough, it tasted the freshest out of all the dishes we tried. We ordered tiramisu as well (not pictured because it was during the movie). The tiramisu did not taste like tiramisu at all. It was definitely still frozen when it was served to us, and there was no coffee or cocoa taste at all on it. It just tasted like a vanilla cake with some whipped cream on it. I was kind of disappointed, but I'm not mad because the theater experience was wonderful. The staff was super generous and checked on us as often as they could without disrupting the movie. I would highly recommend this venue to watch movies! If I were to come again, I'd probably eat before coming and just enjoy the movie/some drinks, or maybe I'll try some different dishes next time! It's a really cute date night spot :) Oppenheimer was the perfect movie to watch here! read more
2 years ago
Such an amazing experience! I loved everything that made Commodore Theater what it was! Make sure to get there an hour early to get table seats and to get your food ordered before the cutoff. Dress to impress, but nothing too fancy - May look old timey, but there's class to it! 10/10 read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
The Commodore is an experience and I love going whenever I have the opportunity. It's a restored theater that's been around since the 1940s. I my has a very nostalgic feel. While the inside still has the grandeur of the different styles from past years, the theatre has state of the art screen and sound. The seats are layered and spaced out and you get to choose your table at the door. On the table is a phone where you can call the kitchen and order. Get there in advance. Once the show starts you're not able to order anymore, but the menu has salads, sandwiches, chicken, shrimp, pizza, drinks, and desserts. The commodore only plays one movie at a time, but they'll put the schedule out in advance so that you know what's coming up. Definitely worth the experience. read more
I love this theater. I love the old-time feel and the dinner and movie. I took my niece recently and she loved it too! The popcorn is by-far my favorite. I also tried the pastrami sandwich and it was delicious. I had a couple of things happen this past visit that I wasn't too happy about. I took my niece here for a "date" and was so excited to bring her for this experience! She asked me to call for the food because she was too nervous. Man, I'm glad I did. The girl on the other end spoke super fast and sounded annoyed when I asked her to repeat what she said. The entire conversation was rude, actually. I asked her to hold the popcorn until right before the movie (we were only wanting dinner at that time), and she said they can't. But they've held food the other two times I came...so maybe that's a new rule? I'm not sure but I had to call back and she sounded very annoyed when I did. Another issue is that the waiters don't care that you're watching a movie. They literally stand directly in your view and just motion to things like taking your plates. I remember they used to crouch down but I guess not anymore. Very jarring to be into a movie and someone just stands in front of you lol. I like the vibe...but it would be way more enjoyable if they had those couple issues ironed out. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
I'd never been to the commodore theatre before and I was excited to go with a friend. There was a lot to love and a lot to...not. First impressions are fleeting and indelible. You only get one chance. The Commodore started off strong, with a genial older gent (I'm sorry I cannot remember your name) taking the money for tickets ($12 for an adult by plastic, $11 if you pony up cold hard cash). You even get a little paper ticket and are directed to stand by a beautiful old wooden...lectern? The ticket taker stands behind it and rips your ticket like in the days of yore before escorting you to your seats. The ticket seller was helpful in picking a perfect seat and was quite kind. The not so great part was being behind a larger party and waiting in a room that is very, very hot in summer without a lick of air flow (you go inside to purchase the tickets, but stand between the outside set of doors and the doors to the lobby, which does have ac.) The ambiance of the place is exceptional. The seats and tables are not packed in like sardines, with generous paths to allow traffic. The table itself was a two seater and small, but between the lamp on the table and its decently sized marble base and the phone on the table - a honkin' multiline beast, that took up a good chunk of the 'real estate' so to speak, the tabletop was only just adequate. Our escort, usher?, upon hearing it was our first time, gave very brief instructions. Basically, get your food order in before 7pm by dialing zero on the phone, after 7pm they only take refills on iced tea and water. We called in our order- I asked for an extra marinara with my mozzarella sticks and to have ketchup and a side of bbq for my (what boils down to) chicken tenders and fries. I also initially ordered a pitcher of soda (60 Oz for 10.50). When the pitcher arrived, it had ice in it - which, for me, is a bit of a no-no, I want ice in my glass, not melting into the pitcher. However, upon pouring a cup and trying it, I realized it was flat - completely and unpleasantly so. I was able to flag down a staff member and explain, could I please just get a glass of ice water and a pitcher of water? I would be happy to pay for both (they do charge a small fee of 40cents for ice water, free refills) He was nice and whisked it away. However, when he came back, it was with a single glass, saying I could call for refills. I had clearly seen another table with a carafe of water on it, not just glasses, so I'm not sure why they wouldn't give me the pitcher I asked for specifically (or a carafe, like the other table had). At that point, the movie had started, so I wasn't trying to have a long conversation and bother any other diners. The reason that water is so important is because of a confluence of events that made me super thirsty- my normal gym was unbearable due to construction so I worked out at a friend's gym - small, hot and no airflow. I had just enough time to shower and head out with her to the commodore after. Between how thirsty I was already, being on a medication that also increases thirst and eating salty foods, I spent most of my time there super thirsty. The phone was placed in such a way I had to have my friend punch zero whenever I wanted to (try) to get another glass of water. I called for multiple refills, including one they clearly forgot (and I mean for a good 15-20 minutes). I finally stopped calling, because it was such a pain and the one time I flagged down a staff member that was already on the floor and was told 'to call' before they turned and left immediately, I decided it was better to deal with being uncomfortable and thirsty than try to get another glass. They serve what seems to be standard frozen fare you fry/reheat and put together. Nothing the pair of us had was great, nor bad, it was just...meh. my extra marinara also came out with her sandwich, not with my mozzarella sticks, even though it was specified on my check, not hers. I ordered the brownie cake that came with a scoop of ice cream, like everything else it was...dazzingly....ok. not horrid, not great. Gratuity is included in your bill, and they do not do tipping. I'm not sure if that's why the majority of staff seemed to be doing the bare minimum or if they were having an off night. My friend and I both agree the atmosphere is way better at the Commodore than say, Cinema Cafe, but Cinema Cafe manages to have better food and better service. Would we go back? Yes, probably at some point. However, we won't eat there again, and I will make sure I am well hydrated before I show up so I'm not desperate for water. They do have a nice bathroom setup with an anteroom that has couches in case you're waiting for a friend to use the loo or need a moment out of the way. Overall, I think this is a great place to catch a show every now and again. Definitely worth at least one showing to say you've been and to admire the history. read more
Step back in time to 1945 as you take a seat at a table in this movie theater unlike any other in town. Order beer or wine by picking up the phone next to you, dialing the operator. Enjoy the film while you sip your beverage in a cushy chair by a dimly lit lamp resting atop your table in this art-deco cinema. Just being in this place is an experience. The building is beautiful. It was built in 1945, later went out of business, and has since been restored to take you back in time. They only play one film at a time, so check what's playing online. Don't order food. Their meals are worse than standard concession stand food. I recommend eating then coming here for drinks and a movie. It's a great date spot. Other than improving food, the only thing that would make this place better would be if they played more obscure or classic/old films in addition to their main viewings. Such as having special movie nights on Fridays. All in all, you have to check this place out. It's a hidden gem. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
Run! Don't just walk, run! If you are in Portsmouth or even driving bar or not far, you need to go. I have never in my life experienced a theater like this! The old timey charm, personal service, and unique experience are a must see. You walk in and the man at the ticket counter will assign you a table for your party. You walk in and sit at your table. The phone at the table is not just some trinket. This is how you place your order for food! They offer a full menu including classics like popcorn and nachos but also desserts, beer, and wine. The kitchen closes at 7 so get there early enough before the show to order food. The tickets and prices are very affordable! If I lived in the area I would be a frequent visitor! The movie quality is good as well, obviously you won't have hundreds of showings because there is only one screen but why are you even reading this review still!!!! Words can't do the experience justice' read more
4 years ago
It has been 27 years since I've been to the Commodore Theater and WOW! There is character, space, good food, huge screen, & great acoustics. My 11yr old daughter said this is the best movie theater she's ever been to and I agree! I don't care for the new reclining chair type set ups that are popping up everywhere. I was totally at peace at The Commodore & would prefer watching a movie here than anywhere else. Highlights & recommendations: -Arrive at least 1hr/30mins before show time depending on day & movie. No reservations. Better seat selection. 1st come 1st serve. Order food ahead of time. -Food service stops about 15/30mins into the movie -Bill/Check is settled about 45 mins into the movie. NOT like other places where it's towards the end. -20% tips are included -2% credit card charge to purchase tickets. Bring cash. -Speakers in the bathrooms! So cool! If one has to use the restroom during the movie, none of the sound will be missed! -Crab & Shrimp Chowder had excellent flavor! $5! Hardly any seafood but, tasted really good! -$3 Nachos & Cheese(says jalapeño but, wasn't spicy...still good though) -$5 Brownie Sundae!! YUMMM! -Fast service! -9in pizza was cheesy! YUMMM! -Bathrooms were gorgeous. -Huge screen -Surround sound was crisp & clear! Loved it! Not sure what kind of food folks expect at a movie theater but, for the price and it being a movie theater, I thought everything great! Service was quick and polite! Great experience. read more
This is definitely one of the more unique experiences you can have in Hampton Roads. The Commodore Theater is beautifully decorated and a wonderful place to enjoy a movie. You should show up when door open so you can get a ticket and be seated to enjoy your meal before the show starts. Note, you should bring cash for the ticket purchases, but they can run a card. The food itself was very good, and well priced for a theater, with a friendly staff. I also liked that the sound played in the restrooms as well, meaning you're less likely to miss anything during a bathroom visit. My one big drawback was being interrupted during the movie climax to pay the bill. Not sure what a better way to do that would be, but it would be great to pay at another time if possible. It is nice that gratuity is already calculated into the total for you, but the timing was still a big misstep for me. I would most definitely revisit this location in the future, and I highly recommend it for those who want a nice dine in theater experience with a little bit of extra style. read more
The Commodore is one of my favorite places in Hampton Roads! I have brought every out of town guest that has visited there and each one has loved the experience! It is a one of a kind place that everyone needs to visit! Sure, you could go to a Cinema Cafe and eat while watching a movie but it would be no way close to the experience of dining at The Commodore for a movie! This place takes you back and gives you an experience like none other! The Commodore is an old theater that has been remodeled to show one movie on a few week cycle! Each table is unique and offers a different view of the big screen while allowing you to sit in comfort and style! Each table is equipped with a phone (one of the real ones that have a cord) so you can phone in your order. I have had nothing but great food at The Commodore and have tried a variety of items! My favorite is their pizza but their mozzarella sticks, popcorn, and sandwiches are all great too! You can also order from a smaller selection of alcoholic beverages including wine, beer and cider! I truly can't say enough good things about this place as it's unlike an other movie theater I've ever been to! We are so lucky to have it here in HR and I hope they stay around forever! read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
7 years ago
AN ABSOLUTELY EPIC PLACE TO WATCH A MOVIE!! I love the nostalgia and the comfortable setting! Order at your table, sit your fat happy ass down while everyone brings you what you need! The sound system is like no other!! You will LOVE the ambiance and the service! Best place EVER to enjoy a REAL date night movie! NOT For KIDS! read more
9 years ago
You go to the commodore for experience. Built in the 40's, this historical landmark was converted into a movie theater in the 70's. It's a restaurant theater with affordable ticket prices, food, and drinks. I like being able to have a glass of wine and a waitress to bring it. No concession lines here! Tip!!! The box office opens at 12:45 for the 2:00 matinee. Be there right away to choose your seats. You can sit and have lunch before the movie starts or you can reserve your table and eat at another local joint. read more
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421 High St
Portsmouth, VA 23704
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(757) 393-6962
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