Great prices, friendly staff. We love this place !!!! They even let you pick your seat

I really wanted to like this place. I saw the moment (the Charli xcx movie) which probably didn't help the experience. I liked: -local theatre -kinda cute decorations -movie experience was comfortable I didn't like: -that the staff looked like they hated working there and weren't very friendly -the house made cocktails weren't good -the popcorn was dry -they gave very little cheese for the nachos -it wasn't open seating even though it's an older theatre -the entrance is odd and we didn't even recognize that it was a movie theatre at first -we ubered but the parking situation did not seem ideal read more

Wow. Service w a smile, and genuine thanks. I even became a member tonight after going yo the show here since1993, when the 1.50 double feature was less than 5.00 concessions! I love the new classics selections! And Senior rates! read more

I sat in front of this couple that talked throughout the entire movie. When I talked to the staff about it they came into the theater and observed for a little while but did nothing. I would skip this place and go to the Music Box or Gene Siskel where they take care of these issues. read more

I recently came here because this theater hosted an event for the IFA Chicago (Independent Film Alliance) and thought it was a beautiful place for the event to happen at. It definitely seems like it's been remodeled several times inside, and they have a great bar space area off to the side where we got drinks prior to the show. They had your typical food for a theater and it wasn't outrageously priced either. The seating inside the theater we were at was interesting because I don't think I had ever been that high up before while watching a screen, but nonetheless - the seats were clean and everything went swell. Definitely a great theater and glad to see this isn't too far from where I live! read more

I've worked in this building doing HVAC work. I've gone from the roof to the lower basement and everywhere in between. It was originally a stage theater. I've seen signatures on the walls in the dressing rooms where actors would sign their names and I was fascinated by that. They are concealed behind the screen for the movie theater to the right and left. Then converted to a projection movie theater. I have not been there since the renovation that they've gone through. A new owner purchased the property and the one next door. Expanded it to include food and a bar.Originally known as the Pershing Theater, was built in 1918 . One of the oldest theaters that are in Chicago. It has been remodeled which was needed to be done . I have not been since they complete renovation. I will be going back to share my experience. But I will give a thumbs up for what the new owner has done with the place and he acquired it before covid and hopefully held on to it. read more

Great location to see a movie in Chicago. Reasonably priced and great selection of movies. Comfortable seats

Everything was great except for the volume in theater 2. It's not that large of a space to be so deafening.

Our time at the Davis Theater was so enjoyable. The theatre although old is quite relaxing. The seats were very plush and comfortable.

The Davis Theater has made a lot of updates in the past year or two, and it has really served in their favor. The theaters feel larger, the rows have a steep incline between them (which means no one can block your view! Amen!), and the seats are comfy AND recline. I was one happy camper! I will say, I miss their old ticket prices. I know I can't complain too much, because $9 tickets before 6pm is still a total steal, but I do wish they were back at $5 like they used to be. Popcorn and candy also went up slightly in price as well, but it's still pretty cheap-- $5 small popcorn, $7 large popcorn and speciality candies at reasonable prices. You are also able to bring in food and drink from Carbon Arc, which has an easily accessible entryway between the theatre and restaurant. Overall, ESPECIALLY because Davis Theatre is within walking distance from our house, we'll be back many, many times :) read more

The Davis Theater - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's a really cool little space, they get first-run movies and some less-well-known stuff, but WHY is a small drink at the concession stand almost $6??? read more

This is not your mama's neighborhood theater. Yes it is in the hood, but it has a very elegant feel to it. Kudos on the upgrade to The Davis as I remember it from back in the day. It was the go to place to see a main release movie after its hey day for real cheap, but now I think it is going to be my go to place because they have prosecco and will let me take a bottle (in a cooler) into the theater. For those that like draft beer, looks like they had a decent selection on tap. If you are a fan of recliner chairs, move on as they don't have them. But the seats are very comfortable and spacious. The screens are a nice sound and they have 7.1 Surround Sound. The bar/restaurant (Carbon Arc) is very nice as well. Prices for drinks and wine is pretty decent and the food was good. I got the Fried Chicken Sandwich (fried chicken thigh, pickles, white sausage gravy and what I thought was coleslaw). The mixing of white sausage gravy and coleslaw was strange and yet tasty. It is one of the items on the menu identified as one you can take into the theater, but I don't suggest it as it is messy as hell...had to use a knife and fork to eat it, but it was good. Sandwich came with fries...hot and tasty. The rest of the menu looks interesting and I will be going back to sample it as I will be heading back to The Davis to see Kingsman: The Golden Circle. read more

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Nice work Davis Theater! Took in Rogue One a few weeks ago and have to say the wait was worth it. Between the new reserved seats, screens, carpet, and thank the dear sweet infant baby Jesus the BATHROOMS we now have an amazing local theater. Bonus is the new restaurant/bar next door for food and drinks beyond the usual movie theater fare. read more

The Davis Theater - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went to the theater for a charity event on Oscar night. I've seen pictures of the old theater and they have totally transformed the place. They now have two theaters, food, liquor and the usual candy, popcorn and nachos. It looks really nice in there. At the charity event, they served mainly champagne so I didn't get to try one of their many beers on tap. And the food from the adjoining restaurant was very good. Everything was first class. I like being able to eat right at the theater so you're not parking twice and possibly missing the show because you can't find street parking before the movie starts. I also like that you can sit and watch the movie with a beer! We sat in Theater 1 to watch the Oscars. It was TV so I didn't expect the crazy surround sound they'd have for a movie. But it was a comfortable experience. I'll be back! read more

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Awesome theatre. I've been going here since before they remodeled. I love this historical, classic movie theatre.

My go-to theater because it's not a huge theater and it has the feel of how it used to be years ago. But as much as I love the old feel, the remodeling makes it that much comfier. I go there to watch shows on my own and couldn't find it any more peaceful if I tried. They show only three different movies a day so before you head over there I would check online to see what's playing. Other than that, it's one of my happy places without a doubt. Friendly and quick service also. Just street parking can sometimes be a bit of a pain. Well worth it though!? read more

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Love the Davis! Old school theater with modern day amenities. They typically have about three or four movies going at once, mainstream things. Online ticketing, beer/wine. Check their Facebook page for specials and events. read more

I've been coming here since before the remodeling and I love this place. Today I came with my mom and sister to watch Captain Marvel. We stoped at carbon arc for a few drinks and appetizers. Our server Amelia was pleasant and professional. She made us really feel welcome and helped us feel like we could enjoy ourselves. We had the charcuterie board, it was delicious. We also had the cheese curds which were crispy and the right amount of cheese in every bite. The overall experience was just right! read more

You have to love a discount movie theater. Comfort and frills don't interest me whatsoever, and I don't care about the picture and sound unless I'm seeing a high-tech blockbuster, which happens rarely. This place reminds me so much of my small hometown cinema (small as in the town and the theater): four screens, mainstream selections, several notches below state-of-the-art facilities, but good enough for almost any kind of outing. Over the last couple of years I've seen The King's Speech, Sherlock Holmes 2, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and Prometheus here. Maybe a couple of others. No complaints whatsoever. Well, maybe just the cramped and dingy men's room. At this point, the Davis is the first theater that I check whenever I'm interesting in seeing a movie. It boasts two key attributes--cheap and close to home. That's pretty much the whole package from my point of view. read more

As a new Lincoln Square/Ravenswood resident, I thought it would be reasonable to acquaint myself with "the old" before exploring "the new". Old is definitely an understatement when it comes to The Davis. The poor theatre for sure has seen better days (as the Robbie Seay Band song "Better Days" runs through my head)...but it's all a part of the antique cinema culture. Come on! A new-release movie for $5.50 (that is matinee before 6 pm--otherwise it's still only $8.00 for adults)!!! Sweet and salty delights (candy and popcorn, of course) are SUPER reasonably priced too (all under $4)! Entering the actual theaters, the black paint on the floors have corroded away to its foundation by all the past sticky, poisonous pop spills... And you won't think twice about deciding to test your bladder's full capacity; not because you may miss a climactic chunk of the film but because the bathrooms have much to be desired. The fun chairs--definitely comfy and bouncy, but BEWARE when you sit down initially or lean back because I've seen some hilarious people-watching oopsies! Oh and lastly, I adore the old-fashioned "Welcome, turn off pagers & cell phones" screen intro. Not to be missed for nothing! I love to be reminded that the Davis is still present as a neighborhood treasure, not as a money-hungry business. Lincoln Square would not be the same without you! I salute you (while sticking a specific finger up at the monopolizing Fandango/Kerasotes)! read more

Awesome, clean, decently priced theater! I hadn't been here before the remodel- I moved to Lincoln square right when they closed for the upgrade. It is now a beautiful theater- it seems to pay homage to the vintage theater experience, but has a lot of modern touches that work well with the theme. I also like that (for a movie theater) their prices are decent. They have comfy chairs, and even though they aren't reclining seats, they are great for a couple hour movie. They also have an awesome snack bar with much better popcorn than any of the big chains. The staff is also always friendly- they don't seem like they hate their jobs, and that's always a plus. There's also Carbon Arc next door, which has a really good looking menu, but I haven't tried it. I think the coolest thing is that they have wood benches that miraculously turn into picnic tables outside- I waited to meet up on a bench and when we left the theater they were patio tables for the restaurant!! read more

This is an old theater in Lincoln Square with a sense of charm that the newer theaters do not have. The facilities here are not the newest or greatest, but they do show first-run movies and there are a handful of "loveseats" that are perfect for couples. Cash only, but you will spend a bit less cash for a flick here than at most other movie houses. read more

The Davis Theater - Davis Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Nice old school theater that still has cheap matinees...around $5 bucks and some change. I actually enjoyed coming here as it wasn't one of those stadium like experiences that we have all become used to in most theaters now...def will comeback and watch more movies here. read more

The remodeled theater is a great step in the right direction. The decor, staff, and location couldn't be better. Reserved seats are comfortable and easy to book online. They have 3 screens, 1 main and 2 smaller with less seating. There really isn't a bad seat. The attached restaurant is one if the highlights and shouldn't be missed. More often than not, my wife and I will arrive early for movie, grab a drink at the bar, and order some food (if we don't get popcorn) to be taken into the theater. They neatly package the food into a tray that fits into the cupholders. Would highly recommend it, but order something that's easy to eat with your hands and doesn't require much vision. I would like to give it 5 stars but the main screen room is so wide that it makes the screen seem smaller and, depending on what kind of movies are showing, you can often feel the subs and sometimes hear the adjacent movies. Overall, this is my theater of choice when deciding between the same movie across other theaters. We only go to other theaters when the Davis isn't showing what we're looking for. It will happen from time to time since they only have 3 screens. read more

Ventured out for my first movie in a long time tonight! Everyone spaced out and super clean. All staff had masks and there was sanitizer available everywhere. We grabbed an appetizer at Carbon Arc next door and they delivered it to us in our seats! Lovely date night if you need a safe escape from the house. Will definitely be back! read more

There aren't many screens but that doesn't even matter. Beautiful movie palace. With reasonable prices for food and snacks and booze. The interior design has that old school Hollywood vibe. The chairs are red leather and plush. Might make this theater the only movie theater I patronize in Chicago! read more

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So, yes, this theater is old, bathrooms are somewhat dingy (pretty clean, but old and patched and feels like a high school bathroom)... but I love it. 4 screens I think, all pretty small. A tiny line to buy tickets, but really friendly staff, cute t-shirts and first run movies...small theaters, but the seats are situated such that you can actually see the screen. If you don't mind skipping the bells and whistles, then definitely worth a visit to watch a movie! read more

This place is the best mix of old school movie house and awesome new technologically advanced mega theater. Great chairs. Great food next door at Carbon Arc that you can bring into the theater. Not hot dogs and junk but awesome gourmet food. Plus liquor. You can drink while you watch. read more

We rented the a theater for our sons birthday and he and his friends had a great time eating popcorn and watching a great movie.

Came in yesterday (July 9th) for our first movie since lockdown. My wife, son, and I really enjoyed seeing Wonder Woman on the big screen again. Felt very safe thanks to the precautions in place to ensure social distancing. Will be back to see Beats soon. read more

Davis theater is one of my favorite places in Lincoln Square. Love coming here. It's great

Love The Davis Theatre, it's a great little neighborhood spot. Food at the Carbon Arc is fantastic. You can reserve seats ahead of time, then just walk in, grab a cold beer and enjoy the show. read more

The employees were kind, the only option for food during the day is popcorn and nachos. They're closed in Mondays and Tuesdays, so we went on a Wednesday for a 12:30 matinee. They just opened and the popcorn was cold and kind of stake tasting. I hope the popcorn wasn't from Sunday still. But it kind of tasted like it. If their popcorn was fresh, I would've hoped it would've been hot... I would've been cool with warm at least but it was cold. Suffered through the popcorn. If you want food, you have to go to a later show when the restaurant that serves the food is open. But the popcorn and no other food options were the only downfall. Staff was nice, theater was clean and like the feel of that old fashion theater feel. I'd go back for sure read more

Going to the Davis is kind of like going to a movie at the park. People come in with picnicking materials, and soon after the lights go out, you hear various bottles and cans opened up, food-filled tupperware pulled out of carry-in luggage, and feet kicked up lay-z-boy style for the show. It's rustic inside the Davis, as if you're entering a time warp into a venue from the early 1980's recession. Those were the good ol' days for some of us, filled with matinee memories of the Karate Kid, Transformers (the cartoon), and the Neverending Story. The Davis, with all its dust and strangely slanted floors, is just how I remember movie theaters as a kid, unlike today's sterile, airport-terminal-esque multiplexes. The prices are right at only $8, it has the comfortable feel of an old favorite sweatshirt, and they somehow always get top movie selections. 5 stars! read more

The Davis Theater - Cinema Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a cute movie theater. It's got an old-timey vibe, but it's all modernized. The staff are friendly and are not the vacant-eyed teens you find at other movie theaters. They do reserved seating, which I'm a big fan of. And with an adjacent bar / restaurant, it's easy to make a complete date night out of it. And you can take your food and adult drinks into the theater with you. I'm a fan. read more

I've had two good experiences here followed by one really, really poor one. I have only ordered drinks here, so I can't speak to the food. The last time I was there, my friend and I each ordered a Manhattan. Not only were we up-sold on the whiskey brand, which is to be expected to some degree, but the drink was TERRIBLE. My friend accidentally spilled much of hers, and we decided that was for the best because no way were we going to be able to finish them. Yuck! I wouldn't order a Manhattan in the future, or if you do, specify your bourbon/rye. read more

This is an update of my earlier review. Again, I really wanted to like this place. It's so close, it's indie, a nice neighborhood, and it's a dollar or two cheaper than the downtown places. I just can't do it. This place is willfully incompetent. I went to see District 9 last night. If you wanted to sit in the middle of the movie screen, you had to sit on the far left side of the theater- the screen is shockingly skewed, tiny, and way too high. It's like a drunk teenager stretched a white blanket across a wall at random, and never bothered to straighten it out. The entire movie was out of focus. I've never seen such terrible optics. And, District 9 had only been playing for a couple days, but there was a huge green vertical line across the right side of the film for the entire movie. Interestingly, the Hangover had the same green line, but I dismissed it as a fluke. Nope. They must be playing hockey with their movie reels. Even my girlfriend said she wouldn't ever go back to this theater, and she isn't anywhere near as technically fussy as me. I'd rather spend a half hour on the L and 5 more dollars than put up with this theater again. Sorry, Davis Theater... it's time we went our separate ways. read more

I really enjoy this theater. They don't have a lot of screens, but lots of indie film festivals as well just fun films. The bar next door has drag nights as well as great food (that's for another review haha) They have regular candy as well as local brands. The gummy bears were so soft I fell in love. There's also fancy popcorn like Carmel and cheddar. The seats are reserved. This is a good place to take parents if they come into town. The neighborhood is really safe as well. read more

One of the screens is on a slant! People in the theater sometimes are rude. I'm a movie snob. I like the Evanston theaters the best. The best thing about the Davis is the matinee pricing. And this is GREAT! I agree with other yelpers about the bad smells. The women's bathroom is really weird and could be used as a movie set for a high school horror film from the 50's.... that's the coolest part of the theater. They have a claw machine, too! I wish they hosted weirder, quirkier films to play up their shady image.... and then it would just be campy, instead of pathetic. On the positive side... it is convenient for me and a good fall back if I don't want to get on public transportation or get the I-GO to go to a movie. Honestly... the sideways screen is my biggest complaint! Can't this be fixed??? read more

I suppose if I had grown up in Chicago and had a desperate need to see things from yesteryear, I could jump on the Davis bandwagon, but outdated doesn't even seem to be the correct way to describe it. My hometown had the outdated, dirty theater too, but at least it was wise enough to charge $1 (or when inflation caught up, $1.50) and show just-before-video releases. In the age of downloads, Netflix and streaming Internet films, my modest living room is more comfortable and better equipped for a movie watching experience. Even $5.50 for a matinee seems a little overpriced for a tiny screen, fuzzy picture and strange sound issues. The seats are not really that comfortable, more cramped than airplane seats (but without raising armrests) and make a horrible creaking noise every time you move. (Forget a bathroom break, as even shifting causes eye daggers thrown your way from other patrons.) The whole experience reminded me more of watching a movie at camp rather than a theater experience. Some might like the nostalgia, but I don't go to movies a lot, so I'd rather pay an extra buck or two for a real experience. read more