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The Montalbán

4.3 (26 reviews)
Closed 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

The Montalbán Photos

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The empire strips back poster
Britney M.

The seating is terrible. Super uncomfortable! You would think in 2023, that the chairs would be comfortable. They really need to upgrade the chairs. Especially when you are sitting through long shows. Aside from that though, the venue was decent. They had a concession stand setup upstairs for refreshments. You just go up the stairs and through the double doors and then you are there. Service was good. Everyone was friendly and did their job well. My boyfriend and I went to go see The Empire Strips Back. This was a Star Wars themed burlesque show, and it was great! Really fun to watch. I'm not really into Star Wars (except for baby yoda lol) and I still enjoyed it. My boyfriend is a Star Wars fan, and he liked it a lot. We got seats in the front row, and on the left side of the stage. I think sitting back a little might be more comfortable. Although we were so close to the stage that we saw the sweat running down their faces when performing lol It was a good show and experience.

Stage from the top row of the theatre
Patrick S.

We went here to see the Empire Strips Back. The show was awesome and overall I thought the venue was fine. We were seated on the balcony top corner. It's small enough that it was still decent seats. Not too steep. The chairs are old and not all that comfy. Bar is on the second level. Huge area and looks to accommodate a big crowd when needed. Bathrooms on level I. We arrived near show time and didn't have to wait. Quick ticket scan and no bag or security check. I think this place did fine for the job. The show we saw was great but likely a separate review from the theatre. Screens in both sides of the stage provide additional visual support for those who may not have optimal seating

Teresa A.

I went to the The Montalbán last month to attend the Masters of Make-Up Effects: LIVE event. The event was great. I enjoyed the panel discussion and slideshow, Q&A, the book signing, and buying merch. The theater is nice. I like that parking is available in the next door parking garage.

Road of Vengeance screening
Yeni A.

I used to go to the Montalbán theater back when it was the Doolittle. I performed there for years and organized events for different organizations, including the Nosotros foundation that renamed it Montalbán, after Ricardo Montalbán, it's founder. I loved my days performing there. I loved the sense of community we had. I loved being a part of history (we were the first to put together diversity showcases). I had the opportunity to go again after COVID this past month. I was surprised to see the seating downstairs (orchestra) had all been removed. I'm not sure if it's temporary or it's been turned into an event space, but my beloved theater looks like it's a thing of the past. I hope the new ventures bring in enough revenue to keep it going and eventually bring back theater at the Montalbán. I still give it four stars for nostalgia, and the hope it'll someday be back to its former glory. Best of luck!

Stage
Elena D.

Great venue. Went there not too long ago to see Star Wars burlesque parody show. Bar upstairs, cool art on the walls, comfy chair and TVs on each side of the stage. The staff was friendly. The show was terrific. Great experience.

Michael D.

This place is pretty cool. It definitely get 10/10 for the idea. The implementation is pretty cool: 1.very nice roof top 2.Nice decoration 3.Cool games 4.food/snacks are available to buy 5. Quality: 1.Screen/projector is great 2.Wireless headphones work with no issues 6.They provide blankets for free Downside: 1.Cost: $18 is not too expensive if the movies are brand new but for older movies, it is a bit high 2.no elevator to go up. So it is not handicap accessible 3.They don't usually turn on the heaters

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3 years ago

My first date was sexy and hilarious! Love the ambiance and old school feel of the theater.

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4 years ago

Awesome Date/ Family Night . Very reasonable prices AND a BAR! Enough Said! Just GO have fun.

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Ask the Community - The Montalbán

Are dogs allowed on the rooftop?

Registered service dogs w/ID are allowed with owners.

Can we bring our own food/picnic to this venue? If not, where can I find the menu for the evening's offerings?

Our concept for Rooftop Movies is to provide fantastic food and fine films to enjoy with friends. Our featured food is UMAMI Burgers with fries. They pioneered the vegan Impossible Burger. They also offer a Fried Chicken Burger and their classic… Read more

Is there a ticket option that includes unlimited popcorn?

From what the ticket options show, if you buy the love seats (you have to buy 2 seats) it'll include bottomless popcorn.

Is the deal on Groupon towards a general admission ticket or a loveseat ticket? Also, will one loveseat ticket admit 2 persons?

The Groupon GA admission Lounge seat offer is for per person. On Group the Loveseat admission will require a pair of seats purchased. We look forward to your arrival at our theatre.

Can The Montalbán be booked for a private movie screening?

Yes, we book private screenings, film festivals, summits and some premieres. To inquire about availability and venue use process, contact us at info@themontalban.com Please give us your contact information and a brief description about your… Read more

Do you offer gift cards?

Hi Madge, We do offer gift cards. Please call our box office at 1-323-461-6999 and leave a message for one of our managers to return your call and complete your gifting request. Thank you for choosing The Rooftop Movies at The Montalbán.

Does Umami Burgers offer a vegan option here?

Yes they due. Umami is well knows for the plant based impossible burger.

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Review Highlights - The Montalbán

TLDR: A rooftop movie at the Montalban has always been an enjoyable date, if you haven't been it's worth checking out.

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Melrose Rooftop Theatre - Headphones

Melrose Rooftop Theatre

3.8(83 reviews)
3.1 mi
$$$

Such a unique and memorable place. Melrose Rooftop Theatre is one of those experiences that feels…read morespecial from the moment you arrive. Watching movies on a rooftop with headphones, cozy seating, and the city atmosphere around you is honestly unmatched. I love the movie selection. They always have great films in rotation, especially nostalgic and romantic classics. Watching The Notebook here was unforgettable. It was romantic, funny, and somehow perfectly timed because it started lightly drizzling during the rain scene on screen. It made the whole moment feel surreal and cinematic. I believe the first popcorn is either free or included with the ticket, which is a really nice touch. The food and drinks are solid, and the overall vibe is relaxed but thoughtfully curated. Definitely bring your own blankets, especially on cloudy or cooler nights, because it gets extra cozy. One tip is to always check the weather before going, since it is an outdoor rooftop experience. That said, the atmosphere is worth it, and I will absolutely keep booking here whenever I'm in the mood for a nostalgic movie night with a unique twist. Highly recommend for date nights or a fun, different evening out.

We came out for Friday night roller skating at Melrose Rooftop Theatre to celebrate a surprise…read morebirthday with friends. It's a fun concept, but the experience left a bit to be desired. We checked in at the front entrance and took the slow-moving elevator up to the rooftop. It wasn't a huge deal, but definitely something that stood out. When we got to the top, we were asked to fill out a waiver on our phones--super quick and easy, but honestly something that could've been done earlier when buying tickets online. Parking in the area was $20 at a lot across the street. Not terrible for a Friday night in LA, but still worth mentioning. Your ticket includes skate rental and one drink, so we grabbed a Paloma (the other option was not available) which hit the spot. Unfortunately, the skating surface was a bit of a letdown--treaded hard plastic mats that didn't offer a smooth ride. It took a lot of effort to move and wasn't beginner-friendly. Plus there was a tricky spot that tripped up more than a few skaters. The biggest surprise was the low energy overall--music was pretty quiet, and the vibe felt more relaxed than festive. We expected more of a party atmosphere for a Friday night rooftop in the heart of LA. It was still fun to do something different and hang out with our group, but unless they upgrade the floor or amp up the energy, it's probably a one-and-done for us. Tips: - Allow extra time for the elevator to the 3rd floor. - $20 parking lot across the street. - 1 Drink included, so grab one and make the most of it!

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Melrose Rooftop Theatre - Beanie bags

Beanie bags

Melrose Rooftop Theatre - Burger

Burger

Melrose Rooftop Theatre - Rooftop roller rink

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Rooftop roller rink

Cinelounge Drive-In Hollywood - View from our seats

Cinelounge Drive-In Hollywood

4.3(3 reviews)
0.5 miHollywood

Arena Cinelounge runs an independent arthouse movie theater in Hollywood. Last December they…read morelaunched Arena Cinelounge Drive-In, the first Hollywood based, nighty drive-in. It's in a non-descript parking lot behind the Egyptian Theater. Pre-movie experience: I tried to order the tickets from their website but the ticket ordering site was down (I tried multiple times). Luckily, I was able to order from Fandango. They texted the tickets to me. Fandango works well and the processing fee was only $1.78. Also, the Fandango tickets can be exchanged. If you order from Cinelounge, the tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable. The price depends on the number of people in the vehicle. For 2 tickets to Godzilla vs. Kong, we paid $50 plus the Fandango fee of $1.78. I was surprised they started the movie pretty much on time w/o any previews or even an introduction. Location: It's a small parking lot in the heart of Hollywood. There was a sign on Las Palmas and someone greeted us at the entrance. The check-in was fast. We presented our tickets and were told to tune into 87.9 FM. Concessions can be ordered online and delivered to your car. There's a bathroom too. There was room for about 20 cars. I think there were two employees on site - one to check people in and the other to deliver snacks and drinks to cars. Concessions: They have their own line of gourmet popcorn ($8/bag) that's non-GMO, vegan and nut free, candy, cookies, and drinks (soda, LaCroix, CBD drinks). I placed an order for popcorn and it took a long time to get it even though they weren't busy. Mr. Froyo had to go ask about the popcorn. The bags are small (2 cups per bag). Curry popcorn was sweet (I thought it would be savory) but with interesting spices (e.g., cloves, coriander, cumin, turmeric, mint, fennel, anise, mustard, fenugreek, garlic, curry leaves, cayenne). Jalapeno popcorn was quite spicy. The popcorn was crisp and fresh tasting even though it was pre-packaged. Outside food and drink are not allowed, but they didn't check the car or ask if we brought food or drink. Sound/picture quality: These were okay. Our stereo worked fine. You couldn't hear anything w/o using your car stereo. Mr. Froyo thinks they should have had subtitles/closed captioning. In/Out: Getting in and out was easy and didn't take too much time. COVID-19 protocol: Cars were spaced and people are asked to stay in their cars unless they need to use the bathroom.)

Giving these folks 5 stars because I want their business to work. It's a great location and it was…read moresuper comfortable to sit outside in their big chairs and listen to movie on their wireless headphones they provided. I will say the one thing to be weary of is it is an outdoor theater in the heart of Hollywood so there will be a lot of distractions. Try to see a fun/less serious movie that you wouldn't mind having interrupted by random helicopters and fireworks.

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Cinelounge Drive-In Hollywood - Popcorn

Popcorn

Cinelounge Drive-In Hollywood

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Eat See Hear - Live music every week!

Eat See Hear

4.2(120 reviews)
2.4 miGriffith Park
$$

LOVE these events! I've been to a couple movies in the park and I can't get enough. Purchased…read morepasses via Groupon a month or so ago. Super easy check in upon arrival. Thumbs up for date night on Friday at The Autry to watch Fight Club! Live Band was great, good selection of food trucks, sound quality was perfect, AND I won tickets from KROQ promotions. Win, win for us! Hoping to attend a few more events before the end of the summer!

(Attended 07/13/19 SA @ 4:45pm and many times before): I ate... I saw... I heard!…read more Eat See Hear descended upon the Autry Museum Of The American West for a screening of "Casablanca" https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ucXzlrl1L_zhpEt87hQqzQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Dubbed "LA's premier outdoor movie, food truck, and live music event series", this annual summer-long traveling entertainment circus (since 2012) made its way across various iconic venues throughout Los Angeles with its unmistakeable 3 1/2-story tall inflatable high-definition screen deemed the "biggest of its kind on the West Coast". A self-contained event, you were allowed to bring your own chairs, food, etc.. Pet-friendly with water bowls and treats throughout the venue, they tied themselves to the non-profit organization Best Friends Animal Society Los Angeles and No Kill Los Angeles (NKLA) to help with pet adoption. Would this nostalgic return and revamped idea of the drive-in movie pull at my sentimental strings to return for more!? PURCHASE General Admission Ticket/Seat ($14.00 + fees) - Purchased online (priced higher at the door the day of the event), this was open seating, so first come-first served. Armed with a low chair (ABSOLUTELY NO TALL CHAIRS), blanket, cushion, and pillow to sit on just in case, I claimed an unobstructed spot center screen at the very top of the seating area. Tickets also gained access to food trucks and live pre-movie music performance. Below were other ticketing options (things brought were the same): 1. Fashionably Late Tickets ($21.00 + fees - online purchase only) offered a limited quantity of guaranteed open seating tickets in a reserved area at the front of the house that allowed you to arrive at any time (hopefully before the movie started!). 2. Kids 12 & Under Tickets (approx. $8.00 + fees) offered the same as "General Admission". 3. Groups of 10 or more had group rates available. Live Music - A four-piece male band from Jackson Hole, Wyoming named "WYO" played fun 80's alternative music that reminded me of Flesh For Lulu and The House Of Love from that decade which I was a fan of. With a minimal pre-recorded backtrack, I appreciated that they played their own instruments - true talent https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=HdGGHe4SbGAcONOZA91WdQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw! Food Trucks - The Fix Burgers, Street Kitchen, Blast Ice Cream, Pickle & Pea, White Rabbit (see separate review), and more. All accepted credit cards https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Z-gG0HFJcXYyrSx6aJuREg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Vendors - 94.7 FM The Wave https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=UQ4CxzvIjjBsJYvg3kUrzw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, AT&T, and title sponsor Showtime (who gave away chairs!) were supporting partners who had giveaways. SERVICE The online purchase was a breeze. There was excellent pedestrian and street directional signage to the main entrance of The Autry Museum https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=YvykGmC-6ncXMnLX9JLRCg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Marked signs once inside led you where to set up camp, restroom area, etc.. Both audio and visual systems were surprisingly clean and clear. There were the customary long food truck lines akin to L.A. traffic without the bad drivers. There were no onsite ATM machines. Generally-speaking, everything was fine and ran smoothly. PARKING (FREE) Plenty of FREE parking at The Autry Museum and L.A. Zoo across the street. Another option would be to hire a driving service like a taxi, Lyft, or Uber, and there was a nearby bus station - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A large open-air grass field https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=QvLGVWZmAHmiCZLCNiFYLA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, it was everyone for themselves as the gates opened and throngs of guests flooded in! Designated smoking areas were in the parking lot or front of the museum. Upon entering, you passed the food trucks and sponsors area, then the lawn, and finally the porta-potties on both sides of the screen. The stage was at the foot of the screen, but wished they had a camera that projected the performance onto the screen. Exposed to the elements, you heard random sounds from conversations, dogs barking, and vehicle traffic, etc.. The aforementioned gigantic movie screen was your TV while DJ Carter and the live band provided the music. ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Eat See Hear on the lawn of The Autry Museum was my favorite location because of its closeness to home, beautiful surroundings, and a ton of free parking. This concept was popular enough for others to imitate. The onsite staff were very charming and helpful. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $16.00; no tip required). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 5.0 STARS

Photos
Eat See Hear - We have dates at Ground Hope Park at FIDM!

We have dates at Ground Hope Park at FIDM!

Eat See Hear - Live music under the lights!

Live music under the lights!

Eat See Hear - Another view at Grand Hope Park.

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Another view at Grand Hope Park.

The Montalbán - Bar was well attended

The Montalbán

4.0(129 reviews)
0.0 miHollywood

First time coming to Montalbán and it is nice old school theatre. It's not too big but holds enough…read morepeople. They have a fast process of entering and it's very clean. They don't have any elevator or handicap accessible for those who are disabled, which is unfortunate. However, they have a good concession stand with popcorn and bar area on the 2nd floor!! You can also take your food and drinks inside. Not a fan of the seats because they are too tight and small. It is outdated but it will do the job for the type of event I went to. We sat in orchestra section and it was good seats and close to stage! It's parking garages for public parking on Vine right next to theatre! Overall, 4/5 for me. I enjoyed my time at The Conversation with Brandy Event. -Marshay D.

We saw the Twenty-Sided Tavern here in mid-December. I had never been to the Montalban. It was a…read moresmaller theater, but we had great seats in the orchestra section. Had no problem hearing the performers (now understanding the rules that governed the play? That's a different issue). The play was fun - definitely for those who know Dungeons & Dragons, but they explain a lot as well. Seating is dated. Think 1985 movie cinema seats, and there you go. Concessions were fine, but cursory - more like hot dogs and popcorn. Parking - I got valet parking at the W hotel across the street via Parkwhiz. Hubs said there is parking next stop, but I did not want to chance it.

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The Montalbán - Our rooftop celebrating our 15th years of programming for entertainment above the stars on the walk of fame.

Our rooftop celebrating our 15th years of programming for entertainment above the stars on the walk of fame.

The Montalbán - Exterior

Exterior

The Montalbán

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Vista Theatre - Cool details

Vista Theatre

4.6(840 reviews)
2.3 miLos Feliz

Many years ago, when I was a Fellow at AFI, the Vista graciously granted permission for me to film…read morea period piece inside and outside the theater. Happy to say, virtually nothing of the classic "Egyptian themed" decor has changed. Karloff's mummy would feel right at home. Tarantino is definitely the right guy to have purchased it. Among other pluses, there's a handprint and signature gallery outside, obviously referencing The Chinese, but with a much hipper roster of honorees. Then, there's the stated mission of screening only film prints. Caught the "Kill Bill Saga" in 70mm and, a few weeks later, the return engagement of P.T. Anderson's "One Battle After Another", this time also in 70. It had originally shown there in Vistavision, the format in which it was shot. Anyway, I live in Atwater Village, so it's just a few minutes away. I plan to return often.

You're sitting in history when you're here!…read more THEATER: Here's a fun fact from the Vista wiki- it was designed by architect Lewis A. Smith, and presents a hybrid of two different styles: the exterior is Spanish Mission Revival style, and the interior is Egyptian Revival style- which reminds me a lot of another Hollywood theater- the Egyptian. I went to see Kill Bill: the Whole Bloody Affair. Unless you have "parking powers" activated, add a half hour onto your commute time to arrive and find neighborhood parking somewhere within a mile of this theater. I found a spot in a nearby neighborhood by a school. Back to the movie KB:tWBA-- I hadn't seen Killing William since its initial theatrical run, so it felt pretty new to me. THE MOVIEGOING EXPERIENCE: This movie still hits hard in a packed theater. Lots of reactions and laughs and groans, etc. I was probably laughing the hardest at how much FEET were in this movie. The seats were comfortable and that's judged by my shifting around only two times that I can recall. Thankfully this movie had an intermission to stretch during its 4+ hour runtime. I went during this exclusive December engagement and there's a lot of memorabilia on display in the lobby. There's a lot of snack and food and drink options, and it's pretty reasonably priced. Also, bring your own snacks! No one is checking bags and pockets here and the world is getting pretty expensive. The Vista is in a hip part of town and there's a lot of great eats and drinks in walking distance. We dined at Fred 62 after!

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Vista Theatre - Inside the theater

Inside the theater

Vista Theatre - New poster!

New poster!

Vista Theatre - The concessions.

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The concessions.

The Montalbán - outdoormovies - Updated May 2026

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