CinéArts at the Empire - San Francisco, California

beavis butthead

Nice local theater. Rarely crowded, clean, and location is great if you want to grab a bite to eat before or after. Best of all, the sound system doesn't leave your ears drums bleeding afterward like the bigger chain theaters. The only drawback is that you have to make sure the movie you want to see is on the main screen. The other two screens are tiny.

Shiraz

Cozy local theater. Friendly staff and good popcorn :-). Since it's a local theater it's not really busy which is nice. However, 2 out of the 3 auditoriums are this weird diagonal seating. Not optimum for a blockbuster movie experience, so that's my only big gripe. But if you're seeing a theater in the main auditorium, it's all good.

Tom Lee

Great neighborhood theater. Service is friendly and it’s like going back in time. Usually not very crowded which is convenient for getting decent seats and getting in and out easily for a comfortable experience. Screens are a bit small but enjoyable enough for me. Location is nice next to many restaurants too.

Edmond Kwok

This theater has a one large screen and one small screen. The large screen is very nice and the theater is usually not crowded. They take the Costco Cinemark discounted tickets. I come here for late night weekend movies when I don't want to deal with the crowds. There is almost always street parking within a block if you come after 9pm. Concession stand selection is standard.

Michael Machado

The theater is small with three screens. It is clean but parking in the area can be difficult as most parking on West Portal is metered during the day. I went to the Early Bird at 11:30am which cost $8.75 cheaper by almost $2 than other theaters. At this hour total number to watch Avengers Endgame was maybe 8. Seating in theater 2 is good but angled so you want to sit on the left side of the aisle to feel like you are looking straight at the screen. The screen is not super large. Seats are okay but not like newer theaters where you have to reserve a seat Their snack bar is small but the prices are reasonable.

Scott Keck

While you can get screwed if your film has been demoted to the wonky little side theater with the crazy angled screen, the main auditorium is still a great place for a movie. The screen is big, and the house is not so deep that you feel like you're in the bleachers if you sit beyond the middle seats. Plus great popcorn with real butter. The staff is always super-nice here too. Being a block from the West Portal MUNI tunnel is great, although since I live in the 'hood I just walk. Empire has a lot of fun special events and deals, like passes for kids movies on weekend mornings, live showings of opera and other things. A very nice small neighborhood theater!

Xuchen Yang

Worst cinema ever!

Screen is small and high, trailer is almost 30min. These are fine.

I brought a small size backpack, the ticket checking person didn’t let me in, said there is a rule that people cannot bring backpack in. And they don’t help keeping bags. Most cinema doesn’t have this rule. How am I supposed to know? Should have noticed in the online ticketing portal, right? How am I supposed to do? I got my tickets already and I couldn’t get in!!!!

Deanna Brock

This is a very interesting movie house I have been through. This was a great experience for everyone because the employees are so friendly, attentive, and professional, and the whole movie house is set up so well for families and friends. Staff comes to your seat to take your order and deliver it all directly to your seat. Highly recommended!