CineArts at the Empire

85 West Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127, USA

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Address:	85 West Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127, USA
Phone:	+1 415-661-2539
Site:	cinemark.com
Rating:	4.4

Location

Photos 36

Reviews 21

Cheryl Young

No frills, small neighborhood theater that fits the bill if youre in the mood to catch a flick without much planning. I wouldnt go out of my way to come here, but it does retain some of that theater-on-main-street charm that is consistent with the quaint West Portal vibe. They have the latest blockbusters running in their small theaters (read: smaller screens) as well as sometimes more independent runs. Empire does do some special programming with kids showings and Met Opera screenings, which could be fun if thats your type of thing. Otherwise, the tiny concessions, pleasant staff, and convenience are going for it. Bonus points for being super Muni accessible. Other reviewers are under the false impression that the Empire is not part of a chain, but it is indeed part of Cinemark which also runs Century Theaters. Ye olde West Portal vibes can fool you like that.

Peter Davy

In the modern era of mega cinema mall type multiplex theaters, it is always great to get back to basics. This is one of the local neighborhood theaters that remains local. There is one large auditorium sized theater, along with 2 smaller screening rooms accessed by stairs above. This is the place of cinema memories as I remember I grew up enjoying films here since the 70s. I always loved that even with all the restaurants, cafes, and bars within West Portal, you can always smell popcorn flowing through the village like setting. Surpassingly, you do not often hear the streetcars out side, as the sound system is much better than it used to be. It may not be the best theater in town, but it is well worth a visit, and you support the smaller local establishment.

Michelle Rowe

When I deem a movie good enough to go see in the theaters, I hate waiting in line and paying a ridiculous amount to see it. That is why I love this movie theater! It is small, showing only 3 to 4 popular movies, on a few small screens. There isnt stadium seating but it kind of reminds you that you never really needed it if the screen was placed up high enough. There are concessions which of course are over priced, but I just walk over to the Walgreens and get my Sour Patch Kids and a drink. Definitely a great location for a date night with a bunch of nice restaurants around and bars if you feel like keeping the night going!

Amanda Medrano-White

I prefer the smaller theaters to the larger ones like the Metreon, so this is perfect for me. The people who come here are respectful and dont talk/text/etc during the film. Its small, so really no bad seat. i will say that the seats can be at an awkward angle, but thats splitting hairs. Its located in a family-friendly neighborhood, so they do get a lot of family films. i wish there was more variety, as mostly the big named films come through here. Still, its the first cinema I check out when I want to venture to the movies.

Adam Pasztory

Despite what other reviews may suggest, the main screen is quite large, and on par with a typical screen at the Metreon. (Yes, the two other screens are small.) Theaters like this are a dying breed, indeed many similar theaters in San Francisco have closed in the last decade. So I encourage everyone to support this landmark and enjoy a more friendly movie-watching experience. BONUS: The bathroom is very close to all the theater exits, so you dont have to sprint half-way across a multiplex for a quick break!

Sarah Herczog

This is my favorite movie theater in SF. It is small and only plays three movies at a time--but thats the beauty of it. It feels very old school and has the friendly staff to back it up. They have a surprisingly large concession stand for a small theater--you can find anything youd find at the bigger theaters. Additionally, the neighborhood it is in is great. If youre early you can stop for a bite to eat, a drink or a coffee all within walking distance.

Kevin Hall

This is a wonderful place to experience the non-cineplex experience. The main theater is large with a good screen and it has wheelchair access. The other two theaters are akward, small, and not recommended for a grand cinematic experience. The Empire is tucked into West Portal, which means enjoy from a variety of quality dining spots and then hit up the new movie you have been dying to see.

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 dont 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.

Shiraz Siddiqui

Cozy local theater. Friendly staff and good popcorn :-). Since its a local theater its 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 thats my only big gripe. But if youre seeing a theater in the main auditorium, its all good.

Amine Salomão

I love this theater, the location is great, and its very empty most of the time. But with this comes a disadvantage: not a lot of showtimes. Also, they often wont have the movie you want, but will play another movie for weeks after every other theater has stopped showing it

Matt Clack

I love that you dont have to trek to the huge Cineplex theaters to have a movie experience. This theater is small, but its in the heart of West Portal and is a perfect date spot. Hit a restaurant and then walk across the street to see one of three movies they show.

Jonathan Ford

Well, the times Ive gone here when a handful of indie movies are only playing here has been slim, but when I have gone, Ive never been let down. Aside from the 40 and up crowd, its still quality theater!

Ankit Agarwal

It looks a small little shop from outside but it has 3 decent size screens. There is almost always no lines even for the most popular movies. I always find a ticket. Staff is nice and friendly.

Charley Galdamez

Small theater surrounded by really good restaurant options. They were playing a movie in one of their smaller rooms that was hard to find elsewhere. Makes for an overall great date night.

Issac Dudum

This is my go-to place for any movie. I love the small old feel and the limited amount of movie showings. Its in a great neighborhood and has lots of great places to eat.

Adam Kelsey

Small nice theatre. Wish it kept some of the movies on longer but the staff is friendly and the seats are comfortable. Screen and audio are both great

Kingston Lee

This is my favorite neighborhood movie theater. There are always seats for new movies. I hope more people go to this theater so they dont close it down.

Sam Downie

Great little Movie Cinema in San Francisco! not part of a chain either. Great sound and comfy seating. Go watch a film today in fantastic surroundings.

Harrison Mobarak

Good place for a small group hangout. Lots of food in the area. Snack bar inside and 2 small screens and one big screen ( usually the newest movie)

Me Cook

This place still has that neighborhood theater feel to it. Its comfy and clean and the buttered popcorn is good and the movies are current

Yaeko Sena

Love coming to this theater because of the reclining chairs. Also, Kianna who I usually see working at customer service is so nice!