Kings Theatre

1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA

Address:	1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA
Phone:	+1 800-745-3000
Site:	kingstheatre.com
Rating:	4.5

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Michael Karelis

Kings Theatre is, once again, a Brooklyn gem. Only this time around you wont be paying for popcorn in pennies. I found it a bit presumptuous to expect theatre/concert goers to dish out the hefty wads of cash needed for both entry and (even more so) concessions. Rather than catering to the hard working, low-middle income families of the surrounding Flatbush community, Kings has cast its net further north in hope of wrangling up the more highly valued white-collar elite. I would like to see a bigger effort to make all events at this venue more accessible to those of lesser means. As New Yorkers I believe we have a social and moral obligation to do so and I firmly believe doing so will help create a better city for all. Now that Ive given my two cents on the socioeconomic impact of the reopening of Kings Theatre, let me share my experience of actually visiting this masterfully restored historical treasure. I saw Spoon about a month or two ago. The show was okay, not something Id write home about. The Theater itself stole the spotlight. I had more fun meandering around the lavish halls and taking in all of the spectacular details then standing downstream of puff the magic dragon and his three little sidekicks (security is good, but not that good). There were sooooo many staff members on hand to help with crowd control and seat guests. With such a large venue I couldnt imagine having any less! The lines for concessions were horrifically long and as slow as molasses. My bill for a small glass of red wine, small box of peanut M&Ms and bottle of water rang up to over $20! You can thank the concession company Spectrum for that. But if you can manage to master your munchies, sit sober for some-odd hours and snag a ticket quickly on the cheap, you will most likely have a wonderful time.

Adam D

Beautiful inside, very cool looking, old and magnificent. The lobby area and theater itself are gorgeous. The prices for drinks and food are really high, I was surprised about that. Try to bring your own (not sure if that is possible, they have tight security). The staff was pretty nice from my limited interactions. The seating is very comfortable and everything was clean, including the bathrooms. It kind of feels like they placed Radio City in Flatbush but didnt change the prices. The main downside, and it is a big one, is that the location is not good. It takes a long time to get to from lots of Brooklyn, all of Queens, and all of Manhattan (obviously longer still from the Bronx or SI), and the surrounding area is somewhat gritty. As a result, expect Uber or whatever your app-based cab service of choice is to be sky-high after a show. Like outrageously high, for the reasons mentioned above. For some reference, an Uber two weeks ago to LIC was over $120 after a concert. You can walk a little and try to catch a green or yellow cab, but some might not feel comfortable with that. It is a stark contrast if you are used to seeing shows at the usual list venues in Williamsburg. In conclusion, I dont really want to return because it is such a pain. If I lived nearby I would though, because it really is a beautiful venue and they do book good shows. Or if I didnt care about blowing hundreds on tickets, drinks, and car service.

Dee D

Husband and I went to see Sigur Ros. The venue is beautiful and the concert was worth making the trip out to even though it turned out to be a very hectic evening. Wasnt familiar with the crowd at all but thats okay. I got harassed by a security guard on my way into the building, and my husband saw what happened. We got approached by someone working there who saw me go to the side, very upset. Basically, I filed a complaint for the unusual show of hostile behavior (from humiliating me in front of everyone to stepping on my possessions) that felt traumatic. I did not see people before me or after me experience. My husband was in front of me to pass through the scanners and he did not experience this, but he saw and so did others. The head of security called it what it was, harassment. BUT, three stars for taking my complaint seriously even though I ended up getting to my seat late. I appreciated being able to tell someone and hopefully they had at least a serious talk with that person. They took my number but I havent heard from the place since.

Javier Ariza Jr.

I was born, raised and still living in Flatbush. As a kid, I remember walking by this theatre on my way to Macys on Flatbush Ave. Never would I have imagined that one day Id be sitting there watching one of my favorite salsa performers (Jerry Rivera). The theatre is ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. Its like stepping back in time. But equally as important is the service that a venue provides. The staff at Kings is top notch. Professional, friendly and all smiles! Last night, the performances by Jerry Rivera and Gilberto Santa Rosa were definitely on point. My ONLY issue was the vocals for Rivera were not loud enough at first. After two songs it was resolved. This place has about 6 or 7 bars on the main floor and one on the lower level outside of the restrooms. I did not go up to the mezzanine. Drinks were served with a smile and packed a solid punch. A great night. Already looking into future shows. Well played Brooklyn. Bravo Flatbush.

Matthew R

This is really a spectacular theatre. You dont see architecture like this anymore and I was in awe. I saw Of Monsters and Men here and while I didnt have the greatest seats it seems like anywhere on the lower lever provides a great view and as the theatre isnt huge you feel decently close. Sound was also a high point, the music was loud and clear. It seems like they planned out the renovation well as I didnt see long lines anywhere and had no issues grabbing a beer. Drink and food prices are on the high side, $10 for a 16oz beer isnt horrible but I hear something like $8 for a small bag of pop corn. After the show was over getting out wasnt a problem like it is at some venues and while it isnt the closest to the subways its not terrible to get to.

Kent Field

Went last night to see Experience Hendrix. I didnt know what to expect as far as the neighborhood or venue was concerned.... IT WAS GREAT! There was plenty of parking. The parking lot in back of the theatre was well lit, and there were theatre security staff greeting visitors and making sure our vehicles were safe. Every single one of the theatre staff were courteous, friendly and helpful. What a pleasure! And the theatre is absolutely beautiful inside, as well as clean, and very well organized. I would recommend this venue to anyone! And by the way... the Experience Hendrix Show was awesome... and thats coming from somone who has been playing the guitar for over 53 years!

Susan Torsilieri

Beautiful theatre. The staff was very helpful and courteous. They have bars everywhere you look so no lines and the pretzels and popcorn are an added bonus. The ladies room downstairs is HUGE so no lines there either, and should you have to go during the show, there is a screen outside the ladies room (next to the bar) and the music is piped into the ladies room itself. They have even thought to add cup holders to the backs of the seats. The acoustics were great! The building itself is gorgeous. I would go back there in a heartbeat. (Also, another reviewer mentioned there is only one downstairs bathroom-not true-one upstairs as well.)