Admiral Theater

2343 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USA

Related:	gurnee theater
Address:	2343 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, USA
Phone:	+1 206-938-0360
Site:	farawayentertainment.com
Rating:	4.1

Location

Photos 98

Reviews 10

Jon Conley

The Admiral Theater is a historical staple in West Seattle. It has typically been a "budget theater" where you go to see a film after the main theatrical run, to save some money. And thats cool. Its nice having that. But theyve recently announced that theyll be expanding the theater, renovating, and converting to digital. Theyll have four screens by the end of the renovation, which will allow them to screen new releases. One really major downside is that theater is alarmingly invasive and paranoid about "outside food and drink"; which must mean that they are hurting for cash. They insist that you empty out your bag in front of them; or they will pry into your bag, open zipped pockets, and frankly, cross some boundaries in terms of what is socially acceptable to do in this situation. In my case, I had a sealed bag of dried mangoes and a bottle of water. I always have some dried fruit and water in my bag, and the woman at the front desk insisted that I throw it out or take it back to my car (assuming I drove). I assured her that I would be doing neither of those things, and that she could refund my ticket or let me go into the theater. She scolded me and made me promise that I wouldnt eat my dried fruit. I asked if there was any for sale and there wasnt. Stupid. Concessions are comically overpriced (popcorn is probably the only thing that makes any sense, given that you get a refill). But thats the theater business, I suppose. Its also part of the reason more and more people are staying home. You shouldnt be paying take-out prices for a crappy hot dog and a tiny fun-size box of candy. Why cant there be an even remotely healthy option? Why cant you at least pretend that youre not putting the screw to your customers with your 500% candy mark-ups. And more to the point: why are your theater employees allowed to rummage through my belongings? No other theater around here does that. Another downside - which theyd said theyre going to address over the summer - is that the theater has very poor circulation and ventilation. In a screening with only about six people in the theater, it was uncomfortably hot. I cant imagine what it feels like during the summers (before the renovation). Still, if you can deal with those annoyances, it sounds as if the theater is in for some overdue improvements this year. I recommend checking it out versus paying the park at Westlake (even if finding spots along Admiral an California proves quite difficult).

Robert Flor

We always bring cushions and highly recommend it when seeing a film at the Admiral. Ive been to this Theater many times over the past 30 years. Its quirky and not always well maintained. Bathrooms need a severe upgrade. Almost too many seats for only 2 films. Be nice if they figured a way to spit space and add two additional screens. The prices are fine...actually below market. I understand they are in the process of upgrading the place. I hope this works. The population growth and location in West Seattle certainly deserves an improved venue. Im crossing my fingers theyd take a page from Sundance Theaters which have done multiple upgrades of older theaters around the country. They do an excellent job of upgrading, adding new seating, restaurants & wine bars.

A Private User

It is what it is....2nd run movies at a fairly rundown theater. If I REALLY want to see something when it first comes out, and the experience will be enhanced seeing it on a huge screen with a perfect sound system, then I go to the regular places and pay 10 - 15 dollars. 80% of the time though, that isnt the case. I can wait until it gets to the admiral and save a lot of cash (especially if it is a date), AND enjoy being able to watch the movie in a relative empty theater hall. It is no better an experience than you should expect, but contrary to the negative posters might lead you to believe, it is no worse either. You get EXACTLY what youd expect considering you are paying 50+ percent less.

Brent Unger

I can forgive the fact that this beautiful old building is a little rundown, the seats arent that comfortable and the screen and audio are not the most high tech and modern but I cant forgive filth. Looking closer at the details, you can see that whoever runs this place doesnt care enough to do something as simple as keeping it clean and putting away clutter. If I were the owner of this magnificent, historic structure, I would be there personally making sure every little detail was just right. It doesnt have to be expensive renovations. Something as simple as making sure the place is spotless can make a huge difference. I hope they read this and get a clue.

Andrew Berube

As a native West Seattlite, this theater is much better than it used to be. Typical prices for movies and concessions but with improved seats and sound (they were terrible before the remodel) as well as supporting 3D movies. They went from two screens to four during the remodel, which means smaller screens and less seats per theater, but it was necessary to keep this historic West Seattle landmark running. They are also keeping as much as the old-timey vibe and architecture as they can which is the biggest appeal to the Admiral Twin, or is it The Admiral Quad now?

Celeste Barquet

I understand the concept of having a landmark vintage feel at this movie theater, however there is a way to keep the retro style but still modernize it slightly. As others mentioned, its quite filthy, the seats are SUPER uncomfortable and it actually smells old and musty. I like that its a small theater, and especially like the convenience of it since I live just a short distance. The price should match the decor, they need to bring cost down unless they plan on updating.

Kiki Penoyer

Do not believe the people hating on the Admiral Twin. The Admiral Twin is the actual best. Everyone who works there is the nicest and they love this damn theatre so much. The decor is very retro and charming and fun. Theres also a tiny balcony up at the top, maybe ten seats or so, where you can bring in the $5 pints and watch your movie with an ice-cold beer in your hand. If that does not speak to you then I dont know what to tell you but you probably hate fun.

Melissa Anne Hedwall

I was really looking forward to a privately owned, one of a kind old theater experience. Oh, it was old. And the bathrooms smelled like pee that has been sitting for years. The whole place was run down and in a state of disrepair. It was not nice, or quaint or comfortable. It actually kind of depressing. Also, a word of warning: If you have an junk in your trunk (a fat ass) or a wide back, the seats will be very uncomfortable.

Amy Loo

Admiral is always my first choice of theaters, Ive been going there since the early 1980s. Love he "Old Theatre" feel and its nice to support a local landmark. My grandfather owned the Broadway theater on Capitol Hill back when it was a theater, the Admiral gives me a feelings going home. Im so glad they were able to keep it open as I recall a couple if rough patches where we almost lost it. Ill be going again on Saturday!

Mike Rosenzweig

Was running late to a weekday afternoon movie, to which my wife & I were the only ones in attendance. The movie already started, but the awesome staff restarted the movie for us. Such a gesture indicates how awesome the staff is, and how accommodating. We appreciated that because in our many years of movie-going no theatre has done that for us. Also, The recent renovation has dolled the place up quite a bit as well!