Capitol Theatre

We visited for the D23 anniversary showing of A Goofy Movie, which was a wonderful event that clearly was far larger than what the theater was designed for. The auditorium was great, but the staff were completely overwhelmed and concession lines filled the lobby and caused confusion and delays. I expect that this would not be the case for 99% of the theater’s programming, but a bit more preparation would have been helpful. For a smaller event or a regular movie, though, it’s a great place!

Very architecturally pleasing. An old building with excellent seating for the movies. Get a taste for history when you walk in.

I took my sons to the showing of Venom:There Will Be Carnage. I had been to the theater before the remodeling & I've always enjoyed the service,atmosphere & nostalgia. It's always been clean and well maintained. Now with the new lounge chairs it adds even more elegance! And the surrounding Gordon Square district only makes it even more entertaining of an experience before & after the show! So plan your evening.

This is one of only two theaters left in Cleveland (city) and is located in a hip little historic district about 2 miles from downtown. It's owned by the neighborhood development non-profit which saved it from the wrecking ball during an era when Cleveland was in a free fall of decline. They have three theaters; two small (29-seat) and one large (400-seat). The small theaters have full leather recliners which are quite nice. The concessions offer alcohol (mixed drinks, beer, wine) and several locally made snacks (in addition to typical theater food). When you support this theater, you're also supporting the non-profit which provides a lot of affordable housing in the district as well as a lot of other good work in the community. Running theaters is tough these days and the Capitol needs all the support it can get. Your dollars will help support the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood as well as a venue which is an anchor of a historic arts and commercial district in Cleveland. So, if you're in the Cleveland area and the movie you want to watch is playing here, please consider this cool historic theater.

Neat theater that shows interesting films. It's an old-school theater that was converted to show movies. There are 3 screens - one in the large room on the main floor, and two smaller theaters upstairs that were built onto the balcony of the old theater. If you're going to a movie that will be fairly popular, be sure to leave time to get tickets (or buy them online), because they aren't always staffed enough to handle a large rush of people at the box office and concession stand.

What a great place. The main theatre is very nice. Note; there are two levels to theater with no elevator or handicap accessible to the second floor. There is handicap accessible to the main level theater though. Go see a movie there. I'm sure you will be quite pleased. Staff was very pleasant and courteous.

This is a great place to see a movie. It has been remodeled so it has the newest version's of theater seating and sound. Mondays are the discounted day's when you can see a movie at like half the price. They do sell alcohol here if you would like a glass of wine or a beer. This theater is iconic and has a rich history if you have a chance to visit the area take in a movie you won't regret it...

Very neat little theatre. Went here for our 48 film festival.

I thought I had been here before to watch a movie but I can't remember that moment. I did actually come in mid-October 2023 with my friend Gabby so this review will detail that visit which was a special event before halloween weekend. HISTORY -- The Capitol Theatre in Gordon Square is an old cinema that turned 100 years old in 2021. It is charming inside the theatre where movies are shown with a decorative outside building sign. The upstairs where the bathrooms are (there are also bathrooms downstairs) is old and it looks like someone's living room in a house but the simple nature doesn't bother me. There are chairs upstairs where you can sit and eat some of your snacks while viewing old photos of people who were involved in the Capitol Theatre. SPECIAL EVENT (MOVIE MARATHON) -- Who knew a movie marathon was a thing? It sure is. I arrived on the 21st of October 2023 for the 12 hour scary movie marathon. YES, you read that write, 12 hours straight from 2pm to 2am. I wasn't going to go but I brought my friend with me and we made it a fun evening. I hadn't heard of most of the movies so the anticipation slowly built as I waited for the first movie to start. I didn't know what to expect. We both received complimentary tickets. Halfway through the movie marathon, the organizers served pizza to everyone which was included in the ticket. My favorite movie was Final Destination 2 and my least favourite were Slumber Party Massacre and Hereditary. Slumber Party was okay and somewhat funny because the antagonist or killer was hilarious; however, part of the movie was just annoying and it dragged. For Hereditary, I didn't like it because I don't like devilish or supernatural movies. I can't remember the names of the other movies, besides Cabin in the Woods, as I'm writing this review almost a month later but I posted some photos that has a partial list of the movies. FOOD -- I purchased popcorn (medium, I think) and some sweets (candy). Of course, the price was expensive but that is common at most cinemas. My friend also bought popcorn but she bought a soft drink too whereas I bought hot tea. I would love to come to another movie marathon next year, as it happens just once a year, but I don't know if I will make it because 12 hours straight is alot of time out of my schedule. I highly recommend this local movie theatre. **** - 87/150 total reviews in 2023 - 638 total overall Yelp reviews - Reviewed on 1 December 2023

We love to see movies at The Capitol. This theatre is full of nostalgia that you can not get at the bigger chain theatres. After 100 years, it is still well attended. The Capital has three theatres and shows first run movies. We saw Asteroid City in Theatre 3. The new chairs were very comfortable. The air was blasting, so I was thankful I took a sweatshirt. The theatre was almost full for a 4:15p matinee on a Saturday. Concessions are reasonably priced and they offer a selection of beer/ wine and mixed drinks. The neighborhood is also a plus. You can walk out of the movie and choose from a handful of good restaurants. Parking is located behind the theatre in a lot. If that lot is full there is another public lot just down the street. It is a very walkable area. The near west side is lucky to have a gem of a theatre.

Beautiful, classic theater with a big auditorium on the first floor. Friendly staff, clean & well kept facilities, solid projection. I'll be back again soon!

The Capitol is a great place to see a movie, but there are exceptions. The big draw is that this building has a lot of history behind it. The main theater is a grand room with interesting architecture, and you can tell that this is a theater built 100 years ago, and that's just super cool. The drawback is that the other auditoriums are considerably less impressive. They're a lot smaller and the seating isn't anything impressive. But they get the job done, so if you're just concerned with watching the movie you want to see and not necessarily "the theater-going experience" then it's fine. Ultimately I would say if the movie you want to see is whatever the "big" release is at the time, it will probably be screened in the main auditorium, and I would recommend coming to the Capitol to see it.

Yay, What an awesome west side theatre! The theatre itself is charming, the seats are comfy, though old school without recliners (which I personally like because if I get too comfy during movies I sometimes fall asleep), they have great drink options such as cocktails and craft beers, and most wonderfully, $5 movies on Mondays! I love supporting a local business rather than a big box theatre and it's in a great location in Gordon Square with a free parking lot behind the building. I love this theatre and will continue to watch movies here.

Capitol Theatre is one of the oldest theaters in Cleveland. It's a traditional theater with nice aesthetic, taking you back to the olden days when movies first came out. The ticket prices are quite reasonable, and I was able to order online. There wasn't much of a variety in terms of concessions, especially when movie theaters nowadays offer so many different things to chose from. The parking situation is also horrendous, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. However, if you are looking for a retro antique theater experience this is the place!

We watched Elvis here last night, as it's only half a mile from my apartment. Capitol theater is a small unassuming theater in the hustle and bustle of Gordon Square. The prices are very fair, I paid about nine dollars for my ticket. They have a small selection of big-name films, although I wanted to watch Elvis and it seemed like they only had one or two dates available for the screening.

Awesome local theater! Went here for the first time and was amazed by the sheer size of the movie auditorium we were in... it was beautiful! Plus, the matinee prices are so cheap compared to other big name theaters. Great popcorn & snack selection as well.

Just bought 3 tickets to Elemental about 30 minutes ago. Just drove over to find a "closed for construction" sign. Awful trash service.

Recommended Love this place!! I have seen both modern and classic movies here, but I definitely prefer to see the classics. We just attended their "North by Northwest" event and it was just as great as the other events we have attended. Classic Movie Series Tickets:$10 Includes: mini-cocktail (which was delish!), appetizers (cheese, crackers,etc-nice!), classic movie on their main large screen, add your own fun Available for purchase are nice-sized cocktails (mmmm...Long Island) and the general popcorn movie fare. This is a historic theater and it was essentially dead. It was purchased and restored and they kept that classic feeling throughout. My only complaint is that the bathrooms are tiny (really) so expect a long wait!!

What is wrong with me? How have I not written a review of this gem sooner? I love the Capitol Theatre. Of all the Cleveland Cinemas, it's the small, more historic gem that I don't consider to be anywhere close in comparison to their other big box playing theaters. You can catch new movies here, but also see limited indie releases or sometimes vintage/classic movies. I've seen dozens of movies here over the years. I once attended a screening of Pulp Fiction here in the winter and had a wonderful time with my friend. Another time, I was thrilled to see Cold War, a Polish foreign film nominated for Oscars that was hard to catch elsewhere. Keep in mind: it's not accessible to the second floor. Stairs only. However, most screens tend to be on the first floor. I love keeping an eye out for their special events. They have an awesome event called 12 Hours of Terror where they play old horror movies late into the night, and its a total blast! Nothing like Capitol Theatre exists in Cleveland...pay them a visit!

Love this theatre. Wish they had an elevator for us senior citizens or the handicapped. The young man taking money for tickets and making drinks and getting snacks was very friendly and good. He sure could have used some help. He was doing his absolute best. Log jam waiting in line.

The Capitol is my go to movie theatre! Sure, they don't have the recliner seating that most theaters have nowadays, but their movie selection and ticket prices are worth it! And the seats aren't too bad anyway. I'm constantly checking the Cleveland Cinemas website to see what kind of special events the Capitol is hosting. The last movie event I attended was the Meet Me In St. Louis happy hour. I went with my mom as we both love that film and we had a great time! The large main theatre makes the movie-going experience so fun. It really creates the classic atmosphere that I love. The tiny theaters on the second level are great too! Very intimate and small, but there really isn't a bad seat in the place. The parking in the back of the theatre usually has a few spots available. There have only been a handful of times where I had to park further away. And of course, I would be amiss to not mention the benefits of having a theatre at Gordon Square! If I'm early, I pop into The Gypsy Bean across the street for a Passport Latte. If I feel like a post-movie snack, Brewnuts is across the street and Sweet Moses is a hop, skip, and a jump away! All in all, this is one of my favorite theatres in Cleveland. It may not have the fancy movie theatre amenities people are used to now, but in my opinion, supporting local businesses is so much more important than that.

Love this theater this theater doesn't just show old movies it has new movies documentaries indie films it is a great place to come have a glass of wine have beer while you're watching your favorite movie. The architectural Design is more beautiful than any new regal or AMC theater. There are lots of local restaurants to grab a bite to eat before or after your show. Don't forget to sign up for the For the cinema reward program to get more

Capitol Theatre is a great place to see movies. Eventhough the screen in the upper theaters is not as large as new theaters, you do not even notice once the movie has started. Everything is up to date pertaining to sound, picture quality, etc. so it is still an amazing movie experience. I love how you can always get a ticket and don't have to worry about a bunch of teenagers running around on a Friday night. It is great to be able to walk into old world Cleveland. The renovations are amazing, so it is definitely worth checking out. Keep it local and go to the Capitol Theatre!

I like this theater for its historic nature and for the wide variety of films and events they host there. For example they've partnered with Dread Central to show a series of cool/under appreciated horror films hosted by local filmmakers, which is a really cool thing that feels unique to them. Concessions and ticketing all feel pretty standard to the typical commercialized theatergoing experience. My one "complaint" such as it is, is that the theater itself used to be one large movie house that has now been split up into 4 (I believe) smaller showing rooms. The split, however carefully done, has left the seating areas at strange angles to the screens, which can sometimes be uncomfortable or awkward. Not enough to make me stop going, but it's definitely noticeable to someone like me who tries to sit dead center whenever possible.

Great little theater - $7 tickets before 5:00. Clean, spacious seats, love the film they show during previews that tells the history of the building.. They serve beer for only $1 more than a bottle of water. Glad we chose this theater.

I love this historic theater! I can't believe I hadn't been here before. There is one huge theater on the main floor and two smaller theaters upstairs. I saw a movie in the big theater and it was very nice. The place is kept up nicely. Would definitely come back.

A fantastic renovation for a neighborhood gem. The main screen is huge and the seats are really comfortable. The concessions are ok; would love to see more locally made foods. And it could not be more centrally located to bars, restaurants, etc. Too bad the second floor theaters are not handicap accessible. But I get that that's not possible because of the buildings historic status.

Nice cozy lil theater. My only complaint is the lack of choices for drinks. Not everyone drinks soda or beer & fruit punch is for kids, IMHO. Other than that, great place to go & take the kids for kids' or family friendly movies. Had a great time w/the family.

Capitol Theatre is a great movie spot if you're looking for both selection and affordability! In addition to new studio hits, Capitol offers a variety of indie films and classic throwbacks throughout the year. The prices are great -- with matinee options for just $7, and bargain Monday tickets at $5 all day! The seats may not recline, but they're plenty comfortable and spacious. And their well-stocked concession stand serves beer and wine. You can also easily enjoy a great meal ahead of time at one of the great restaurants within walking distance in Gordon Square. I've taken my mom out for indie films, and gone with my husband for date nights... regardless, the night out is always a hit and more enjoyable than the typical crowded theater scene! So if you have checked it out yet -- what are you waiting for?

Yay, movies! I need to do this more often. Being a fairly new resident of Cleveland, I don't have the "before" picture to compare this wonderful new refurbished theater to. Even still, it was awesome. An adult ticket, at $9, was a little steep, but I'm not sure if it's any cheaper in the bigger theaters (as I've only ever gone to the movies during the daytime in the Cleve). The popcorn was really good. I don't take a thing like popcorn lightly. It wasn't too salty, greasy, cold, or chewy. Great popcorn. Everyone was really nice there. The theater itself was kind of small, with the screen a bit askew, but it was ok because it wasn't too crowded and we were able to get a "good seat." As Rob mentioned, the picture and sound quality were outstanding. It's all the perks of a mega-theater in "high def" and all that, without the feeling that your soul's being sucked out. Another good thing? The floors were not sticky in the least. The place is majorly clean. I loved coming here for an evening out, and there are several dining options within close proximity (Luxe, Stone Mad, etc.) to make a whole night of it.

OK--I'm a little late to the party, but hey... that's normal. I mean, my motto just happens to be: "Late for life." And by late I mean I have only been in the upstairs, smaller-size theaters. I just assumed that they were all itty-bitty, but last night Capitol proved me wrong. The first floor theaters are huge, ornate and gorgeous! Also, the matinee prices are where it's at! We had two adults and a kiddie for $19. Not too shabby! What really killed us was getting sodas, but it's not like Capitol has more outrageous prices than any other theater. I just feel better spending my money here and supporting local business. And that just makes any movie experience feel that much better. Oh, and I love the new sign!

We went here for valentine's day to see the movie double lover. Phenomenal movie and loved seeing it in such an intimate setting. This theater is great because they have the two larger theaters downstairs and the two smaller ones upstairs where they normally show more independent movies and shorter run movies. I've been here many times over the years and have always had a good experience. They serve alcohol and mixed drinks as well as regular concessions. Another awesome event they do is Happy Hour Classics. They show an older movies such as Vertigo and then with the price of the $10 admission you also get a small mixed drink and they have appetizers they serve as well. It's a fun time and its awesome to be able to see an older movie in and older movie theater. Also on Mondays they have movies for only $5! Great theater with great staff. Come check them out if you're in town!!

Another hidden jewel in Cleveland. The two upstairs theaters (used to be the balcony in the original grand theater) are intimate. Watching movies in them is charming, and again...intimate. The main theater downstairs is just lovely. Very elegant. Concession stand knows their popcorn. They make it fresh, as opposed to most modern cineplexes. That stuff is perfect. Perfect butter and salt ratio. I took mine home for later. Mmmm. They sell beer! And finally, they show first run movies and old favorites and classics! Perfect. We love date night here. It feels like an event visiting this theater. And no mall rats to bother us! Win!

I never go to movies. The amount of money spent on tickets and concessions alone makes me nutso. BUT... I would see every movie that I could at the Capitol, if I could. How beautiful the space! How friendly the staff! How clean the bathrooms! How easy the parking! How many exclamation points can I include in this review! We saw 'The Artist' in Theater 1 (the main one) and of all the first movies to see at the Capitol, that was the one. Perfection, circa 1932. Old movies, new movies, classic movies, and at its sister the Cedar Lee theater, they show Rocky Horror on the first Saturday of every month is $6 if you dress up. I'd recommend Magenta but that's just me - don't forget the rice. Doctor Scott!

"Hello, Gorgeous!" Renovated and reopened in late fall of 2009, the West Side can now finally claim a movie house of their own, boasting Independent films and late night cult classics, ala the Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland Heights. Now, I must admit, in full disclosure I am rather partial to the Cedar Lee and the East Side in general. Even before I saw a show at the CAP, I had my reservations. How could it possibly compete with the infamous Cedar Lee? Showing foreign, artsy-fartsy, well cultured indie flicks on the West Side?! Blasphemy! Then, I realized, they don't have to compete. Both the CAP and the Cedar Lee are considered joint forces under Cleveland Cinemas. At the same time, both theaters still remain very different from one another. Yes, it's true the CAP can not physically offer the selection and variety found on the East Side. The reason being? The West Side movie house has only 3 screens. The main house (Theater #1) is the largest and according the the Plain Dealer, holds 420. There are also two smaller rooms upstairs that hold about 100 each. For this reason, the CAP offers a mix of specialty & mainstream films. Either way, this gloriously renovated old movie house is by far and away THE place to see that special film. While I can't speak for the smaller upstairs rooms, the main house (Theater #1) was really something to be marveled. The results from the renovations have maintained that old world, nostalgic theater feel from yesteryear, while also cleaning it up a bit. The theater boasts an all-digital projector, capable of showing high-definition flicks. Film aficionado's may still prefer the grain and depth from classic 35mm, but there is no denying the clean, sharp image produced by HD technology. That leads us to the sound. By far, the best audio I've heard out of a public movie theater in Cleveland. The new equipment most certainly deserves some credit, but the overall acoustics of this room deserve just as much praise. The slightly oval shaped room; the soft, velvety red seating; the crimson drapery lining the walls; the tall, but acoustically friendly ceiling. This room would be adequate for hosting the Cleveland Orchestra. Overall, I love what they've done to the Capitol Theater as well as the ideas and passion of the powers-that-be that made this possible. Hopefully it all works out as planned and this theater serves as the anchor in building up the surrounding Detroit Shoreway neighborhood as well as the nearby cultural and nightlife scene.

Party people, I need you to go to Capitol Theater. Well, not all of you because it's never crowded and I like it that way, but it's never crowded and even though I like it that way, I get anxious that maybe they need more patrons!!! This review is entirely self-serving because I LOVE the Capitol so I need them to flourish because it's my favorite place to see a movie on the West Side. This is a sensitive topic for me because two times previously in my life I've had favorite local theaters shut down on me and I can't let that happen again, dang it! Okay, I don't actually have any idea if Capitol needs more patrons but it is an awesome place to check out a movie, so let me go through the pros to help you catch the vision: "Old school theater" feel with ornate decor Stadium seating Not crowded Cleaner than your average theater (no sticky "popcorn/soda" floors) Price! Movies are only $6.50 before 6pm and $9 after Located in a cute little neighborhood filled with great restaurants Tries to play both mainstream "blockbuster" and independent "artsy" films Great weekday deals: Mondays, all tickets are $5; Tuesdays, free popcorn and Wednesdays, 1/2 priced beer/wine (yes, beer/wine!) Support a local business And, most importantly, it doesn't appeal to the tweens (that is, no hoards of screaming youths mobbing the outside like *ahem* some theaters I know...) I'm obviously biased about this place so I can't think of any cons, except maybe they have fewer movies to choose from than bigger theaters would. Also the seats are of the old theater style, not the huge plush seats in new theaters. This is a fun place to take a date or a group of friends and not have to deal with the crowds and hype of other theaters. I recommend parking in the lot right behind the theater on W 65th.

As Rachel mentioned in her earlier review, being new to Cleveland, I was not privvy to the previous Capitol incarnation, but I can say I sure love this version! I was brought here for the last two movies I've seen in Cleveland (Tron and True Grit) and was immediately taken in by the wonderful restoration. The main theater hearkens back to a previous era where people dressed up to go out to dinner and a movie; with classical sconces hanging from the walls and quite the impressive ceiling medallion. The seats were very comfy, the screen large enough to make you feel as if you were in the film (especially with the 3D) and the sound system was as good as any new-built theater I've been in. At our last visit, we were upstairs in one of the smaller theaters for True Grit. Pretty decent screen size but if you happen to be taller than my height (5'4") you probably want to get there early to ensure you sit in the few rows they have with a little more leg space. My movie companion was visibly uncomfortable through much of the show due to the close placement of the row in front of us. I love the indie spirit of this cinema, on select Sunday's they run classic movies in the main theater (at 10 AM) and they also have IFC midnight showings. The Late Shift films presented by Melt are also a bonus (I'll definitely be there for the viewing of M*A*S*H* this month!). If money is an issue, check them out on $5 Mondays or Student Discount Thursdays. Also be sure to browse the flyers sitting by the door on your way out....I discovered one of my favorite musicals will be playing in town for my birthday when I randomly picked up a flyer for the Near West theater. Given the choice, I'd much rather support a local theater than a country-wide conglomerate, and from the size of the audience packed into True Grit this past weeked, it looks like many people in the community are doing their part to support this landmark as well! I anticipate many returns to both the Capitol and the Cedar Lee in these cool winter months.

Great local movie theatre. There are discounts throughout the week, so make sure to check them out before your go. It may not be as comfy as AMC, but it has a lot of character, friendly staff, and fun movie options.

Clean, spacious, nice theater. Plenty of parking around, and you're in a great locatino for ice cream, dinner, or drinks before or after the movie! Prices were really reasonable too, which is nice. I didn't have any of the concessions so I can't comment on that- maybe next time.

A gem. An absolute gem. Even though it's not as comfortable as those new fancy, upgraded theaters. It doesn't have the expansive menu either. The screens aren't as big. The sound isn't as good. But, the ambiance is worth the four stars and the trip to it. And they almost seem like there selection of movies that they put into the theater are why they let the rest go by the wayside. Because when you go to see a film- you're going for the film. Not the fancy accolades the other theaters throw at you while showing you a movie you might feel like you wasted your money on. I have never went to Capitol theater and left feeling like I've just seen a bad movie. And while I could take personal pride in my selection, I also feel like Capitol just wouldn't show a movie that wasn't up to their standards either. And that's why I love this venue. So, you can go to one of the new spots and fall asleep watching a Nicholas Sparks rip-off or you can go to Capitol and see a film that might win some awards. Go into the big theater and feel like you're seeing a stage play or go upstairs into a small theater and try to get the first row of the balcony. First row of the balcony is the best seat in the house, and it's only available at Capitol.

Convenient location in the middle of the Gordon Square arts district, and nice updated use of a vintage theater. I have only been in the main theater, in which the seats are older, as you'd expect, but still reasonably comfortable. Pretty walls and ceilings, though not as decorated or opulent as some. Nice selection of independent movies and events, and they sell beer at the concession stand and had Great Lakes on special, 2 bottles for 5 dollars, which was very nice. Long line at the concession stand but that seems to happen at most of the independent theaters I visit (especially if there's alcohol sales) and at least the Capitol had several people working the counter to deal with it, although one of them seemed to be working in slow motion. I bought an advance ticket online since the movie I was attending was a one show only and a big crowd was expected, but I didn't have a printer handy so figured I would just print the ticket on an automatic dispenser at the theater (the online ticket sales site said this was an option). However, they didn't seem to have any automatic dispensers at this theater, so be prepared to show your online ticket receipt to the ticket office either on paper or on a smartphone. Did not have any problems getting in after showing them the PDF of my receipt on my phone. There is a free parking lot in back of the theater, but it fills up fast for any popular show and is also used by people visiting bars and restaurants in the same block. Not to worry, there is another free parking lot catty corner on the opposite side of Detroit, and still another one about 2 blocks down Detroit, as well as street parking. You should be able to find a spot, but plan to arrive early in case you have to drive around looking for one or walk a few blocks.

My friend lives over on 59th, he asked me to go see Piranha 3D tonight, so I did. Wow, what a great stupid movie. I could not believe how sweet the 3D effects were! The theater was beautiful, a great alternative to the movie theaters in the suburbs. The ceilings are almost as nice to look at as Pirahna 3D. They also play classic movies from time to time as part of their "Late Shift" lineup. They will be showing Jaws as well as Big Lebowski. I know they showed Big Trouble in Little China in the past. Now they need to play the classic, They Live, starring Rowdy Roddy Piper and I can die a happy man.

Beautifully restored movie theater in the hopping Gordon Square arts district. Sign up for a free Marquee Rewards card to earn points towards free refreshments and movie tickets. DEAL ALERTS- Free Popcorn Tuesday for Marquee Rewards Members! Happy Hour Wednesday - makes wine or beer cheaper than a pop! $1 Family Film Series - summer movies for the kiddos

I stopped in to see.... NOPE - not doing that bit because when you sit down to review a theater, please don't bother to mention what movie you went to see - it won't qualify you as anything but pretentious. Now that I have solidified my jerk status, lets move on. Best part of this theater; You don't have to navigate an annoying minefield of spoiled teenagers to get inside, unlike a certain theater further West. The other best part is that they sell beer. Either of those reasons make it one of the best places to see a movie in Cleveland, although they stop selling beers after the last movie of the night starts. Theater 1 is the biggest of the three. Upstairs, if you are over 6' tall, theaters 2 & 3 will have limited seating to accommodate your legs. Comfort aside, the picture quality and sound in these spaces impress me every time I go. Check out the Cleveland Cinemas website to find a schedule of films and to see if they are still offering $5 Movies on Mondays - and try the popcorn because they actually make it rather than buy it pre-popped.

The Captiol reminds me of Glee.. I wanted to like it, I should like it, Everyone around me likes it.. but it just fell alittle flat for me. I love the idea of this theatre, make renovations and keep a historic building rather than building a new 27 screen multiplex theatre.. Believe me.. I do love this idea.. but the Captiol is not the way to do it. I recently went to an opening night of a movie, hoping that I'd be in the large theatre downstairs (I wasn't, so maybe if I go back and get that theatre the review will be different) but I was in one of the upstairs side theatres that to be honest felt like I was watching the movie at home on my televsion - minus the comfort of the couch. I'm not a very tall person, only 5'11, but I felt like a giant peach in this theatre! My legs were scrunched, my butt was numb, and I was freaked out by the small space. Lets talk about one positive of the theatre- other than the idea behind it- the popcorn. Wow. After having popcorn at many a movie theatre I can safely that this was one of the better tasting corns I've had in awhile. There was a perfect amount of butter, salt, and popped deliciousness.

Visited the Capitol for the first time last night to see the Bette Davis/Joan Crawford classic "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane." I loved the preshow which gave background on both the theater and the movie. The staff was very welcoming, they have alcohol at the concession stand, and the bathrooms were clean. Give me all that with classic movies in a classic theatre and I'm a fan for life!

This place is small but has great prices. They have a deal every day M-Th; check their website for the deal of the day. Of course, this place isn't going to play the blockbusters but more of the smaller movies and documentaries. But like most theaters, your wallet will hate you if you stop by the concession stand. The pretzels were not very tasty, and sadly they only had Pepsi products (for those who know me, I'm a huge coke fan). The seats were small but fairly comfortable. It definitely has an "older" feeling to it, but luckily the aisles weren't sticky or gross. It's not stadium seating, but I had no problem seeing the screen (it also helped that the theater was only 20% full). Ample free parking in the back! A rarity in high demand places in Cleveland. :)

As an independent theater, they obviously don't have the newest movies all the time, but I think that's one of the things that makes this a "fun" theater. Every time I go here, the people at the ticket window are so nice. Last night I went to a show and it was my first time being in the theater on the second floor. It was for the new Captain Phillips movie, and while really not that many people attended for a newer movie on a Friday night, the upstairs theater was very small... hard to find a "good seat", so if you know that you're going to end up in that one, I would try to get there early. Many people love that they sell beer here, which I really don't get because then you'll be needing to use the bathroom in the middle of the movie, and maybe more, right..!? It is a clean theater with a very nice staff. One time they had started a movie too early by mistake and at first I was upset that I missed the beginning, but they made it right by restarting the movie for everyone so those who were still on time but had missed the beginning got to see the entire thing. I go here whenever I can! They have a great old-time movie theater atmosphere.

Came here for a pre-screening of Elysium last week and it was an enjoyable experience. The theater has charm and character. The ceiling in the screen room looks beautiful! Although this is an old style theater their electronics are updated. The projector was sharp and sound was very good even though I was in the rear side of the theater. I believe there are happy hour specials before 8pm on Wednesdays (beer and wine are half off). The theater also plays classic movies from time to time. Parking may be an issue on busy nights since the adjacent lot is a bit small.

I'm not exaggerating when I say that this is my favorite place to be in Cleveland! Even if I'm not dieing to see a particular movie I will usually still go just because this theatre is such a joy! I was impressed that they were able to fit three screens in a building of this size. One large on the first floor and two small on the upper. The large theatre is really beautiful as the whole building has been renovated in a historically sensitive way. Comfy velvet like seats with ample arm room, screen curtains, and crown molding accent the room. The two upper rooms are small screens but still offer a theatre feel and it is just as easy to lose yourself in the movie. The seating in the upper levels is a tad snug even for a relatively short and petite girl like me. Bigger and taller patrons might not be as comfortable there. The bathrooms are very nice, also tastefully decorated, and always impeccably clean (and I'm some what phobic when it comes to germy public bathrooms) The concession stand was another pleasant surprise! I'm a popcorn snob and it is some of the best theatre popcorn I have ever had! The candy didn't seem as expensive as it is at other theatres. The selection of beer and wine was slim but what they do have is of good quality at a very reasonable price. The staff has always been very polite and helpful. They do an excellent job at making you feel welcome, are knowledgeable about the movies they show, knowledgeable about the food they serve, and keep the theatre incredibly clean. The variety of films can't be beat! They stay long enough for you to be able to catch them, even if you have a busy schedule. But they still rotate them frequently enough that there is almost always something new to see. I'm very appreciative of the fact that they carry a variety of first run Hollywood films, independent films, classic movies, and modern experimental movies. I've been waiting so many years for a theatre like this to come to the West Side, and it finally has! I hope they are around for generations to come!

Gordon Square offers both theater and movies for entertainment. The Capitol Theater has done some things very well. It has restored the downstairs beautifully. No multi-screen offers a better movie watching experience, from sound, to comfort, to the classic decor. The concession stand is geared to those who visit Gordon Square meaning adults. Where I think the Capitol scores poorly is its upstairs theaters and its movie choices. The upstairs theaters are small and as attractive and as comfortable as a community college lecture hall. Admission to the upstairs should be discounted. There is also no elevator. I recently went with a friend who is temporarily on crutches and hated watching him struggle up and down the stairs. I asked someone why they have no elevator and was told the Capitol is an historic building. Hogwash. So is Terminal Tower. I guess ADA exempts those claiming historic renovation. I still find myself not going to the Capitol which is closest to my house, but over to the dreaded Cedar and Lee area which means a long drive, heavy traffic and limited parking. The Capitol offers big box office movies. Yes, they do offer some independent films, but usually for short engagements at odd times. Yes, they do offer an abundance of documentaries but I want to be uplifted not pulled down by film makers who warn of the dangers of their particular cause. Gordon Square is an area with a gay community center, a hot dog "stand" serving beer, a theater that presents daring productions, and an ice cream store that has no special treats for children. Gordon Square is for adults. This leads to my criticism of Capitol Theater. Management consistently uses the limited space to offer family movies in an area not very family oriented. I hope the next time managers or board members or whoever makes decisions for the Capitol, as they eat a slice of Island of Lesbos pizza at Latitude they get it. I hope the next time they watch a handicapped person labor up the stairs they get it.

This place is a shining example of what Cleveland needs to start doing in the future if we're going to keep our city strong. Instead of fleeing to the suburbs and building new places, we need to revitalize, renovate, and rehab the great buildings that we already have. Allowing the Capitol Theatre to fall into a permanent state of disrepair would have been a major crime, and I'm glad that some forward-thinking individuals invested the time, money, and effort into restoring the Capitol Theatre to its past glory, because this is a heck of a place to see a show. (Sorry for the rant, I couldn't help myself...) I've only seen a movie in the main theatre, so I can't comment about the upstairs theatres. The main theatre is simply magnificent--the screen is huge, the sound system is superb, and there is actually a decent amount of leg room for those of us taller folks. The concession stand serves beer and wine, which is always a nice touch. Additionally, like the other cinemas in the Cleveland Cinemas chain, they have a student discount. I do appreciate the fact that they have free parking lots spread throughout the Gordon Square area too--things like this encourage visitors to come back and frequent the many great businesses and cultural establishments in the area. Like many other areas on the near west side, the area around Gordon Square is an up-and-coming area, and I hope that it continues on its upward trajectory. It's a shame that they only have 3 screens here, because I would love to see more movies here!

This is a really fantastic old building. It's very charming and it makes for an experience that is good for more than just the movie! Obviously it's a bit small so your choices are more limited and it's not the fanciest theater so the seats are not amazingly comfortable or anything. However, what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. It's also reasonably priced and has even cheaper tickets on Mondays!

Ridiculously poor customer service and experience here right now. Lion king is now 20 minutes late in starting. Customer called from his seat, I walked down and they seemed surprised it hadn't started. Wife walked down and someone just came up to say they were working on it.

This place is truly a gem...an old time theater that lives up to it's name...a great place to see more obscure movies, as well as some first run ones, too. They host different fun events which are all great. The seats are not the most comfortable, but what else would you expect? You can have wine or beer while watching a movie so that is always fun, too.

Love this theater. It's my favorite in Cleveland. The interior is classically beautiful and they always have a great selection of Indie movies. They also show some of the great classic flicks.

The Capitol Theatre is the Westside's answer to the Cedar Lee Theatre. They show both mainstream and indie/art house movies. I particularly love that Monday's are $5 movies. They will also have some great films for midnight showings like Death Race 2000, Fight Club, and many many others. If you're a film enthusiast this is a place you should get to know intimately.