I love this Theaters' vintage feel, the decent ticket and snack prices (slightly better than what Regal and AMC have) and the surprisingly outstanding sound quality, almost feels like IMAX. But my god, this place needs better management. I don't know how many people are working here, but from what I've seen, they're way in over their heads when it comes to this Theater. My first issue isn't really a major gripe, but it's something I find really suspicious. This Theater enforces a strict "No outside food" policy. I find this rule fishy because I'm already giving this place money for a Ticket and it comes across like they're trying to squeeze a few more bucks out of you. I don't know if they even have the option to let you go into the Theaters without buying a snack. But again, I don't find this to be a huge issue as I don't go out of my way to buy in-house beverages or candy and usually buy a Popcorn at about any Theater I go to. My real problems, however lie within a couple screenings I attended: - I saw a screening of 65. The online showtimes said that this specific screening was starting at 8PM, so I get into the showroom at exactly that specified time and the film (trailers included) did not start for nearly what felt like a whopping half hour and just kept playing plugs for the lobby. I mean, what's going on here? Are the Ticket and Snack vendors just taking their sweet times starting the films or are some of the films just programmed to play pointless bullcrap that goes against the specified times. Please play your films on time. - Also, at a screening of Shazam! Fury of the Gods, there was no sound during the previews. Now I must admit that when someone in my Theater brought this up to the management, they DID fix the issue and even rewound the film so we didn't miss anything. But I must acknowledge that the people working here had several hours before the earliest first screening began, they had MORE than enough time to see if there was anything wrong with the film so it could be ready. What are the people working here doing that could possibly be more important than testing out the films that people pay good money to see? This is a nice little Theater, I'm glad its here, and you'll definetly get your moneys worth if you ever decide to visit, but the next time I have plans to see a movie I'm genuinely excited for, I'm just gonna head down to my local Regal instead.

The building is amazing. I love the cozy, vintage look. However, the staff member I encountered was rude. To open the door of the buildng and ask "What are you here for?" is horrible. Your business is open. I'm here for the event going on right now. What would've been better was a "How may I help you?" Not looking at me and my daughter like we annoyed you by showing up. Then to push by us in the theater barking "I work here. I need to get through. You need to sit down. This is a fire hazard." Then direct us to a row where no seats were available (4 guests, 2 open seats, math isn't mathing). And to fail to even light our way so we could see where other seats might be. Terrible customer experience. I'd love to go back, after the staff has received and applied some great customer service training. It's a drive to get there and parking is a challenge. So making those tradeoffs just to be treated poorly makes no sense, especially since Regal's price point is so close to this.

I've given this theater a few tries to get it right, but its operation is a mess. There is no organization of the lines, so people huddle, bunch, and have to push past each other to get tickets (if you're lucky to get a ticket taker), or to order popcorn and snacks (where the service is slow, and they might also be selling tickets), or to get to the bathrooms (past the huddles masses waiting for tickets and popcorn). Once you get in the theater, seating is not reserved. The chairs are ancient and uncomfortable. On a crowded showing, the usual hassles of finding open seating and shuffling past people still applies. I really wish I could support a local business, but the experience of going to the more modern reserved-seat theaters with better refreshments, beer, and comfortable chairs is just miles beyond what Ark Lodge can provide.

Located in the heart of Columbia City, this theater has to be one of my favorites, hands-down. They've got the nostalgia vibe of a bygone era down to a T. Whenever I had a Moviepass membership (now nonexistent/a defunct company), I would make an effort to go to Ark Lodges at least once a week to watch a film. Parking around the area isn't bad at all, with 2-hour parking just a stones throw from the theater. The major perks that come to mind were that you could bring outside food into the movies! One of the viewing rooms even has couches and loveseats instead of the standard auditorium seating. Talk about an intimate experience! The staff were always friendly and helpful if you had any questions. If you're looking to see a newly-released film without having to go to a major theater like Regal or AMC, then this is the place!

This is the first time i came to the Ark Lodge & i really love it. I love the fact that it's right across from where i live, and that it's close to restaurants. I will be happy to support these locals. I will also recommend it. I suggest if you are looking for a fancy theater with reclyning seats go else where. This place is for people that support their community or just locals, if you want to cut out of a big line at big theaters, or just want to get to know your neighborhood type of feel. My rating is 4 stars because when it got busy i felt like they just gave me my ticket & didn't really explain to me how their theater worked or where things were. Since, it was my first time there. Other than that the theaters were lovely and big enough to enjoy a nice date with my fiance.

Went here for the first time on Sunday to see joker and it was awesome. Super cool, historic building. We got our tickets online which made it super easy when we got there. We bought tickets for Tuesday, realized it wouldn’t work for our schedule and they switched the day for us, no problem. $6 movies on Wednesday. They have the usual pop corn and snacks PLUS full tilt ice cream ❤️ the room we were is was house 1 and I think their largest. 150 seat, regular row seating. My husband have been to the house 2 room and said it’s like watching from your living room. They have couches and chairs instead of the fold out seating. TIP: be early and check your seats before committing. Some chairs have sh*t springs. All around a really awesome local movie theater.

I rented the Prestige Room for my son's birthday. The owner Justin was prompt in providing information about rentals, and replied to my email inquiry right away. For a nominal fee, we were able to bring our own food into the theatre, and we also had access to the concessions to buy popcorn and drinks. My son was also able to choose a movie of his choice for the party, and Justin provided the movie (with advanced notice). The night of the party there was some miscommunication regarding when we could start our movie; but we hashed that out and the evening went smoothly thereafter. I would highly recommend this theatre for anyone wanting to throw a party for a smaller group (we had 12 people).

In addition to being a really fun neighborhood movie house - one of the very last in Seattle - you can rent one of the theaters for a private event. I recently rented their largest auditorium for a private screening of an art video I created. It was a fantastic experience - owner Justin and his employee, David, responded to my request promptly and effectively. They were beyond courteous and helpful in making the event a huge success! Not only did they do a sound check and make sure my video was formatted properly to fit the screen, but they threw in free bags of popcorn. They did not even require a down-payment to hold the space. All I can say is thank you, Justin, and thank you, David!

While visiting our daughter in Columbia City, it was a treat to be able to walk to a movie theater and watch Star Wars, The Force Awakens, especially a closed caption showing. It was a marvelous experience to see many hearing impaired people cheering in sync with the rest of the audience. The screen quality was very good, and the sound system worked great. I am almost 78 and the evening brought back memories of attending movies in the 50s at our very small town theater. Kudos to the management for getting such a film to a small neighborhood theater, and for having the courage to offer a closed caption film.

This is an independent, locally owned theater which connects with the community in authentic ways. Really good people are working to make it nice for you. (Seriously: When somebody wanted to see a film but couldn't manage the stairs, with advance notice the management arranged an accessible downstairs showing.) Keep it going! If you don't live nearby, come early to Columbia City for a fabulous meal at one of the neighborhood restaurants or indulge in coffee-and-dessert at the Columbia City Bakery. Or after the film of your choice, catch some music at the locally owned Royal Room. It's a sweet area.

Pros: Popcorn has great buttery flavor and are often crunchy. Sodas almost taste like they're straight from the can. Students/young people working at the concessions are easy going. Seats are fairly roomy. Decent sound system. Comfortable theater temperature. Cons: Management never comes across as friendly (I've never seen him smile). When busy, line to get tickets and food can get frustrating. Theater has no parking lot. Not enough bathroom stalls. Going up the stairs, entering the large theater can be a hazard because of poor lighting along the stairs. Again, management has lack of friendliness.

Went to check out this spot in my neighborhood with high hopes. Can’t say I loved being ID-ed and bag searched at the door. My bag was confiscated for containing an apple, an unopened bottle of soda, and a small pack of gummy worms that I’d been carrying around all day. I complied, but was put off by this interaction. Seems workers are very concerned with watching/controlling guests. I understand this is a small business (one that I want to support), but I didn’t feel welcomed here at all. All felt a bit over-done for a slow Saturday afternoon.

Location is amazing for us. Friendly staff and concessions are not outrageously priced. Love that they are currently working to spruce up the building's exterior. The theaters themselves could still stand some work indoors too. Namely, the floors need some sort of treatment. They are currently hard, making them acoustically very loud and not cinema-friendly (particularly when patrons seem to have trouble not dropping everything they have), sticky, and the biggest drawback to an otherwise charming and unique place.

Ark Lodge Cinemas is one of a dwindling breed in Seattle. This type of neighborhood theater used to be much more common in the city. Columbia City is fortunate to have one of the best of it's kind left remaining. It's nothing fancy, but the movie selection is usually first rate and the environment of the various theaters is charmingly eccentric. It's clean, the seats are comfortable, concessions are fairly priced, and the popcorn is freshly popped and topped with real butter. What's not to love!

I absolutely love and adore the Ark Lodge Cinemas! We've been going there for movies for a couple of years, and this year, we rented out a theater for a private screening of the Barbie movie for my birthday! It was such a dream to be able to bring all my friends to showing just for us. The theater has the best vintage couches and concessions. Owner Justin and the other staff are incredible, always so helpful and accommodating. We can never say enough about how much we love the Ark!

First visit- to start, as someone who is covid-conscientious I really appreciate their firm proof of vax, mask policy (even when other businesses have gotten more permissive about this.) Experience: the ticket prices seems so reasonable I was confused and the buttered popcorn is legit (I swear I didn't find a single un-popped kernel) Space is cozy and unique- love the indie, movie-nerd owned feel of the theater and friendly, helpful staff. Can't wait to visit again!

Had my purse searched like I was a criminal and my two sips of tea was confiscated and the man doing it treated me like a crook. Did an about face, how can I enjoy a movie after being treated like a criminal for having 1oz of iced tea in my bag. Super police state style. Plus it was vac card AND mask to enter. I used to support this business but, I’ll never be back. I don’t like going to movies and having my person searched. Super weird unfriendly vibes.

This is a small historic theater with lots of history in the community. Freshly popped corn, which I appreciate, and is increasingly rare in theaters. A much more genuine movie experience than you will find in any megaplex. Despite the historic vibes, all the movies show at modern standards with high res picture and sound. (Except for the old retro flicks that are shown in special runs.) Overall, a really cool theater that's well worth supporting!

For such a small building, this theater was showing a wonderful range of films at lots of convenient times. Our theater was small but very comfortable, with a screen big enough to allow us to get a full cinema feel but no bad seats! (Even the front row was placed far enough back to not give neck pain.) Bathrooms were clean and without a wait. Kind and efficient staff. Best little extra: When we bought Junior Mints, they had some in the freezer!

Ark Lodge is a great local theater! I saw the Barbie movie here a few weeks ago with my partner. He and I both had a great experience! The man working the snacks counter was very friendly and kind, and the man working the front door for tickets and directions was very knowledgeable and organized. The theater itself was very comfortable and had great video and audio quality. High rec for anyone in the area to enjoy a night out!

I appreciate how much they care about safety during the pandemic. They require vax cards right away at the door, and require masks inside. They also have purifiers in the theater and have seating capacity at about 50%. I bought my tickets online and checking in was easy, the tickets are also slightly cheaper than the big name theaters like AMC and Regal. Seats were comfy. I'd come back!

It's nice but not the best. I went to see Spectre a few weeks ago. The theater was nice. The sound was clear and the room was cozy. The only things i didn't like was having to climb stairs to get to the theater. I'm used to just walking to the theater door and going in. Also, the chairs are a bit uncomfortable. Besides those things, it's nice. I enjoyed the popcorn.

Went and saw the first showing of The Interview with these amazing people. The theater is and old school treat and the staff is amazing. Thank you guys for making this movie more than just a movie! Clean theater, good clear sound, reasonably priced concessions. If you have a problem with stairs check with management before booking a seat, some screens are up stairs.

I don't usually enjoy going to the movies that much, but Ark Lodge has made me a movie lover again. A rare find these days: a small, local theater, friendly staff, yummy popcorn with real butter, even the ads before the movies are for local businesses. I love this place. Make sure to go to a movie in the Prestige Room: comfy chairs and couches -- awesome!

It's an excellent small theater that is great for events. I went for the Grave Plot Film Fest which was a great time. This theater is incredibly small though so keep that in mind. The audio quality (obviously) isn't up to par with the large chain theaters around Seattle, but that isn't stopping me from going again in the future for some cheap screenings.

The theaters are generally empty which makes the romantic visit even more so. Concession choices are somewhat limited but the popcorn tasted lovely. They do offer home made butter to enhance the taste. As far as the movie itself goes, the theater has nice projection equipment and Dolby Surround 7.1 system. The experience is immersive and very enjoyable.

We keep coming back to this nice historic theater. My favorite is the prestige room with the awesome furniture, but not always get to watch a movie in there. Popcorn is really good, and kids always enjoy themselves. Parking is a little challenging in Columbia City, so get there early, you might have to park a couple of blocks away.

This is a reasonably priced theater that shows newer movies. The seating could be a bit more raised but it works. They also run specials frequently in weekdays and offer accessible screenings for people that are hard of hearing. One extra note: some theaters upstairs are not accessible to people who are unable to use stairs.

Great Experience! Ark Lodge Cinema is a small, independently-run cinema over in the historic Columbia City neighborhood. The rooms were cozy, there weren't too many ads, and the staff were pleasant. Just don't come in expecting an experience like one of those chain movie theaters. Only if I lived closer to this place. . .

I saw The Florida Project there. That movie sucked on so many levels. Then it was hellish to find parking. And there is no wine! You have to walk up the stairs to get to the theater. It smells like old furniture and old house in there. Yuck. And then there is no circulation in there. None! I'll never go there again!

This is not a state of the art theater, but what you get instead is so much more. It's classic, timeless and the community of movie lovers that enter it's doors respect every last inch of this place. Avoid the huge crowds and loud patrons of other theaters and take in a movie here instead, you'll be happy you did.

This theatre is terrific! I am a huge movie buff and I absolutely love the gem this theatre provides. The Prestige Room is where it’s at! The buttery popcorn is out of this world delicious and the prices are awesome! Plus you get all the blockbuster hits! And it’s only a half few blocks from where I live.

Small indie theater house with excellent treats! Their throwback Thursdays are absolutely a blast! One of my favorite spots to see a movie though is there theater upstairs that is full of blue chairs and loveseats! It is this fantastically Cozy Theater where we just watch Spider-Man. Excellent!

Smaller venue, but nice aesthetic. I didn't like having prepaid tickets but needing to wait in line outside to get in along with people who didn't have tickets already. The seats were comfortable and the visuals were good. It has some charm to it unlike the big chain places. Recommended.

Definitely a good theater. Ticket prices are fair. rice crispies, cookies, and ice cream are delicious. And overall the community/atmosphere is comfortable. Definitely recommend coming here if they're showing the movie you wanna see (also popcorn is great with a little extra added salt!)

Clean and nice theater. Restrooms were well maintained. Seats were nice and I felt decent leg room between rows. Easy to find and a short walk from the light rail. Across the street is a deli, bakery, and a Rum bar. If there is another event that I'm interested in I will return.

I love the friendly customer service. I am so glad to have a neighborhood movie theatre. Local businesses make a difference to the community. They have great popcorn...so yummy. Yes, they will layer the butter for you. Very happy to have ice cream & frozen Junior Mints.

Still is a nice neighborhood Cinema. It's small. There is no stadium seating. Floors are sticky. Bathrooms are small. But the projection is good and sound is good. The best thing is that it's a bit cheaper than the megaplex and it shows first run movies.

Gotta love the Ark Lodge! Cool, well preserved historic theater with great prices, delicious Jones sodas, and super friendly staff. Plus it's right in the heart of Columbia City, walking distance from some equally excellent restaurants. Love this place!

I LOVE THIS PLACE! SO COMFORTABLE! And they have 4 theaters inside. They also serve beer and wine! This will be a regular place for me to start going. And with all the eateries and shops in Columbia city you'll surely wanna make an entire day of it!!!!

Takes you a little back in time with it's age but it's a charm. Comfortable, and clean, and the bus stops right at the theater, parking is'nt that good. They show the newest movies, block busters, and never crowed, we loved it. The popcorn is awesome.

From meridian Idaho, never seen anything like it. Weird and creepy but fun sweet and cool. Old school with furniture, like couches and chairs. Screens are small but has a funky feel so didn't mind the atmosphere as it's very different. Average prices.

Most certainly a top level spot film ticket costs are sensible rice crispies, treats, and frozen yogurt are awesome and generally speaking the local area is decent Definitely suggest coming here in case they're showing the film you want to see

Following the rude treatment of our family by the employees in the front, I had to convince my daughter to stay for the movie. She kept repeating, “I don't feel safe here. They’re not being kind. I want to go home.” Not a pleasant experience.

Great theater even though it's small, would recommend since they often have pre screenings of movies before they launch. I watched black panther 1 and 2 before they came out since ark lodge shows VIP customers the movie before it comes out.

Great local spot for movies. There'll always be one or two blockbuster movies, and one amazing film (either critically acclaimed, or independent, or just plain awesome) and the odd cult classic on particular evenings. There's even a room

Ark Lodge is a local gem! Theatre quality is high and the experience of an independent theatre and all its unique qualities makes a trip to the movies all that more enjoyable. Adult beverages and popcorn round out the experience nicely :)

It's such a unique little cinema! Cozy little theater rooms filled with soft couches and chairs for seating. The lobby has a small consessions stand & libations. I would suggest getting there early if you plan on having snacks with your

Teenagers can’t go here w/ out a parent, even to see kids movies. They were rude jerks to our kids, (trying to see Minions), & we had to go down there to get a refunds. Go to Central Cinema instead, it’s a great community movie theater.

The Ark Lodge is by far my favorite neighborhood theater. While the building harkens back to the old days of the Harvard Exit and the Grand Illusion, the presentation is thoroughly modern and uniformly excellent. The snacks are great

Historic (or almost) and beautifully restored cinema. Because of the building's unique configuration each of the cinemas are unique. Good concessions. The place shows mostly first-tine movies in the vibrant Columbia City neighborhood.

Great place to see a film, in a nice old building that's been lovingly restored into a cinema. There's free parking nearby, a nice change from giant parking lots and downtown traffic. The owner obviously cares about making the place

Nothing says friendly neighborhood theater like not allowing teens to watch movies alone and doing bag searches at random will. Edit: gotta love that response of being weirdly proud about making a neighborhood staple less welcoming.

Just absurdly terrible attitude. Lived in Seattle for 10 years and I’ve never been here before until bringing my kids to a movie and the rudeness of the two staff members is shocking. Is this a bit? Is this what they’re known for?

Decent venue, and I do like the neighborhood feel of the theater. Getting into the theater is significantly less pleasant, you'll have to wait in line regardless of buying a ticket ahead of time or not, which may end up having

neat little theater, but the guy at the door and the guy at the ticket counter were hella stressed out and it created such a weird vibe that i would have left if i weren't with friends. i do appreciate the vax requirement, tho.

Awesome theater! 10$ tickets, went on a Sunday so we had the entire theater to ourselves. We had some buttered popcorn and also some chocolate popcorn and both where delicious. We watched Demon Slayer. It was super good!

I love this theater and come here at least twice a month since moving to Columbia City in November. The nostalgia and supporting local businesses beats a reclining chair any day. Can’t wait to rent out the Prestige Room!

Comfortable theater with good sound levels and video quality. Local independent theater in a building with character located in a fun neighborhood. Reasonable ticket pricing. Also, tasty chocolate drizzled popcorn!

There was security present to let us in the building. And the attendant was attentive. We were the only ones in the cinema. It’s a beautiful cinema that was build in 1928. I really appreciated the architecture.

We love renting the Prestige Room and catching old and new movies with friends & fam at our neighborhood theater! Thanks for providing this amazing resource in our South Seattle community, Justin & David.

Very cute old style movie hall. The main screen is big. Good sound quality. Seats are not that comfortable. People are very nice. Def worth watching a movie here. It's in heart of Columbia city

Ark Lodge is Columbia City's own, and only, cinema. It has had a near death experience in recent memory and is now upgraded and working well. We are all glad is is still going. A great place.

Awesome litte theater! Clean, cozy, good foot room. Nice atmosphere. Classic feel, like going to an art theater. Reminiscent of the Grand Cinema in Tacoma. Would see a movie there again!

This is my favorite theater in Seattle. They are very covid conscious, the staff is friendly, and it is rarely crowded. There is a nice community feel to the place that makes it special.

The movie we saw was on the top floor with couches and oversized chairs which made it very comfortable. The size of the screen is smaller than most, but the chairs mase up for it.

I love love love this place, the interiors are so gorgeous and well preserved. Sound and projection is great and the place is well run. I’m always so excited to see a movie here.

Love this spot! Such a cozy community feel. Was great for a date night. The seating was comfy couches and lounge chairs. Would definitely opt for this over a big chain theater!

Great atmosphere and not usually to packed. Popcorn was sublime and service was good. Screen was highly defined and the sound system was bumping at all the right moments.

This is my favorite theater in Seattle! Clean, cozy, and cool. Very thankful they are still requiring masks and proof of vaccination. And you can't beat that price!!

They are very strict about no outside food and they do search bags. Jones soda is cool, but the place is a little old and it seems to attract loud theater go-ers.

Great local historic theater with affordable ticket prices and good variety of concessions/snacks/beer ! We saw the new Spider-Man, the experience was great :)

Amazing local theater with great owners who care about the guests' safety & movie experience. Would recommend 10/10! (Gotta try their chocolate popcorn ) …

I love this vintage small cinema in the neighborhood that shows popular new movies. I've seen Oppenheimer and Barbie there. Great popcorn too.

Really cool independent theater from the early 1900's. Shows new movies and is very convenient to get to on the main strip in Columbia City.

Great location, great setting, excellent popcorn. Local place, historic building, and good films.

Wonderful old style theater, real butter on the popcorn! Great prices

We had a great time at Ark. Jones Soda, real butter on the popcorn.

Great community theater that definitely had a "home town" feel.

Huge theater with comfortable seating