Ark Lodge Cinemas

This is a beautiful, homey, single-screen theater that plays all the major movies - first run - but without the noise, ads, neon and inflated prices of the major cineplexes. But, beyond that, there is something truly "real" about Columbia City theater. It is a community theater and it is common to find neighbors and friends sitting on the big comfy couches in the lobby and forgetting that they came to see a film. A truly family-friendly place, we can take our daughter there without having to run into mass-media cheezy advertising that can make a trip to the movies feel like such an emotional hassle. We love this theater and go to see EVERYTHING they show, whether we want to see it or not, just to support it. As a bonus, there are a handful of great little shops and restaurants popping up in Columbia City. Before or after a film, you can dine at any number of restaurants, shop in a handful of unique boutiques..... At this rate, Columbia City will be the next Ballard..... If you live int he South End, you already know about this gem of a theater. If not, it's worth the trip. more

A nostalgic, classic, and beautifully restored theatre in the heart of Columbia City, on Rainier Ave. just 3 miles South of downtown Seattle. Their movies cater to children as well as adults. more

Hooray for the Columbia City Cinema! The owners haven't skimped on anything - the sound is great, the seats are plush, the waiting area is relaxing. Even more, the food is good and cheap! The popcorn is the best of any theater in the city. And, there are no annoying commercials before the movie starts! This theater is so great I almost don't want to review it because the secret will get out. more

This is a cool little neighborhood theater in a cool old re-vamped building in the heart of Columbia City. It definatlly has the feeling of a labour of love, and whoever took the time to make it into a working theater is awesome. The unusual thing about this theater is that it shows mainstream movies, one at a time, in a venue that one might expect to be showing indie/arthouse flics. I'm hopeing that this fact draws a sufficient amount of business to the theater, because it seems like the sort of place that really needs some regulars and a little publicity to make it work. I strongly suggest giving it a try! more