I've been here countless times and it's always fun. It's a great community atmosphere where you can hear everyone else reacting to the film. The pricing is great and the employees actually seem to enjoy their job. Park in the large lot across the street behind the grocery store! read more

Esquire Theatre - Inside Hallway - Cinema Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Atmosphere is cozy, and definitely you'll feel the 70-80's movie scenes! This mini theatre isn't big, but you'll feel nostalgia! read more

Esquire Theatre - A small mini theater, and feel 70-80's movie scene. but atmosphere is cozy:) Came see a Japanese movie that is nominated for Oscar. - Cinema Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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New and Indie Movie House that brings you back to a time when the movies was an experience! It's small (TWSS). Let's get that out of the way. However, it's unassuming at first look. I actually don't know how many theaters are within Esquire, but there are several. If you're going for your reclining seats, your drink holders, you craft cocktails and beer..... go somewhere else, Yuppie. If you're going for the experience of seeing a movie and soaking it all in, go to the Esquire Theatre. They play Independent, New Run, Foreign and Retro movies primarily. I've even gone and seen Animation Festival Collections. Their selection changes weekly, so visit their website for the latest and greatest. You can purchase tix online, but they also have the old school box office window, with a live person, at the front. Literally a box office! Once you enter, you're greeted by the smell of fresh delicious popcorn. Freshly made and, if you so desire, with REAL butter. Yes.... REAL butter! Not some butter flavored "liquid". They have a modest candy offering along with drinks. But you know what they don't have? Pricing that makes you reconsider choices in your life or having to check in with your financial advisor before you buy a small popcorn and drink. I don't know the prices off the top of my head, but I can say that when I buy a small popcorn and a drink, I don't have the urge to angrily ask the person behind the counter if they "are feel good about what they're doing". Reclining seats? Nope. Drink holder? I don't know, maybe. Stadium style seating? No...you're not at a stadium. Plush comfy cusiony seating? Not a chance. Old school flip-down movie house seats? You got that right! And they are fantastic. Look... I'm not boarding a nine hour international flight. I'm going to see a movie. I'm fine with a regular movie seat. The theaters aren't big either. This isn't a complaint. If I really want to see some highly intense visual masterpiece of a movie, then sure, I might got to one of the "big theater" theaters with their IMAX Dolby-riffic Deluxe 8D Aural Experience to sodomize your senses. But, those usually aren't my jam, and that's just me. I like a good movie. The Clifton area is what it is. It's artsy, quirky, independent and fun. It's a great atmosphere and, in my opinion, The Esquire is the heart of Clifton. The way that way-back-when marquee juts out from the building with it's big bright bulbs ablaze that's telling of what's playing NOW. It's a work of art in itself and always a great experience. Would I go back? Hell yes. It's my first choice for movies that I cannot always find elsewhere. Much of the Esquire's selection doesn't always play at "big box" theaters. Sure, they play some of the first run new movies, but they offer so much more than that. Make a night of it, in Clifton. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance to choose from. Have dinner, maybe check out a few of the independent shops up and down the street and then head to your movie. It will be a great night. Pro-tip: Watch the parking. You can park on the street, but be mindful of the signs. You can use whatever parking app it is (I can't remember) and max out the time. I do believe you can extend it right from the app, should your movie run longer than your parking time limit. There are also various parking lots. read more

I just went here for the first time and it was lovely! Everything felt very festive and vintage. Staff were friendly and helpful. Seats were comfortable and bathrooms were conveniently close. I recently saw the Backrooms here and would recommend checking out horror films in this space. Would definitely come back again! read more

I have given a few five star reviews lately because we have had some great experiences. I have a special place in my heart for old movie theaters and the Esquire is perfect in my eyes. We saw Dicks The Musical, because of Nathan Lane. Although I would not recommend the movie I would absolutely recommend the theater. It is over 100 years old and offers that bit of nostalgia. It appeared very well maintained. The seating is comfortable without encouraging a nap and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. We were in a smaller theater in the back. You could buy your concessions upfront and they have a full bar on the way back to the theater. It appears they have mainstream movies in addition to many special events. I would choose to see a movie here anytime. read more

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I love this theatre. Watching a movie here is so much more special than an AMC or other mega-corp. i am always happy to spend money here and enjoy a night at the movies. read more

Quite possibly one of my favorite places in Cincinnati. The Esquire always has interesting films to offer. My absolute favorite, though, are their special events. I've gone to see Gremlins, Elf, and Jesus Christ Superstar. For Elf and Jesus Christ Superstar, the event was interactive, with people wearing costumes and getting into the spirit. Jesus Christ Superstar was a sing-a-long and was shown on Palm Sunday. We were giving goodie bags with a palm frond, a cow bell (for the farm animal scenes), and peace sign necklaces. I had an absolute blast! read more

I went to Rock Horror for the first time last night and the Esquire Theatre was amazing great experience. There were two wonderful people at the snack bar (Seth and Dean, I believe) who were very engaged in helping not just me but also other costumers. I felt very welcome and it was fun getting to chat with them. The popcorn is delicious, the seating was comfortable and spacious, and the event was so fun! I highly recommend catching a show here. read more

Nice little quaint spot in Cincy about 5mins from the of UC campus. Small but yet homey gives me the feel when I was in high school. Came to see Bob Marley read more

My family and I went to the Esquire Theatre for an interactive showing of White Christmas. I had never been to this theater before and wasn't sure at all what to expect with this kind of show, but it was wonderful! For about 30 minutes, they had various Christmas characters come out and perform a little live show, then go over what we needed to do for the interactive parts. They also handed out little baggies of fake snow that we were to toss in the air during certain parts, but we noticed that some people had brought their own as well, and I'm not jealous of the people who had to clean all that up! It was a nice family holiday event and we plan to return next year! My only complaint is that they run the showtimes so close to each other that everyone has to wait in the lobby for the theater to be cleaned and we were only allowed in about 15 minutes before the show started. That lobby is tiny and you have 100 people crammed in a very tight space with nowhere to go. I'd recommend spacing the showings out more so people could enter the theater at least 30 minutes before the show. read more

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This is not so much a review. Rather, it is a public service announcement. (The Esquire is a funky little theater though! I recommend it for catching movies where you learn the history about words and situations like the one I tell below.) If you haven't seen Gaslight on Turner Classic movies or at a second run theater, like The Esquire, I recommend watching it. It stars Ingrid Bergman as Paula, the once promising singer who becomes the wife of a crook (unknown to her). The crook husband convinvces her over time that she is losing her mind to get to jewels hidden in her home. It is a classic story that, unfortunately, rings true today! There is a term in the corporate world called "gaslighting". The name and "brainwashing" tactics are derived from this movie. Management convinces an employee, who may be a rock star but now a target for elimination, that they are: doing sub-par work, not as good as another employee, or responsible for business issues/declines completely out of the employee's control. The employee may be constantly called out for or questioned about trivial or nonsensical business problems in meetings, or forced to complete unrealistc goals in an unrealitic time, etc., etc., etc. Don't be naive. It is a form of bullying. Those of us who are younger Boomers or older GenX are targets now for gaslighting. Please be aware that this really happens in the workplace. read more

Esquire Theatre - Ever heard of gaslighting? Like, someone was "gaslighted" and eliminated from a job. It originated from the movie "Gaslight". - Cinema Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

For a great experience in a retro theatre setting, can't get better than the Esquire. Add to that the awesome bar right inside and also back among the screens! Very cool. Only took a star off because the show I went to was a music focused production and sound was a little off. May have just been me (or the bar's fault, ha!) but I'll be back for the next offering of nowhere-else-to-find showings! A Cincinnati gem! read more

Esquire Theatre - Retro! - Cinema Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Not quite an indie theater but more of a reminder how theaters used to be. Old fashioned marquis, concession stand, small no frills theater rooms, and even a bar. The most recent time I visited it seemed the screen quality has improved. Love this spot and will continue to return. read more

There's something about the Esquire Theatre that fills the heart with nostalgia. If you're every lucky (or unlucky) enough to score a date with me, chances are, at some point I'll suggest catching a film here. Why? Because this is the most adorable date spot to catch a movie. Are the seats the most comfortable? No. Are the screens the biggest? No. But when it comes to charm, The Esquire Theatre has all the others beat. You'll catch some mainstream films here, but usually, you'll find lots of indy films here. Whenever there's an indy film that I see clips of online that catch my attention, I almost always turn to the Esquire, knowing that it'll hit their screen first in the area. Sometimes, this is the only theatre in the area that I can find some of those films. If you have never been to a movie at the esquire, it's a must-visit. read more

Esquire Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I love the nostalgia of this 110 year old theatre. What a cool experience to watch a modern movie in a historical theatre! Very clean and overall wonderful experience. read more

Esquire Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We've seen two movies there now. Technically more like 1.1 movies. From what we've seen, the main auditorium, and only the main auditorium, is adequately technically set up for movies. We saw Everything Everywhere All At Once in that one, and it was fine! It went well! The staff was friendly, the concessions were solid, the screen was... decent? And the sound was functional. Not so with our second showing! We went to see the Northman, literally tonight, in auditorium 5. And it was bad. Sincerely just bad. Staff were nice, again. Concessions were decent, again (though the popcorn was slightly more stale this time). But the screen this time, was substandard. The picture was just a little too dark, nothing I haven't endured at a theatre before. Standard "we haven't upgraded our projector in ten years" problem. But the picture was off center and slightly tilted, and the curtains weren't even all the way raised. We brought this up with staff, and they finished raising the curtain, and nothing else really. And the sound! The sound was genuinely the worst I have ever heard in any theatre, ever. Home theatres included. The mids were absolutely blown out, completely peaked, and almost everything else was inaudible. The treble was tinny and weak, and the base was easily the quietest and most effete I've ever heard. Just awful, genuinely an intolerable viewing experience. We left during the first 20 minutes because we honestly couldn't tolerate it any longer, and we wanted to catch a showing at a half way decent screen before the night was over. I appreciate the independent small-business theatre vibes, but wow. I want to like this place so much but if they can't make the actual experience of watching movies go well, then what good is it? read more

If the Esquire doesn't show a film, I will most likely wait until the DVD release to watch it...if I want to see it at all. Great films. (Art house!) Real butter. Generous wine pours. What more does a woman need? read more

Today I did what I love to do on a rainy day watch a movie. I enjoy watching a movie at the Esquire. The theatres are small and the movies are unique. They are usually independent movies not playing at the bigger theatres. The popcorn is always yummy and buttery. The only downfall is finding a place to park. There is a lot across the street. This place is very nostalgic. Enjoy the show!! read more

Esquire Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

If I'm being honest, I come here for the popcorn. Was surprised to see they were showing Queen and Slim at a great time on a Saturday night. I'd been here before, years ago, but my date had never been. Coming in, I saw they were selling tickets at the concession stand which is good cause it's cold outside, but the line got pretty long. I also had to wait for hot popcorn to be made so I sent my date ahead to grab seats for us. Just a note, they don't show many previews because by the time I got the popcorn (it took maybe 8 minutes) the movie and got into the theater, the movie had already started. This isn't a multiplex. No cushy seats, and the sound system could certain use an upgrade. Still, there's something delightful about this theater. Even having to park on the street made me happy that I didn't have to walk through a giant Scooby-Doo land parking lot. read more

Excellent facility, great selections, nice staff, pose to home, hey, what's not to love?

A nice little theater in the heart of Clifton Gaslight. The Esquire shows a mix of independent films, blockbusters, and those in between. The screens are small and the audio is fair - especially during previews - but for the convenience, charm, and location, I'm for it. If you want a higher-end technical experience, go elsewhere. If you want the best of Clifton and Cincinnati, come here. read more

Terrific theater with a retro feel. Like this atmosphere much better than the chain theaters. Great popcorn, too!

What a cool little theater! Honestly one of my favorite stops in Cincinatti. It's not like the huge digital multiplexes DON'T have their benefits but there's something to be said for an old school, smaller scale vintage style theater with film in the can and ticket prices that are relatively sane. And snacks--concessions, etc. including killer cupcakes and mixed drinks/beers that are FAIRLY priced? C'mon! The real cherry on top for me was that we could see cult/indie/classic films. The weekend we were in they were showing Japanese action-horror/cult jewel "Battle Royale" as well as John Carpenter's "Escape From New York". We wanted to do both but time allowed for just Royale and it ruled. read more

One of my favorite theaters in all of Cincinnati. I don't get out to it nearly as much as I should. This is the go-to theater for art house films in the city. Structured like the theaters of the past, without stadium seating, let alone reclining chairs, its very charming in a nostalgic kind of way. I've never gone to an "event" here but they all seem like a lot of fun. Especially their Rocky Horror show..I definitely have to check that out one of these days. The movies that play here are the real draw. Some off the wall, some strangely charming, some way waay out there. I've seen some really good stuff here. Overall just a great theater to have locally, Cincinnati is really lucky to have a theater like this. read more

Esquire Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Yay to Esquire for old-timey fun and making going to the movies feel special again! Saw Blue Valentine with a friend and had a really good experience. Parking was a bit tricky, but everything else was great. I loved buying my ticket from the vintage outside booth under the marquee. Yes, it was $9.25 admission, but I can understand the markup being necessary because of having less seats to sell with the smaller theater capacity. A student ID will get you in for $6.75 though. Also, when you sign up for their e-newsletter, you can print a coupon for a free small popcorn. We got there a few minutes late and had to sit in the second row, but it wasn't bad at all compared to when you can't get the stadium seats at the bigger places and are stuck staring straight up at the screen. This was the only theater in the area still playing Blue Valentine and I'll definitely go back for other smaller-scale films. Also a huge plus: a more 'refined' crowd, at least in our show. I didn't hear one cell phone go off, no loud talking, and no chair kicking. read more

Best popcorn, ever! Seats are pre-stadium comfort, which isn't the best but still comfortable enough to sit through a movie. Cold air conditioner. read more

I go to esquire or marimont theaters about 2 times a week. Their popcorn is GREAT and the atmosphere has such character - like theaters I grew up with. read more

Somebody told me that this place is really old and it is not a good movie theater. He was right that it was old, it is over 100 years old but it is modern at the same time. It is worth the bargain Tuesday which make the ticket price only 6 dollars per person. I was actually surprised by how clean the movie theater was and how kind the employees were. The movie rooms were a comfy size and not too big. read more

Esquire Theatre - inside of the movie theater - Cinema Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Esquire theatre along with its two sister theaters is keeping the real cinema alive in the USA. I have always been biased for the theaters more active in making film as a cultural phenomenon like an opera or art meuseum. Film is after all an art form that integrates all the great forms of art that define human culture over centuries. Commercialization of the cinema houses has provided an audience to the blockbuster culture of hollywood. It is very important for the overall business of films but the real joy is watching the masterpiece made across the globe and not just the big budget superhero film! I have always enjoyed films made by independent movie directors (By independent I mean the ones who truly make great movies without worrying about the commercial aspect) but it is always very difficult to find those movies screened at big movie theater chains. Esquire theatre serves as an oasis of great movies in Cincinnati. They have small halls, digital projection, great sound systems and mostly respectful audience. They have student discounts and special screenings for children. They serve wine and beer and of course pop corn. Overall complete entertainment for the family. read more

It quirky with character, like most of the movies you'll see. This locals theater chain is designed to carry more independent films, midnight showings of Rocky Horror and Sing-a-long with Grease nights. While the atmosphere was clean, the venue felt too 20th century for 21 century prices. I like supporting local and will probably be back when the Sundance movies release to the US, as I am sure this is a good venue. However, compared with pricing, the 4XD bar service chain theaters, this venue is not worth the off street parking. read more

Esquire Theatre - Feeling hip and trendy. - Cinema Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Esquire Theater is a true gem in the Gaslight District. Nuzzled right in between restaurants and quirky shops, Esquire delivers great entertainment value to the area. This Art Deco style movie theater is exactly what you would expect it to be. They offer a nice array of different genres with a focus on independent films. In addition to box office hits and off the wall flicks, Esquire premiers film festivals and frequently shows throwbacks. The inside is not overly impressive, but they have all of the movie essentials. Popcorn, candy, and even cocktails for our friends that are 21+. It is the perfect theater to sneak away and see a movie on your own (especially a good tear jerker). This makes a great spot for a casual movie night alone or even a date night. There are bars and restaurants surrounding the theater making it ideal for a one stop night on the town. read more

The art movie house in Cincinnati before indie films became mainstream. You can always find a variety of films to suit your fancy. No nonsense theater nothing fancy, you're there to check out good indie films. Recently they started having special film nights, I attended the sold out Sixteen Candles screening & had a great time with friends. They even served special Molly Ringwald drink at the back bar with a candle stir for the film. The Esquire is one of the few places around to catch the Rocky Horror picture show every other Saturday night at 11:45PM lets do the time warp now. read more

While in Cincy one day, a friend and I randomly came decided to see the Jimi Hendrix movie. Through a goggle search we found Esquire 6. What a cute, nostalgic theatre! I love the exterior because it's a historical theatre. The interior is nice and simple. As soon as you enter the building you will find the restrooms and concession stand. We went to a 5:45 showing. Tickets were only $7. The staff was ok. A bunch of young kids trying pass time. I like how you can grab a free poster for upcoming movies. The Hendrix movie was shown in a 68 seat theatre. So small, but it worked. Enjoyable movie by the way. My only complaint is that another patron brought in a service dog. I'm not sure why the girl at the ticket counter didn't notice the when these people entered the building. The movie started, then they decide to pull the people and the dog out of the movie after it started to discuss whether or not the dog could stay. Seriously the movie already started. Not a smart move. Despite this hiccup I enjoyed my experience and will still go back. Added bonus is that this theatre mostly shows independent movies which I greatly enjoy. Also it's on a really cool street near a local university full of restaurants, coffee shops, etc. There was even a small farmers market that day. It's a great street to explore before or after seeing a show. read more

Esquire Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I love the Esquire. In general, I love local businesses and especially theaters because they keep the art of film vibrant. The history is significant to the neighborhood of Clifton and I like supporting institutions like that when I can. I also like that the Esquire (and their other theaters) shows a mix of indie and big budget/mainstream movies. They also tend to hold onto the weird movies a little longer than your typical AMC or Cinemark would. I like knowing that Esquire (or Mariemont) is the place I can catch a movie that might not be showing anywhere else in the city. My most recent movie here was actually my first time seeing Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live cast. It was neat seeing so many people show up to see it, and the Denton Affair put on a great show. The seats are standard and could use a little updating, and it sucks when you're stuck behind someone with huge hair, but I suppose that sort of is part of the charm. read more

I loved our visit to Esquire. We saw Beautiful Boy. The drink and snack I purchased were both affordable. Staff was friendly. I'll definitely return when I'm in Cincy. read more

Esquire Theatre - We went and saw Beautiful Boy. Loved the decision to visit this theater after stopping by Skyline Chili. - Cinema Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

After working so many days in a row I finally had a free weekend afternoon. I really wanted to see the movie Avengers Endgame. It had been out for a little less than 2 weeks. I had read the reviews and several spoilers and was excited to see it. I attended the matinee and was lucky enough to have a gift card with a little bit of money left on it. I parked on a side street but could have used the parking lot that is across the street and down the stairs as parking is validated with a ticket purchase. I love the Esquire which has the old fashioned Marquee and the outside ticket booth that is open several minutes before the shows begin. Getting there early I bought my ticket inside by the candy and popcorn counter. The matinee price was $7.75 before the gift card discount. Evening prices are $10.25. There is one main screen straight ahead off the lobby and a very small screening room just to the left. Going down the hallway to the right there are several slightly smaller screening rooms. This is where I saw Endgame. The sound and picture quality were excellent. The seats while not fancy have cup holders and are comfortably cushioned. The restrooms are in the lobby across from the ticket counter. There is a bar/concession stand in the hallway that was open as I emerged from my movie. They sell beer here. They have a lot of special events here including free movies for kids on Wednesday mornings, the showing of classic movies from the recent & more distant past, Rocky Horror Picture Show screenings and much more. You should check out their website and sign up for their emails. To me this is like a neighborhood movie theatre as I live just down the road in Northside. I really like the friendly employees, the more intimate size screening rooms and the quite reasonable ticket prices. Until next time be kind to each other. #yelpcincy #esquiretheatre read more

Esquire Theatre - Showtimes #esquiretheatre #avengersendgame - Cinema Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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This is tge Best place to watch all. The Big Blockbuster movies. The popcorn is always fresh Butter hot i Love the flavor of salts , chedder, garlic, sea salt. And now there is Beer too, youcant get any Better than that., Im in Love with esquire theater. Cant go anyplace else.great neighboor hood in walking distance to good eats & shopping, groceries , ice cream, gifts, what ever you'd Like 15min to downtown. The park is right across the street , University of cincinnati, xavier university one mile away. Just go see for your self you'll be suprised.! read more

I love this theater. It was one of my stomping grounds when I was younger and now that I'm living closer to the city, it's still a place I like to hang out. It's small and independent (though it's connected to the theaters in Kenwood and Mariemont). The Esquire plays movies that you wouldn't necessarily see in a larger theater - so when I'm looking something different to do for a night, I check out what's playing here. The seats are comfortable and each theater is small, so the experience is a little more intimate. My favorite thing to do is to grab a coffee, tea, or smoothie next door before the movie and then head over when it's time. A night at the Esquire could be a really nice (and cheap) date night and it's also a place I feel comfortable going to by myself. There's a fenced in parking lot behind the Clifton Market that is free to park in if you get your ticket validated at the theater, so there's another incentive for you to check this place out! read more

This is such a cool theater! No, this is not a deluxe cinema with giant reclining couch seats and food service to your seat. What's great about this place is how authentically old school it is. It's truly a neighborhood gem! The popcorn is tasty and fresh, and they even serve booze here! They show the most recent blockbusters alongside some fun throwbacks, so there's something for everyone. Would definitely go back! read more

A former intown theater that's been turned into an art house for screening offbeat films, documentaries and festivals is something every city should have. Cincinnati's is the Esquire in the Gaslight district of Clifton, and it's good for doing exactly what it sets out to be: a refuge from the multiplex mass releases. Not a superhero in sight when DLW and I arrived for a late matinee. The ticket window on the street is still charmingly in use. The once single theater opened in 1911 according to the website, and survived until the 1980's, when it was almost demolished to make way for a Wendy's. A neighborhood crusade saved it, and now it is subdivided into six screens. The larger ones up front show the bigger draws, and the smaller ones in the back show smaller ones. Each area has its own concession stand, but the one in back is less diverse. It does serve beer and wine however, unlike the front one. Fifty or so seats in the smaller theater we sat in. Even small theaters nowadays have nice projection and sound systems, and this one did as well. Seats are comfortable and certainly bigger than the ones from a hundred years ago must have been to accommodate the audience's bigger butts. It's a rare site to find an independently owned first-run movie house these days, but there it is. If you spot a show you want to see there, please patronize it and keep this bit of history going. read more