What an amazing venue. The outside is beautiful with a lovely marquee. The lobby is small, but…read morepeacefully decorated. There is an orchestra level as well as a balcony level and when you walk into the theater space it is beautiful. The stage is large. The theater holds a lot of people. The ticket takers and ushers were extremely friendly and more than happy to help in anyway you can. Just off the lobby there are men's and women's restrooms that have about two stalls in each. There are more restrooms and larger restrooms upstairs. The seats are very soft and cushiony and comfortable to sit in for longer periods of time. There was not a ton of legroom so if you are a taller person, I suggest getting an aisle seat. We went to the event, called an evening with the dude screaming the movie the big Lebowski where we watched the movie, then Jeff Bridges came out, shared stories photographs, and answered questions about the movie. It started I believe at six and went went on for several hours to a sold out crowd. With that being said, the theater never felt too congested to where you could not move and get around. They also offer a small concession stand, and you can bring food and drink to your seat. However, there is no outside food and drink permitted. Definitely love this little theater and I will for sure check out more events there in the future.

We saw Joe Bonamassa here tonight and had a great time. The theater has so much history, and the…read moresound was spot on. We are going to see what other shows of interest will be performed here so we can return soon. A beautiful venue.

Came here for a free watch party for the World Cup. Love the idea! It was very family friendly. The…read morescreen obviously is huge and so great to watch the game on. Full concessions and bar was open. We ate dinner around the corner at the Santa Barbara public house then walked over for the game. Such a unique experience to watch the game in a historical theater setting with other football fans

You have read enough about live performances in this space. I am sorry to say it also sucks as a…read moremovie theater. It smells. Like somebody else's storage unit. The stage curtains can no longer be fully retracted for a widescreen movie. Super Mario Galaxy, of all things, had about 3 feet on each side projected onto the curtains. Abandoning the beautiful entryway and its kiosk is unforgiveable. Instead you are to buy your tickets in the box office, which bears no resemblance to the rest of the building. It looks like a pop-up version of the office at your middle school. It's beautiful inside, and the unpleasant smell is faint enough you'll forget it once your popcorn and red licorice ick int. But be sure you sit in the front 10 to 20 rows if you want to actually feel you are watching a projected film on a big screen. My negativity is here to apply what small share of pressure I can contribute to what should be one of Santa Barbara's iconic landmarks. The theater is worth visiting anyway. On a certain level it is wonderful. But boy does it need a lot of work.

First time to come here for a concert. Very nice venue for a concert. Not very big so there's…read morereally no bad seat in the room. Parking was surprisingly easy and it wasn't hard to find any space even with a sold out venue. Lobby area is tiny so everyone waited outside before doors open. The ushers look like they were all students on campus. They were selling shirts and souvenir items in the tiny lobby. No snack bar or concession stand. Food and drinks not allowed in the theater anyway so I guess that's alright. But they were selling some cookies and water outside and taking donations for coffee. We would definitely come back to this place and watch another show.

A&L provides cheaper tickets for students which is great to see shows you wouldn't be able to…read moreafford otherwise like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. I love seeing the dance and music shows they offer on campus and in downtown Santa Barbara.

(Attended 07/24/25 TH @ 2:00pm and once before): This theatre was more inland than along any…read moreriviera! I returned from an overnight getaway in nearby Solvang when I decided to catch a film at the SBIFF Riviera Theatre. I became aware of the theatre during the recent Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), and thought this stop would be a nice relaxing break before I got back to L.A.. Originally, the theatre was an auditorium building designed by architect Alfred Eichler in 1926 as part of the University of California, Santa Barbara's Mesa Campus. It opened as the Riviera Theatre on May 12, 1964 with Ludmla Tcherna in "The Lovers of Teruel". ​​In June 2016, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival entered a new era with the acquisition of this beloved theatre. After a $5 million dollar capital campaign and renovation, the theatre was now SBIFF's new state-of-the-art, 360+ seat capacity, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day. The theatre was now an irreplaceable resource for the community and a representation of Santa Barbara's rich history. Would this theatre be on my radar the next time I was in the area!? PURCHASE Ticket - General Admission ($12.50): I watched the international film, "Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight" https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=229mdFVeyJEvIkH3f7ecUA because this was the only option, which surprisingly held my interest throughout. This seemed to be a bargain as I felt standard non-matinee promotion prices were upwards of $15.00 or more... but I could be wrong. Tejava The Unsweetened Tea Peach Black Tea 16.9floz Bottle ($5.50): I wasn't in the mood for beer or soda, so this was the next best healthier option - not bad. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=cR_MOZMMlHwt90VdThv5ig Large Buttered Popcorn ($8.25): Fluffy and buttery, this was one of life's simple pleasures. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=tpiIOBQsf4ta4Dm70IUWgw SERVICE From the onsite ticket purchase to the concessions, everything was a breeze - thank you! PARKING (FREE): They had their own multi-tiered spacious private lot - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE An older exterior with the ticket window https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=-hLfv9vvbxacXONMzZ4nhQ just outside the entrance door, you entered into an open lobby area with a small concession stand https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=6ooIHZ51UkHBLRthQhNUxA to your left and the restrooms on your right, respectively, before you entered https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=ME05hVwbTLw7z7vXOVbzPA into the single-screen theatre. Enter a cleaner https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=0m-xsOpcXOJktGs1-iI18A more glamorous modern cinema ambience, with larger, plush seats, equipped with the all-important cup holders. Most importantly, the theater was rigged with a stunning new projector and sound system comprising a Dolby Vision laser projector and the expansively spatial Dolby Atmos audio system, which took the output from four to some 50 speakers around the room. The Riviera was now one of only 26 theaters in the U.S. with such technology and the only nonprofit so equipped in the country and possibly the world. Natural lighting only existed in the lobby through the doors/windows while the electric house and stage lighting filled in the rest. There weren't any monitors or background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=s-VR-koXfa89fAeeUxHdSg ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL I had a fun afternoon at The SBIFF Riviera Theatre and would definitely return the next time I was in the area if not during the next film festival. I loved the old-time appeal, and of course the surrounding area was beautiful. I loved everything about the theatre itself, the concession drinks (no alcohol) https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=tSCzN1yDJCO-1MC-k9L7qg and food https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=0&select=FY8rbodociQn9r0jnImGvg prices seemed very reasonable, and the service was straightforward. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $26.00 BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS

This was at the 900 State new theaters that was so fantastic…read more Very well done and elegant

This is NOT a cinema and draft house. It's a regular movie theatre. Period. Regular movie seats…read more Typical concessions and food. Not as advertised at all.

Now that the world is opening up again it's nice to have THC&PH for some quality movie viewing. And…read moreeven better with their selections of beer and wine, soft drinks, fresh popcorn, and sweets for everyone. Updated stadium seating is very comfortable, and their new sound system is top notch. Their staff makes sure it's a very pleasurable experience. Special shout out to Khamla and Sandra for taking such good care of us all. Located amongst the many auto dealerships, and right next door to The Natural Cafe.

WORSE PLACE EVER. manager was SO rude. terrible customer service. i will not be going backread more

This is a small theater downtown with decent pricing for both matinee and evening shows. The…read morewebsite is easy to use for buying tickets, and the service fee isn't ridiculous. The popcorn could be fresher. But I suppose that can be hard to keep up with low attendance, and thus, low turnover.

Attended the Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival at the Santa Barbara Bowl for the first time, and I…read morewas extremely pleased with the experience. It's a beautiful, intimate venue, and the concert was very entertaining, featuring a variety of talented singers who kept the crowd dancing throughout the evening. It was my first time seeing Joss Favela and Majo Aguilar, and I instantly became a fan of both! Mariachi Los Camperos also performed, and I've been a fan of theirs for years, so it was wonderful to see them live. The small, intimate setting made the experience even more enjoyable. I had a great time and am definitely planning to attend again next year!

We came here to see our favorite comedian Trevor Noah at this beautiful outdoor concert venue. We…read morelistened to our hotel valet to park our car in the neighborhood near the high school and did a mild hike up the hills. They provide trolley rides for guests to get to the actual venue. They have concession stands to sell foods, beers and wines. We'd just had dinner so we just got some mead, seltzer, wine & sparkling water to enjoy. Our seats were among the first few rows on the side. The view was awesome and easy for me get out for restroom trips. The restrooms were very spacious and clean. The show was amazing, the one and only Trevor Noah never disappoints! The staff were friendly and helpful throughout the event. It got chilly at sundown, glad we brought a light jacket to keep warm. We enjoyed our comedy show so much and we loved this beautiful venue as well!

We joined at the Granada Theater for the NYE 2025/26 concert. What a fun evening! Started promptly…read moreat 8:30 for an evening of Broadway and Hollywood classics, with a focus on the music of Richard Rodgers. Orchestra was on the smaller side compared to big city ones but still a full and uplifting sound. Featuring conductor Stuart Malina and vocalist Madison Claire Parks, it was a lovely way to spend New Year's Eve. We had nosebleed seats at the back of the theater and had a grand time. Our teenage kids enjoyed it as well.

Let me preface by saying I am not a symphony person. I had never attended a symphony nor did I ever…read morehave a desire to. But after many years walking on the planet avoiding, making excuses and just flat out refusing to go I was finally backed into a corner and off I went to a night culture. I came away impressed. The venue is beautiful, and this alone is worth investing two hours on a Saturday night. The symphony? pretty gosh damn good, I'm not going to lie and say it was the best thing I had ever attended but I am very happy I did. The music was entertaining, the acoustics out of this world. So coming from someone who has avoided events like this, it was painless and actually enjoyable.