Great experience! The price for admission and snacks were very reasonable. Because of that, it makes me want to attend movie theatres again. I wish other theatres understood that paying about $30 dollars per person for a movie and snack is not worth it. Yes, this theatre is older and a little worn, but I'd rather give my business to this place than some others. I thought it was cool that they showed the most popular movie at the time and indie and older stuff. Very cool place! read more

Unique and unusual movies shown. Very popular. Staff is very friendly. Popcorn is good.

Excellent Value for such a quality and well laid out vintage theater. Feels like you are walking back in time, the seats are comfortable, the atmosphere is eclectic and other worldly. One must support the theater and buy a Tshirt (they are pretty cool, you'll see); but becoming a member has many benefits! read more

My favorite place in SLO and my favorite movie theater anywhere. It's all about the people who work here and the wide selection of films...and the popcorn...and the reasonable prices...and too much to identify in a Yelp review. The Palm is the past, present and future for how we go out to watch movies together. A cornerstone of excellence. read more

The theatre is across the street from the parking garage on Palm street, been here years. This is my first visit, sure U've seen other movies on the marque and today were in for a 4:15 show. Masks required, tickets purchased from the window facing the sidewalk, $9. There are about 40 seats, all new and comfortable. My complaint is the narrowness of the seats, like cheep economy seats on a crowded flight. If you're a big guy its a tight fit, good thing we don't need to wear a seat belt. Concessions are as you might expect a bit pricy, $5 for a large soda but they gotta make a buck somewhere right. I didn't bother with any popcorn or candy were headed to the OG for dinner. The screen is a good size and set high enough to see over others. All in all a good experience and a good place to see the artsy flick. foodguy-martin read more

We love this theatre! It reminds us of the theater we use to go to in Pasadena. It has so much charm and history inside with the decor and paintings on the walls. They offer interesting movies, great popcorn, seats are very comfortable and restrooms are clean. Now that we live in the area, this is our favorite. I wish this theatre all the continued success. Please support your local independent theaters. read more

This is an AMAZING place to checkout in downtown SLO. They show less well known movies from up and coming filmmakers in the industry. I have discovered numerous new actors/actresses, directors, and producers through movies I have seen at the palm. I like coming on Monday nights when tickets are only $6. It is the best way to make your Monday evening so much better. The movie ticket itself is super affordable, and even better so are the snacks! A large popcorn will only run you $4 here. That's $10 total for a ticket and a large popcorn! What more could you want?! The theaters themselves aren't the fanciest, but the environment is so unique and welcoming. Do yourself a favor and stop in for a movie at the Palm next Monday! read more

This theater is fantastic. Real butter and great movies. I highly recommend supporting them.

The subtitles were not fully visible for the Sundance Film Festival Shorts Tour 2024 - the framing should have been previewed and adjusted so that subtitles could be seen by the audience. For several of the shorts, subtitles were crucial to the message of the film, some for artistic purposes and others for language translation. We love shorts and we love this theater - very disappointing. read more

The Palm Theatre always have a terrific selection of movies. The staff are friendly and the popcorn is the best around. love the Palm

Cute little old theater in downtown SLO - great deals! Buy a ticket at the front window - I unknowingly walked all the way into theatre and back out a couple times before figuring out where to buy a ticket. :-P Monday showings are all $5, even for movies that are currently in theaters. Strolled easily into a 4:30 pm showing of Birdman after spending weeks trying to catch it up at the Bay Area (dang limited release). It's fantastic, if you're looking for something to go see! $1 small popcorns?! With REAL butter?! Icing on the cake for this place - go check it out next time you need an affordable date night or something to break up the work week. read more

Palm Theatre - $1 popcorn - Cinema Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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So happy this tiny independent theatre exists in San Luis Obispo. We used to live in the suburbs and we didn't have access to independent films. The big theatre chains only screen the large blockbuster films so it's great to be able to see some smaller budget films. It's an old theatre and there are no reclining chairs like the big chains but the theatre has great ambiance. There's only three screens. One of the best perks is the snack bar. You can get one dollar personal popcorn and drinks. Where else is a movie snack bar so reasonable? And they accept MoviePass if you are a subscriber. read more

Palm Theatre - Cinema Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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Cute, simple theater located in "historic Chinatown" (it's just the Ah Louis store left on the street, and an okay Chinese restaurant). I love the simplicity of the theater, cash only, raffle tickets as movie tickets, and just a few movie times to make you really commit to going to see a movie with a friend and be excited about it. I usually go to the 7pm showings on Mondays (Monday's are only $6). I went on a Tuesday once and didn't realize it's $10! It's obviously way cheaper than going to a big cinema but it's hard to pay $10 when you usually pay $6 and a few more for the perfect bag of movie theater popcorn. The Palm also shows movies a little later when the movie comes out in bigger theaters, which I'm fine with because I'm always late in the game with getting to a movie. I've seen some amazing documentaries here too! It's in a convenient location downtown, so I usually walk from my house or if I drive, there's street parking (meters are not enforced after 6pm) and a parking structure right across the street ($1/hour after first free hour). They have the cutest gift cards too! I got one for a friend and it's in the shape of the theater and gets put in a smaller popcorn bag that you'll see being used there. The Palm Theater is definitely one of these gems that you appreciate living in a small town. read more

SLO is so lucky to have a historic old school movie theater like this! I've been visiting it since I was a kid and been fortunate enough to have grown up with some of the BEST, NOT mainstream, independent, biographical, foreign and domestic, award winning films of this century and last! Tickets are a steal here to compared to the regular theater and to this day they still offer $1 bags of popcorn! The inside is bursting with that old Hollywood cinematic vibe and a fabulous "walk down memory lane " with all the stars of yesterday and today lining the hall! Make no mistake, this theater gets ! read more

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I love the Palm theater and have been here a few times. The parking garage is right across from the theater which is convenient. It is in an old dilapidated looking building which is kinda cool. They have 3 tiny theaters but the best part is the selection of independent films they bring here. Really nice staff and make sure to check out the cool murals on the wall. read more

I think if you're a fan of anything vintage and old school, you'll dig this place. I on the other hand am into modern conveniences and this theatre does not bring that to the table. The concessions are limited and the seating is cramped and dated. The staff was friendly. I would recommend this place and I would come back. It's just not a place I would see a movie at unless a friend wanted to go. read more

So great to still see an independent cinema in existence these days! Some interesting films for a reasonable price. With well priced drinks and popcorn too. read more

A local theatre. Small and intimate. Viewing mainstream entertainment sounds like it would be the same experience no matter where you go making it an arbitrary decision about where to watch a film, but not at palm. Here you can really feel the local San Luis Obispo vibe. read more

Great indie-film theater that's been around for decades. Several small theater rooms gives you a closer proximity to the screen and easier sound. Prices for popcorn, snacks and beverages are nominal as they don't make money off of refreshments (according to their sign). Real butter is added by request to the popcorn. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Restrooms are limited in size, but are kept clean. Overall a great theater to enjoy films not featured in big corporate movie venues. read more

Totally different vibe and experience from the big boxes with their overpriced snacks! It's small and quaint, cash only, mostly independent films and documentaries and shorts sometimes too! These usually attract a more mature crowd so the texting, blabbing, and interruptions are at a bare minimum if at all. That's a huge plus for me. Get some cash before you get here, give yourself plenty of time to park, buy your ticket outside, walk inside and buy some of that popcorn with REAL BUTTER! Not that fake butter "flavor" stuff that could have embalmed mummies. My wife and I love this theatre with smaller screens, highly rated flicks, and real buttered, affordable popcorn. I think you will too! read more

My husband and I returned for a pretty horrible movie but we still love this theater! They now take credit cards which is nice, but consequently the ticket prices have increased. I was surprised to see the $10 price (for movies after 5pm). read more

The Palm is the best little theatre in San Luis Obispo! Love this quaint little theatre and the vast selection of movies. The employees ain't half bad, either! read more

I hadn't been to the Palm in years when my sister & I decided to catch a film there yesterday. What a gem this place is! Ticket & concession prices are terrific, even if it is cash only, and they are really nice people. Everyone smiles and acts like they want you to gave a good experience. The auditoriums are small & intimate, as befits most indie film crowds. The place feels old and the atmosphere is of Hollywood of yesteryear, especially the murals on the hallway walls. The seats all have cupholders; it was the one modern convenience I noted. The popcorn was delicious, the film was excellent, andI cannot wait to go back. read more

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Indie flicks in a near-no-frills environment? Works for me. PROS: Fine selection of indie movies make their way through the place; staff were friendly and fun to chat with; pretty good fan base judging by the full house; you can by a popcorn and soda w/out having to get a small loan; only 1 preview; movie started on time; fellow movie goers were mature and polite CONS: small screen facility (folks -- small!) and you don't want a seat in front unless your neck is on a hinge If you are expecting a big name theatre experience w/ stadium seating, you will be disappointed. Then again, the Palm Theatre will offer you a medium popcorn w/ butter plus a medium soda for about $4 -- you read it correctly--16 quarters. I harassed the guys pushing the corn and accused them of undermining the capitalist spirit. They pled guilty. We hugged it out and I went off to enjoy Midnight in Paris. We're coming back . . . Cheers! RS read more

The Palm's prices, community atmosphere, and variety of programming are all wonderful attributes of downtown San Luis Obispo. I used to frequent the $5 bargain Mondays when I lived in the area, and was rarely disappointed. Particularly enjoyable is their Palm Wednesdays series, when you can take a trip down memory lane and possibly win a prize at the same time. Now that I live in the Bay Area, I definitely miss the Palm. Take advantage of it as much as you can! read more

The Palm Theatre has a cozy small- town feeling with excellent college -town film selections. It being my first time there, I was surprised to find the box office isn't open until just a bit before a showtime. No big deal, people just politely line up and wait to buy tickets. You really get the feeling this place is run by real movie lovers, from the film scores they play before the show, the posters and freebees, and the cute hand painted murals of film greats that line the hallway. Sound and film quality were both good. Recommended. read more

The Palm Theater is the absolute best! It really is such a special part of our town. They always have the best independent films and all the people who work there are amazing! read more

We've been coming here, on and off, for 15 years or so. We love this theatre as a place to watch great indie films. We have seen more great movies here thank any other theatre. The theaters are small and not lavish. Looking for the reclin-o chairs? Not here! Looking for the latest Marvel film? Not here! Expect great small release indie films. The staff is awesome as they fit perfectly for the Palm Theatre. They typically are anti establishment sorts and some of their humor can be snarky and quite clever. I love it! Palm Theatre is a jewel among the gastro pubs and tourist shops in downtown SLO. read more

I love the Palm Theatre and have enjoyed films here for over 30 years! Consistently friendly employees and a great experience all around!

Read 'em and weep! The constant 5 stars tell no lies when they speak of the utter coolness that is the Palm! It's fact, pure and simple. After the Thanksgiving festivities winded down (on Friday), we decided to catch a flick here. I.O.U.S.A. is what we saw. BTW, that flick is very sobering, and we're probably screwed, so let's move on to the Palm itself. The Palm reminds me of the Nuart but not quite as nice, yet has more going on. I'll explain. It's composed of 3 screens, that probably sit no more than 50 people at a time. They're small, but the sound system comes through loud and clear. It's a cash only establishment, so hit the ATM beforehand. The concessions are great. You can get a bag of buttered popcorn for $1, and a drink for $2. I don't even think the Academy in Pasadena has deals like that! That is very cool. It's an indy/arthouse/foreign flick kind of theater--they've got some good shit coming out in the next couple of weeks, so that will be the place to be. The flicks include, "Let The Right One In", "The Wrestler", and "Slumdog Millionaire". Yeah, you heard right. AT THE PALM!!!! I hope they get "JCVD" at some point, I hyped it up a bunch while I was up there. lol Anyways, get your butts over to the Palm, now! read more

The first completely solar-powered movie theatre. How cool is that? Non-mainstream films, dollar popcorn, right downtown. Support our local gem! read more

I love the Palm, good movies, downtown, quick service. I don't understand why they don't take cards or offer other products like gift cards, they are leaving money on the table. The selection of movies is the main reason to come here, I believe they are the only option in town for independent films, lines are usually not long and the place has always been clean enough. It does have a vintage feel, which makes it special and I recently learned that it's solar powered, which I don't mind unless they increase prices because of it. For some reason, senior citizens lo e this place a d that is always a good sign to me! The Palm is great for a date night and it can be a little cold, so bring your faux fur! read more

Thank you all at the Palm just love your theater!!! Everyone is so friendly and happy Great prices great films!! Best place in town!!

If you want art house on the central coast this is your one option. Typically single choices lead to the place not keeping itself up as they know the money will come in no matter what. I am happy to say after coming here off and on for about 15 years, that is not the case. I would like to see less commercial movies here and for them to focus exclusively on art house and foreign cinema, as other theaters of the same type do in bigger cities, but beggars can't be choosers. And in SLO looking for art house, we are beggars. The seats are old and comfy, not fancy. The popcorn is cheap and exactly what you want. The bathrooms are clean. The price is low. The showtimes are not very easy to make if you work during the week. The weekend showtimes are just as odd. There are too many commercial films here which drive up traffic and eliminate better films out at the same time from being screened here. All that being said, I am sooo glad this place is here and will always give them my business when they bring quality/interesting independent and foreign films to town. read more

Independent local art house theater? What's not to love (since the recent bathroom remodel, at least). Great programming, featuring plenty of under the radar jewels straight from the festival circuit alongside more 'mainstream' indie offerings (Sundance winners, Fox Searchlight releases, etc) and the occasional blockbuster (who can forget the year they landed Wes Craven's SCREAM?) As others have noted, there's no preselling of tickets and seating is limited, so time your arrival accordingly. Screens one and two are roughly the size of small-ish multiplex theaters, screen three is about the size of your living room (and as home to the more exotic offerings, the place I spend most of my time). The non-cinematic crown jewels are the concessions, with prices reminiscent of the mid-70's. Apparently showing low profile films with no other local outlets insulates them from the petty extortion studios routinely practice with 'big' releases. They have one small popcorn machine, so during peak times you're guaranteed a fresh, hot bag of delight. I suggest applying a liberal dose of the nutritional yeast from the shaker by the napkins and straws- sublime! read more

Seriously, can a movie theater get any better than the Palm? First of all, they play the best movies; ones that really make you think. They're reasonable on ticket prices. Jim Dee, the owner, is continuously maintaining and updating the facilities. No, it's not Grauman's Chinese Theater in LA, but it's cute and clean with the most thoughtful people working the counter. These are folks that really appreciate cinema and welcome you so your experience is great and you want to return to this theater again and again. And and...wait for it...the popcorn and drinks are so reasonably priced that you have a hard time going there without indulging. :) I love the Palm Theater. It's one of my favorite things in San Luis Obispo. read more

It is the only theatre in SLO that reaches out to find those movies which can be entitled Gems Hidden Under Rocks. Because these films are not uncovered in a commercial sense, as in - you walk into the theatre not knowing the entire plot and all the uproariously funny parts already, there is a mass of suspense and the feeling that you are truly getting your money's worth as you did not see half the movie already via the free TV previews. Clean facility, easy to find parking as the parking structures nearby are not as popular as the downtown one, and though tickets are expensive the "buy them in bulk" deal is great!! read more

Oprah says SLO is the happiest town in America, and it is. I rarely have a review that is under five stars, because there is so much quality here. If Yelp had six stars as the Dubai Chamber has for their independent hotel ratings, then I'd give the Palm 6 stars. Not only do our local filmmakers get to showcase their work here, Jim Dee attracts submissions from all over the world. We have the best first run Indie's here that rival Westwood. And for Jim to call me on my cell phone on a Friday, to let me know of a movie showtime change as a courtesy, that's really huge local 100% caring customer service. Holly Campuzano CoastalSLO.Com read more

This is the best independent movie theatre around. I'm so grateful for the Palm Theatre, because it shows a variety of small-budget/unknown/foreign/art house films that would normally not be available for viewing until out on DVD. It is a small modest theatre, so with that you get smaller screens and less seating available. That being said, it's generally a good idea to show up early to see a movie at the Palm, especially if it's a popular flick or evening showtime. The ticket window opens about a half hour before showtime, so get there anytime after to purchase your ticket. Ticket prices are quite reasonable (compared to the norm with most movie theatres these days), at $8 for general admission and $6 for matinee. A super discount card is even offered, where you can buy 6 admissions for $42. Can't beat that on the Central Coast. If you're looking for a sensory explosion, to be overwhelmed by sound, and swallowed by a gigantic screen, this isn't the place. You can go watch your Transformers 7: Galactic Meltdown elsewhere. The films at the Palm Theatre are shown for substance and quality of the actual movie, not for fancy bells & whistles. All in all, this is a great little theatre, I hope it stays around for decades to come. And they even have nutritional yeast to sprinkle on top of your popcorn! Too cool! read more

Movies for people above 13 years of age and who have perhaps read a book. Anybody with a brain will be delighted with any movie they see at the Palm Theatre, usually. Close your eyes and choose one . We have never been disappointed. read more