I'm a fan of these old-school theater that still has character, with it's art deco architecture, unlike those cookie cutter movie theater conglomerates like AMC Loews. If you are too, definitely check this place out (The Davis near Lincoln Square is another good one). This theater consists of two separate buildings, due to expansion of the theater, yet efforts to preserve the feel of the existing theater. This review is focused on the theater building in the back, theater number 4, as the times I've been to Pickwick, it just so happened that the movie was showing in theater number 4. Being a more "dated" theater, you won't necessarily find the stadium seating nor is the theater slopped perfectly downwards so the 6-foot tall giant in front of you doesn't block your view. There's no elaborate area for video games or pool tables, just no-frills vending machines, and an old-school looking ticket booth right out front at the main theater and a small area, in the theater out back. Prices aren't too bad either. As of Feb 2017, admission is $6 for everyone to shows starting at 5pm or earlier. After 6pm, general admission is $8 read more

In downtown (Uptown?) Park Ridge, there lies this gem of a movie theater. It is a landmark and very hard to miss. Parking is free in the train station lot across the street on the weekend. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance as well. The Pickwick is an art deco masterpiece and is gigantic. There are always plenty of seats, and the theater is gorgeous. They have very comfortable, modern seating as well. Dare I say that it may have some of the most comfortable seats around? The main theater tends to be used for big releases and family movies. There are a few other screens around the corner for other movies as well. I tend to go if the movie I want is on the big screen. Concessions are also reasonably priced? The best part about this place? Movies before 5 pm are $6 and after 5 pm, it is $8. read more

Been going to the Pickwick since a can remember. I live just down the street, it's super convenient and you can't beat the price in the area. But they're understaffed and don't use ushers. The last five movies I've seen here was nothing but people on their phones, talking & there's always a few groups of teens douching it in the audience. It's a movie people paid to see, SHUT UP! read more

Our favorite theater by far! It is so charming, great staff, clean, beautiful, comfortable!!!!

I love the Pickwick! Well, OK, not the three little side theatres which are small and boring, but the main one that is huge and has amazing art deco architecture and a fabulous painted ceiling. Did you know it has 1540 seats? That's huge, yo! Its hardly ever crowded and the tickets are so cheap! (like a third of the price of Muvico). Definitely support the Pickwick. There are too many ugly movie houses out there, let's keep the cool ones alive! read more

First, please understand that I have a hearing impairment and this review was triggered by two experiences related to that. Both experiences were in the Pickwick's back theaters. Secondly, this is the first negative review I have ever written for Yelp, so I am not a chronic complainer. Please read on... Prior to this past Sunday, my last visit to the Picwick Theater was in 1998 to see the "last night Titanic will be in theaters." They did not have a hearing assistive device - not terribly uncommon FOURTEEN years ago - so the manager said to try it, and that he'd give me a refund if I could not manage. I lasted 20 minutes cupping my hand around my not-as-bad ear and straining my neck just trying to hear the dialogue. Didn't help much, and I could not imagine another couple of hours in that state, so I collected my refund and left. Fast forward 14 years to July 1, 2012, and I just happened to be in the neighborhood at the right time to catch the 4:30pm showing of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I parked in the back, guessing that this would be in one of the small theaters, and that was correct. I had my money out and then asked for a hearing assistive device... Guess what? THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE HEARING ASSISTIVE DEVICES! I was shocked. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) of 1990 was in effect EIGHT years before the first movie I couldn't hear there, and now, TWENTY-TWO years since that Federal Law went into effect, they still don't have them. I spoke to the manager, and asked why they had not acquired these reasonable accommodations since my last visit 10 (turned out to be 14) years ago. And she said, "We upgraded the sound system and it's really good now." Fascinating evaluation by someone with two working ears... That was actually quite insulting to me and to the other 37+ million hearing-impaired people in the USA who were ignored with their "upgrade." I will not go back to any of the Picwick Theaters, and I suggest that you and your loved ones who have hearing impairments follow suit. I am sending this review to Lisa Madigan because I know she will get this complaint into the right hands, if not her own. BTW, I did finally see Titanic on the 100th anniversary, in 3-D with a hearing assistive device in a theater that complies with the ADA. It was great. read more

The historic charm and shop-local plugs have been covered by my fellow reviewers, so let me describe just the pros and cons of my particular visit. Pro: Price: $5 before 5:00 Coupon for free popcorn for signing up online for e-newsletters First run movies Looking the other way when I brought in an outside bev (hot chocolate, so not something I could have bought there anyway) Parking is free Local flavor: people in Park Ridge are cute Con: You will waste time in line for the front theater if you don't realize your movie is in the back In spite of the renovations, seats in the back theaters (at least 2) have zero incline So, prepare to watch a movie in airplane rows and cross your fingers the person in front of you is short and bald There will be a person in front of you, and possibly next to you, if the movie is popular Parking in the lot may try your patience Local flavor: people in Park Ridge sometimes forget they're in a public theater and not, say, Mystery Science Theater 3000 Overall, a great value and a mostly pleasant experience. I'd like to try the front theater next time since it's the real deal. Hope the Pickwick sticks around. read more

I came in a saw Spider-Man. Movie was great and popcorn was also great. Highly Recommend

Great popcorn and atmosphere! Nice employees. Very inviting and perfect way to spend a day.

My friends and I decided we wanted to kick back with a movie after dining in and otherwise exploring throughout Park Ridge. Unlike many suburbs, there was actually a movie theater here! I was shocked that there were first-run movies here for only FIVE DOLLARS. That is seriously cheap; I'm accustomed to paying like $9 or $10 for movie tickets, even for matinee shows. So, I was immediately impressed with this theater. We got a small popcorn to share and my friends were able to bring their Starbucks drinks into the theater, which is notable; many/most theaters do not allow this. My friend, a Park Ridge native, was relieved that the movie we were seeing ("The Great and Powerful Oz") was in the big theater because "the other ones are smaller and cannot compare." I was floored by how HUGE this theater was. There were SO MANY seats (I can't even begin to guess how many). The architecture and art is incredible. That is what made the experience for me really unique. I did have one annoyance, though: the lights. I was expecting the red lights shaped kind of like torches on the walls would go away or at least dim after the coming attractions. However, they stayed just as bright. Because we weren't sitting in the first couple rows (we were about halfway in), the lights distracted me from the movie a bit. I didn't feel like I was fully involved and lost in the movie because of these obvious lights in my periphery. Overall, I would definitely return here for the amazing prices and really cool decor. read more

It's been long overdue for a rewrite after a disappointing time. Pickwick is a Park Ridge landmark and is a less expensive option to the AMC's out there. Located where they are in the center of town, it is quite convenient to stop at Starbucks and come in for a movie. I've been coming to this theatre for nearly 20 years. It's not a fancy multiplex but with all their recent upgrades they have comfortable seats and cupholders that fit their cup sizes. While the main theatre is what you see on the corner of Northwest Highway and Prospect, there are 3 smaller theatres in the back of the building which have a separate theatre entrance from the alley. The art on the ceiling and the elaborate lobby and corridor give it the old classic cinema appearance you don't find in the modern theatres with 20 screens. Concessions can be busy, as the counter is limited in size and there is only one cash register. On slow days, you'll see only one person working there, but I've found that usually I can be in my seat in time for the movie even if there was a long line when I arrived at the theatre. Finally, save your ticket stubs after the show. Yourgurt is right around the corner on Northwest Highway. Bring in your ticket stub and get 15% off a frozen yogurt creation. read more

This theater has been a staple in the heart of downtown Park Ridge for many years. I hope it stays that way for many more to come. There is nothing modern about the theater. At. All. I can picture it looking the same now as when it first opened. OK I am starting to get nostalgic now. Pretty soon I am going to sound like a Cub fan immortalizing Wrigley Field. To sum it up, if you are looking for flash and all the technological theater advancements, go somewhere else. If you are looking for a good, intimate place to see a movie, than this should be your pick! read more

For movies, they need to put a big sign saying WARNING - Do not enter here under the grand marquee main doors but go down 1/2 a block take a left thru the courtyard and enter at the side door. Or just put a big sign saying THIS WAY TO THE 3 SCHLEPPY THEATRES! and when the movie is over, they spill you out into an alley where you need your GPS to find where you parked. If it wasn't for the $5 admission, I woulda totally ripped them with a -1 star. read more

I came here for the Polish Film Festival showing of Andrzej Wajda's Katyn. The theater is pretty impressive. It's very old school and inviting. They had my reservation ready and handed me my tickets when I gave them the confirmation email printout. I'm not sure who normally runs the place, but I think people for the festival might have been in charge of most of the ticket transactions. They were very efficient and friendly. I got to break out my few Polish phrases, so that's always a highlight for me. The theater itself, as stated before, is old. You aren't going to find the highest quality movie format or stadium seating; however, their seats aren't horrible either. I was a little disappointed that the movie shown was clearly a copy. Subtitles were a bit off and the film itself was slightly fuzzy. And no, the focus wasn't off, it was definitely a bootleg. I saw the same movie at last year's Minneapolis Int'l Film Fest and it was perfect.They would do well to make sure that films shown are either the real deal, or in better shape. read more

I am not an avid movie-goer, but the Pickwick does it right. Some would say the movie experience depends solely on the movie, but at the Pickwick there's this wonderful aura of a lost age where going to the movie theater was a grand excursion to be savored and appreciated. Aside from that business, before 5 pm tickets are five dollars, and after 5, tickets are 7 dollars. That definitely beats any other movie theater I've been too in Chicago where I spend 13 dollars (sometimes 17 if there's 3D glasses involved) to see a movie. They also allow outside food and drink, I grabbed the new Vanilla Spice Latte from Starbucks and walked right in without having to down it before entering. The main theater is really a treat too. Every time I walked in there's this feeling of grandeur that I can't get over, and there's so much room in there that I don't have to worry about having some stranger sit right on top of me. They also put in new seats in the past year, so you can lean back and enjoy the movie just a little bit more. Exterior and interior are fascinating and the prices are are so low that I wouldn't mind paying a few extra dollars just to experience the Pickwick Theater. read more

Pickwick Theater - A little blurry but no one had a picture of the inside. - Cinema Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

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I know 3D and surround sound are all the rave, and movie theaters that double as bistros are the norm these days but there's something about the old school ways of this art deco theater that just satisfies me. Perhaps it's the fact that it's located in Park Ridge, one of the more underrated locales in the area or the fact that it is the only theater that would play newly-released Filipino movies. Whatever the reasons may be, I found it charming (and I don't mean charming in the kitschy, bed &breakfast kind of way!) and a wonderful way to enjoy the movie going experience for its sublime pureness. The only regret I have is not having enough time to stay after the movies, as there were so many charming little stores in the neighborhood. There's always next time! read more

I've been coming to this theater for years...though, it's been a few since I moved from the area but I came back to catch a movie with my mom earlier this week. The parking in the area looks intimidating, but don't fret...you can almost always get a spot in the public lot next to the library. This theater isn't anything fancy, no theater seating, though I noticed the seats are new so that's a plus! This USED to be a "cheap show" but not so much anymore, though there is discounted pricing for earlier movies. Keep in mind the main theater is in the front, a few in the back and in the back upstairs. If you want to avoid those movie theaters in a strip mall type setting, this place will do! read more

If you see a movie here, make sure you're seeing it on either theater 1(the main theater) or theater 4(the upstairs theater in the back addition). Don't bother going to see any movies on their shoebox theaters, which are theaters 2 and 3. I've had the (mis)fortune of braving seeing movies in 2 or 3 a few times, before Crown/Kerasotes 18 opened. I'll now give a quick lesson here, for those not familiar with this theater. The way to identify the movies that show in either theaters 1 or 4 is to look in the Tribune newspaper ad, and look for the movie that's listed at the very top(for theater 1), or the movie listed at the bottom(theater 4). That aside, I've always loved theater 1. Gorgeous theater, and one of the biggest movie theaters in operation in the Chicago area(and biggest in the northwest suburbs). Don't think I need to say much about their well-known main theater beyond that. Theater 4 isn't bad either, and the ONLY decent theater of their 3 theaters in the back addition. Like others have noted, the concession prices aren't too bad, and you can take Starbucks drinks into any of the theaters. The Pickwick also hosts interesting non-movie events in theater 1 from time to time, such as having performances of the Park Ridge Symphony Orchestra. read more

I went ahead and updated my review from 1 to 3.5. If you don't need to call them, the workers at the site are pretty friendly. There are separate theaters front and back, which make it confusing, but nothing too complicated. For some weird reason, there were gnats inside.. and I'm pretty sure a tiny spider descended from the ceiling towards me... twice. read more

Ordered a large popcorn. The popcorn had been sitting out for a long time and was stale. I asked for a fresh batch of popcorn and the lady took my popcorn, dumped it back into the machine (my dirty fingers were all over that), and the re-served the same popcorn to me and other customers. I then asked for a refund and she dumped the same used popcorn back into the machine. read more

Pickwick Theater - Cinema Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

awesome theater! very cozy place... awesome decor... the architecture give you an authentic feel.. very clean very cheap... and if you sign up for their newsletter they'll send you a coupon for FREE POPCORN... oh how i love bargains and clean locations ^_^ read more

I love this theatre because it offers a more authentic and unique experience a part from the bigger theaters you go to nowadays. The historic building adds to that atmosphere and personally I think it's cool the way the smaller theaters are in a different building, upstairs, etc. I've come here to see movies that have been out for a while (so they're less crowded) and it's kinda fun and cozy being in a more intimate smaller theater like that. read more

This theater is like taking a step back in time! They frequently have events where actors and directors of older movies will make an appearance before showing a classic film. Keep an eye on this place! Amazing events occur here all the time! read more

The pickwick theatre is an instant classic. The cheap movie tickets and nice concession prices make the transactions quick and easy. The new rocking seats make the long movies seen not to bad. The paintings on the ceiling of the main theatre are true masterpieces and the architecture to the outside of the main theatre is unbelievable A big plus is that they make the popcorn right in front of you so you know it's always fresh and tasting flavorful. read more

The main theater was constructed in the 20's. It is nice that this place has survived and it definately has some character to it. They don't play artsy movies, which bums me out a bit. read more

Pickwick Theater - Cinema Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

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Read that 4 Stars as an average: 5 Stars for the main auditorium + 3 Stars for the back theaters. The Pickwick is a restored movie palace that mostly shows first-run features from major studios. New releases get the main auditorium, which seats about 1400 people (it's huge!) and is GORGEOUS. My one nitpick with the main auditorium is that the screen itself is relatively small, looking to be about 1/3 smaller than the screen at the comparably-sized Portage Theater. Still, if there's a big studio movie you want to see, it's worth the drive out early on weekends for $5 matinees just to spend some time in the place! The back theaters are nowhere near as interesting. Small, low ceilings, and very dark, but with passably comfortable seating. They're not anything special, but if you live nearby it would still be worth $5 for matinees. However, the back theaters are definitely not worth the trip when there are various preferable options around the city. read more

Went here to see Moonrise Kingdom. I've been wanting to go to this theater for the longest time, but there never seems to be anything playing I want to pay to see. So finally Wes Andersons' new joint came around and we went. Now, full disclosure we were in theater 3 which is in part of the non-historic Pickwick. However; this place is just want I want in a theater. Non-stadium seating. Small concessions. Low crowds. Etc. Bring out the time machine and take me straight back to 1989 please. The upgraded seats are much to be raved about. Reclining and comfy, but not to ruin the ambiance of this old school theater. Now if I could only get them to stop playing 95% Hollywood garbage, we'd be in business. read more

This movie theater has a cozy feel to it, and I like the location. Trader Joe's is a couple of blocks away, which is very convenient. I also appreciated how they didn't overwhelm us with commercials and previews. We sat down and the movie began pretty much five minutes later. Inside the theater, the acoustics are very good, and the seats are some of the most comfortable. The only thing to keep in mind is that parking is not free and can be a bit of a challenge to find in downtown Park Ridge. read more

Came here over the holidays with my family to see a movie. We had a amazing time the staff where friendly and helpful and the bathrooms and theater was spotless cant wait to go back read more

Watching Home Alone CLASSIC original. Old beat up theater but nice to watch an old flick for the holidays.

So after reading some of these other reviews, I can see where they are all coming from. But to be honest, from my experience, this place isn't all that bad. I had a Groupon that expired to I had to make the long trip from the far west to this nice looking downtown area in Park Ridge. Lots of parking is available and free past 6pm which is convenient. Unlike some of these other reviews, I went into the back of the theater first and was told that the movie I was going to see was in the front and to walk through the alley way. I must admit, it was pretty creepy to just walk through a dark alley way in the middle of the night, but I guess they've been doing that for years now. So this theater is an old school theater and even a landmark. Never seen one like this before. Has the old school vibe with the ticket counter on the outside and non digital display board. Concessions area was pretty small compared to the newer theaters but you couldn't really expect much more. As long as they had popcorn and soda then it is all good. As for the main theater, place was huge. Bigger than some of the main theaters I've seen in other newer cinemas. High ceilings, dim lighting, and an opera room type vibe. Only complaints I had was that the screen was too small as compared to the room size and there were no cup holders. If you sat in the back, then you'd probably need a telescope to see the screen (though I doubt that that place will ever fill up so just sit closer). Overall nice place, it's good to just try at least once read more

I used to live in Niles in the 1990s so I went to Pickwick theater quite often. It was always known for showing new releases at discounted prices. After a while, we moved a little further away, got busy and I forgot all about the Pickwick theater until I read Jim J's tip for the $5.50 matinee pricing. So we decided to check it out and see the new Star Wars movie. I was excited to visit the theater again after so many years. It felt like I was coming back to an old childhood home . Very nostalgic. Once we got inside, I was very impressed by how beautiful it looked. An owner must have restored the interior and upgraded the projection and sound systems. The seats also seem a lot more comfortable than before. I think the theater really offers an outstanding value, combining inexpensive pricing with a high quality movie watching experience in a gorgeous and historical art deco theater. read more

I love the pickwick! It's such an old theater and brings back so many childhood memories. My parents took me here all the time! Now as an adult , I love coming here! They always are playing films that have been out for awhile but other theaters are not playing anymore. You also can't beat the price! It's 7 dollars for an adult admission for a night showing! Great deal! Staff is wonderful as well! Even though the theater room is smaller, it's still has great quality and sound! I hope this theater stays around forever! I love the older feel about it ;) never change a thing!!!!!! read more

Captain Marvel at the PICKWICK Theater in Park Ridge. Management is placing an R-rated content preview, before the PG-13 movie. Specifically the abortion movie 'Unplanned' is previewed before "Capt. Marvel" @ PICKWICK theater. The specific content that is R-rated, is discussed at length in the preview. Be aware, management is not posting a notice or informing anyone. Management has been asked, and they will not remove the preview. They are specifically supporting it, and want children to be viewing it. If you are bringing your girls or children to see Captain Marvel at the PICKWICK Theater in Park Ridge, they are specifically playing the preview of R-rated 'Unplanned' for all children to view. From what we understand this is specific to the management of the PICKWICK theater and NOT DISNEY. read more

I've been coming to this theater all my life. I live the big screen at the main theater and the smaller ones are good too. Theater floor is only accessible by stairs. Tickets are reasonable and the popcorn is delicious! I love going there with my parents! read more

5 stars in the front theater, 4 in the back. I have a special place in my heart for this theater. I've gone here since I was a kid (I have a fond memory of my Grandpa taking me here to see Snow White when they re-released it. He fell asleep and kept snoring. I was mortified!) and although it isn't the $1.50 it used to cost ($7 now) I still think this no-frills-vintage theater is one of the best. read more

I have been to the retro theaters in Portage Park and the "New" 500. This theater is gorgeous albeit retro. Reminds me of Zeigfield Theater in Manhattan. Theirs is bigger, but not by much. This is prettier. Went tonight to see Captain America: Winter Soldier. You don't have to see a film opening day, but the theater could definitely accommodate a huge crowd in the main room. Did not see back rooms, but was interested that there are two ticket booths. One for front, one for back, and $14 for two adults with free 3-hour parking in the back Reminded me of movie process when I was a kid. Plenty of restaurants in the area to support an impromptu date night. Beautiful front lobby, and the main theater is a showcase. Just looking at the ceiling, you see a mural with a high-winged monoplane probably from one of the World War eras. I could easily have seen people coming here to see The Wizard of Oz back in the day if it's that old. Great deal, comfy, modern seats, and a HUGE main room. May be very hard to get in on opening night for a movie just because surrounding lots won't fit the capacity of the theater. It's too big for them. Accomodates debit cards. Planning to return. read more

I recently went to the Pickwick to see the latest Star Wars movie and was shocked on many levels. First of all it was cheap! $8.00... That's awesome! Then I went into the theater and saw that it has been renovated so nicely. Given the old school exterior I totally did not expect super comfy chairs along with amazing picture and sound quality. The staff seemed pleasant and the popcorn was hot. The only down side to my visit was that the Pickwick does not serve alcohol. It's not a big deal, but other older movie theaters like the Logan offer adult beverages with their movies. read more

I love their big theater plus the price can't be beat, comfortable seats, nice crowd. I hope it stays around forever read more

This theater used to only show movies that had been in theaters for a while. Now they show first-run films and will even premiere films a day early (I saw the last few Marvel and Hunger Games movies at 7PM the night before they were released nationwide). The ticket and snack prices are dirt cheap and the theater has a welcoming, family-owned atmosphere. They usually show the newest blockbuster releases in their main theater which has the same dimensions as most other major movie theater screens. All other films are shown on much smaller screens. If you don't care about the size of the screen then this won't matter to you. However, I wouldn't recommend seeing a big blockbuster-type film on one of their smaller screens if you really want to appreciate the spectacle and effects. The only trade off to the old school atmosphere and cheap prices is having to deal with bratty Park Ridge teenyboppers texting and running up and down the aisles throughout the ENTIRE movie. I swear this happens with ever film I see there. Because of this the Pickwick gets 4 stars instead of 5. read more