I love their classic movie nights! I went with a friend recently to see Vertigo and it was a great night. The one problem is the parking. It was a nightmare to find a spot anywhere near the theater. I'd recommend leaving yourself at least 20 minutes to find parking before the movie. The food is okay! It's a movie theater, not a restaurant, so don't go in hoping for a gourmet plate of chicken tenders. I enjoy the Rialtos a lot! Long live movie theaters! read more

What a cute movie theater! I was not expecting each row of seats to have a little table. My only major note is that the (very small lobby) gets backed up quickly, especially when it's raining outside and people are waiting for their friends to arrive. There were also conflicting signs about online ticket order redemptions at the concessions. read more

I took my 5 YO son to see GOAT the cartoon for a 2 PM show. The woman from the couple next to us started sitting on her male partner's lap, who was sitting next to me and my son, and grinding and lightly moaning and deep breathing. I told my son let's leave. Go downstairs and tell the staff. They tell me they have "special needs," let them STAY in the theater and say nothing as my son and I leave. I left because I was too uncomfortable to stay and my son was confused as we were leaving. Do better! People --- including theater workers -- do better. Children shouldn't be exposed to makeout sessions at a child's movie! Come on! read more

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito - The day I saw a woman do a lap dance at a child's movie at Rialto in El Cerrito and the staff defended it as people with "special needs." - Cinema Near Me - El Cerrito, California

First time coming here and will probably come back as they sell actual good food, have small tables in front of your seat to put your food/drinks on, and is a nice, small clean theater space. The vibes are a little off though. Came here for a 7pm showing. Received a nice email reminding me to pick up my tickets and to come 20-40 minutes early to have time to place my order at concessions. Unfortunately the box office doesn't open until 30 minutes prior to showtime even though you can walk in and order concessions. So, a lot of people had to go outside to pick up tickets with their table number. Something may have been off on this weekday night as the auditorium wasn't available for seating until 15-20 minutes to showtime and not all seats are numbered. But I found my seat, the movie volume had to be turned up at the beginning and the almost full audience was great about staying quiet during the movie. As for the food, I got the 12" veggie pizza. It was very good and would order again. The price w/tax was $27. Pricing isn't cheap and I'm not sure it was worth the price, but it was good and the food is brought to you and they clean up the dishes and extra plates from the auditorium without me having to bus my table. So, maybe it all evens out in the end. read more

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito - Vegetarian pizza. - Cinema Near Me - El Cerrito, California

This is my third movie in a theater since the pandemic and I'm glad that I went. I love that I could go in and find a nice seat. My husband and I got the popcorn and a drink. We shared them and didn't finish them. I won't ever buy them again because it's way too expensive. But they have the basics a clean theater, nice tables to set our food, space io sit, and the movie ran without interruptions. I love coming here for the films and look forward to my next visit. read more

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito - Entrance, one of two. - Cinema Near Me - El Cerrito, California

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It is a lovely theatre with lovely workers. I love how inside the theatre it's old with red curtains and how they do a land acknowledgement for the indigenous people of this land before any movie begins. I love the comfy seats as well. Would always rather go here than any big cinema place. read more

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It's always a pleasure to go to the Rialto Cerrito Cinemas. I like to support the non-chain or large chain theaters whenever possible. Full menu with salads, pizzas and burgers in addition to the usual popcorn candy. Food is delivered to your seat. Seats are all very new. Table/bar in front of most rows for your food and snacks. read more

I have not been here for over 15 years plus. I remember late nights with the girls, wine, food and oversized couches with legs stretched and wrapped in blankets we brought. Today, I brought my girls out to experience legs stretched for a new release. The entry is still the same. No one is at the front "ticket booth" you just enter the building and buy your tickets and snacks at the snack counter. We attended matinee, $13.00 for adults & $12.75 per child. You save $1.50 per ticket purchasing in person versus paying online service fee per ticket. For 1 adult, 2 kids, a medium popcorn, 2 movie candies, and 2 apple juices I paid $69.00. Seriously! For a matinee - 12:45p - that's pretty expensive. Walked into the theater and to my surprise no more couches - boo! We they reopened, following COVID, per regulations the couches were not considered sanitary but cloth theater seats are...whatever! The girls enjoyed! They had the entire theatre to themselves and got to sit where ever while snacking and "watching" the film. The staff was friendly, theatre clean and well maintained. The restrooms were clean and well stocked. For the room we occupied to watch the film, the restroom was right outside - super convenient with 5 year olds. Not sure I would return, the couches is what made it special to me. I would recommend a visit for a different vibe - not sure how late nights are anymore. To support a community business is always a good thing. I'm glad they are still around. read more

Absolutely love this place! Really cozy venue with great food and tables in front of the seating. I love that they show classic movies along with new ones. A small theater worth supporting! read more

We have been coming for years to see National Theater Live productions. The plays are great, the seats comfortable, decent wine and burgers and it makes for a great evening. The NTL series has assigned seating which we also love. read more

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito - View from our seats - Cinema Near Me - El Cerrito, California

So a year later I came back to try the nachos and boy was I surprised. The nachos looked better than they tasted. Perhaps it was my fault for not paying close enough attention, but I did not know that I would need to be on the lookout for olives in my nachos. The darkness of the movie room did not help, I couldn't tell the difference between beans and olives, as well as cheese, chicken, or rice. I don't think that there was rice on the nachos, but I said what I said. As before, still love the ambience of this smaller movie theater. Enjoyed an adult beverage with my popcorn. The popcorn was consistent. Will return to avoid the crowds elsewhere, but will stick to popcorn. read more

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I've been coming to the Cerrito Theater since it was converted back into a theater from a furniture store. It's become a centerpiece of the El Cerrito landscape for obvious entertainment, but also food and community events/fundraisers. For popular shows you should arrive early since the theaters are small (1 downstairs and a smaller one upstairs). Entry can be a little confusing if you don't want to order food. You still need to stand in line and pay at the counter. Order food on your way in and it'll probably arrive within 20ish minutes (maybe longer if it's busy). Or just get popcorn, beer/wine/freshly squeezed lemonade and have them at the start. Seats are comfy. Small tables or counters for your food. Billions of bonus points for floors that are NOT STICKY!! read more

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito - Cinema Near Me - El Cerrito, California

What can I say. Rialto, the dream and business of cinema alive. Plus. BEER and nachos. Duh.

Went to a screening hosted by Berkeley for Anora and the director, Sean Baker, came for Q&A afterwards--lovely experience, theater was clean and staff was very nice read more

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito - ANORA Screening! - Cinema Near Me - El Cerrito, California

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Beautiful theater, restored to 1937 vintage, a great place to see movies, get a bite to eat and relax and watch a movie, in the way movies have been watched for years. It also supports a wonderful community location, that helped put El Cerrito on the map. A big civic project that was in response to an outpouring of residents. See a movie, or the National Theater Live productions the way it was meant to be. Have a glass of wine or beer an sit back and enjoy. Also walking distance to Bart and many eateries. read more

Parking was OK. Nice workers. Easy access to the upper level. I liked the film Train Dreams

Extremely old-fashioned, run down, and mismanaged. The customer service is sup bar. The people scanning tickets and giving out popcorn are so rude to you. read more

While I was born and raised in the Bay Area, I cannot tell you how many times I've passed by this theater and didn't know how true of a gem it was! I want to say prior to this visit I had probably gone here one time when it first opened maybe 15 or so years ago. It doesn't look big from outside but once inside there is an upstairs and downstairs to this building along with a small snack bar on the main floor. I am not sure how many rooms there are that screen movies but I appreciated how everything was clean, the air was fresh, and didn't feel stuffy or sticky. This theatre truly doesn't get the hype it deserves for being quaint. I will no longer look for mainstream movies at the more popular theaters without checking out this place first. I'm so happy to have been reacquainted with this theater and I plan to visit it more often! read more

Love this cozy theatre! Gives a nice break from the commercialized experience at a typical chain cinema. The staff is friendly and the food is actually quite delicious. Prices were fair the last time I went and movie/ sound quality is great. Also- great selection for spirits. They used to have couches before the pandemic which was fantastic but the seats are still comfortable. The cinema is clean and overall would recommend the Rialto to everyone! read more

I'm amazed I haven't written an update in all these years! Yesterday afternoon Nina and I saw a screening of "Wicked". Alan and I saw the play in San Francisco before it went to Broadway and loved it. Nina saw it during that run and was bored. I read an article about the film in the Chronicle Datebook as well as an interview w/ the director, Jon M. Chu and asked Nina if she wanted to see it w/ me. That's when I learned of her response to it. I suggested she read the article and the interview and see if they made her want to see it. She did and they did, so we made a date. Yesterday was my second time seeing it. The first time was a Saturday soon after it had opened. I got lost in doing tasks at home and arrived late, just before the film started., The theatre was full and the only place I could find a seat was on the floor level, too close for Nina, who decided to leave. I stayed and loved the show. We liked the movie even better than the play. They were able to achieve magical effects that couldn't be done on stage, like having real animals and making them speak and having Elpheba and Glinda or the winged monkeys fly, not to mention sprout their wings, which would be frightening for small children. The movie is not recommended for kids under 6. It was fun watching Glinda choose the color for the yellow brick road, w/ the wizard going through a few choices before she stepped in and chose yellow. We also liked the sadness that played across Glinda's face at the beginning of the Munchkins' celebration of the wicked witch's death. It was subtle and eloquent. The cast was marvelous and sang and acted well. I didn't recognize Jeff Goldblum as the wizard and I've seen him in many roles and love him. I only realized it when I pulled up the IMDb to write this review and read who was in the cast. This film is part one . The second part, which was shot simultaneously, will be finished and released next year. The theatre was comfortable and we were able to sit father back in the raked seats, which are plush rockers. At this point I take the elevator up and down and appreciate its convenience. The bathrooms have three stalls, one wheelchair accessible. Food is available, as is wine and other beverages. The smell of popcorn pleasantly fills the air. read more

I like the vibes, didn't expect the food counter seeing everyone have a plate. Gonna have to try it out myself

wanted to love going to this theater, especially since I decided to drive an hour and thirty minutes to see this special 35MM Frankenstein showing (one of the few and I think only theaters in the Bay Area to showcase it) but had the unfortunate experience of sitting behind a group of 5 people who were talking, getting up and down like 15 different times, and VAPING the whole 2 hours and 37 minutes of the movie. We went to let the manager know to which he proceeded to sit in for 5 minutes, quite literally while they were talking and VAPING!! while he was sitting there and watching it! and did! nothing! I then proceeded to go up to him afterwards asking why nothing was done, especially after reporting it and him sitting there to see it for himself. All I was met with was empty apologies and a blank stare and a shrug. Thanks for your terrible customer service and help and AWFUL hospitality. What a shame you are showcasing rare 35mm screenings just to not even be respectful of the movie or moviegoers. read more

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito - Cinema Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Went to a Monday showing of Downton Abbey, expecting to pay $9 per person. No one told us that you have to belong to a club to get this discount. Three people standing there, none of them offering to tell us that. $41.50 for a small lemonade, a small popcorn and two tickets. No wonder there were only about 8 people there. The lack of salesmanship for this Movie Pass deal made us feel that one of the reasons why people don't go to the movies anymore is just that....$41.50!! (When I had called the day before to confirm the time, because there was two different times listed, I said, "Nine dollars, right?" and the reply was, "Yep.") Oh, and the only way to get this pass? To apply at the concession stand! That's really worth a LOL! read more

Lovely little theater with good buttered popcorn and ginger beer/Izze's available to purchase. Love that they play films harder to find. I watched All of Us Strangers. The sound in the theater wasn't quite as good as I imagine it would be if we sat towards the middle of the theater(we sat in the back) but it wasn't a problem. Coming from three North Bay, it's nice to see these theaters really. Parking is tough. Most of the parking nearby have meters that to up to 3g Hrs read more

The food ordered came in about the time expected. It was okay for a movie theater and make for a fantastic outing with three of my grand children. read more

Updating because this place has just gotten better since my first time. The staff is friendly and they make sure no one misses any part of the movie. Food: Food is great, I love that they bring it to you during the showing. We have tried the nachos and the pizza. The nachos were packed with toppings (sorry I didn't get a photo) I believe it was white cheese, beans, guac, pico and olives if I remember correctly, they were very good just remember to grab some napkins. The pepperoni pizza is good as well. Perfect size for 2 people. We typically eat about half of it and take the other half home. They provide to go boxes in your way out. Each meal comes with 2 plates. Not sure if that's standard or if it's because there 2 in our party. Drinks: I enjoy the adult beverage options. The stout is perfect during winter, my fiancé enjoys the Hefe they usually have. Recently I've switched to Ace Ciders, their options sometime vary due to season but they tend to have 1 cider and they offer wine as well. Theater: There are 2 theaters. Any seat is good other than the front row if you older than 20. I've sat in the second row comfortably, and the back of the theater isn't a bad option either if you don't get the coveted middle aisle. My fiancé and I have been here a number of times during our 2 year stay and haven't had a bad experience since we found this gem. It's the part of the Bay Area that I'm going to to miss the most when I move back to So Cal. read more

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One line for tickets and food? I bought my tickets online but still had to wait in the food line to get in the movie. Very inefficient system. This place is poorly run and under staffed I don't recommend this location Go to Richmond or Emeryville instead. read more

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito - One line for food and tickets? - Cinema Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Love this classic Hollywood era theatre! Went to see A Complete Unknown w Rez on Christmas Eve Day to sold out crowd. Wonderful staff and snacks- our last & only movie theatre in Berkeley. Fab location to eat at Bakers & Common or La Mediterranee before or after movie. Let's support it, folks!! read more

Ah, they updated seats and tables since I wrote this, and it's much cleaner and easier to find seats. They also have a better way of checking tickets purchased online. Great beer on tap and pizza that's tasty and easy to eat in the dark. It's a solid 5-star! read more

Is it a real diamond cinema with food beer wine and Marie's have a very nice election of affordable wines and bottles as well as beer ciders and nonalcoholic rings. With great salads very delicious burgers nice appetizers and delicious pizzas. They also have the traditional popcorn and soda if that's your teeth. They have a party room for private parties in the front and very cool stop all the time read more

Rialto Cinemas Cerrito - Party room - Cinema Near Me - El Cerrito, California

Great location, very clean, good pizza.very comfortable,nice people .will definitely it's is one of the best theaters around Bay Area

Great movie choices and it has that small-town, community feeling. I'd love to see a change in menu every so often.

This is a great, very clean, vintage neighborhood theater with excellent food and service.

First return to the Rialto since pandemic started. Happy how this theater has literally cleaned up its act: the greasy old upholstery chairs and funky tables that were up front are gone, yay! Great staff, tasty food. My only ding is for the dark projection. Was watching Barbie, which should be super colorful and bright, and the visuals were rather dark and dim. Does projector need a new bulb? read more

The light pollution from the house lights in both theaters is very bad. It's a fun theater to go see a movie you don't care about, but if you want a cinema experience this is not the place. read more

Our family has loved going to the Rialto theater since it first re-opened in 2006. It has changed hands since then, and is better than ever. We usually make a night of it and always try to get there early so as to have time to find seats and order our food and drinks (the menu includes burgers, pizzas, salads, nachos, etc, beer and wine, plus the expected movie fare). The staff is friendly and the vibe is hometown connection. Along with blockbuster type movies, the theater offers National Theater Live viewings and free matinee family films and classics. The theater was originally built in 1937 and in its refurbishment, the original art deco murals surrounding the ground floor screen were restored - beautiful! Seating is comfortable and the tables provided for food make for an enjoyable dinner-and-a-movie experience. read more

Beer and movies!!! And food and wine and pizza and popcorn and candy oh my!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is that enough characters?

Glad this theater stood through the test of Quarantine. My husband and I are blind and we requested audio description headsets upon arrival. I had to ask twice for a replacement headset but representatives got one working quickly. Clean bathrooms. Love the boutique old-world charm. Also, you can purchase alcohol at concession! read more

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I used to like this place but considering there are so many other options I decided I wont go back. Seats are uncomfortable, theater rooms are not air conditioned well, bathroom plumbing reeks, nachos are served burnt, and they still ask for vax card and that you wear a stupid mask. read more

Good quality has plummeted while prices have skyrocketed. New bar tables are hard to eat at . Seem overstaffed yet no one at ticket counter so you need to stand in food line before claiming your seat which is annoying. Good selection of movies , but skews more towards marvel/mainstream stuff nowadays read more