I have lived in Vallejo since 2014 and had not attended any concerts at the Empress. My goodness was I missing out. The Staff is amazing, the decor very elegant and the price to attend doesn't break the bank. THE DANCE FLOOR SETS THE EMPRESS ABOVE ALL VENUES. Great fun. read more

Greeted with a warm welcome when entering for the Fathers' Day brunch at the Marquee. Our server, Sam was very kind, patient and efficient with the various questions and requests from our party of 5. :) Thank you Sam! Of course the entertainment, Lloyd Gregory & Friends, was "da bomb"! The only displeasure experienced was the sighting of a bug (type unmentioned) crawling on the wall next to our table--twice. We didn't bring it to the attention of the management, but just "handled" it. However, it is suggested a pest inspection and treatment be implemented right away. I would hate for this to become a problem which might prevent my and others' patronization of such a wonderful asset to the Vallejo community. read more

I had been wanting to try Empress forever and finally got to this yesterday for the LaRussell residency. We really loved it and it's like a mini Fox Theater or Paramount theater. Lots of nice classic detail and nice bar and good audio quality. Recommended read more

See all

We went to see Tainted Love, they were awesome. I would definitely return to the theatre to check out other bands and I would love to see Tainted love again. read more

Went to see the tribute to the BeeGees. First time there since they converted from a movie theater. I didn't realize how beautiful they made this place. The place is like an old style theater but with a modern lounge area. I recommend to come down and enjoy it sometime read more

See all

The food ran out on New Year's Eve at 7:45 pm. It began serving at 7:30. The staff is rude and dismissive. For $200 per couple I expect more. We won't go here again. And the manager doesn't respond. Perhaps go for the music but not for dinner. read more

There's usually no food, but they do not mind you using the local restaurants surrounding them to bring in the crew there that's working and volunteering is very helpful. They have very nice diverse shows. I appreciate that. I will continue to To Go. The ambience is nice. Cool nice for date night. Nice place to go in the middle of the week And they keep the price affordable. read more

First time attending an event there! I loved it! It's roomy, great leg space. Ambiance was great! Beautiful venue. Looking forward to returning for another event! read more

The Empress Theatre - Inside of Empress Theatre. - Performing Arts Near Me - Vallejo, California

See all

Ambiance at Mr Rics & Marquez club Nice helpful staff and mixers for drinks was very accommodating to the friends that celebrated my Day of Birth read more

My first time going to the Empress Theatre in Vallejo was on April 20th. The venue was elegant with very good acoustics to hear the marvelous voices and orchestra during the performance of Porgy and Bess! An adjoining restaurant was perfect to purchase drinks and snacks during intermission! read more

This place would honestly get 5 stars because the ambiance. But there is a particular bartender there named Diane that I have constantly heard gossip about guests and coworkers. I avoid her at all costs because her drinks are not consistent and honestly she's rude and not pleasant. All the other ladies that I have seen work the bar are gems. I'm not sure how this one squeezed her way in. read more

When they have a good act for the lounge or a big show for the main room, it's a great place to go. I recommended highly if there show has the entertainment that you want Wednesday Thursday night live music is great. Recommended highly read more

Went to see a jazz guitarist that I really enjoy for just $10! The performance was on the lounge side. The lounge area has a bar, sofa, and tables and chairs throughout. It was a very intimate setting, felt like watching a jam session in someone's home. They had a pretty well stocked bar and the bartender knew how to concoct a perfectly crafted dirty martini. I didn't notice any food being served nor any waitstaff, seemed to be a small operation on the lounge side. They could use a refresher on the decor, it looks rather dated. Nothing major just an update on the chair covers and mirrors alone would do wonders for the space. Overall a nice spot to catch some live music at a nice price. Live music in the lounge area on Wednesdays. read more

First time watching a concert here, I was amazed how beautiful this place was. It wasn't a large theater, but it made it intimate for the concert goers and the performer. We watched Kimie Miner, a Hawaiian Recording Artist, She was awesome. Everybody had a chance to interact with her. It was amazing. 5 STARS for The Empress Theater! read more

The Empress Theatre - Empress Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Vallejo, California

Great place for concerts and various venues! Empress isn't a large theatre. This provides good seats for everyone.

I have been here a few times but just took in the New year show... WOW We have so many diamonds in the rough here in Vallejo and if you need to see a great show at a great price in a great theater, why haven't you been here??? I have to give props to everyone at the empress, you are all the best... Looking forward to many great night's of fun in 2018... hope to see my readers here soon read more

The Empress Theatre - Eric Gale's is back and better than ever!! Thanks for the AWESOME night!! - Performing Arts Near Me - Vallejo, California

I went to the Empress last night and saw Tower of Power and as always they put on a fantastic show. I had trouble pulling up my QR code on my phone. The manager Joanne pulled me and several other groups aside and personally printed out our tickets. She was super busy but took care of us with professionalism and kindness. Bravo Joanne. I'll definitely be back to this beautiful theatre. You made a return customer out of me read more

Always a favorite, the beautiful theater never disappoints. I have been to several events here that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Parties, shows, and theater. Awesome. read more

Pros: Beautifully restored 1911 theater, located in a very nice, clean and safe location in Downtown Vallejo. Plenty of parking nearby. A full bar connects with the theater and drinks are allowed in inside. The staff was very helpful and friendly. In fact we tipped our usher for being so helpful. She was wonderful. Con: The seats, at least in the balcony, are very cramped both in width and legroom. Think of the smallest airline seat you've ever had, and then downsize it a bit. My knees were practically against the head of gentleman in from of me. My wife is 5-3 and she felted cramped. If anyone in the row needed to come or go, everyone in their path needed to stand up and get out of the way. Very very cramped. read more

WOW. I've been following the happenings & goings-ons of The Empress Theatre for years, have urged many to visit (via word of mouth in-person and online, etc.), know some folks who have helped sponsor it, have passed by just to see how things were progressing, and have even been in contact with them in the past regarding some business related stuff and some (unrelated) website issues as well... but I had never actually walked through it's doors and took in a show of any sort here until I stopped in to listen to the Vallejo Jazz Society Quartet play before watching "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) on Friday, Dec. 16th, 2011. My schedule and the scheduling/programming/renovation, etc. of The Empress never seemed to play nice with each other and it just never happened. I've been in a million different theaters (movies, music, live performances) and The Empress really does rank among my favorites. It's true, they can probably improve a bit in the sound and image department (I'm sure if some more kind folks could/would/should help donate to their wish list to improve the sound system and projector(s) it could sweeten the deal. Live music sounds quite nice here.) but overall this "hidden gem" really does kind of leave me speechless in a very good way. Everybody that I've encountered here, whether at the box office or concession stand or fellow theater goers, etc., are all very nice and all seem happy to be there. I'm so glad that they are finally filling up the schedule and having more events at the theater. Previously it seemed like just not enough stuff was happening there. Now they appear to be making a good effort to keep the interest in the venue and it's events going. More and better programming is what The Empress has needed (other than support from people like you and I) and things are looking up in this regard. Got some cool ideas for them? Send it over their way! P.S.- This might sound kind of weird to point out (or not) but even the bathrooms there are nice, ha. They really have updated/renovated/renewed this place all-around. P.P.S.- A HUGE "THANK YOU" goes out to everyone who's helped bring (and bring back) this wonderful venue to Vallejo and the Bay Area. I will continue to show support and hope others will do the same. The Empress is a place for community and for the arts and brings us all closer together. I look forward to it being here for many, many more years to come. read more

Neat little place in V-town! Went to go see a blues band last Friday night. Great talent!!! The place is gorgeous inside and it's a laid back place to listen to awesome music. No rude hipster-wanna-be's here. Just people who come for the music. If you've got young ones, this is a great place to bring them so you can turn them on to something other than iTunes music. Get them interested in an instrument and broaden their horizons. Good atmosphere here. Check out their calendar and their music. Johnny read more

The Empress Theatre - The greatest blues band in the world! - Performing Arts Near Me - Vallejo, California

What a beeeauuutiful theater!! Great sesting, nice snack bar people and a very nice bar area. Takes you back to the good old days of theater. What a wonderful place and a great venue for listening to live music. read more

See all

I just returned home from my first and last visit to this theatre where I watched a 70's cover band concert, or so I thought. First, my event was originally scheduled for September 16th. Then weeks before the event, they suddenly changed it to October 28th with no reissuing of my ticket, so my ticket still had the old date and time. On the evening of the event, I checked my ticket to confirm the time to see if I could slip in a sit-down dinner beforehand and it said 8 pm; however, when I checked the website, it said 7 pm. Unclear of when it started, I skipped dinner and arrived at 6:50, thinking I would barely make it; only to discover that the event was at 8 pm and they got the website time wrong. For acoustics, I could barely hear the band as the bass was so loud it drowned out the vocals. I also chose a front row seat to get the best view. Unfortunately, dancing was on the floor directly in front of the first row. Now, I not only couldn't hear the band, but I now couldn't see them. After the third time that someone stepped on my toes, it was time to bid this theatre a forever farewell. read more

Went for their Howl-Ween event and saw Creature from the Black Lagoon in 3D. Staff was quite friendly, patrons welcoming. My gripe (with others): sound quality. Definitely a fun outing. Thanks for keeping places like this open. read more

We attended the Bee-Gee's gold tribute performance last night. WOW! The venue is beautiful, we were greeted by a beautiful lady name "Aweina" sorry I'm sure it is spelled wrong but what a delight she was! Gave us a great suggestion for dinner. She was the sweetest, totally made us feel so welcome. The show was awesome! read more

The Empress Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Vallejo, California

See all

Just left the Empress Theatre to see the Jackie Wilson story tonight with Chester Gregory the the performer who was amazing too bad that the audience wasn't very big. If you ever get the chance to see this performer I would highly recommend that you go to see him. The Empress Theater is a great venue that you will enjoy please support this local business read more

The Empress Theatre - Empress Lounge area - Performing Arts Near Me - Vallejo, California

We love live music and we just love the Empress. It's an unappreciated jewel in old town Vallejo. The Empress offers a wide variety of music, film and other events fit for every taste. Where else can you have this ambiance with an attached bar, a dance floor for those so inclined, with easy access and no parking hassle. To say nothing of not having to transport oneself to SF, Berkeley or Oakland, fight traffic and crowds, or take one's chances on BART and deal with the unwashed masses to see a show? The Empress is "the bomb"! Too bad that more of the 115,000 plus Vallejo residents don't utilize the opportunity. read more

Just love the Empress Theatre. Have heard so much good music there and it's always easy to park....for free.

From their website: "The restored Empress Theatre is a 6,300 square ft. venue, with just under 500 seats, offering live performances and movies. The sprung stage will accommodate live dance performances, musicals, symphony concerts, music events and children's programs. It will be an intimate and inspirational venue for local performing companies as well as regionally and nationally prominent performers." We attended an awards ceremony here last night (November 14th) following an excellent buffet dinner next door at Baci's. You will be mesmerized by the renovation work that has been done on this incredible historic gem. A vaudeville theatre that opened on Valentine's Day in 1912, she has been lovingly restored -- and will need the support of the community and visitors to shine brightly in downtown Vallejo! read more

Impressive! I'm a fan of Empress on Facebook so I stay pretty up to date on their events. I appreciate the ongoing updates. This weekend, we had some free time and they were running a half price special to see the SF Chamber Orchestra All Stars. Two tix for a show @ 2pm just under $15 bux. I appreciate the location and the community effort Empress is putting forth in Vallejo. For sure, I will keep an eye out for future exciting events. Color me bummed for missing out on Friday's showing of "Breakfast at Tiffany's." read more

Wow! I moved to Vallejo almost a year ago and have been spying on the redevelopment of this old gem. It finally opened a few weeks ago, and I finally went this past weekend. And, all I can say is Wow! These folks did a really amazing job in renovating this theatre from top to bottom. It is on par with some of the best theatres on the west coast. My only real nitpick is that the sound was a bit echo-ey, perhaps from being too loud. The real challenge is going to be getting people out to frequent this place. Let's all go to the movies, everyone! Can;'t wait to go see There Will Be Blood in a couple weeks. (My other nitpick is for some of my fellow moviegoers. Shhhh! If you want to talk, stay at home!) read more

Very cool historic theater. They have shows that appeal to different patrons. Last night, the Purple Haze band performed at the Empress. They are a tribute to Jimi Hendrix. The quality of the performers and the sound was superb. People are respectful. The audience can dance in front of they want to. It was a happy, carefree, relaxed atmosphere. The bar is also well stocked, even with popcorns. This is a great treasure in Vallejo, with diverse patrons. Looking forward to coming to more shows in the future. read more

See all

The Empress is a class act all the way. It represents the best of Vallejo. It is the result of the whole community coming together to create an entertainment venue with variety, novelty, and civility. The combination of live music, dancing, and cocktails followed by a classic movie is a great combination. Get on their mailing list and go to all their events. You won't be disappointed. There's also a great Cuban restaurant bar next door for pre- and post- gatherings. Hats off to all involved. Read the plaque of contributors along the wall. That wide list of names shows how well woven the community is in supporting the arts. Go Touro! Go Vallejo! Love the Empress. More Alvon! read more

Fun arcade, lots of room. I didn't try the food but had a couple of cocktails. Lots of choices for games and quite a few pool tables.

I really like this theatre. It is a great size, not too big and not too small. Doesn't seem like there would be a bad seat in the house. I'm here to see the generation gap perform tonight. The stage is nicely decorated and I like the Christmas tree!! read more

The Empress Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Vallejo, California

I had a wonderful time listening and dancing to the music of Good Intentions. Smooth, clear, harmonic, soulful, party-pleasing music! Motown and all of the stars now twinkling who once made music are very proud of you! Thank you. Next..."Kalimba". read more

There is no better place to see a great film. They have had an amazing collection of art flicks and every one we've seen has been outstanding! read more

There's so much history at the Empress. I love that the foundation behind it keeps it alive with local talent.

I went here recently and saw the movie, "The Wackness", which is a dope movie BTW, it took me back to '93 with all the music, I need to get that soundtrack...aaaaand Sir Ben is a dope ass actor. Anyway, I was meeting some co-workers here, I got there early and went to the spot next door and grabbed a beer, pretty chill spot. So, yeah we went in and it's a cool spot...old school theatre with 1 screen. I gave 4 stars because the sound isn't THAT great, but it wasn't too bad. I really hope this place does well, there were only a handful of people there when I went and I just don't get how they're staying open if that's how it is all the time. The movies they play are older classic movies and also seems like newer "indy" movies. They were playing the Gonzo movie a while ago, but I missed it. I also wich they would have the movies run a bit longer. Afterwards this crazy drunk dude who had a pretty mean lisp was invading my personal space and was waaaayyy too interested in my lip ring. thanks to Kennice and Rajan for ditching me. Anyway, go to this place, check it out and support...don't let it close down read more

Overcharged me, paid $ 50 when online it says each ticket is 12.50. They should not be charging more just because you don't know or bring it up to them. http://sanfrancisco.eventful.com/events/golden-dragon-acrobats-/E0-001-100145061-7 read more