beautiful theater and even though they don't have fancy reclining seats, the ambience and architecture are worth it. they still allow you to bring in food from Clark burger next-door ( milkshakes, burgers, drinks) read more

A true landmark of Baltimore, I am so happy that this theater has thrived for so many years! For a while, it was just a single theater with only one screen, but the renovations have added a whole other factor! The main theater is huge and has lovely ambiance, nice lighting, wide rows of seating so you can see the screen from every angle. The other theaters are smaller in size and more intimate, but still wonderful. The ladies restroom includes powder room/lounge that feels pretty nostalgic and the front lobby is so cool! Neat tiling, murals on the walls, screen-prints of Star Wars- I love the feel. And of course they have popcorn and candy, what theater wouldn't? I will always support this business over AMC because they are local, have a great theater, play brand new movies but also play revivals- it's just perfect. read more

Best place to see a movie in Baltimore. And with only one screen it's good to see the owners pick excellent films to show. From A Christmas Story, to Blade Runner (coming Dec '07), to the longer Apocalypse Now Redux, and the ass-numbing Lawrence of Arabia. Whatever you decide to see here, you'll appreciate the movie-going experience. From the enormous, non-stadium seating where each film is personally introduced by a manager standing up on the front stage, to the large circular lobby with domed ceiling. Or how about an actual lounge in the men's room? One with chairs, sofas, and a fireplace. You'll find yourself reflecting on what a night at the movies used to be. It was something classier, where people weren't just herded in and out of the local multi-plex, but where everyone dressed up a bit and stood around to socialize before and after. It was a community activity, not just the socially isolating experience it is today. read more

The Senator's main draw is it's charm. As everyone has mentioned, it's the old style cinema experience with one main screen. It's a great experience to see the facade and sidewalk, buy your ticket from someone in a real ticket booth and then go inside to see it's lavish interior. It really is a special feeling when going to the Senator. Despite it's charm, however, watching a movie here really isn't that great anymore. It used to feel like such a special experience when I was younger but now that most theaters have such good audio/visual systems and comfortable seating and amenities, it's hard to go back to the cramped "bowl" seating and relatively small screen. Of course the picture quality is quite good, it just feels small and no longer lives up to the grand presentation you get when first entering the theater and see how big and open it is. The sound system, however, is top-notch. Excellent imaging and probably the best bass response I've heard in a theater. Very clear and clean and well designed. And I have to agree that the popcorn is quite good, and I think also much less expensive than at modern multiplexes. If you live in the area, you need to go to the Senator at least once, but I personally can't find much reason to go back with any frequency at all. read more

The Senator will not die! It is just too good to ever fade away entirely into the DVD, movie-on-demand, watch on your iPhone world. The place holds hundreds of movie-goers in its cavernous, tastefully restored, and lovingly maintained interior. The bathrooms are old-school elegant with shiny surfaces, polished metals, marble, porcelain, and the like. The ticket booth is great, as are the sidewalk plaques and concrete impressions left by movie makers, stars, and local celebrities. York Road never looks as brilliant as when the crowds line up after dark for an advanced screening or opening night of something really big. Case in point I: we attended a number of years ago a screening of "Seabiscuit" (2003) at the Senator. The place was filled to capacity, which meant tons of people, pounds of popcorn, and gallons of soda. The big screen, which fills the stage from left to right, is capable of showing large-format, 70 mm films. Along with a THX-quality sound system, this setup totally captured the sights and sounds of the incredible horse races and training sequences in that flick, including of course the famous 1938 race b/t Seabiscuit versus War Admiral held at Pimlico Race Track in North Baltimore (annual site of the Preakness, for those who care about such things). We love any movie with Chris Cooper, and the performances by Jeff Bridges, Toby McGuire, William H. Macy, and Elizabeth Banks were also great (as was the cameo/supporting role by real-life jockey, Chris McCarron). You cannot reproduce on your little laptop speakers (or your $10,000+ home theaters) the sounds of hundreds of hands clapping, mouths munching, and voices cheering, laughing, and otherwise making merry. That's the magic of the movies, in my opinion: the symbiotic, and always unpredictable, dynamic feedback loop b/t screen, sound, and audience. Watching "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006) at another of Baltimore's great cinemas, the Charles, once made us laugh alongside the others so hard that tears and stomach cramps ensued. Try reproducing that experience at home! Case in point II: one Halloween October, we attended a screening of F. W. Murnau's silent-cinema classic, "Nosferatu: eine Symphonie des Grauens" (1922) with live musical accompaniment by the excellent Devil Music Ensemble (http://www.massdist.com/dme). They performed an original score composed esp. for the film, and it sounded great. The whole experience was utterly amazing, and very spooky, I must say! Silent cinema never sounded so good. So, what are you waiting for? Go to the Senator and helped keep this treasure of North Baltimore and world culture alive and in the black! read more

Excellent sound system and big screen plus very good popcorn. Also has private balcony to host parties. Parking across the street.

If you are in the market - GO SEE THE MOVIE HERE! This place is a Golden Oldie that needs us to stay alive! The price is right and the candy is right on the mark. They even have theater pets, people friendly of course. A relaxed atmosphere that is part of Baltimore's rich heritage. Often they play old reels from the time lost of odd little bits of information. For example: Empire Architecture in the Brassiere - circa 1950's shows a young woman going to a lingerie shop to be sized and fitted and have a bra made with a similar design comparison to the Empire State building. Interesting, informational and shows full frontal at no extra charge. You can't buy this stuff! So come experience a little history with you 21st Century movie :-) read more

It's been renovated and now can show more movies. The new theaters are small, so get there early if you want to sit together and not too close to the front. (and please folks - let's not sit with one empty seat on either side)... The no longer have real butter for the popcorn - so so so sad. read more

I bought two tickets February 6th for a movie on February14th at 9:45pm. However when I arrived the theater wasn't even open. Nice way to end Valentine's Day. read more

The Senator is a very unique theater experience. It doesn't have the massive screens or sound systems that you'll find at bigger chains like Cinemark or Regal, but it has that charm that just can't be replicated by those companies. Nostalgia is the best term I can find to describe this Senator. When I visit, I'm flooded with memories of seeing films as a child. The seats aren't that roomie, and there is a slightly tarnished feel to everything in the theater, but that is all forgotten once the movie starts. The selection of films is wide ranging, from blockbusters to lesser known indie films. Come Oscar season, I'm always checking the Senator first since I know they will have movies that you can't find at the larger theaters. My only complaint is due to some noise pollution coming from one of the businesses attached to the theater. During a later screening in the right side theater, the movie was slightly drowned out by very loud music coming through the wall. I didn't feel the need to complain to the theater though, because I know it is mostly out of their control. read more

The Senator is a classic Art Deco movie theater and Baltimore landmark. I love it because it takes you back to a time where going to the movies meant going to a theater with a single screen. I love the huge screen and how it is revealed after the golden curtains are pulled back. This theater has 800 seats plus a private room in the balcony. It has a great sound system, too. The great thing is that is under new management (the folks at The Charles) and is in the process of being restored to its former glory. It really is a great place to see a movie premiere at midnight or any film that has special significance. I give it a 4 star rating because the old soft seats just aren't super comfy after an hour or two. It would be great if they accepted credit cards, but alas, that is just part of the experience. I can't wait to see the final renovation! read more

I thought the experience here was time-traveling goodness. I went to see Mr. Smith goes to Washington during their anniversary throw back movies. I am not sure I would have enjoyed a newer movie here, but it was perfect for my 1939 movie. The first thing you notice when you walk into the theater is that it is huge! Probably the size of three theaters. The seats are old school though. You get the pleather covered spring seats, which were still nice, and I was comfortable. The screen wasn't wide, but was perfect for the movie I saw. They do have popcorn and sodas. The popcorn tasted like it was an older version of a popper, like I used to have in one of those home poppers. Definitely not the super butters and salty popcorn you get at most theaters. I loved the theater, and I look forward to visiting again. read more

I can't believe the renovations in this place! It looks fantastic! The theater felt like I should have been going to see a play or a symphony. Huge, tall ceilings, ornate architectural details, fun lights and the space was enormous. The lobby and bathrooms were also very nice and clean, the attendant at the door was friendly and helpful because I didn't know where I was going. I'm curious as to why stadium seating wasn't the choice after the recent renovations, they have the space for it and as a short person, stadium seating really makes a difference. I'm pretty sure tickets were more expensive than other theaters which is a bummer but concessions were pretty standard priced. I'm really happy this theater re-opened since it's such a landmark in the Govans neighborhood and I'm always ready to support my neighborhood establishments! Also, I was very excited to go see The Hobbitt 2 midnight premiere last night and it was cool that they showed a double feature (I only went to the second). If only I could have stayed awake to see the whole thing... darn finals week getting the best of me! read more

Took my 14 year old to the Senator and we saw Chef. My mom marveled at the restrooms. I know I could have left her there and she'd be happy. The hubby was busy reading the sidewalk and looking at the stars that had made their imprints. We got popcorn, of course. My child smirked that the seats didn't go back, as in the other theaters, but I shushed him with a box of Junior Mints. The hubby meandered back in the theater, my mom finally left the rest room and we sat in one of the smaller theaters. It was almost as if we had ventured into a party. I believe everyone knew each other. No, it's just that we were greeted upon entering from the other customers, who were busy marveling at the architecture and happy just to be there. We were too. And by the way, the movie was amazing. The Senator is a schlep from where we live, but worth the drive. read more

Love it here. The renovation only has made the main theater more beautiful, and I love the smaller side theaters because they are very tiered and I'm short so it means I can always see :) It's modestly priced, picks up the big flicks and some indie ones, and staff is just fine. Now they sell beer and I think you can get food from Clark Burger and eat it in theaters! It's clean, too. They often show old movies on the big screen in honor of holidays. Definitely come here for an afternoon at Belvedere Square and a movie if you can! read more

Totally restored theater with incredible sound and old- timey theater with curved floor. I saw Avengers Endgame there and was totally entertained. It's cool how they have glass windows in the lobby so you can still see what's going on if you have to get snacks. read more

*** UPDATE as of 7/22 the senator has been shut down :( **** I don't care, this place might not be the most well kept theater, but its a place you just HAVE to go to, its the oldest running movie theater, seats 400 people, has a mezzanine, had to stop a movie to announce that America was joining WWII, support this theater, its like walking into a Broadway theater, I like to get dressed up, get all nostalgic, and play "putting on the Ritz" in my head. Plus from what I remember the quality of the sound and movie is superior, and wider screen! Its way more humbling, more of an experience then those other theaters, especially on a premiere night, go here, people get all dressed up as the characters in movies, and John Waters pops up for his movies read more

Do not come to this theater. We bought tickets online and when we got there they said we did not buy have a reservation. They refunded us 22/25 dollars. Spent an hour waiting in the snow and did not get to see the movie. On top of that, the manager, Andrase was condescending and told us there was nothing he could do. I do not recommend coming here. Do not waste your time and money read more

What a quaint place to see a movie! I had come before the renovations - I'm really glad that they spruced it up. For this trip, I was seated in theater #3, which holds probably 70 people. Seats were very comfortable, and the temperature was just right (not too cold, like in many other theaters). Pro tip: street parking is free on Sundays read more

When I sit in the Senator theater, and the lights have gone down but the music hasn't started yet - it's a very wierd moment for me..... you can almost hear the history that surrounds you. YOu can hear the ghosts of people who, over a half century before you sat in the theater - dressed in their finest suits and dresses, wearing 3D glasses, smoking cigarettes and drinking out of flasks. I find myself turning around to look at the private skyboxes on the top level, wondering how many celebrities have sat up there during their opening nights. I look at the stage and wonder how many times John Walters stood there to give the welcome remarks before his movie premiers. Look - there are dozens of theaters in Baltimore and you can see a movie at any one of them. If you want high-tech everything, you'll be happy at Arundel MIlls. If you want to go someplace that's as much about the experience, the theater and it's history, as it is about the movie - go to the Senator. read more

A real Baltimore treasure. I am lucky enough to live walking distance to this theatre. The main theatre is stunning and beautifully restored to its former glory. read more

Likes -The structure of the Senator itself is great, it definitely feels like it's from a different era. -The ticket taker even wears a red jacket and a bow tie! -The theater is very grand. -There's easy parking behind the Staples. Dislikes -The schlocky touches like a cut out of Indiana Jones jumping from the balcony take away from any sense of awe. -The popcorn's passable, but I don't think I've ever had it hot from the popper at this theater. -The voice over at the beginning goes on forever, and then there are still previews. read more

The Senator has bowl seating, (the main theater) not stadium. Please don't assume that if you sit in front of someone that they will be able to see. Be courteous and stagger your seating. The theater is large enough so that in most cases no one should have to sit directly behind someone. Thank you read more

Has no one yet mentioned the popcorn? Real, popped pop-corn, with real butter. Best to see a John Waters movie here. read more

We went with some friends to the the Marigold Hotel 2. Cute movie. We like all the renovations and changes that have been made at the Senator. They have added several extra theaters besides the large original one. We were in Theater 2 which is still a good size unlike some places where you feel like you might as well be in your living room. We checked out some of the changes and ducked into the main theater between shows there. We had forgotten how big it is. All the seats are new and in the back there are some seats with tables. In the lobby they now have a small bar. Everything is spruced up. The lobby and foyer which had started to look seedy shine again. Since we live nearby, having the extra theaters is nice since there is more choice and we don't have to wait nearly as long for a movie to come through that we like. read more

The Senator is a Baltimore institution, and it's exactly the kind of theater you'd expect to find in Charm City....quirky and absolutely full of personality. It's not that there's anything necessarily wrong with generic Landmark theaters, you just won't really even pay attention to your surroundings there. With The Senator, you'll find yourself constantly saying or thinking 'wow.' You'll say it when you see the front of the building and the sidewalk leading up to the ticket window, you'll say it when you step into the lobby, and you'll certainly say it when you see the massive main theater, with tables in the back for couples to sit and eat, and the giant curtain that's pulled back as the film is about to start. With its location across the street from Belvedere square market and the Shoo Fly Diner, this part of town is a great destination. This is where you should take friends visiting from out of town. Skip the Inner Harbor and come here! read more

My favorite theatre ever! Old school movie theatre with a huge auditorium for the main feature. Friendly staff. Standard snacks: popcorn, candy and soda. They also play old movies every Wednesday. read more

Always my favorite movie theatre. The old glam of the theatre is matched with the laid back staff and small theatre rooms to make it comfortable. The bar is great and they have free soda refills. Prices are always a little cheaper than the big theatres too! read more

The Senator Theatre is a Baltimore landmark. The Senator is a place where I would easily recommend out-of-towners to take a visit to, pre-financial issues. Hopefully, I can recommend this historic movie theater even more once renovations are completed by Spring of 2012. There is a plethora of history here at Senator Theatre; it's apparent with the Sidewalk of Stars that lays front outside of the theater. I came here to watch Transformers: Dark of the Moon this past weekend. I won't comment on the actual movie, but if you wanted to come to a place where you could enjoy the movie in peace, Senator Theatre was definitely the place to do so. One thing I'll comment on (which another Yelper commented on) was the life, or lack of, in the theater. I felt like I was in a deleted scene of I Am Legend. I'm pretty certain that this will change once everything is completed next year. I would still recommend coming to Senator Theatre if you want to see a historical landmark in Baltimore. I'll come back once all of the renovations have been completed and the rebirth has occurred. read more

I enjoyed seeing Star Wars here. The prices of popcorn and candy aren't that bad. I enjoyed how you could bring food in from Clark Burger, as well as drinks from them also. The wine is $7.00 and it was good quality. All around, enjoyable time. I highly recommend this theater at least once. read more

Second favorite only to The Uptown in DC, but if you're a local - this is the place to go. I'd see anything anytime at the Senator.

I went here after it re-opened to see 'True Grit'. For obvious reasons a lot of the character this theater used to have is gone, and it honestly looked dead inside. Walls are barren of any posters, the bathroom lacked any place to sit in the ladies lounge area, and again...everyone working there had a dead, hollow look to them. I know the people who bought it know how to run a good movie theater (The Charles is pretty awesome), but they need to give this place some life. Throw some art on the walls, put up some Baltimore themed displays. Trust me, tourists and suburban types love them some Baltimore kitsch. read more

We saw Sing here. Cute lobby/bathrooms. I think we must have been in the add-on theater. It wasn't all that.

Overall Great service from employees I think the Manager needs to show more respect to his employees. It would also be nice if they could have some fucking heat it is below 20 degrees outside and feels the same in the theater . read more

The Senator is the best place to watch a movie in Baltimore. It is an old, historic, single-screen theater. When you come for a movie, take a look at the sidewalk you are standing on when buying your ticket. You'll see a visual record of all the movies that have premiered here, most notably almost every John Waters film. read more

It's always a fun evening when you see a movie in a historic theatre. Recently renovated, it has a Baltimore Art-Deco charm. Famous Baltimore natives Barry Levinson and John waters have premiered their films here, and the theatre has loved then back with stars on a "walk of Fame" on its sidewalk. The main theatre is the largest with a curtain that opens to reveal the screen with orchestra seating. The smaller adjacent theatre has stadium seating. There are also skyboxes that can be rented out for birthday parties! They show blockbusters and revive old classics, sometimes with free showings. I just wish they sold tickets online!!! read more

Landmark theater in Baltimore - makes the movie an experience. There's only one screen but they choose their movie well. Plush seats, great sound (hard to find in these old theaters) and great bathrooms. It's not stadium, if that matters to you, and it can sell out during the weekends. The crowd is generally very quiet. Get here a little early to get a good seat and a good parking spot, as there can be a bit of a bottleneck getting out afterwards. Go for the experience and you'll be glad you did. read more

This place is the best. Very cool vibe and the seating is really comfy and seems like they have more space between the seats here which is also a big plus. Sound and picture quality are spot on. Staff is also very nice and seems like they really enjoy working and such a cool theatre. My wife and I have been coming here for a while now but the last movie we saw was Logan. Movie was great and so was the experience. Feels great to support a local theatre company! read more

Make going to the theater a memorable experience - go to the Senator. Sure it's a bit run down and in transition with it's renovations, but go support this grand treasure of a theater so that it can be restored and become another great Baltimore revival story. read more

As I've told everyone, this is the only place where I've never had a problem watching a movie & I challenge anyone in Baltimore to say they've gotten the same atmosphere or sense of welcome anywhere in the area (certainly not from the chain multiplexes). Although the theatre it can no longer show 1st run flicks, it IS STILL OPEN & showing movies & holding a memorabilia sale (with the help of an all volunteer staff - proceeds keep the lights on & doors open)! Baltimore City intends to buy it at their own upcoming foreclosure auction for a mere $1million, but fans/supporters are hoping that a preservationist with more than that will outbid the city. Local media make it sound like a done deal, but it's far from over! Big meeting on the subject (called by MD State Senator Joan Conway) coming up on May 20 - 6pm @ The Senator Theatre. Come down & get the scoop! http://friendsofthesenatortheatre.wordpress.com/2009/05/16/state-senator-calls-public-meeting-about-citys-senator-theatre-auction/ read more