Parkway Theater

I have been in here three times for entertainment events. The first time was for a movie documentary, and the other two were for events they were hosting. I was not impressed with this building nor the way it is run.
To their benefit, the documentary and the two events were fun. It was nice hanging out with my co-​workers and friends. Their entrance fees are reasonable. I did not feel like I was breaking the bank to get in here.
The layout of everything is run down, and it needs a lot of work. I do not always mind run-​down places, but this place does it badly. I can see that it used to be a beautiful place inside, but it is obvious that the owners have not done any updates in a long time. Renovations are much needed. The run-​down look is so extreme that I do not feel comfortable walking in here.
The employees also do not do a great job at keeping this place clean. All three times that I have been here, their carpets are dirty, there is food everywhere, their concession stand is filthy, and their walls are moldy at places. The employees need to keep a much better eye on those details. If it wasn’t for my work sending us to two events, I would have walked out immediately upon seeing this mess.
Their customer service needs a lot of work. To their benefit, I have run in to a couple polite individuals. The remaining employees do not treat their customers well. If they are not making it obvious that they do not want to be working there, they are rude. I have seen these guilty individuals to this do many other patrons besides me.
When I am in the area and want to see some entertainment or attend an event, I will avoid this place. I do not recommend this place to anybody. I hope that ownership reads this review and takes everything into consideration.

Needs a HUGE overhaul. I had to leave as the mold stench was/​is horrible. Nice that it’s still locally owned, but someone (the city?) needs to help revamp it. This should be a neighborhood gem, but I fear for my health…

Kudos to Pepito’s for buying this, but shame on them for leaving in basically the same condition as before. The movie selections are usually good, and I live nearby. But, there are some major red flags about this place. First off, they seem to have a problem with the AC. It’s always warm in there-​even when it’s not that warm outside. Also, the seats must be avoided at all costs. Go up front and use the couches. I don’t want to put too fine a point on things, but this was a porno theater back in the 80s, and the seats at the Parkway have not changed. So, when you go here (sometimes, there are movies here that aren’t anywhere else) and see one of those ancient seats with a mystery stain, RUN. RUN LIKE HELL. Because we probably know where that stain came from. Can you say Pee Wee Herman (aka Paul Reubens) time? I’ll leave it at that. I think you know where I’m going with this, and, yes, it’s gross.

A double-​feature for $ 7.50. Old leather couches. Little tables on which you can place your drinks and food. Yep — they’ve got food and drank! This is as casual, fun, and affordable as a moviegoing experience can get. Imagine your best possible netflix night, but on a big screen. I think I saw a guy peeing in a cup when I happened to glance a few rows behind me, and someone had an impossible-​to-​tame case of gas, which provided the sort of surround sound no one needed… but even that enhanced the aura.
I’ll sum this place up with quotes from the two movies I saw there: Silence of the Lambs and No Country for Old Men.
«First principles, Clarice. Simplicity. Read Marcus Aurelius. Of each particular thing ask: what is it in itself? What is its nature?»
The Parkway’s nature: a mixture of a saloon, a basement, and a living room.
«Where’d you get the [margarita]?»
«At the gettin’ place.»
Damn straight.
When it comes to cheap, good cinema with a side of alcohol, The Parkway is indeed The Gettin’ Place.

Pepitos next door is pretty good and you can bring your food in the theatre. The concession stand is also much recommended. Popcorn with butter is perfect match with the ambiance. Support!

I don’t want to sound rude, I love they are a local independent owned theater and all, but it wasn’t the most pleasant movie experience I’ve had, I much prefer the Riverview or Heights. They must have sustained some water damage at some point, it was so hot, humid and musty it gave me a headache. The people were nice, the popcorn was okay, I just wish something could have been done with the ventilation. It smelled really moldy or musty or something… if you have a sensitive nose or allergies, this may not be the theater for you!

Love coming to this area where you can eat anything your heart desires whether its ice cream, candy, Bar grub, or Organic salads, its all here within a blocks area.
Mixed Blood had a performance here, the Minnecanos, which was spectacular but I am reviewing only on the theater itself and not the production.
I would probably not come here again unless there was something special going on. Its a really neat, old, theater but its not your comfy, cuddle up, and be cozy type of place to watch a movie. The seats are pretty uncomfortable and should be replaced but I fear that would take away from the old charm so I doubt that will happen. The bathrooms are upstairs and adequate but if you can, try to go before you leave home, just like Mom used to tell you!
No one in my party ate anything so I can not attest to the popcorn but tons of people were crunching all around us and it smelled pretty good.
I wouldn’t make a special drive over to this area just to visit the Parkway but if you want a neat date night where you can eat, drink, walk around, then take in an interesting show or play, this is the area.

Cool neighborhood theater, a bit run-​down but it’s awesome it’s still in business at all. I’ve only been once but I like the choices in movies they screen, so I will be back. I’m kind of regretful that I missed the Buddy Holly /​Gary Busey event. That would have been something weird.
It’s very affordable and cool that you can drink during the movie. Although that leads to needing another or a bathroom break.

They have margaritas and couches!
Oh, and movies too…
They only change movies about once every 2 weeks which kind of stinks if the movie they are playing you have no interest in seeing.
The physical structure is well worn but it’s a small local business owned by the guy that owns Pepito’s next door, so i understand upgrading the interior would be a huge investment.
You can also bring in food from Pepito’s to eat while watching your show.
If you are wondering what the heck else there is to do once you are in the neighborhood, may I recommend Turtle Bread Company for some amazing quiche and True Colors bookstore for some excellent queer literature.

The Parkway is a neat old theater in a charming neighborhood shopping area, I think it is one of the nicest commercial areas of this kind in South Minneapolis. The theater is connected with Pepito’s which has excellent Mexican food and they allow you to bring food and drinks purchased at the restaraunt into the theater. I think the Parkway has a very nice atmosphere for watching movies except for one thing.
The owner has been trying to bring the theater back to it’s original look and while thats great, he has, in the process installed really old theater seats which have really neat Art Deco aissel ends but smell musstier than anything I’ve ever smelled. Hopefully there are some plans in place to re appolster them. Another thing that is somewhat aggravating is that sometimes when they show local and independent films the movie details get twisted a little, I’ve seen some of the worst movies in my life at this theater.
Fortunately the last couple of movies I’ve seen here were very good so maybe there is an improvement happening, but whenever you see a Parkway exclusive that you haven’t heard much about I’d avoid it, that is unless you’re watching the movie under the influence of alot of alcohol like some Parkway moviegoers, then the awfulness of the movie might make you laugh your head off.

I love this place! I’m on their weekly e-​newsletter and keep an eye out for shows I want to see. I went this weekend and watched The King’s Speech. Got myself a margarita, popcorn, and one of the pleather (?) love seats in front with the TV tray stand for my stuff. The staff are super friendly and, as noted by other reviewers, the neighborhood is really cute!
During the Soccer World Cup they had been playing live matches for people to attend free (I think), and I had really wanted to go, but was not able find the time. Such a great & unique neighborhood spot, if I ever leave the Twin Cities this is one of the places I will miss.

I like it.
It’s a little more run down that most of the cheaper theaters,
but to compensate, you can drink beer here.
Cheap admission, so that leaves you enough for a beer.
They have couches so you can stretch out
and relax or makeout with your date without having the annoying
arm rest pushing into your guts.
Upkeep is generally good as far as the cleanliness goes.

I’m all about places like Parkway. As my friends would say, «I’m into it». This is the sort of theater I’d like to open: couches, beer, friendly staff, no corporate model. Cheers to the Parkway, I’ll be back!

Ahhh, old theater, how I love thee. The sticky floors, the musty-​dusty smell from the veloured seats, the old acoustics… just the kind of place that was fit for hubby and me to watch an original reel of some WW2 film (hubby’s choice, not mine) and hum big band tunes on the way home. Haven’t tried Pepito’s but did sample the brews — love me some brew n’ views, too. Even the marquee kicks arse. Love!

The Parkway Theater is a throwback theater with a twist, make that twists:
1) The owner also owns Pepito’s next door and they are connected.
2) You can bring in beer, margaritas, and sangria from the restaurant.
3) You can get food to go and bring into the restaurant, and I’m not talking crappy big chain theater garbage, good ol’ Mexican food!
4) The first three rows or so are leather love seats with plenty of leg room and very comfy.
5) Prices are reasonable, usually around $ 5 a ticket.
The extra benefit is the neighborhood. Take a stroll around and you’ll know what I mean.

Awesome other than the sound was pretty lousy. I saw Milk and it sounded like there was a blown speaker. The overall volume was a little quiet and i’m not one who likes it cranked either. I like that you can enjoy an adult beverage if you choose and they use real butter on their popcorn. I think I paid five bucks for a later showing. Fix the sound and I will love it almost as much as the Riverview Theater.

The first time I was here after the remodeling was last Oct. for a showing of my film COME AND GET YOUR LOVE. I guess it’s quite a feat to fill the Parkway, but I did it. What was special about it, was viewing it from a couch. I felt wholly Roman. If it’s the right movie and crowd, it can be quite an exciting vibe. I’m so glad Pepitoe’s took over ownership. It seems like a good place for classic films. Please support this place, and I’ll keep you posted on the next showing.

Parkway is a fun place to see a movie.
It’s a single screen, an older theatre. The seats are definitely oldschool, and reminded me of going to class in those super-​big auditoriums in college. They do have a couple leather armchairs up front.
The best part is they let you bring in food and drinks! Anything you purchase at the restaurant next door can be brought into the theater. I wouldn’t try bringing in food (it was a little tight in the seats, not sure where you’d set your entrée), but we brought in beer which was superfun. They also sell beer and wine at the concession stand.
Definitely a fun evening — and no previews!

Updated-​They take credit cards now-​yay! Very happy they showed the Obama Inauguration today. Lots of fun, even though the seats still are a little uncomfortable.
They’ve done so much to improve the theater in the last 2 years. If you haven’t been in awhile, give it another chance. We finally did and weren’t disappointed! They’ve started showing second run mainstream movies (along with the occasional weekend kids’ matinée, and assorted foreign films) and you don’t have to sit through 20 minutes of ads and previews! When they say the movie starts at 7pm, it really starts at 7pm!
2 movie tickets, huge popcorn (with real butter!), pop, and candy for 17 bucks. What a deal! And, yes, beer and margaritas, and couches.
Really 4.5 stars because the bathrooms aren’t clearly marked, so of course I walked into the men’s room. No one saw me, but still. Eww!

Five stars. That’s right. Five stars because not only can you get a beer or margarita to go along with your $ 5 admission, but because you can crash on one of the numerous leather couches to watch your movie. Oh, and they use «really real butter» on their popcorn.
Sold!