Alameda Theatre & Cineplex — Attraction in Alameda

I have been going to this movie theater since I was a child. On July 22, 2023, I took my niece and me to the movies. Everything was great at first but then as we walked to the concession stand, my energy started feeling weird. I noticed the line I was in was moving slower than the other line. Something told me to switch lines, but I didn’t. so my niece and I start to order: two popcorn, two drinks, a nacho and one hot dog. Then I quickly decided I want a hotdog as well, so as the surfer cashier starts to ring me up for another hot dog, the other Caucasian male, who looked like his life decisions were embedded in his face, says he already gave me my other hot dog. Mind you everything is out in the open. I’m holding a big bag and trying to find a way to hold all this food I just ordered. So he’s telling me he gave me the second hot dog, the surfer cashier doesn’t see a second hot dog, but agrees with him and then tried to take the other customer's order as if we were done with each. So the other Caucasian male whose bad decisions were written all over his face was trying to swear he gave me my other hotdog, but you can see all that have is what I have. Long story short. I ended up getting the hot dog I never got, while the bad decision-maker face was making it seem like I was trying to steal a hotdog but pay for everything else. Then the surfer boy proceeds to throw the hotdog at me, but try to do a politely. All I can do is give him the death stare and walk away. I will never return to Alameda Theater. I was so tempted to get the manager right then and part of me still wishes I did because the next time they see a person like me, they will show more respect because you may not have a job once your actions are put to the test. But God bless them because he made it clear to me why I’m paying to watch the movie and they are getting my food and accusing me of stealing 1 hot dog and paying for everything else. But hopefully, no one makes an example out of their lack of respect and...

I remember working at this theater snack bar before it closed in the late 70's. It used to be like a center island in the middle of the lobby. The balconies were accessible for the one big original screen. The seats up there were suspiciouly nasty back in the day. I remember old Al, the old usher guy. The theater manager at the time was a guy named Pedderson. I think he kinda hated life and wasn't very nice. I later heard the guy died from a heart attack

The old screen curtains were ratty and full of soda and food stains. The hidden upper balcony store rooms where the snack bar supplies were stored were dark and dank. Probably the walls leaked as early as that if not before. Kinda spooky. I'm just glad I never spotted any rats or roaches.

Back then the giant "Alameda" neon sign outside was broken and never lit up. The marquee bulbs on the underside of the entrance overhang were always mostly burned out. The old box office was a small booth outside in the center of the front walk under the marquee overhang.

The old Ryders Diner and then later the Record Factory Store used to be where the new added multiplex screens and bistro/bar are now on the corner. I like the new theater now. It should've always remaind a theater. Too bad it never had a great Mighty Wurlitzer organ like the Oakland Paramount. That would've been cool.

It wasn't exactly the most ideal job. My fondest memory was being able to see the first Star Wars movie for free as many times I wanted. A lot of free movies and old Al looked the other way. Crappy job but good times. My...

There are so many great things about this theater complex.

Parking is... interesting, with a large parking garage and a smaller paid lot across the street (don't leave valuables in the car, there are breakins). Be aware of your parking space # to pay for parking during paid hours. The payment kiosk is often out of order. The elevator is slow. And I wouldn't want to try to park a larger SUV in the garage; corners are very tight and the spaces are small.

The top of the parking lot has a gorgeous 360º view.

As for the Alameda Theater itself, such a beautiful venue! An Art Deco masterpiece, lovingly restored, with adjunct smaller theaters styled to coordinate with those motifs. Acoustics are good, images are bright, screens are in good repair, seats are comfy with cupholders and lots of room. Some recline. Those that don't recline allow you to lift up the armrest between two people, so they can hold hands without their elbows getting sore.

But one thing that bugs me: they show a series of short videos before each screening, with trivia questions and ads for local businesses, plus an embarrassing 3-D animation of proper movie-house behavior. It hasn't changed in YEARS. Yes, I know David Bowie played the Goblin King. PLEASE update the...