Rialto Theatre

11/27/2007 Posted by elizabiotch

I love Rialto theater! Where else can you go to see a great movie in an old fashioned yet retro theater! (With REAL buttered popcorn I may add!) I had never been there before, but will surely go back. Especially since finding such a cozy, casual & comforting restaurant...RIGHT NEXT DOOR! "The Point" is located right next to Rialto & the food is amazing! In fact, the food is so good & reasonably priced, I HAD to meet the Chef. Chef Alan Phillips is fairly new to "The Point" but by no means an amatuer! A person can see Chef Alan takes pride in his work. If you dont have the fortune to meet Chef Alan while at "The Point" you'll surely taste it! I snuck a peek at the new menu & I must say, there is something for everyone! From they're daily features (just like Rialto) to they're pasta's, seafood & even prime rib on Fridays! Where has this theater and Chef Alan been hiding? Well the words out folks! You've got to try it! This will be my new date spot for sure! Both "Rialto" AND "The Point" are always hopping...and now I know why. Kudo's to both venues... Dinner AND a Movie...who would've thought! What a concept!!! :-)

Pros: Great movies, friendly service, nicely priced & EXCELLENT food...right next door at "The Point"

Cons: None yet & I dont see any forthcoming

11/09/2007 Posted by toppro

While reading an article in the new NC Signature magazine about Five Points, I noticed the Rialto Theatre, which looks so familiar - in the late 1950's I live in Five Points, on Sunset Dr and went to many movies at the then Colony Theatre (now apparently the Rialto) - seeing movies like Old Yeller and other Disney classics there for .15 (and a dime for popcorn and a drink!) In the early 1960's I got a job as a marquee boy, $1 a night (movies back then changed every few days, sometimes 4-5 times a week) - and used to hang out in the projection booth next to the Marquee letter room - I learned how to operate the projectors and one day the projectionist got fired - and I got the job - bizarre turn of events and at age 13 I was THE projecitonist at the Colony. Eventually moved back to Chapel Hill and became the projectionist at the Varsity and the Carolina theatres. But so weird, Five Points looks so like it did when I was a kid - I googled the map and satellite view and it was like deja vue. Amazing that my memory can recall so much but the satellite views brough it all home.

02/01/2006 Posted by timetrapper

i grew up in Raleigh and have seen tons of great movies and bands play at the rialto..i'm really happy in all this time they have stayed just the way they are..they paved the road for theaters to show non-mainstream movies,sell beer and wine, and still just simply be nice to you when you visit. a raleigh classic!

Pros: movies, staff, ambience

01/15/2006 Posted by torchd

WOW! My first visit was to see Brokeback Mountain. The staff are great, and there is REAL butter popcorn. Was I shocked? Yes! This theater seats close to 250 people, and the seating is great. You will not see movies like the X-men, etc. However, If you want to expand your movie taste and of a time gone by. Come with an open mind and heart for you will see people from all walks of like. Buy a ticket and step back in time! I am hooked on this place. People respect each other, and a great place to take your date. See you at the Rialto

Pros: value, safe area, places to eat near

05/03/2003 Posted by talk2walk

This is my favorite place to see an independent film. I am a sucker for the retro feel that this theater offers. Plus you can spend your etire evening in 5 points. Start at Lilly's move to third place then head on over to Rialto for a good movie.

Pros: good location, great atmosphere, good movies

05/13/2002 Posted by ebergman_citysearch

One of the best movie-going experiences in Raleigh. And since the Rialto installed new seats a few years ago, it's finally a comfortable one.

Pros: indie flicks, sells beer