Century 12 San Mateo

We came all the way from Half Moon Bay, bought our tickets, popcorn, and drinks, only to find that there were no seats available for the movie we chose. There are seats down front, but it is optical torture to try to watch from there. They tried to find us another movie, but it too had no seats. Finally we asked for our money back.

The staff seems preoccupied with talking to others on the staff, so it was hard to get someone to take our tickets, and then he pointed us in the wrong direction. We have managed to see a movie there, but all the theaters have the sound way too loud.

Also the food and drink area is a mess, and the wet floor could well be dangerous.

I don't think we'll be back.

The Century 12 San Mateo is a relatively new theater, in the heart of downtown San Mateo. With the new parking garage built right across the street, parking is very easy (note: it's $0.25/hour to park, before 6pm, Sundays are free), and it's very easy to get to from 101 (take 3rd to Delaware, north a block, left on 2nd, theater's on the left, parking garage on the right).

This place is built with the features and amenities of the other new Century theaters -- stadium seating with really cushy, high-backed seats, armrests with cupholders that can be raised out of the way so you can cuddle comfortably... All very nice. Ticket prices are, naturally, exorbitant, but no more so than any other theaters in the area. And $2 for a small box of Milk Duds is highway robbery, but what're you going to do?

I also recommend stopping at Fat Dogg, right outside, for a good quick bite before the movie!

PROS: Very comfortable seating, parking nearby, close to highway
CONS: Movie ticket and food prices are expectedly high.