Mayan Theatre

I love quirky theaters that show independent films. This falls in that category and they happen to have some of the best movie theater popcorn too.
We came to see The Lobster. I loved that an employee came in and opened up with a short intro. Total personal touch you only find at independent theaters. I happened to strongly dislike the film, the hubs was more of a fan. We will be back.

Easily has become my go to movie theater and evident by the fact I go every weekend. They have a great art house rotation in its three theaters. The big theater is the attraction but definitely more cozy upstairs next to the bar. The popcorn is delicious and generous in its sizes. Can’t wait to go back.

My boyfriend and I are pretty big indie-​movie junkies, and since moving to Denver we hadn’t been to a theater that offered showings. I saw an ad for the movie «The First Monday in May» (highly recommend it), searched where we could view this film… and what shows up? The good ol’ Mayan Theatre! Really, it’s pretty old. BUT WAIT
Guys; this place is just lovely. It was built in the 1930’s and has an extremely unique and traditional atmosphere. They only have about three films showing, but to me that just adds to it’s cozy feel. I’m not positive if this happens every time, but an usher even introduced the film to us, as well as giving us a little spiel about the theater itself. This theater definitely provides you with an experience more than just hearing the dude in the front row struggling to open his sour patch. It’s pretty, bright, and has Mayan structures and art everywhere. Go read up on the history in the hallways before or after your film!
Honestly I can’t think of a single complaint, except for maybe the screens are kind of small. But what can you expect! Also, if you’re like me and enjoy a glass (or four) of wine during a sweet film, the Mayan has a full bar for you to visit. We even got a bottle for 20 dollars. The ticket prices (I guess that’s the more important thing here), weren’t too expensive either — 11 dollars a ticket.
So listen Denver people, if you want to be cute and artsy and see a film that isn’t typically shown in a big theatre that offers 3D glasses and weird candy called «kazoozles», then the Mayan is the place for you!
xoxo
Juicy Jake

Last night my girlfriends and I came here to see a film. I am so bummed I haven’t come sooner. I absolutely love this place. I LOVE old buildings and this place was built in the 1930’s. You can totally tell too because there is so much detail. The former Opera House is so nicely converted into a small theater. They’s done a great job preserving the history. Especially since it was involved in a fire int he 1970’s.
The young lady at the concessions stand was so knowledgeable and very kind. I loved their selection of concessions. The theater we were in was upstairs and was tiny. We sat in row that had a short wall in front of it. We aren’t big people but our legs were touching the wall. Maybe people were smaller back then.
Anyway, my roommate got a large bag of popped corn. I usually don’t get popped corn at the movies but this popped corn was soooooo good. I read in another review they use real butter. That’s why it tastes so good. I couldn’t stop eating it. I could taste a big difference from your typical movie theater popcorn.
I just love the retro décor. To see all the work that went into the details of this place is insane. Even when it came to the movie, the manager of the theater came out, introduced himself, the movie, and was very personable. I’ve never seen that done at a movie before. Nice touch Mayan!
All in all I will be back.
Service: 5 Star
Atmosphere: 5 Star
Quality: vintage but totally 5 star for being old.

Okay guys this review hits close to home because I’m new to Denver and just left my favorite movie indie/​foreign theater back in Texas… That being said I think I found an amazing replacement! The historical and rustic feel of this renovated theater was so fun. Built in the 1930s, this Mayan themed theater truly offers a unique feel right when you walk into the door. Bright colors and Mayan relics everywhere. The seats were comfortable enough and the screen was a little small but made for a more intimate experience.
The pricing here was pretty reasonable. $ 11 for an adult ticket and their old fashion concession stand had cheap pop corn with real butter! Also so many other treats to purchase. My favorite part was the full bar upstairs… We got a whole bottle of wine for just $ 20. This in my option will make any movie experience better.
The management and staff were also very accommodating and welcoming. The bartender was very funny and was happy to answer all of our questions, and didn’t even get mad when we broke a wine glass! (Sorry again guys) Before the movie started the manager gave us a personal introduction and let us know where the emergency exits were and told us all about the theaters history. He also told us we were siting in what used to be a private balcony! A nice touch to a nice night. Will be returning very soon.

Oh yeah. Indie movie theaters… there’s so many here in Denver and the Mayan was first on the list to check out.
As one might expect from Landmark, they’ve done a very good job of keeping the original aesthetics intact. The Mayan décor from the 1930’s looks like it’s in good shape and feels old timey for sure. Seats are comfortable enough to sit through a two-​hour movie… anything more and my butt would fall asleep.
Kudos to the popcorn salt station near the main concession stand. It’s the good kind of salt, very fine, powdery and makes its way all the way down the greasy bag of goodness. There’s also flavored salt if that’s your thing. I prefer classic fake butter and salt.
I also appreciate Landmark’s policy of having a real person make pre-​movie announcements, which includes the proverbial «please turn off your cell phones» and «the movie runs approximately x minutes». They also promote upcoming films that current moviegoers might also enjoy. Nice touch!
«Everybody Wants Some» was just as enjoyable as one might expect. Might I suggest going to see it today, on ⁴⁄₂₀?

I LOVE THIS THEATER!!!
This theater is part of the cultural fabric that makes the Broadway strip unique to Denver!
The power of visual story telling is best enjoyed on the big screen, and even better when experienced in a great movie theater. Denver has some great movie houses in the country, and the Mayan Theater is on my list!
An art-​deco style movie theater, there are three screens. The main floor is the largest screen, and upstairs, houses two smaller, and more intimate, screens.
My most recent visit was to see Richard Linklater’s «Everybody Wants Some» his spiritual ‘sequel’ to «Dazed and Confused» and next movie after the Oscar nominated «Boyhood».
As always, picture quality was clear and crisp, vivid colors and the sound quality was top notch.
The Mayan Theater specializes in showcasing Independent Films, Documentaries, Foreign Films, and they periodically have a Film Series.
$ 11.00 Adult
$ 8.50 Child and Seniors
$ 9.00 Matinée
Their concession stand is stocked with fresh hot popcorn, AND THEY USE REAL BUTTER! There are a variety of toppings for your popcorn, and candy, cookies, soda, and coffee are all available.
The staff is really friendly and are all film goers. They are passionate about movies and talking to them about film enhances the experience. They all seem to enjoy working there as oppose to a typical chain movie theater you find at your local mall.
Tip: Get there early before your show, and hang out at the bar upstairs which overlooks the lobby.
The absolute joy of The Mayan Theater is to step into its historic past and enjoy its retro personality.
Built by Denver architect Montana Fallis in the 1930’s, the Mayan Theater was one of Denver’s premieres movie houses and was part of the Fox Theater chains (when 20^th Century Fox studios owned theaters) and the Mann Theaters (former owners of the famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood).
The theater sat empty for many years, and the current owners at the time wanted to have the building demolished. In the mid 80’s, the people of Denver was able to rally the city council, granted the building a historic landmark.
The theater was refurbished in 1986, and it is currently owned by Landmark Theaters (partially owned by Marc Cuban).
«The Denver Post» wrote a great story for the theater’s 75^th Anniversary.
Do yourself a favor and take in a film and be immersed in this space!

This is the best indie theatre to go and see a movie of our choosing. The affordable theatre also provided wonderful customer service. With its large and presentable decorations, large rooms and pillars, the Mayan Theatre is difficult to disappoint their consumer. The snacks are also doable as they are affordable, as well as the Italian drinks they have to offer. The staff really know how to impress their fellow guests, as they treat each person with gratitude and respect. We went to go see the movie, «Boyhood,» where we witness a 12 year in progress movie make the big screens. The movie itself was deeply moving, but the Mayan theatre made it possible for us to fully enjoy. Amazing.

I absolutely love this theatre. You can’t help but be enveloped by its past. It looks, feels, and smells historic — you’ve gotta go for yourself and read up on its history. Pretty fascinating stuff.
Built in 1930 and restored in the 80s, its Mayan theme is original and incredible. So gaudy and detailed and fun. It’s a little distracting within the theatre… trying to watch an indie or foreign film and you’ve got a bunch of giant Mayan faces staring angrily at you. It’s so great!
They only have like 2 or 3 films showing at a time here, it’s pretty tiny. No complaints from me though, I love the eccentric atmosphere and the quality movies they play. I saw «Carol» here recently and had the best time. I love the vintage concession stand, and they have good wine/​beer options and plenty of buttery popcorn. $ 11 for a standard adult ticket!

Truly a treat on the Broadway strip. The Mayan Theatre takes going to the movies more than your typical movie outing. They have stayed true to keeping the vintage theatre intact. With wonderful colors and Aztec design its a joy to look around. All their movie offering have been critically acclaimed which I have yet to be disappointed by. The concessions are the normal theater prices but do not fear alcoholic beverages are provided at a reasonable cost! Heck my wine was the same price as the popcorn.
Love, love, love this venue and for a deeply enthralling piece of entertainment I highly recommend.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this theatre!
When I first heard about the Mayan I was excited to find a place that played independent films that are hard to find other places. However, when you go in you’ll find so much more! The building itself is gorgeous, right off Broadway with so much liveliness around you (however, because of the popularity of Broadway parking can be a pain– just FYI). There’s a bar on the top floor surrounded by some cool paintings and awesome architecture. Go grab a drink and talk with John, he’ll give you the incredible history of the Mayan as well as give you an honest opinion about the movie you’re seeing. He’s very knowledgable about movies, and genuinely cares about the guests having a great experience there.

Sorry Mayan. You used to be cool 20 years ago, when you were the only theater in town serving booze. But now, you’re just uncomfortable seating and lacking in temperature control. I still go from time to time because they place independent films that are literally available nowhere else, but it’s done with a regretful sigh — high priced tickets and abysmal parking, here I come! The décor in the old theaters is cool and all, but not really all that relevant when you’re in the dark for 2 hours.

Such a treasure! We came here to see the Devil’s Carnival, and you walk into this tiny unique theater. old style seats and artwork, even velvet drapes! Classy and lovely. Great sound and killer popcorn! Even a great bar.

Best theater in Denver — hands down.

The Mayan is a gorgeous little theatre that plays all of those wonderful independent movies that are hard to find anywhere else.
I was a little surprised to see the assistant manager come out before the movie started to ask me to turn off my phone and tell me that the film I was about to see was «shocking» and would lead me to spending several hours on Google afterwards (neither of which I felt were true). Regardless, I enjoyed this personal touch that I don’t think I’ve seen before.
I can pack in the popcorn and I did. A medium was perfectly large enough for two ravenous people to share. And there’s free water and cups which I found to be a nice little treat (versus having to drop $ 5 on a bottle destined for the landfill).
Minus one star because the seats could have been just a little roomier. I spent half the movie with the woman-in-front-of-me’s hair draping my knees.

What a fantastic place to see a film!
The concession stand was being manned by the manager and he shared a little of the history while serving us our snacks. (Yummy popcorn and tasty bar drinks.) I really like when people take such pride in their work, and that set the tone for our evening.
We were in one of the upstairs theaters — probably 20 feet across, so you definitely want to be there with people you like. The coziness of the seating, the independent films, and the general ambiance of the building made for a great experience.

The integrity in which they’ve maintained the original décor, concession stand, and theatre seating is a five star in and of itself.
They also feature great films, and sure — there’s only two screens, but you go here for the overall experience and novelty of why preserving our landmarks is so important. As a touchstone to the past you can’t help but wonder the different walks is life that have sat in this theatre — especially it it’s hat day.
The Mayan-​inspired décor is so intricate and detailed that it’s almost a good thing theaters have to be dark for screenings as I would be distracted by the crazy opulent Mayan figures gazing down upon you in kind of a scary-​but-​entrancing way.
This theatre makes me proud to live in Denver. Especially, since there’s a bar where you can buy local beer and take a bottle of wine home with you if you don’t finish during the movie!

Art Deco charm and a well-​curated movie list make this my favorite theater (theatre?) in Denver. A full bar and kind staff are icing on the cake.
Prices aren’t great. The trade-​off of a hastily converted old theater is that it is sometimes uncomfortable. But that’s alright. I’ll be back.

When it comes to historic theaters, this one is a GEM! Not only is the the venue super cool– Art Deco, balconies, in a great location– the way it is run and managed is fantastic!
It is part of the Landmark group of theaters. They not only show current running indie films, but they have film series focusing on a theme of classics. Right now it is old gangster/​crime movies including he Godfather and such. I saw «China Town», now a cult classic starring young Jack Nicholson. It was great to see this old film on a big screen! There was even a 1930’s inspired drink menu in the upper bar– FUN!!!
The downstairs concession has the normal theater fare– popcorn, pop, etc…, upstairs they have a full bar for grown ups. It is fun to have a cold Stella while watching a film. Their seating even provides a cup holder! Modern meets classic.
A must-​do-​once if you live in Denver!

Finally after living in the Denver area for 12 years I made it to the Mayan theatre.
Yay for the great movies they show (and excited for many more from the previews I saw).
I didn’t expect to pay the big theatre price for the movie I saw since I knew the theatre was old school, but since the movie wasn’t being shown everywhere… okay I get it.
Popcorn was tasty and fresh (and I normally don’t purchase, but hadn’t had a chance to eat before the movie). Great selection of gourmet chocolate bars, Honest T, and a bar up stairs to order a drink (although I wouldn’t order a drink to take into the movie… no room.
Now the theatre… now while the décor was cool and brought me to my childhood I will agree… seating is uncomfortable and cramped and since our movie was on the second floor… very stuffy and was warm (although they did turn up the AC since a worker heard my friend complain about the heat… Thanks guys). Sound was not stellar so did really have to concentrate on what the actors were saying with their Bronx accents.
I will probably be here again to see a movie that you can’t see anywhere else since they show great stuff and as someone pointed out there won’t be a lot of kids in there interrupting your show since it is definitely a more mature crowd.