the catlow theater

The Catlow is a small town treasure. It existed long before I-pic! You can order an enormous sandwich and they deliver it to your seat before the movie starts. Movies are shown once an evening and sometimes twice an evening on Saturday and Sunday. A great, cozy movie experience.

The Catlow is my favorite place to see a movie. Recently upgraded seating and projection equipment make the experience even better. Order a sandwich from Baloney's next door and enjoy with the show.

This is truly a local gem in Barrington. This movie theater has been in the middle of the quaint town of Barrington for many years. The current owners are fabulous, they really care about being good stewards of a local tradition. A great sandwich shop is attached ( the sandwiches are huge!!) and you can take the sandwich into the movie...score! Recently renovated and comfortable a great place for couples or families. Great value also.

Wonderful movie experience. All new seats and sound system makes the picture more enjoyable. My favorite, though, is their popcorn. It's always fresh and tasty, not like the large movie chain theaters where they prepare the popcorn early and store them in large bags until the theater is opened.

The Catlow Theater is one of the few old time theaters left in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. It has been updated with the new projector and sound system plus new seats.It is so pleasant to sit back and look at the detail of the original construction and imagery.Beside how cool the restitution looks, the cost of the movie is only $5.00. The popcorn is both the best in the burbs and fairly priced. When we were there Friday night, I spent a total of $22.00. That is what we normally spend just on concessions at the multiplex.If you want to eat a full meal, the Boloney Restaurant is attached and deliver to you inside the theater.The staff is very friendly and helpful.While I normally don't like ads at the movies, they have ads from the local merchants that saved the theater. This is really a community theater. This is one of the little things that makes your experience so great.

Every once in a while, its nice to enjoy stepping back into the past at Catlow.There's no other place around where you can enjoy a Baloney's meal and a flick!!

Great place to see a movie. Love the atmosphere and size of theater. Very enjoyable night at the movies.

Always an enjoyable evening at the movies preceded by a great dinner at Baloney's. Friendly service and the best popcorn!

The Catlow is a fixture in downtown Barrington. It was saved from going out of business and perhaps disappearing by a couple who are committed to saving and improving the theater experience. With one show each evening and two shows on Friday and Saturday with a price tag of $5, it can't be beat. The interior is far different from the mega-theaters with the high price tags. The owners have installed a digital film system and a new sound system along with modern seating. It is the only theater that I frequent because it is like dealing with family. I would recommend this experience to everyone.

Experience a historical experience in the Catlow. Given a Tudor-style exterior, it is a focal point in downtown Barrington. It first opened in 1927 as the showplace for the silent films of that era by Barrington businessman Wright Catlow, The main historical feature of the Catlow is the interior design by renowned sculptor & designer, Alfonso Iannelli. Iannelli had also designed that theatre's stained glass windows. Recently, needing equipment and seating upgrades, the love of the community poured in donations to enable owners Tim O'Connor and Roberta Rapata to get it done. The equipment was updated and seats replaced, but the historic character not changed, Wood side balconies, millwork for an original pipe organ and decorated ceiling beams remain. Today, you pay only $5 to see a nearly new release in the clean, comfortable and architecturally delightful Catlow. A dine in theater, bring in your drink and meal purchased from the attached salad and enormous sandwich deli Baloney's. From lemonade to hot chocolate, crab salad to stacked corned beef, white bread to fresh onion roll, this is not fast food. Should you arrive too late to eat in the shop or wait for your order to carry-in to the movie, they will somehow find you in the dark of the theater and deliver it to you. Renovations included newly installed Digital Projection, Digital 7.1 Surround Sound, and New Matte White Screen with Listening Devices, Subtitle Device and Handicap Access. You will find concession prices lower than most movie theaters ~ you do not get soaked on treats, drinks, ice cream or polish sausage. A small popcorn and bottled water costs $4. The equipment was updated and seats replaced, but the historic character is not changed, It is friendly at the Catlow.

Friendly, family owned theater. Great popcorn and sandwiches. Love this place!!! Recently installed new seats and went digital. Nothing beats the $5 seats!!

Very well priced. Vintage theater with modern digital projection system. Great food options that blow away what you find at the multiplexes.

I cannot count how many times I have passed this movie theater and always wanted to go there. I finally went with my sister and we had such a good time! You can't beat the price and the theater itself is so beautiful! I will look forward to returning soon! Thank you Catlow!

I love the tradition of single screen downtown cinemas. To me, they hearken back to the golden age of film. They are quickly disappearing from the American landscape. I really dislike the modern cineplex theater concept. The Catlow is a stalwart champion of downtown single screen cinema but has been updating the technology to maintain competitive. The decor seems to have be a Celtic or Viking based theme (there was the "theme" custom when it was built: Mayan/Aztec/Chinese etc).The projection is now digital and the sound system has been improved and the seats are being gradually replaced (all of this seeded by a loyal customer based funding initiative). They generally choose films that are much better than the usual "block buster/brain buster" drivel. There is now free parking just across from the theater. I understand from friends that the food is also excellent and quite reasonable. I find the management extremely friendly, down to earth and receptive and passionate about keeping this gem glowing.

The tall ceiling is not a sterile multiplex drop: you can get some pre-movie entertainment looking at the beams and stenciling. The digital improvements make this stand-alone theater a destination.