District 319 Theatre

4.5 star rating
10 reviews Rating Details

Category: Venues & Event Spaces  [Edit]

319 Main St
Vancouver, BC V6A 2S9
Neighbourhood: Downtown Eastside
(604) 899-1077
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10 reviews in English

  • Review from Larry L.

    Richmond, BC

    5.0 star rating
    4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here

    yummmm. I like the way they redid this old theatre and finaly I can say that i came, I saw and I devoured!

    It was the launch party for The Roaming Dragon to showcase what they can do in their catering division.
    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    i was impressed and what better place than to launch this at none other than District 319!  Fusion meets fusion and fashion!

    Love how this area of Chinatown is slowly getting  transformed into something much nicer.  It's niche!

    Just read all those other reviews and  you'll never want to miss an event here if you can get to one!

    Just check out the photography at the event and you'll get an idea of what this place has to offer.

    Just remember, that for a successful event you need location, food, drinks, service and photography!
    http://ronsombilongall...

    Superb.

    Typo's FOC.
    Merci!

  • Review from Simon K.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    4/13/2012

    I'm going to take this back, to the time years ago when my dad use to bring me here to watch movies, when Chinatown used to be the place where you could only get that Chinese flare of an Asian flick, and this one one of those joints. (Dating myself) I haven't been back in a long time and to think how this structure stayed from being demolished, and not some new highrise condo was a surprise, but the bigger surprise is how they were able to give this place a facelift, and make it stylish, and a hip place to throw an event.

    Located, to some people, on the wrong side of town, it's on Main street, and it's real close to that Main and Hastings corridor, you wouldn't think such a cool and sexy venue would be here, well it is, and it works. Across from the old Vancouver Police station, and a stone's throw away from the No.5 Orange (great neighbors huh!) is where this place sits. This place is all decked out for your partying needs. Big entrance area, where you can mingle, take down names, check people in, set up a coat check...  Then you get to the next room, nice bar in the centre, big, tons of counter space, wraps around, 360 degree like, from whatever angle you need a drink, they can serve it with this setup! The old theatre area, gone are all the row flip down chair seating, as they can open this area up, use the big screen to project anything they so wish, the room was built for sound, so that is covered, it's how you wish to please, and mingle, as last night's event with the Roaming Dragon showed, with small stand up stool tables set in areas, stations set in 4 corners for distributing food and drinks, and also the front area used to demonstrate Tai Chi.

    For all your 'roll out the red carpet' needs, if you get a chance to come in here for any event, check it out, and if you have been in this city long enough, you'll know what I'm talking about in terms of the area, and what this used to be. Almost forgot, nice fish tank with some big Koi colorful koi fish, to give it that Zen look, and the washrooms downstairs are real neat. Nice big communal sinks, a very unique washroom/bathroom feel!

  • Review from Barry M.

    Burnaby, BC

    4.0 star rating
    8/6/2009 ROTD 6/26/2010

    This new-looking theatre has a number of screenings of independent movies and by the pictures look like they have had other kinds of events there like weddings or seminars.

    The space inside looks nice, the big red chairs are comfy, and you're allowed to drink alcohol inside the theatre.

    The nice bathrooms here were worth a star alone in the reviews.  It's refreshing to go to a 'public' washroom and not worry about getting dirtier when you're washing your hands.

    The biggest downside is that it's almost directly in the middle of sketch-ville.  (a block of main and hastings)  As in, you're going to want to plan your route walking here.  (N side of cordova from waterfront was ok)  Driving here is probably a good idea too if you can find a spot.

  • Review from Crystal H.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    8/20/2010 1 Check-in Here

    The plush red chairs, the ability to drink and watch a film... And not just any film, Canadian indie flicks!

    Putting movies aside, this space is a dream. A huge bar, great seating, exposed brick, a huge space adjacent, even the neighbourhood... the sheer volume of event ideas I conjured up just sitting there sipping a glass of wine was intense!

    The only downside I could find (and it was tough) was the seating is not staggered or tiered which made it difficult to watch a film... especially when the ladies ahead kept moving their chairs so their extra large hair seemed to capture the centre of the screen.

  • Review from Laura N.

    • 3 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    8/20/2010

    As I'm typing this review I'm imagining myself 2hrs ago- sitting in one of their comfortable red leather club chairs holding my glass of wine and enjoying the latest film featured by The First Weekend Club.

    Oh the possiblilities of holding an event here! From what I'm told the entrance to the left of 319 where we entered the building is new. Raw brick walls, vaulted ceilings and enough space to hold many a movie buff.

    It was a reel treat (misspelling and pun well intended)

  • Review from Jasmine O.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    6/18/2010

    What a BEAUTIFUL theatre. Oh my. Big comfy leather chairs. Elegant and modern.. I want to watch EVERY movie there forever!

    Last nights showing of the Year of the Carnivore was a blast!

    No one should miss out on this gorgeous venue. Mwah!

  • Review from Cyndi H.

    • 404 friends
    • 274 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    10/15/2010

    I am in love with this venue.

    Cliche but true: this place is a diamond in the rough. Nestled in the not-so-cozy DTES across from the police station, this unexpected venue is a true GEM. It is a huge space accented with rich reds, golden brown tiles, exposed brick and wood.  A long (and I mean LOOOOONG) bench across from the bar is upholstered in Thai silk and is covered in silk pillows of various colours. Very inviting and decadent looking.

    It's a great venue for mingling, with a rectangular bar in the middle of the lounge and plenty of room for socializing. The theatre itself is roomy, with fancy leather chairs throughout.

    I hear it's expensive to rent, but as guest its a treat to visit.

    When I get married to Justin Timberlake our reception will be here. I want it that way... oops wrong band..

  • Review from Cara P.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    11/26/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    Great venue.  Felt like a gigantic home theatre with comfy chairs, a bar and lots of atmosphere.  Superb place if you want to hold a licensed event, screening or performance.

    Only a couple of negatives I suppose:  the sound barrier between the bar and the theatre is glass and therefore not terribly effective.  We could hear the raucous chatter and excitement happening outside while trying to pay attention to the presentation in front of us.  Also the floor of the theatre itself could do with some carpeting - at least in the aisles.  Hearing high heels and heavy boots during a film is distracting.

    The venue is sadly in a rather unpleasant location which I know a lot of people don't frequent at night but it's worth it.  An interesting venue in an interesting part of town.  It's also like being taken away to something akin to modern traditional China.  The decor includes heavy velvet curtains, cushion and sofas, Chinese warriors and even a fish tank by the bar.  And the bathrooms are just lovely.  :)

  • Review from Kassim D.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    9/10/2010

    So - this theatre is in the middle of the ghetto, so go in a group or with tall, bulky people

    I went to see a Hugh Hefnef documentary here on a weekday evening...
    Overall, the experience was fantastic.

    1. Full Bar (and can drink inside)
    2. Comfortable Chairs - red leather, all your own
    3. I've heard great things about the bathrooms
    4. Fantastic screen / sound setup

    Worth a trip and maybe a walk around the corner to  "on the edge" pub...

  • Review from Sarah O.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    3/14/2011

    Very cool spot. Where else can you sit on elegant red leather chairs and drink wine while watching indie films? This is THE place to go for the movie portion of a 'dinner and a movie' thing. An hour before the show starts, there provide entertainment (usually live music), flurries of hor d'ourves and a full bar while you walk around enjoying the art on the walls. The crowd is really great and everyone is so friendly! It's a bit more expensive than a regular movie ticket ($18) but if you buy a 10 ticket pass, it will only be $10 each.. that's a steal! And each admission comes with a free, huge glass of wine! It's worth checking out for sure. The only complaint that I have (actually a huge one), is that the seats aren't tiered, so if you are sitting behind a tall person, it's difficult to see the screen! BOO! If it wasn't for that, this place would be oh-so-perfect! Next time, I'll have to find a seat in the front.

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