San Francisco is home to a good number of movie theaters, from multiplexes showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster (like the Metreon downtown) to one-screen movie houses, such as the Clay in Pac Heights. Yet the historic Castro Theater takes the cake as the best place to watch a movie in San Francisco.

For one thing, the Castro combines the grandeur of a large movie theater with the history of an old, one-screen theater. The venue can hold 1,400, so watching a movie here feels like an event. Each film is preceded by organ music played by the theater's resident organ player. Hearing this historic sound as you buy your popcorn and take your seat, takes you back in time to a bygone era.

The dramatic staircases leading to the mezzanine, the Art Deco chandelier, and the scrafitto murals in the auditorium are all touches showing that not only is this a historic theater, but one that has been lovingly maintained by its owners. The Castro normally screens foreign and independent films, classics from the 40's and 50's and hosts local film festivals, along with special performances, such as director John Waters and comedian Kathy Griffin. In short, seeing a movie at the Castro is a unique San Francisco experience.

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