# Review
The AMC Kabuki 8 in the Japan Center complex in San Francisco’s Japantown has been our go-to theater for years. While some parts of the theater feel a bit dated, it exudes a distinct San Francisco charm we appreciate. One of the standout features of this theater is the bar, which allows you to take drinks into the auditorium—a relatively unique perk.
The popcorn at AMC Kabuki 8 is fantastic, but there’s a slight downside: you must pour your own butter. This can be less effective than having the staff layer it; the butter station is often not very clean. Unfortunately, this lack of cleanliness extends to the bathrooms, which must be regularly maintained.
Despite these minor issues, we still enjoy visiting AMC Kabuki 8. Below are reviews of individual auditoriums.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| Popcorn | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bathrooms | ⭐ |
# Auditorium 1
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| Screen | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sound | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Seating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Row Width | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Popcorn | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Atmosphere | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Favorite Seats | F10, F11 |
# Auditorium 6
Auditorium 6 at AMC Kabuki 8 is a medium-sized hall. Adorned with seats upholstered in dark grey fabric, it features a screen of comparatively modest dimensions. As a result, the seats located in the front third of the auditorium are likely the most suitable for optimal viewing.
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| Screen | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sound | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Seating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Row Width | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Atmosphere | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Favorite Seats | E7, E8 |
# History
Originally opened in 1960 as a significant dinner theater, the Kabuki Theater marked the inception of multiplex cinemas in San Francisco. As a pivotal component of the Japan Center’s initiative to showcase Japanese culture, it emerged as America’s first authentic Kabuki theater, boasting a design reminiscent of 17th-century tradition, complete with a proscenium, stage entrance/exit ramp, revolving stage, and trap doors.
The theater’s innovative layout incorporated dining tables, allowing patrons to enjoy Kabuki performances while dining on Chinese and American cuisine at the Kabuki Theater Restaurant, strategically avoiding competition with Japan Center’s Japanese eateries.
Over the years, the venue has been a focal point for cultural events such as the Cherry Blossom Festival and has hosted performances by organizations like the San Francisco Opera. Additionally, it has served as a screening venue for prestigious film festivals, including the San Francisco International Film Festival and the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, with screenings extending to as recently as 2011.