This Egyptian themed theater is larger in size, but is often packed. Sitting in a building that was formerly home to Seattle's Masonic Temple, the SIFF Cinema Egyptian has a historical character about itself. The Masons are gone, and in their place is a theater that shows box office hits and foreign films. It is also a major player in the annual Seattle International Film Festival.

As Seattle's last surviving independent movie theater, this wonderful cinema is as much a civic treasure as a place of business. Specializing in movie classics, rare foreign films and long series of films by single directors, the intimate, 35-seat theater is almost always filled to capacity. It is recommended that you come early and have a snack before the show in the stylish little coffeehouse attached to the theater.

Crest Cinema Center in North Seattle has been in continuous operation since 1949. It has two larger and two smaller screens, showing second-run mainstream and independent films. It's a good deal and often the last chance to see some films on a big screen. Arrive early as shows often sell out, especially on weekends.