Theater: Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-784-0893
Movie: “Millions.”
Dinner: Andalucia, 1820 W. Montrose Ave., 773-334-6900.
Davis Theater
The Davis almost went by way of the wrecking ball about six years ago, when it was a sticky-feet, could-topple-over-in-your-seat, what’s-that-guy-doing kind of place. Some smart-aleck developer wanted to turn this weary Jazz-Age palace into condominiums. He might have been thinking about how the old Granada up on Sheridan Road–a much classier place by far–was transformed and how all those neighborly screams were soon forgotten. But what makes the Davis different–and special–is that, unlike the Granada, with its transient collegiate environs, the Davis is the axis of a real neighborhood.
That little stretch of Lincoln, from Montrose to Lawrence, has genuine ma-and-pa businesses left and right. Some are groovy new eateries, some are throwbacks. There’s a shiny new bookstore, but also a couple of dark little bars. But this is not nearly as commercial as it seems; real families live immediately behind the Lincoln Avenue storefronts. People want to walk to the bakery, to the video store and the Indian place, and, of course, to the movie theater. (You won’t see too many cars pulling to the curb to pick folks up but groups of people do stroll out together, usually stopping only doors away at one of the many restaurants or shops on the strip.)
So when the developer presented his plan, the neighbors balked, big time, and the Davis was both spared and sort of rehabilitated (the seats are new, and anchored). The biggest shift was actually in its offerings: It’s now a first-run theater.
But some things are wonderfully the same: The screening rooms still have a slant. The sound is not pin-drop sharp. The vintage movie posters are exactly the same. The stained glass windows and those great vending machines still line the lobby walls. And the earnest, hard-working kids at the concession stand still seem culled from old “Mayberry RFD” shows. Prices have jumped from a rock bottom $1.50 to $7, $5 for matinees and $4.50 for seniors–but it’s still worth it.
A family film like “Millions” at the Davis is actually patronized by … families. And because it’s so darn family friendly, the Davis is a lot more casual than other places might be. In other words, kids talk, kids might run up the aisle to go get popcorn or go to the bathroom (they seem to announce their intentions in very loud whispers here). But it’s all good.
The crowd is mixed racially and culturally, mostly early 30s and late 20s for the parents; you get a sprinkling of foreign languages, usually spiced with accented English, in the crowded restrooms or concession lines.
Specs: Four screens, digital sound. Ticket prices: $7, matinees $5, seniors $4.50.
Parking: On the street; can be challenging.
Getting there: CTA’s got possibilities. The best are buses: The Lawrence Avenue bus west to Lincoln, then walk south three blocks; Western Avenue bus to Wilson Avenue, then walk east a couple of blocks. The CTA Brown Line also stops just steps away from the Davis, at its Western Avenue station.
Andalucia
Afterwards, we wandered down a bit from Lincoln Avenue to Andalucia, with its beckoning yellow awnings and spacious dining room. If you’re lucky, Mario Oziel, the dapper and dashing owner will be around to offer bon mots and kiss your hand (if you’re a lady). But even if Mario’s not around, Andalucia’s worth a visit. The tapas here are fresh, savory and affordable.
We tried the patatas bravas, which were tender and creamy. And the calamari was a spicy treat. The seared scallops were a yummy surprise, as were several rice dishes. There are 40 hot and cold offerings, though, so there’s plenty to chose from. For dessert we had the rice pudding, which was topped with just a tad too much cinnamon, but that’s a minor detail.
Andalucia doesn’t have a liquor license yet, though they do serve a tangy non-alcoholic sangria. You can buy a bottle of your favorite spirits–so long as it’s not too high end–at the corner liquor store.
Hours: 5 to 11 p.m. (kitchen closes at 10), closed Mondays (closed this Saturday and Sunday for Passover).
Prices: Range from $3 for an appetizer to $15 for an entree.
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