The United Theater on Broadway

The United Theater on Broadway takes up the base of the old United Artists building at 929 S Broadway, at the south end of the downtown theatre row. The facade is cream terra cotta carved into Gothic spires, with the United Artists name still running across the marquee. Plenty of people still call it the Theatre at Ace Hotel. The hotel upstairs now goes by STILE, and the theater runs as a standalone venue under its own name.

It's a seated house of 1,647, split almost evenly between the orchestra and the balcony. The entrance lobby has a 35-foot ceiling, and the Broken Locket Lounge in the mezzanine sells table seating for anyone who wants a drink with a view of the room. The calendar is mostly concerts, with plays, film screenings and lectures on the nights between.

The rules are strict, so read them first. Bags can't be bigger than 5 by 9 by 2 inches, clear bags get searched like any other, and there's no bag check, so a laptop or a backpack sends you back to the car. Cameras of any kind are banned, while phone photos are usually fine, depending on the artist. Kids under five aren't admitted. The bars are cashless and take Visa, Mastercard and Amex. Leave and you can't come back in, though smokers get a designated spot out front.

Valet in front of the building runs $25 on show nights, and the California Market Center garage gives theater guests a flat discounted rate. Metro riders can get off at 7th St/Metro Center and walk south.