Visting the Empire Theatre FAQ
What do I wear? Going to the theatre is an event, but we also want our patrons to be comfortable. Don’t feel like you have to dress to the nines. Most people come to our shows in business casual attire, but if you’re a blue jeans kind of person, you’re more than welcome to come as you are! Shirts and shoes are required, of course, but ties are not. So wear what you feel good in for a night on the town…and most importantly, wear a smile!
Where do I park? In Downtown Richmond, there are parking spaces on the streets, but sometimes those are all full! Not to worry! There is a pay parking lot on the northwest corner of Grace & Adams Streets - just a block away. Click here for a map.
The Empire is in Downtown Richmond. Is it safe? Of course! The Historic Empire Theatre prides itself on being a family-safe environment. During performances, we have some of Richmond’s finest Boys In Blue on hand to make sure that you and your family can enjoy a fun evening together with no worries about your safety. You’re in good hands here!
What if my kids get restless? Let’s face it. No matter how fantastically entertaining our shows are, sometimes the little ones get squirmy. But we have a solution that will allow those with proverbial ants in their pants to step out for some quiet time…and you don’t even have to miss the show! In our lounge, located just outside the theatre doors, you and your child can take a breather but still be in on the onstage action via a closed-circuit monitor!
Is this show appropriate for my children? We stay true to our “Broadway For Families” slogan. Everyone loves The Great White Way, but you can save the hassle of travel (and the cost of expensive Broadway tickets) by seeing our high-quality, family-favorite Broadway shows right here in Richmond! Our shows are geared a suggested age of 4 and up, but they’re just so darned good that even Mom and Dad will have fun, too! You know your children best. If your child isn’t 4 yet but is old enough that they could sit in their own seat, and you believe they’re ready, bring him or her along. W e ask that babies wait until they are a little older to attend.
Does my younger child need a ticket? Students age 13 to 18 and children age 12 and under get a discount off the full ticket price! Each person must have a ticketed seat - no unpaid children in laps.
I can’t make it to the performance I bought tickets for. What do I do? If that company barbecue you forgot about happens to land on the same day that you were going to come see a show, don’t worry! Theatre IV doesn’t offer refunds for ticket purchases, but we do have an exchange policy that makes it simple to switch your tickets from one performance date to another. If your tickets are in will-call, simply call the box office anytime M-F, 9-5, and we can make the switch right over the phone. If you got your tickets mailed to you, you can mail them back to us or come by either our Empire Theatre or Barksdale Willow Lawn locations, and one of our fabulous and friendly box office associates will be more than happy to help you with your exchange. But remember…you need to contact us at least 24 hours before the show you’re going to miss!
Will there be refreshments available? Want a little nosh to curb a crazy appetite before the show or during intermission? Don’t go hungry! We have candies, chips and sodas available at the concession stand in the outer lobby. Munch away!
Where can I eat before/after the show? There are a variety of restaurants within a few blocks of the theatre. Here are just a few
Empire exterior looking west on Broad St. Photo by Catherine DudleyRestaurants:
(Please check with the restaurants for up to the minute opening hours and prices)Comfort
(804) 780-0004
200 W. Broad Street
www.comfortrestaurant.comPrice range: $8 - $17 entrees
Lunch hours: M – F, 11:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Dinner hours: M – Th, 5:30 – 10:30 p.m., F – Sat, 5:30 – 11:00 p.m.Southern food from scratch in a casual neighborhood restaurant in historic Jackson Ward.
Croaker’s Spot
(804) 421-0560
119 East Leigh StreetPrice range: most entrees under $10
Croaker’s Spot, located in historic Jackson Ward, in the heart of Richmond’s downtown business district, is a long time local favorite for great seafood and nouveau soul cuisine. It’s a comfortable corner restaurant decorated with historical photos.
Lift Coffee Shop
(804) 344-LIFT
218 W. Broad Street
www.liftcoffeeshop.com/Price range: under $10
Hours: M – F, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.Lift offers an energetic place to enjoy your favorite coffee and espresso drinks, fresh baked goods, lunches, desserts and local art!
Perly’s Restaurant
(804) 649-2779
111 East Grace StreetPrice range: most entrees under $10
Hours: M – F, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sat, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.Perly’s offers down home cooking prepared with the freshest ingredients and has been serving the downtown Richmond area for over 40 years. They offer daily specials as well as a wide array of vegetarian options. Great breakfast before those 10 a.m. shows!
Popkin Tavern
(804) 343-1909
123 West Broad Street
www.popkintavern.comPrice Range: Most sandwiches & entrees $8 - $11
Hours: M and T- 11:30am-11pm; W- 11:30am- 12am; Th- 11:30am- 1am; F- 11:30am- 2am; Sat.- 4:30pm- 2am; Sun.- 4:30pm- 10pmStandard pub fare in a recently refurbished tavern. Sandwiches, Pizza, Steak and Chicken.
Tarrant’s Café
(804) 225-0035
1 W. Broad StreetPrice range: most entrees under $15
Hours: M – Th, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; F – Sat., 10 a.m. – MidnightTarrant’s features a wide array of gourmet salads, sandwiches and soups as well as delicious entrees, all with a bistro flare. Located just a block away from the Empire, this cozy nook of a restaurant still features some of the décor from its days as a corner drugstore!
Twenty-Seven
(804) 780-0086
27 W. Broad StreetPrice range: entrees starting at $15
Lunch hours: M – F, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dinner hours: M – Th, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.; F – Sat, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.Twenty-Seven is a lively American bistro located in downtown Richmond at the corner of Broad & Adams Streets. With floor-to-ceiling, wrap-around windows and airy 20-ft. ceilings, Twenty-Seven offers a dining experience like no other in Richmond.
Jessica Daugherty