America's 7 Best Movie Theaters for Food Lovers
The plight of a food lover faced with a movie theater's almost-stale popcorn and watered-down soda is all too real. Thankfully, some culinary-minded theater owners across America have come to the rescue, offering waiter service, signature cocktails, and gourmet snacks for customers to enjoy with Hollywood's best flicks from the past and present. Just in time for the holiday movie season, here are seven food-lover friendly theaters around the country. Forget dinner and a movie—do a dinner at a movie.
1/7Alamo Drafthouse (Austin, TX, and various locations)
With their inventive menus and signature cocktails, the Drafthouse empire is the pinnacle of the movie/food experience. Later this month, Alamo Drafthouse Ritz will be hosting a Lord of the Rings Trilogy Feast, which combines 12 hours of LOTR with 7 courses that include hobbit-friendly first and second breakfasts. Bring on the Stewed Coney (pictured above), Frodo! (Credit: Photo Courtesy of Nick Simonite (left), Cory Ryan (right))**
The Oregonian2/7Living Room Theater (Portland, OR)
Does your Friday night typically involve a date with your couch? Living Room Theater in Portland, Oregon, says you can have your couch and a bartender, too. This theater goes above and beyond buttered popcorn by offering truffles from Missionary Chocolates, caramel corn, and an array of cocktails from their full-service bar. (Credit: courtesy of Living Room Theaters)
3/7CinéBistro (Miami, FL, and various locations)
Florida is about fun in the sun but what happens when night falls? Let's nix the alligator hunting idea and instead catch a movie at CinéBistro. Feast on yellowfin tuna tacos and guayaba con queso empanadas as you watch your flick, a welcome break from fast-paced Miami. Be sure to order one of CinéBistro's special cocktails, like the Joy Luck Club Lychee and Tropic Thunder. (Creit: Courtesy of Isaac Stewart)
4/7Commodore Theater (Portsmouth, VA)
Not located on the coast? No fear, there is a food-focused movie theater for you, too. Offering nightly dining services with screenings, The Commodore is a classic, allowing movie-goers to order onion rings and beer from the kitchen by phones at their tables. Their popcorn is also popped with coconut oil, a refreshing variation on the fat-laden theater favorite. (Credit: Courtesy of Commodore Theater)
© Wade Griffith 20125/7Studio Movie Grill (Dallas, TX and other locations)
Studio Movie Grill offers a wide selection of movie and food events, including kid-friendly flicks and Brews-N-Views for dudes. The theater also has a full bar, including Tito's 007 Martini, and appetizers that don’t come in clear plastic bins with liquid orange... cheese? (Photo Courtesy of Studio Movie Grill
6/7Nitehawk Cinema (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Next time you grab a beer with your movie in the New York City area, you can thank Nitehawk Cinema. The theater helped overturn a law barring drinks from being served in movie theaters in New York, so now patrons can drink alone in their seats legally, while also eating classic food from the theater's extensive menu. Check out nostalgia flick brunches on the weekends and be sure to take advantage of the mimosa or bloody mary that comes with your Nitehawk benedict with chipotle hollandaise. (Credit: Courtesy of Nitehawk Cinema)
7/7Enzian (Orlando, Fla.)
The Enzian in Orlando, Fla., is the perfect escape from the screaming children at Disneyworld, offering tableside service as you screen the newest blockbuster blow out or a raunchy cult classic. Serving as an important cinema culture hub in Florida, the Enzian also hosts cultural events such as the annual Jewish Film Festival, complete with endless knishes, latkes, and apricot raisin ice cream. (Credit: Courtesy of Enzian.org)
