Beyond Popcorn: NYC's Best Movie Theaters With Food And Drinks
Movie theaters abound in New York City. So what makes the theaters listed below so different? They screen great films and serve great food and drinks too, putting a whole new spin on the concept of "dinner and a movie." Check out our favorites below. By Jessica Allen/Carly Petrone
Alamo Drafthouse
445 Albee Square West
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 513-2547
More: Best Pre-Theater Dinner Spots In NYC
This U.S. theater chain has earned legions of fans for its thoughtful programming coupled with excellent eats. Their Brooklyn location doesn't disappoint: it screens the latest hits along with special events and old-school films. You might have also noticed the "drafthouse" part of this theater's name -- along with food, there's a carefully curated beer menu, featuring more than 30 brews on tap.
iPic Theaters
11 Fulton Street
New York, NY 10038
(212) 776-8272
Exploring Downtown Manhattan: Eat, See And Play
You've got a couple options for dining at iPic at the South Street Seaport. You can have a drink at their fancy on-site lounge, sit down for a multi-course meal at their restaurant, or let the lights get low for the latest Hollywood hit and order treat after treat to be brought straight to your chair. iPic prides itself on offering a luxurious, customer-first experience. The food is cooked with care, and is so good you'll be forgiven for spending significant time staring at your plate.
Nitehawk Cinema
136 Metropolitan Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11249
(718) 782-8370
Exploring Williamsburg: Eat, See And Play
Nitehawk doesn't just serve food and drinks —this Brooklyn cinema tailors their menu to whatever's showing on screen, along with its regular menu of top-notch eats. Check out their calendar of special events, such as "Country Brunchin'," featuring a set by a local country band, brunch and a showing of a classic movie set in the South, or "Spoons, Toons & Booze," which includes cereal, alcohol, R-rated hosts, and cartoons from your childhood sure to take you way, way back.
Syndicated
40 Bogart Street
Brooklyn, NY 11206
(718) 386-3399
More: Best Boozy Treats In NYC
At Syndicated, you can order all kinds of utensil-free food, such as slow-cooked bacon nachos, curly fries, or smoked lamb ribs. If you don't feel like sitting in the 60-seat theater, you can hang out at the bar/restaurant, and watch whatever's being projected that night—often a hit show or a beloved classic.
Videology Bar & Cinema
308 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 782-3468
More: Best Bars With Trivia In NYC
Videology bills itself as a "movie bar." You can rent videos, watch movies like "Space Jam," "Kill Bill," and "Amélie," or check out their weekly events, including "The Simpsons" themed bingo, and "Live Dubbed Sitcoms," where comedians ad-lib popular shows to create hilarious new story lines. Oh, and you can eat and drink the night away too. Might we recommend a fully-loaded hot dog to go with your libation of choice.
Film Forum
209 W. Houston Street
New York, NY
More: NYC's 5 Best Places For Film Buffs
Indie movie fanatics should make their way to the Film Forum. This three-screen cinema is open 365 days a year and offers the best selection of independent and foreign films as well as extended runs of popular selections. Many NYC theatrical premieres have taken place at this iconic theater. Make sure to check out their event calendar, and their website for more details and show times.
Angelika Film Center
18 W. Houston Street
New York, NY
There's a reason the Angelika Film Center has been recognized as one of the most successful arthouses in the U.S. Since 1989, this SoHo theater's been showing an eclectic mix of independent and foreign films. There's also a café inside that is busy serving gourmet foods, pastries, and beverages – you don't even need a movie ticket to eat there! Dine there for breakfast or take a lunch break and enjoy a sandwich or quiche. They even have a vegan menu. Check website for show times and current movie listings.
Indie Food & Wine
Lincoln Center
144 West 65th Street
New York, NY
More: Spring Film Festival Guide
For just $25 a person, Lincoln Center's "Dinner & a Movie" has to be one of the best deals around. You get your choice of a sandwich, soup of the day or kettle-cooked chips, and a glass of white, red, or sparkling wine, along with admission to a first-run or classic movie. (Check the calendar for special screenings and Q&As.) Indie Food & Wine also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as top-quality popcorn and baked goods.
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Jessica Allen is a New York-based writer.
Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
