Now open, Movie Tavern lets you enjoy restaurant-style meal service and relaxing seating while watching a movie on the big screen. Photo courtesy of Kendell Kelton/Movie Tavern
The former home of United Artists Citiplace has emerged from a massive makeover as Movie Tavern, a 10-screen theater where you can catch a flick while relaxing in a spacious recliner with drinks and dinner. After a successful opening in mid-August, all cinema-going eyes are on the new venue.
The dinner-at-a-movie concept is new to many locals, but it’s growing quickly with reports of another Movie Tavern planned for Juban Crossing coming this fall and Alamo Drafthouse coming to Rouzan Village Center by summer 2016.
After trying it out, it’s hard to imagine going back to a regular theater. The crowd in last Thursday’s screening of thriller The Gift would have been on the edge of their seats—that is, if they weren’t already fully reclined.
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Here’s what you need to know before trying out Movie Tavern.
1. Choose an outer seat.
While Movie Tavern’s servers are skilled at delivering orders discretely during showings, it’s still wise to sit close to the ends of the row for minimum disruption—especially if you plan to keep the drinks coming to your tray table.
2. Don’t be afraid of the price.
You might expect a hefty price tag, but Movie Tavern’s tickets are comparable to most major theaters at $10 for a evening viewing and $7.75 for a matinee. As for food prices, expect a final tab only slightly higher than what you’d pay for dinner and drinks at Applebee’s or Chili’s (compare Movie Tavern’s Mini Me Burgers at $10 to Chili’s Big Mouth Bites at $9.39). It comes out to about the same price as your average dinner and a movie, just in one place.
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3. Don’t underestimate the menu.
If you’re imagining servers bringing concession stand junk food like hot dogs and artificially cheesy nachos to your seat, think bigger. We’re talking calamari, tortellini, and shrimp and grits. Early birds can try Breakfast and a Flick on weekend mornings at 9 a.m.—chicken and waffles, anyone?
4. Please keep your hands and feet inside the recliner at all times.
Scary movie viewers, beware. While the swiveling tray table can be pushed slightly away from you, your food and drinks are still in danger from flailing arms caused by jump-out-of-your-seat scares. Try not to drench your date.
5. Use your button.
No matter where you sit, the button on your tray table is there for on-demand service from a full dining menu and bar (plus movie staples like popcorn and candy). Even in the dark, the servers are friendly and accommodating, so don’t be shy. Push the button.