Sometimes the perfect night out includes a bowl of popcorn, a soda, and a good recliner. Thankfully, New York is home to some of the coolest theaters just for movie buffs, from stylish Alamo Drafthouse locations to the iconic Angelika Film Center and Cafe — both of which get honorable mentions from us. Whether you’re looking for a ritzy movie date night or a Mamma Mia sing-along with friends, we’ve got you covered with our top five favorite cinemas in the big apple.
Metrograph
Metrograph takes “dinner and a movie” to the next level. Nestled in the Lower East Side, this smaller cinema offers a cozy old-time Hollywood experience, combined with state-of-the-art equipment. There’s award-winning international films available periodically, as well as unique picks you probably can’t find anywhere else in the city. Metrograph’s “Commissary” includes a lobby bar, restaurant, restaurant bar, and private dining room for before or after your flick. The restaurant features upscale eats, worthy of the visit itself in a cool, lounge-like setting that harks back to the 1940s. Splurge for the Steak Frites or Avocado rigatoni — you can’t go wrong.
Metrograph, 7 Ludlow Street (betw Hester/Canal Street), Lower East Side
Roxy Cinema
Nestled in the cellar level of the Roxy Hotel, this theater is undeniably cozy with an old-timely charm. The Roxy Cinema is more for the niche cinephile, known for showing indie releases and cult classics. It’s sans-modern day recliners and in-theater dining, but there is an adorable concessions stand steps away from the screening room, as well as a small seating area to debrief after your latest watch. Sometimes Roxy Cinema partners with musicians, actors, or directors to screen their personal favorite films. This summer, that included Charli XCX, who hand-picked movies that were distinctly “brat.” Other times, the theater hosts re-release parties with celebrity appearances, including Kendrick Lamar with his concert film “Kendrick Lamar Live: The Big Steppers Tour.” For post-movie activities, the Roxy Hotel itself boasts a lobby bar, cutesy photobooth, and trendy jazz club called the Django.
The Roxy Cinema, 2 6th Avenue (betw White/Walker Street), Tribeca
Syndicated Bar Theater and Kitchen
Bushwick is known for its young, alternative, artsy aesthetic. Naturally, Syndicated Bar Theater and Kitchen fits right in. Don’t be deceived by its outside appearance — Syndicated is a top-notch movie experience, complete with extensive food and drink options. Menu items can be delivered directly to your seat by writing your order on the provided paper and standing it upright. You can order directly at the bar, too, if you’d rather step out for a sandwich or chocolate chip cookies. On weekdays, Syndicated has Happy Hour from 5-7 pm, offering discounted cocktails, wines, beers, and bar bites. The bar does trivia nights for hardcore movie fans, as well as award show viewing parties. While Syndicated plays newer films, this cinema is known for its interactive events, including a Mamma Mia sing-along. To celebrate the latest season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, fans watched the series live at the bar.
Syndicated Bar Theater Kitchen, 40 Bogart Street (corner of Thames Street), Bushwick
Nitehawks
While Syndicated feels effortlessly cool, Nitehawks excels at its casual “movie night” experience. It’s definitely nostalgic, almost camp-y in its food and drink options, naming menu items after new releases. For Twisters, that included a “Tornado Wrangler” cocktail with mezcal, blood orange, cherry, honey, lime, and tiki bitters. Trap inspired “the Butcher” cocktail with bourbon, Aperol, malbec, pomegranate, demerara, lemon, and club soda. Of course there’s popcorn for purchase, but you can also “dine-in” a full dinner, from cornflake chicken tenders to a charcuterie plate. The walls are littered with posters of cult classics, which makes it feel even more home-y and welcoming. While they play new releases, this theater also hosts a short film festival periodically, highlighting local filmmakers. (If you’re in Williamsburg, there’s a Nitehawk Cinema location there, as well, located at 136 Metropolitan Ave.)
Nitehawk Cinema, 188 Prospect Park W (NE corner of Bill Thomas Sr. Lane), Prospect Park
AMC Lincoln Square 13
For fellow AMC A-List members, AMC Lincoln Square 13 is a great option, especially when it comes to IMAX. Aside from their lobby, occasionally decorated with costumes and props from recent releases, the chain location boasts a massive indoor space — the Dolby theater even has balcony seating. The IMAX screen on the top floor is jaw-droppingly huge, ideal for cinematic blockbusters. There’s three levels of themed auditoriums — Auditorium 4 is nicknamed “Olympia,” with a Greek mythology symbol decorating the outside while Auditorium 7, titled “Paradise” has Egyptian pharaohs guarding the entrance. This theater is typically where early screenings occur in New York with surprise cast member Q&As. Maybe you’ll get lucky and walk away with a poster or picture of an a-list celebrity. While AMC Lincoln Square doesn’t have personal dining tables for a “dine-in” viewing experience, there are iconic movie theater foods available for purchase (i.e. nachos, pretzels, candy…) — as well as an assortment of novelty popcorn buckets. If you’re in the mood for somewhere comforting and familiar, this is definitely the spot for you. Of course, there are plenty of AMC locations throughout New York, including Times Square, Kips Bay, East Village, and more.
AMC Lincoln Square, 1998 Broadway (NW corner 68th Street), Upper West Side
