Dinner and a movie: a classic American pastime and a go-to itinerary for friends, families, and lovebirds since the inception of cinemas in 1905. It’s the perfect way to make a night out of watching the latest premiere, or the best plans when you simply can’t think of anything else to do.
In Houston, you can upgrade your dinner-and-a-show date by skipping the restaurant and visiting a dine-in movie theater, where you can order from an actual menu and eat from the comfort of your chair. Planning on cocktails before showtime? You can order drinks to your seat as well. Some places even offer two-seater premium pods, creating a bit more privacy, plus blanket service (like bottle service, but cozier), and a heated chair.
Level up your dinner-and-a-movie style with a visit to one of these luxurious theaters:
Star Cinema Grill
Where: Eight locations in the Houston area
Food: In addition to standard movie theater candy and popcorn, Star Cinema offers a variety of chicken wings, pizzas, burgers, salads, and desserts.
Perks: A full-service bar with monthly themed cocktails like October’s “Greatful Dead,” with Seersucker gin, Lonestar vodka, Don Q rum, raspberry liqueur, Blue Curaçao, Sprite, and sweet and sour.
Seating: All seating is reserved, and you can choose from premium two-seater pods (which include complimentary popcorn and a blanket) or standard luxury recliner seats.
Ticket Prices: $10-$20 per ticket. Note that seats for premium pods must be purchased in pairs.
Studio Movie Grill
Where: City Centre and Pearland
Food: Studio Movie Grill has all your favorite movie-night delicacies, including chicken wings (traditional and boneless), nachos, mozzarella sticks, quesadillas, burgers, and many more classic entrees. Plus, there are hummus plates, salads, and gourmet popcorn. Fancy! (Tip: Try the 2 for $29 sharing menu with a starter and two entrees.)
Perks: Full-service bar and a private blend chardonnay or cabernet available by the glass.
Seating: Reserved luxury recliners
Ticket Prices: $9-$11 per ticket
IPIC Houston
Where: Highland Village
Food: Prepare for a seasonally inspired menu with elevated selections like spicy tuna lettuce cups, Tandoori chicken skewers, Maryland crab cakes, a prime rib sandwich, and chicken and (red velvet) waffles.
Perks: Arrive early and visit the Tuck Room with a unique cocktail lineup and contemporary pub food.
Seating: All seating is reserved with a choice of standard luxury recliners or premium pod seats for two, which includes blankets and a dedicated server.
Ticket Prices: $8-$19 per ticket
Cut! By Cinemark
Where: Cypress
Food Served: A traditional variety of chef-made burgers, chicken strips, wings, homemade pizza, plus quintessential movie theater candy and popcorn, are all available.
Perks: You can pre-order your movie snacks by mobile.
Seating: Reserved luxury recliners
Ticket Prices: $8-$10 per ticket
Cinepolis
Where: The Woodlands
Food: A unique variety of offerings like hummus toast, truffle fries, tacos, lobster grilled cheese, salads, desserts, and candy. Plus, popcorn, of course.
Perks: 50 percent off tickets on Tuesdays.
Seating: Reserved recliners
Ticket Prices: $7-$13
