Chew & view
Movie theaters across the city are adding restaurants and bars — and putting an end to our indecisive text exchanges with friends about where to dine beforehand. Here, five spots to meet, eat and see the movie
1. CARBON ARC AT THE DAVIS THEATER
Pizzas, hearty salads and healthy side options for kids will be the focus at Carbon Arc, the new full-scale restaurant and bar set to open in July as part of the $5 million renovation at the 100-year-old theater (closed now during renovations). Finger foods — which can be carted from the restaurant into the theater in bento-style boxes — will feature ingredients from the Lincoln Square farmer’s market. Expect to see nearby breweries Metropolitan, Aquanaut, Begyle Brewing and Half Acre on the menu.
Scene-stealer: Various flavors of house-made caramel corn 4614 N. Lincoln; Davistheater.com
2. THE CENTURY BAR AT LANDMARK THEATRES
Before your indie film, try an indie cocktail at this low-lit lounge, where drinks are named after obscure movies, like the Mr. Tibbs (Appleton Special rum, PAMA pomegranate liqueur and pineapple juice). Notable nibbles include bourbon-glazed meatballs, margherita pizzas and Bavarian pretzel bites.
Scene-stealer: The craft beer selection that hits nearly 40 beers, including Chicago brews from Solemn Oath, Half Acre, Ale Syndicate and Lagunitas Brewing Co. 2828 N. Clark; Landmarktheatres.com
3. AMC BLOCK 37’S IN-THEATER DINING
If there’s no time to eat before showtime, just take your seat and order dinner from a server (summoned by the push of a button on your seat).
Scene-stealer: A huge selection of burgers and milkshakes, plus a few salads and quinoa bowls (like the chicken quinoa bowl, pictured) for the lighter eater
108 N. State; Blockthirtyseven.com
4. MUSIC BOX THEATRE LOUNGE
Rare movie posters and old film canisters decorate the walls of this casual film-lovers’ hub, while stacks of board games sit on shelves for those who want to dissect their film over Scrabble after the showing. Though food is limited to concession items — think popcorn, soft pretzels and Toblerone — there’s a small but well-curated beer list and exclusive wine from the owner’s winery, Dablon.
Scene-stealer: The charming patio hidden in the back, which opens when the weather warms up.
3733 N. Southport; Musicboxtheatre.com
5. NEWCITY LINCOLN PARK’S ARCLIGHT CINEMAS CAFE & BAR
This bar has a robust wine list and Hollywood-themed cocktails, such as the Audrey Hepburn (Absolut pear vodka, Triple Sec and cranberry and pineapple juices). Plates are meant to be shared — try the pork belly sliders, ahi tuna poke (pictured) or wings with sweet Thai chili sauce.
Scene-stealer: ArcLight Hour, a happy hour from 4-7 p.m. weekdays, where beer and wine is $5 and cocktails are $7 1500 N. Clyborn; Arclightcinemas.com