The best dine-in movie theater options in Los Angeles
Upgrade your stale popcorn and flat fountain drinks for a gourmet cinematic experience at one of the best dine-in movie theaters in L.A.
Movie theater snacks are great, but being able to order a full meal (plus alcohol!) certainly sweetens the deal. The dine-in movie theater concept has become the crème de la crème of movie-watching experiences, with servers at your beck and call so you don't have to miss a scene. The cushy reclining seats don't hurt either.
As the film capital of the world, Los Angeles isn't hurting for places to catch a movie—there are plenty of traditional theaters and outdoor movie options—but for a premium experience, dine-in movie theaters are the way to go. With an average theater ticket costing about $25, this will be a spendy night out. Though depending on the theater, sometimes there are added perks like free popcorn thrown in.
Dine-in theaters tend to be more well-kempt (no more sticky floors!), and there's less people jammed in thanks to the walking aisles situated between rows for servers to effectively deliver concessions. Don't fret about missing your favorite movie theater snacks like Milk Duds, Twizzlers and overly buttery popcorn – those are all still available. The hard part will be trying to stay awake in the darkness of the theater, with a full belly, while fully reclined to a prone position. Luckily an action-packed thriller or endearing romantic comedy on the big screen will help keep you engaged.
Next time you're planning dinner out, enjoy it with a blockbuster film at one of L.A.'s best dine-in theater spots.
Dine-in theater options in L.A.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
If you’ve never been to an Alamo Drafthouse location, here’s the gist: The theater screens first-run flicks along with repertory picks (for example, Terror Tuesday, with deep-cut horror films, and Weird Wednesday, with all sorts of dusted-off oddities) all within plush cinemas with in-theater food and drink service (including booze) and a hardline no talking, no texting policy.
iPic Theaters Westwood
With two L.A. locations in Westwood and Pasadena, iPic theaters set the standard for a dine-in moviegoing experience. The price of admission allows access to food and beverage service, as well as a pillow and blanket at each of the theater’s plush, reclining seats. The theaters are clean and perks like unlimited popcorn are a treat, but expect to shell out for the chance to watch a film in luxury—tickets for non-members run at about $25.
Cinepolis Westlake Village
This spot offers everything you would expect at a dine-in theater: seats that recline all the way back, waiter service at the touch of a button and, unfortunately, exorbitant prices. If you can get past spending $7 for water, you can enjoy—as the name suggests—the full, luxury experience. The menu features items including tacos, pizza, salads and bowls. Tickets for the movie only, are about $20 for adults.
Cinemark Playa Vista and XD
Perfect for a movie following a long day soaking up the sun at the beach, this theater (which opened in March 2015) is a newer addition to the L.A. theater canon. It’s located just a short drive away from—and serves as direct competition for—the AMC Dine-in Theatres Marina 6 in Marina Del Rey. Unlike the AMC, you won’t find seat-side service here, but you will find a full restaurant and cocktail menu, which you order at the concession stand and bring over to your seat. Tickets here will range from $10 for a child to $20 for adults.
AMC Dine-in Theatres Marina 6
Don’t let the fear of this being any old AMC theater deter you from paying a little extra for a luxury experience—tickets here will cost you between $14–$22. This theater has been around for about a decade, so while it may not be quite as spiffy as its neighboring Cinemark spot, it is a tried and true location to dine and view. The reclining seats are comfortable, and their age restriction policy permits minors only while under the supervision of a parent or guardian.