The whole family will love these venues to catch dinner and a show.
Remember when you were dating, and you and your sweetie could head out for a long, carefree evening of dinner and a movie? As long as the date was going well, you’d want to keep it going as long as possible, dining leisurely after the film, stretching out the night for hours. Once kids enter the picture, dinner and a movie can sometimes be a bit more rushed. You want to squeeze in both activities prior to the inevitable meltdown if the kids are with you, or at least before bedtime if you have to get home to relieve their babysitter or nanny.
Enter dine-in movie theaters! These are awesome places where you can enjoy a meal while watching a movie. Kids will love the novelty of the experience. It sure beats eating in front of the TV at home! Parents will like that there is just one stop involved, making the planning easier for everyone. Next time you’re looking for a fun family night, head to one of these dine-in movie theaters around Boston. Or, better yet, leave the little ones with a caregiver and enjoy a parents’ night out!
AMC Framingham 16
Address: 22 Flutie Pass, Framingham, MA 01701
Phone: 508-875-6151
Fees: Ticket prices vary by showing.
There are AMC theaters throughout the city, but if you’re willing to travel half an hour west to Framingham, you can enjoy the chain’s dine-in theater. The theater has all the modern conveniences, like wide, reclining chairs, as well as dinner service directly to your seat. All you have to do is push the call button to order from a full menu and a full bar.
There isn’t a specific kids menu here, but plenty of kid-friendly options are available. We recommend pretzel bites or fried Brussels sprouts to get started. For the main course, kids will love the flatbread pizza or chicken tenders. If they’ve been really good, you can treat them to an Oreo milkshake for dessert. Just be aware that little ones might find it awkward eating in a movie theater seat without easy access to mom and dad, so if your child still needs help during mealtime, this theater may not be your best option.
Showcase SuperLux
Address: 55 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Phone: 800-315-4000
Fees: SuperLux tickets, $28 | Lux Light tickets, $20
When you’re ready for a splurge, head to Showcase SuperLux in Chestnut Hill. The theater is impressive, with large leather seats and in-seat dinner service. In fact, the high quality (and subsequent high price tag) makes this dine-in theater a good option for date night, although it’s workable with the kids, as well. There are two ticket options: SuperLux (the roomiest, most comfortable option) and Lux Light (still plenty of room, with a slightly pared-down menu).
The menu at Showcase SuperLux rivals that at any cafe in Greater Boston. You’ll find salads, sandwiches, and an extensive cocktail list, as well as more kid-friendly foods like chicken bites and french fries (although no specific kids menu). For the adults, coffee and espresso are also available, perfect for when you’re at that stage when a caffeinated beverage sounds much more appealing than an alcoholic one. The Lux Light menu also has plenty to offer.
Chunky’s
Address: 371 Lowell Ave., Haverhill, MA 01832
Phone: 978-374-2200
Fees: Tickets run between $5.99 & $7.99, depending on days & times.
Chunky’s may be 45 minutes outside the city, but this is the perfect theater to visit if you’re looking for a family-friendly dine-in option. The theater has massive seats on wheels, arranged around tables. That means tiny kids can be comfortable while they’re eating, and mom and dad can easily reach everyone to help with food. Plus, Chunky’s is always full of kids, so you won’t have to worry about spoiling anyone else’s experience if your little ones make noise.
Chunky’s regularly does special events, playing movies that you won’t see elsewhere. For example, they recently showed “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” and on Nov. 15, there will be a free screening of “Little Lunch Date: The Muppets.” Be sure to check back often for upcoming events.
Strand Theatre
Address: 58 High St., Clinton, MA 01510
Phone: 978-365-5500
Fees: Admission, $5.50 (Matinees, $5)
The Strand Theatre in Clinton is about an hour outside the city, but the expedition may just be worth it. This isn’t your average movie theater. Inside it has the majestic look and feel of a Broadway theater. No only do you get to watch a movie in style, but you get to eat dinner while you do so. The theater serves everything from burgers to pizzas and sandwiches, as well as beer and wine. Their website says a couple will usually spend about $25 for admission and dinner combined.
The Strand Theatre is independent, so you will find offers that are a bit different. For parents’ night out, be sure to check out the live comedy shows that occasionally come to the Strand. There are also family-focused events, like showings of “The Polar Express,” happening this year on Dec. 2-3. This will be one holiday outing that the kids will never forget, and tickets are only $12!
Route One Cinema Pub
Address: 652 E. Washington St., North Attleborough, MA 02760
Phone: 508-643-4618
Fees: Admission, $7 (3D, $9)
Next time you’re traveling west of the city, check out the Route One Cinema Pub. This dine-in theater has tables and chairs that make family dining easy and allows for the kids to keep close to mom and dad. Plus, the cinema has a low-key atmosphere that is perfect for families, and it’s always showing plenty of kid-focused flicks.
The menu at the Route One Cinema Pub is designed with kids in mind. There are main courses like pizza and chicken finger baskets, and also plenty of sweet treats like ice cream sundaes and candy. For mom and dad, the cinema also serves beer and wine. This theater is definitely more family-focused, so you might want to skip it for a parents’ night out. But you can bring a group of kids here without needing to worry about disturbing the other families.
What’s your favorite place to catch dinner and a show around Boston? Let us know in the comments below!
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