out RoadHouse Cinemas
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ndoor entertainment opportunities during Arizona’s summer months are a must. And thanks to the influx of dine-in movie theater concepts in Scottsdale, there is no shortage of luxury (and air-conditioned) options to take in dinner and a show. So, what’s a dine-in theater, you ask? It’s part-theater, part restaurant – with cocktails and not-so-typical food – all in one space. Most dine-in theaters offer adult-only cinemas and luxury seating, often of the leather and reclining variety.
RoadHouse Cinemas This dine-in movie theater, featuring reserved seating and gourmet popcorn (such as jalapeno) as well as a new startof-the-art sound system for the optimum movie-going experience, is Scottsdale’s newest. The Arizona-based RoadHouse Cinemas took over the former space of UltraStar at the Pavilions Shopping Center earlier this year, and after a $3 million renovation and facelift, opened its doors in May. Primarily catering to adults, especially those of drinking age, RoadHouse does not typically permit children under age six, and never permits children under age 13 into R-rated films, whether with a parent or not. Their menu boasts flatbread pizzas, burgers, gelato, root beer floats, gourmet candies and cheesecake as well as happy hour deals and a decent list of wines and local craft beers. They also have an on-site specialty bakery. Not in the mood for a movie?
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SPECTACULAR SCREENS Retreat to the cool and comfort of three dine-in movie theaters BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
RoadHouse has a full restaurant and bar area as well as live music performances open to non-moviegoers who want to grab a quick bite and drink. www.roadhousecinemas.com.
iPic Theater As one of the longest-tenured and bestloved tenants in Scottsdale Quarter, iPic Theater is a luxury dine-in movie experience from start to finish. The theater, also mainly catering to adults, offers two seating options: premium and premium plus. While premium offers a comfortable seat, SO SCOTTSDALE! |
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iPic Theater
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side table, and optional food and drinks one can order and pick up themselves at a counter, premium plus seats have reclining leather chairs accompanied with a pillow, blanket and free popcorn, not to mention a personal server throughout the duration of the film. They also have a full beer, wine and cocktail menu that rival any fabulous Scottsdale restaurant. Menu standouts include the filet mignon sliders, buffalo chicken spring rolls and ratatouille pizza. If you’re in the mood to keep the party going after the movie, iPic also owns Tanzy Restaurant next door, a Las Vegas-inspired restaurant with an award-winning chef, seasonal cocktails and nearly 360-degree views of the Valley. www.ipictheaters.com.
AMC Desert Ridge 18 Though the theater has been around for decades, it wasn’t until late last year that the AMC-owned theater converted over to more a “dine-in” feel, now offering several levels of cinema experiences, including reclining chairs, a wait staff and even adult-only theaters. Of all the local dine-in options, this is probably the most kid- and wallet-friendly. However, it does offer a full bar for those 21 and over called MacGuffins, named in homage to a term coined by Alfred Hitchcock for a plot device that motivates the characters and advances the story, like the ring in “Lord Of The Rings.” Now, we’ll raise our glasses to that kind of motivation! www.amctheatres.com.
| JULY 2016
6/22/16 2:16 PM