Cinema Cafe - Dinner Theater on the Cheap

Cinema Cafe - The Cheapest Way to See First Run Movies While You Dine

What do I think of Cinema Cafe? First, let me tell you a story.

Years ago, vice presidential candidate Dan Quayle received a huge set down when, after comparing himself to former President JFK, his opponent retorted, “I knew John F. Kennedy. And you sir, are no John F. Kennedy.”

Well, I’ve always raved about Portsmouth’s Commodore Theatre, a delightfully elegant Art Deco dinner theater which still takes the top rank as our favorite date night spot. And I’ve always wondered how it compares to Cinema Café. Now I know.

Cinema Café…you are no Commodore.

To be fair, I don’t’ think Cinema Café claims to be in the same league as the Commodore. What it is, is a budget version of a dinner theater, where you can eat a decent meal while watching a movie at a reasonable price.

Here's the basics:Take a regular movie theater, knock out some chairs, add some bar-like counters, add a decent, Applebees-type menu plus popcorn. Throw in a few frills like pool tables in the foyer and a handful of video games outside the bathrooms, and you have Cinema Café.

On the plus side, Cinema Café is probably the cheapest way to see a first run movie. And you'll be able to see it while enjoying pizza, buffalo wings, BBQ, yummy desserts, beer, wine, and yes, popcorn.

Here are the locations, and special deals per location:

Chesapeake's Greenbrier Mall Cinema Cafe location - 1401 Greenbrier Parkway - (757) 523-SHOW (7469)

Regular prices: Matinees before noon: $1.50. Matinees before 6 pm Fri-Sun: $2.50
Evenings after 6 pm: $3.99

*Cheap Deal: Twisted Tuesdays - All movies $1.50; Large popcorn or large drink for $2.50.

The Hampton Cinema Cafe location - 1044 Von Schilling Drive(757) 523-SHOW (7469)

Mon, Tues, Thurs all day, plus Fri-Sun and holidays before Noon - $4.75
Fri-Sun Matinees 12-4: $5.75
Fri-Sun Matinees 4-6: $6.25
Fri-Sun Evenings: $7.95
Children, all shows: $4.75

*Cheap Deal: Wacky Wednesdays - All shows all day $3.50; Large popcorn or large drink for $2.50.

Virginia Beach's Kemps River Cinema Cafe location - 1220 Fordham Drive(757) 523-SHOW (7469)

Mon, Tues, Thurs all day, plus Fri-Sun and holidays before Noon - $4.75
Fri-Sun Matinees 12-4: $5.75
Fri-Sun Matinees 4-6: $6.25
Fri-Sun Evenings: $7.95
Children, all shows: $4.75

*Cheap Deal: Wacky Wednesdays - All shows all day $3.50; Large popcorn or large drink for $2.50.

Virginia Beach's Pembroke Meadows Cinema Cafe location - 758 Independence (757) 523-SHOW (7469)

Regular prices: Matinees before 6 pm Fri-Sun: $2.50
Evenings after 6 pm: $3.99

*Cheap Deal: Twisted Tuesdays - All movies $1.50; Large popcorn or large drink for $2.50.

So if it's romance and ambience you want, go to the Commodore instead. But if you're looking for the "movie out" experience with rock bottom prices, Cinema Cafe is the place. Here's their main website.

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