Gothamist: Pub Theaters in New York?

quarterempty

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 17:10:43 -0500

In Portland, Oregon, there are almost as many theaterpubs as there are multiplexes. The McMenamin's chain offers full menus and pitchers at most of their venues. Most theaters are set up like the Drafthouse, with seats and tables alternating. But at Kennedy School, they have huge overstuffed couches and chairs with end tables between them. At the Mission Theater, they even show television: football, presidential debates, and i've watched the Oscars there each year for the past five years. Still, so long as you have a bag or backpack, you can turn any theater in New York into a theaterpub. I've even taken bottles of wine into theaters (be sure to get something with a screwtop, ask for a cup for water, and have a nice day). I've been doing this for years and I've never been harassed, the only time I was ever caught was when I snuck a pizza into a theater, and even that was after the show when I was too drunk to be discreet.

hs

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 14:37:14 -0500

Oh...for a minute I got excited and thought someone might open a movie theater/pub in Williamsburg. (sigh) Anyway, before another entrepreneur thinks about opening a crap coffee shop, just remember there are many wildly successful movie houses that serve booze in other parts of the country, so why not here?

RicktheCabbie

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 13:46:41 -0500

I am all for people of all persuasions sitting together in a darkened room getting a good one on whilst experiencing live theatre. We need lots of that! Seriously, the communal aspect is terrific. Of course they would have to check their cellphones at the door...

mrjabba

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:38:38 -0500

While this post was directed towards plays and not movies, the concept still applies. NYC could use something like the Alamo Drafthouse for movies. Started in Austin, the Drafthouse takes older cinemas, rips out every other row, put a narrow long table across it to hold your food and (especially) good beer. Some locations show current movies while others do art house flicks and film festivals. Another nice thing was not having to watch commercials prior to the films. There was always some locally produced eye candy to pass the time before the movie. FAQ here: http://www.originalalamo.com/downtown/frames.asp?b=../downtown/info.html also here: http://www.drafthouse.com Cheers!