With two locations in Illinois, Gold Class sets the standard for a uniquely luxe experience, with plush seats and a varied menu that includes pub food with a twist, such as blue cheese potato chips, Wagyu beef burgers and a full complement of cocktails, wine and beer. Order right from your seat via a call button.
The Arboretum of South Barrington
100 W. Higgins Road
South Barrington, IL 60010
224-293-1001
The Promenade Bolingbrook
619 E. Boughton Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
630-378-8034
goldclasscinemas.com
Built in 1927, this historic theater began as a venue for both films and vaudeville acts. Today, it is a dine-in theater that plays mid-run movies. Visitors can grab a bite at neighboring Boloney's Sandwich Shop and tote their deli-style meal into the theater. Sandwiches sport fun, movie-themed names like the ham-and-muenster cheese "Bat-Man-Wich," or the "Fonda Pita," a hot beef au jus wrapped up like a gyro. Hot dogs, sausage, salads and soups are also available, and drinks range from soda to coffee.
The Catlow
114 W. Main St.
Barrington, IL
847-381-0645
thecatlow.com
Grab a drink at the bar and peruse the menu at either of these sister movie houses. Place your order, then settle in and wait for your food to arrive as the movie begins. The theaters tout free-standing leather chairs, tables and unfussy finger foods--nachos, shrimp and onion rings pair nicely with pitchers of margaritas or beer.
Hollywood Blvd Cinema
1001 W. 75th Street
Woodridge, IL 60517
630-427-1880
Hollywood Palms Cinema
352 S. Route 59
Naperville, IL 60540
630-428-5800
atriptothemovies.com
Quirky and divey, moviegoers gather along banquettes and tables to watch a mix of first-run and classic or contemporary favorites. Check the website ahead of time for mostly daily, dirt cheap double features and other special themed events. As the name implies, "brew" is the draw here, with a full bar serving up different cocktail and beer specials daily, supplemented by the usual theater concession fare (i.e., popcorn).
Brew & View at the Vic
3145 N. Sheffield Avenue
Chicago, IL, 60657
brewview.com
One of the few theaters where you can reserve a seat, moviegoers can enjoy a pre-show bite and sip in the upstairs Lobby Lounge or enjoy a meal right in front of the big screen by paying extra for a spot in the VIP section. Dishes include an assortment of meat and cheese plates, thin-crust pizzas, mini burgers and paninis. Standby snacks get a tasty twist, such as bacon popcorn and potato chips with caramelized onion dip. The full bar has fun specialty drinks like the ginger martini or "The Dude"--vodka, Kahlua, and half and half.
ShowPlace Icon
150 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60605
312-564-2104
showplaceicon.com
Bogart's Bar & Grill serves Rosemont patrons upscale pub grub--flatbread pizzas, sliders, steak. Grab your meal before or after the show, or pay extra for the cushy and spacious 21-and-over VIP area, where food and drinks can be had seat-side and popcorn (and valet parking) is complementary.
Rosemont 18
9701 Bryn Mawr Ave.
Rosemont, IL 60018
847-447-1030
muvico.com