Whether you’re looking for the perfect date night or a family outing, treat yourself to dinner and a movie at one of Montgomery County’s historic movie theaters. These classic movie houses have been showcasing films since the early days of Hollywood and are surrounded by some of Montco’s favorite restaurants.
Grand Theater
East Greenville
The Grand Theater is one of the most historic movie houses in Montgomery County. The fully-restored, 1924 theater features red velvet chairs, classic films, and current screenings, plus special silent movie events accompanied by the century-old theater organ.
Where to Eat:
Chiaro’s Pizza Restaurant
Two-time winner of the Montco’s Best Pizza Tournament, Chiaro’s has been serving Montgomery County for over 40 years. The Chiaro’s staff prides themselves on making everything from scratch, including their hand-tossed pizza dough, which is made fresh daily. As the Chiaro’s slogan says, it will be “love at first bite!”
Tosco’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant
A short drive from The Grand Theater, Tosco’s is a local family-owned and operated pizzeria and Italian restaurant located in Pennsburg. From delectable, gourmet pizza to mouth-watering Italian dishes, Tosco’s offers a variety of Italian sandwiches, cheesesteaks, salads, burgers, and desserts!
Penn Cinema
Huntingdon Valley
Now open in Huntingdon Valley, Penn Cinema is a family-owned and independently operated movie theater. With seven screens including IMAX and 3D capability screening and over 500 power reclining seats, this theater is an awesome addition to eastern Montgomery County.
Where to Eat:
Be Well Bakery and Café
Open seven days a week, stop into Be Well Bakery & Café for your pre-movie meal. Enjoy dinner specials from fajitas to salads to burritos. Finish off your meal with a delicious bakery treat like the Peanut Butter Tuxedo Cups.
Iron Abbey Gastropub
Head over to The Iron Abbey Gastropub to indulge in a menu that combines classic European dishes and all-American comfort food. Pair selections from seafood to salad with one of over 40 craft beers or a drink from their extensive whiskey, spirits, and cocktail list.
Bertucci’s – Plymouth Meeting
Let Bertucci’s transport you to Italy for the night with their extensive menu of authentic Italian cuisine. Known for their brick oven pizzas, Bertucci’s secret is dough that is left to rest for 48 hours. From pizza to pasta with the freshest ingredients, you can’t go wrong!
Colonial Theatre
Phoenixville
Phoenixville’s Colonial Theatre is not only one of the premier movie houses in the region, it is also a Hollywood legend, playing a supporting role as the theater in the Steve McQueen classic, “The Blob.” Today the theater shows a mix of art, independent, and classic films.
Where to Eat:
Molly Maguire’s Irish Restaurant & Pub
Located just steps from the Colonial Theatre, Molly Maguire’s is an authentic Irish pub offering outstanding Irish cuisine and a full bar.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Located in the nearby town of Collegeville, Firebirds is known for their scratch kitchen, bold flavors, and inviting atmosphere. Whether you are craving a wood-fired steak or seafood, enjoy happy hour on the patio before your movie night begins.
P.J. Whelihans Pub + Restaurant – Oaks
Ready to serve families, sports fans, happy hour patrons, and those seeking nighttime entertainment, P. J’s has 30 extra-large TVs surrounding your dining experience. Stop in for great food and to catch up on things sports before the film!
Ambler Theater
Ambler
Nearly 100 years after it was built, the Ambler Theater is not only a local landmark, but a center for entertainment in downtown Ambler. In addition to a variety of independent and classic films, the movie house hosts screenings of live performances from the National Theatre.
Where to Eat:
Dettera Restaurant & Wine Bar
Just down the road from Ambler Theater lies one of Ambler’s favorite restaurants. Whether you’re looking for an elegant meal in the upscale dining room or drinks and apps al fresco on the Patio, Dettera is a can’t miss dining location.
Gypsy Blu Bar & Restaurant
Also conveniently located on Butler Avenue, Gypsy Blu is the newest restaurant from the “Conshy Girls,” offering a relaxing atmosphere for a glass of wine with your steak, crab cake, brisket, or pasta.
Saffron Indian Kitchen
Ambler is home to one of three locations for Saffron Indian Kitchen. Saffron serves up authentic Indian cuisine with traditional dishes like tikka masala, vindaloo, tandoor, and biryani.
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
Bryn Mawr
A treasure among Montgomery County’s theaters, the Bryn Mawr Film Institute is both a theater and an education center. This non-profit, community-supported movie theater shows independent films and hosts special events including appearances by noted directors and industry professionals.
Where to Eat:
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
Conveniently located in Ardmore, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is the place to find the perfect balance of fresh handcrafted beers and New American Cuisine.
Ryan Christopher’s BYOB
Located in Narberth, this family-run BYOB is a Main Line hidden gem. From classics to dishes on the trendier side, Ryan Christopher’s serves American bistro fare including pasta, steaks, veal, and fresh seafood. Choose to dine in the cozy dining room or on the outdoor patio.
The Bercy
The Bercy is a modern take on the classic French brasserie, featuring classically inspired cuisine. An extensive wine and cocktail list provide the perfect complement to any dining experience.
Hiway Theater
Jenkintown
The Hiway Theater has been drawing movie-goers to Jenkintown since 1913. This single-screen cinema focuses on independent, art-house and foreign films. Catch a film in the same theater that was once visited by Hollywood star and Montgomery County native, Bradley Cooper.
Where to Eat:
Piazza on the Square
Just a three-minute walk from the Hiway Theater, Piazza on the Square offers a variety of dining options. Enjoy a meal while shopping at the unique stores in the heart of Jenkintown.
Bernie’s Restaurant & Bar – Glenside
Bernie’s strives to re-create that Sunday Dinner atmosphere. From a casual dining experience around the fireplace, to the spectacular outdoor patio, come savor the chef’s daily specials.
The Ways Restaurant & Brewery
In the center of Glenside, The Ways Restaurant & Brewery serves seasonal entrees, delicious tacos, and standards like burgers, wings, and hand-cut fries. Offering vegetarian fare and homemade desserts, The Ways has something to satisfy for everyone.
Movie Tavern
Collegeville
Offering premium-quality food and beverage offerings, comfortable DreamLounger recliner seating and an oversized SuperScreen DLX auditorium complete with Dolby Atmos multidimensional sound for the ultimate moviegoing experience. A chef-driven menu features creative entrees, garden picks, pizzas, sandwiches, smash burgers, desserts and more — all delivered right to your seat. Each selection pairs perfectly with a refreshing specialty drink, beer or wine from The Tavern bar.
Where to Eat:
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is located off of 422 at Providence Town Center by Wegmans. They offer authentic wood-fired steaks, seafood, specialty cocktails and select wines.
Steel City Coffeehouse & Brewery
The dynamic duo of Laura Vernola and Ed Simpson have purchased Steel City Coffeehouse and Music Venue, located at 203 Bridge St. in Phoenixville, PA. The couple plans to continue the Steel City tradition of great coffee, delicious food and incredible live entertainment
P.J. Whelihan’s Pub- Oaks
Geared to serve families, sports fans, happy hour patrons and those seeking night and weekend entertainment from local PA-based bands and DJs. Thirty extra-large televisions-including eight gigantic 80" screens-will keep guests in the middle of all the sports action. Patrons will find great views from the comfortable bar area that also features a communal table for 14. Thirsty guests will enjoy a robust, rotating beer selection from 48 taps including P.J.W. Copper Lager, brewed exclusively for P.J. Whelihan's by Victory Brewing Company. Come in and see why their tasty drinks, great food, huge craft beer selection and PJ's friendly staff make for a perfect time, day or night.
