Rochester has some great options to see the latest (or classic) cinematic stories on the big screen beyond a typical movie theater! For an extra special outing with your loved ones, friends, or just to treat yourself, check out the theaters below offering a wide range of movies and dining experiences.
5 Unique Movie Theater Experiences
The Little Theatre
240 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14604
As part of The Little Cinema Movement, this theater was constructed in the late 1920s using the Art Deco style. Over the years, additional small theaters have been added, as well as an adjacent café to go beyond the concessions they offer. Make a whole night of it by grabbing a light meal, appetizers, various drinks, and desserts at the Little Café with your loved ones. This is a casual, artsy atmosphere with live music and local art to enjoy before or after a movie. Be mindful of the Little Café’s hours in planning your night out.
Now affiliated with WXXI, The Little Theatre hosts special events, screenings, and series throughout the year. The Theatre plays American independent, international, and classic films — so all can enjoy a movie, whether a current release or an old favorite, at The Little Theatre. Purchase general admission tickets online, and check their website for tips on parking in the area.
Roc Cinema
957 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
Built in 1914, Roc Cinema adds an utterly delicious dine-in experience to your movie. You can either place your food and beverage order with the bartender before entering the theater, or scan the barcode at your seat and order using your phone. Be prepared for large portions! The menu includes an extensive combination of concessions, hearty appetizers, proper urban dinner options, dazzling drinks, and mouthwatering desserts — brought right to your seat in the theater, at any time!
Roc Cinema is a single-screen theater, so the movie options are limited each day. But if you can snag some seats for new showings, you won’t regret it. Check out, also, their series called Free Movie Mondays and reserve your seat online for various highly rated movies over the years! Note the parking options listed on their website before you go.
Apple Cinemas
3349 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618
Located in Pittsford Plaza, the Apple Cinemas chain opened its first location in our state in December 2023. As a nine-screen theater, many more movies are available for showings than the theaters mentioned above. Apple Cinemas has its guests relaxing in reclinable seats, as well as a dine-in movie experience. Order pub-style food, concessions, and drinks from your seat and it will be delivered to you! Or if you’d rather, there is also a full-service bar in the lobby with seating. As a recent patron, I will share that there are fewer food and drink options than Roc Cinema mentioned above.
Purchase tickets for specific seats ahead of time, and don’t fret about parking. There are plenty of parking spaces available in Pittsford Plaza!
Drive-In Movie Theaters
For new-release movies under the stars, these are the two drive-in movie theater experiences closest to Rochester — open only in the warmer months. These are sure to create some drive-in nostalgia for a new generation. Load up the kids, snacks, and blankets for a night of cozy fun unlike anything else!
Vintage Drive-in | Avon
1520 W Henrietta Rd, Avon, NY 14414
This drive-in has four huge outdoor screens and offers double features of current movies (plus retro films on Tuesdays). An hour before the first movie starts, patrons can enjoy their “Drive-In Radio Show.” With a food permit, you may bring your own food and drinks in your vehicle. Otherwise, concessions and dinner options are available to order! Tickets/parking are first come, first served — unless you choose to pay extra for a reserved parking spot.
Rose City Drive-in | Newark
5418 New York Highway 31, Newark, NY 14513
After four decades, this drive-in reopened in the spring of 2024! There is a new concession stand, projector system, and restrooms available. Purchase tickets online ahead of time, or at the gate until a movie is sold out. Bringing food in with your vehicle is allowed in moderation, though the company may charge a food permit. FM Radio is used for the sound system. A variety of concessions is available for purchase.
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