There’s nothing quite like viewing a long-awaited film on the big screen with fresh popcorn in your lap and friends or family by your side. The immersive experience takes you on an adventurous journey with quality features like advanced screen technology, heated recliners, and a diverse array of concessions to enjoy in the process. Movies are a great option for the whole family, especially during the colder winter months when it can be difficult to find indoor activities to enjoy. As a long-standing tradition, many movie-goers desire a nostalgic experience with preserved historical architecture and a classical atmosphere. Lucky for you, there are a variety of historic movie theaters to choose from across the western suburbs with admirable features and grand architectural designs just longing for guests to visit. Take a look at our list of the best classic cinemas near Oak Park: theater locations you have to visit!
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With a grand entrance and classical marquee, the Classics Cinemas Lake Theatre offers visitors a historical look with an assortment of amenities. Located in downtown Oak Park, the historic and beautifully restored Lake Theatre features seven screens equipped with surround sound and 4K digital projection. As a special treat, they offer Classic Cinemas' signature free refills on all popcorn, fountain drinks, and ICEEs™.
Shows attended before 6:00 pm are $7 and only $5 all day on Tuesdays. You can transport into your film of choice in a comfortable heated recliner, available in all auditoriums and XQ auditoriums at this Oak Park theater. After your movie, take a stroll down historic Lake Street, where you can view beautiful revolutionary landmarks, or grab a bite to eat after your show at one of the many delectable restaurant choices in the downtown area.
Highlights: Free refills on all popcorn sizes, fountain drinks, and ICEEs™, 30-minute money-back guarantee, and $5 Tuesdays.
Address: 1022 Lake Street Oak Park, IL 60301
Click here to learn more.
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Opened in 1925, the La Grange Theatre was once home to live performers until it transitioned to show motion pictures in the 1940s. It has since been acquired by Classic Cinemas to create a timeless yet updated movie experience with a recently renovated appeal that now boasts a range of modern amenities. All auditorium seating has been replaced with heated luxury power recliners that can be reserved online when you purchase tickets. In addition to adding a new auditorium, they have reconfigured two existing auditoriums into three smaller rooms and upgraded their projection and sound technology.
Despite these modern upgrades and renovations, they remain committed to celebrating the historic nature of the theater and have retained classic touches, such as murals, while adding new embellishments like decorative medallions found in the attic. Local designer Maggie Allen has continued her work on the interior of the theater to maintain its historic legacy.
The La Grange Theatre is located right at the start of the historic, walkable downtown area, with awe-inspiring architecture, plenty of shopping, and delectable cuisine options throughout the quaint historical village. Take a stroll through downtown and then enjoy a matinee for the ultimate experience.
Highlights: Historical ambiance, thank you mints, fewer trailers, free refills on every size of popcorn, sodas, and ICEEs™, 30-minute money-back guarantee, and $5 Tuesdays.
Address: 80 South La Grange Road, La Grange, IL 60525
Click here to learn more.
A local favorite, Cinemark in Melrose Park, is the perfect place to relax on a cold day. It features multiple screens, stadium seats, and self-service ticketing kiosks - so you can browse the latest shows or book your seat in advance online using your phone number and email. Residents love it for the great prices on movie tickets and extremely comfortable seating, with chairs that heat up! So you'll be relaxed and ready to go by the time the movie starts. If you're craving a snack mid-movie, Cinemark offers mobile ordering right from the comfort of your lounger, so you can have it delivered hot and fresh without ever leaving your seat. Melrose Park provides an array of restaurant options in the area. You can enjoy a meal at one of their top-rated restaurants like Taverna on Division, with finely crafted cuisine and a cozy outdoor patio with heat lamps, or Johnnie’s Grill, a quaint diner with delicious American cuisine.
Highlights: Mobile ordering and delivery and heated loungers.
Address: 1001 W North Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60160
Click here to learn more.
Classic Cinemas in North Riverside is a modern, six-screen theater located in the North Riverside Mall. They offer the latest amenities, including luxury heated recliner seating, 7.1 surround sound, 4K digital projection, and an XQ auditorium with laser projection. As a special treat, they offer free refills on all popcorn, fountain drinks, and ICEEs™. Before seeing your film, you can shop around at various stores in the mall or grab a meal at the food court before your movie starts. Whether you decide to grab tickets at the box office or reserve your seats in advance, Classic Cinemas offers a host of luxurious amenities for you to enjoy.
Highlights: Located in the North Riverside Mall, free refills on every size of popcorn, sodas, and ICEEs, 30-minute money-back guarantee, and $5 Tuesdays.
Address: 7501 Cermak Rd, Riverside, IL 60546
Click here to learn more.
Cinemas are recognized for their architectural heritage, with many in the area ready to give you a classic yet comfortable movie-going experience. No matter which theater you choose, the excitement of seeing a movie on the big screen is a quality experience with larger-than-life visuals and surround sound that transports you into the world of the film. Whether sharing a fun day out with family or enjoying a movie with strangers, these locations are a must-visit for a classic cinema experience.