As the effects of the recent pandemic continue to ripple through society, life is slowly beginning to go back to normal. As vaccinations increase and cases in New York begin to decline, people are starting to feel more comfortable in large gatherings. Perhaps the thing I have been most personally excited for is finally happening – the movies are back!
Since tentatively reopening at the end of March 2021, New York movie theaters have slowly been adjusting their service to accommodate the new changes. Initially only opening at 25% capacity, theatres have begun to expand that capacity to create new incentives to bring people back into the seats. In age of digital streaming and social distancing, theatres have been hard-pressed finding ways to adapt to the new climate, but there’s still always one way to reach people’s hearts directly – food.
Over the past few years, dine-in theatres have become increasingly popular. From AMC and Regal’s experiments to indie newcomers like Alamo Drafthouse, it’s become clear that nothing goes along with a movie quite like a nice dinner. While more traditional theatres have steered away from the changes, it appears that’s starting to change.
Village East By Angelika is one of the last great movie palaces of Manhattan. A wonderfully preserved multiplex that originally housed the Yiddish Art Theatre in 1925, Village East has always been a preservationist’s dream. With operatic balconies, high ceilings with glorious chandeliers, and an incredibly spacious interior, Village East is a rare gem of a cinema that has always been a neighborhood icon. Now, as the theatre has been steadily resuming its traditional programing, it appears that they will be adding a bar and kitchen to their operation.
As part of the Angelika Film Center family, Village East has always catered to the fans of indie and arthouse cinema. The new addition will really help liven up their event programming, as for the first time they will finally be able to sell alcohol. Having recently acquired a Beer/Wine/Cider Tavern License, Village East is gearing up to expand their operation with the addition of beer, wine, and cooked meals for hungry customers.
Their new offerings will include breakfast, appetizers, pizza, hot dogs, and sandwiches. Charging up to a maximum of $12 for the steak and onion melt, Village East will also be serving beer and wine for the very first time. It is important to note however, that they are not becoming a dine-in theatre. The food on offer here will be available at their café and concession stand, but they wont be delivered to your seat like other dine-in theatres.
