Movie theaters are challenged these days to get viewers away from home and tuning in to TV series, Netflix or whatever. Some theaters have tried wooing patrons with promises of food and bar service in reclining chairs. The idea is very good, but when I’ve gone they never fulfilled the promise. Until now. The iPic Theater Miami whose concept originated in Australia’s Gold Coast is what I expected and more. The eight theater venue has a gastro lounge with outdoor terrace complete with firepits, DJ on weekends, and mixology as show. Serious fun. It’s a destination to spend an evening or afternoon. Plus, you can reserve your seats. For you Star Wars fans, they have showings in 2D and 3D on Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to 11:15 p.m.!
First, let’s talk about the theater comfort and service. The leather reclining chairs are ones you’d like in your den or study — super comfy with just the right recline. If you get a Premium Plus seat, it comes with a blanket and pillow and tray for food and beverage service. Once you’re seated out comes the bag of popcorn (have as many bags as you want). Movies are shown from 11 a.m. during the week and from 10 a.m. on weekends. Come before or after and have a drink, an experience in itself.
The choices are endless — take 27 different kinds of rums, “share me” cocktails in three sizes — sip, gulp or pitcher, and the real show stopper, bottle service. Here you buy a bottle of your favorite liquor, say Grey Goose, starting at $100. The experience includes a glass of rose for 6 people, your choice of puree which can include blood orange, strawberry lemonade, passion fruit, or others; and a series of garnishes. The combo is then “flamed” with nitrogen with dramatic flair .
Want something to eat? The varied menu includes everything from oysters and charcuterie to sliders, pizzas, sushi and tacos. We had the lobster roll made with smoked chipotle served with seasoned potato chips, buttermilk fried chicken tenders, kale salad and tempura green beans. All were very tasty and dishes made for sharing (except the lobster roll which is for one, good because I was happy to eat it all myself).
Desserts were All American favorites like a decadent sundae, caramel upside down cheese cake and chocolate and peanut butter bar.
Ticket prices at the iPic Theater Miami, 3701 N.E. 163rd Street, North Miami Beach (T.786-563-7061) start at $16; from $12 if you buy one of the special memberships (and qualify by buying a certain number of tickets a year). Memberships also come with invitations to special events and seat upgrades.
Food and beverage prices are reasonable. A glass of wine starts at $9; $30 for a bottle. Food prices range from $12 to $22.
Photography by William Oberheiser
