Cinema Cafe: 
Cheapest Way to See First-Run Movies While You Dine

What do I think of Cinema Cafe dinner theaters? First, let me tell you a story.

Years ago, vice presidential candidate Dan Quayle received a huge set down when, after comparing himself to former President JFK, his opponent retorted, “I knew John F. Kennedy. And you sir, are no John F. Kennedy.”

Well, I’ve always raved about Portsmouth’s Commodore Theatre, a delightfully elegant Art Deco dinner theater which still takes the top rank as our favorite date night spot. And I’ve always wondered how it compares to Cinema Café. Now I know.

Cinema Café…you are no Commodore.

BUT (and this is a huge "but") I still love Cinema Cafe because this is truly the cheapest way to see first-run movies on the big screen while enjoying yummy food brought right to your seat! This a budget version of a dinner theater. 

Take a regular movie theater, knock out some chairs, add some bar-like counters, add a decent, Applebees-type menu (pizza, buffalo wings, BBQ, warm pretzels, nachos, yummy desserts, beer, wine, and yes, popcorn). 

Throw in some major thrills in the foyer like a pool hall, arcade-style video games, and you have Cinema Café.

It's not the Taj Mahal, but you'll have a great evening for less!

Cinema Cafe locations and deals

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Here are the locations, and special deals per location:

Chesapeake's Greenbrier Mall location - 

1401 Greenbrier Parkway - (757) 523-SHOW (7469)

Regular prices: Matinees before noon: $1.75. Matinees before 6 pm: $2.75
Evenings after 6 pm: $3.99

Tues and Sun all shows - $1.50

The Hampton location has a great arcade/pool table area.

Hampton location -

1044 Von Schilling Drive (757) 523-SHOW (7469)

Mon, Tues, Thurs all day - $5.00 for adults, $4.75 for seniors, military and kids 12 and under

Fri-Sun Matinees before 12 noon: $5.25; between noon and 4:59 - $5.75

Fri-Sun after 5 pm - $7.25 for adults, $6.50 seniors and military; $4.75 for kids

*Cheap Deal: Wacky Wednesdays - All shows all day $3.75

Virginia Beach's Kemps River location -

1220 Fordham Drive (757) 523-SHOW (7469)

Mon, Tues, Thurs before 5 pm - $5.00; after 6 pm - $6.50 adults, $5.95 seniors and military, $4.75 kids

Fri-Sun and holidays before Noon - $5.00

Fri-Sun Matinees 12-5:59: $6.50 ($5.95 seniors and military, $4.75 kids)
Fri-Sun Evenings: $7.75 for adults ($6.50 seniors and military, $4.75 kids)

*Cheap Deal: Wacky Wednesdays - All shows all day $3.75

Virginia Beach's Pembroke Meadow location -

758 Independence (757) 523-SHOW (7469)

Mon-Thurs shows before noon - $5.00

Mon-Thurs shows noon-5 pm - $6.50 adults, $5.95 seniors and military, $4.75 kids

Fri-Sun shows before noon: $5.00 pm 

Fri-Sun shows noon-5 pm: $6.50 adults, $5.95 seniors and military, $4.75 kids

Fri-Sun after 5 pm: $7.75 adults, $6.50 seniors and military, $4.75 kids

*Cheap Deal: Wacky Wednesdays - All movies $3.75

Edinburgh-Chesapeake location -

1864 Edinburgh Lane (757) 523-SHOW (7469)

Shows before noon - $5.50

Mon-Thurs shows after 12 noon - $6.50 (kids 12 and under $6)

Fri-Sun shows after 5 pm - $8.50 adults, $6 kids

Wacky Wednesdays: Most movies $3.99

So if it's romance and ambience you want, go to the Commodore Theatre instead (click here for my full review). But if you're looking for the "movie out" experience with rock bottom prices, Cinema Cafe is the place. Here's their main website.

Looking for other cheap or free things to do in the area? Click here.

And for travel deals--including how to save on gas, museums, hotels, and attractions, go to our Discount Travel Deals page.)