Beyond popcorn: Movie theaters in the Charlotte area with bars, full-service meals and more

Lorenza Medley
·4 min read

Charlotte's movie theaters are back in business

There are so many new movies coming out this summer, and the theaters will be packed. And we all know that a theater’s amenities — like concessions, reclinable seats and reservable seating — can make or break the movie-watching experience.

But what about the food? While popcorn and a soda is always a classic, try something new this time around. Cinergy offers a full dining menu, including pizza and burgers, and AMC Concord Mills 24 has a movie-themed bar. Below, 7 Charlotte-area theaters that offer more than just popcorn, snacks and fountain drinks:

AMC Concord Mills 24

MacGuffin’s Bar at AMC Concord Mills 24 is serving up the movie-themed drinks, such as the Tea-Rex, a 24 oz. spiked peach tea and lemonade made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka — in honor of Jurassic World Domination.

The bar’s name refers to the term coined by Alfred Hitchcock, meaning a plot device that propels a movie forward. Additional Charlotte-area locations with a MacGuffins bar:

  • AMC Carolina Pavilion 22

  • AMC Hickory 15

  • AMC Northlake 14

  • AMC Park Terrace 6

Location: 8421 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027

Badin Road Drive-In

Ever wanted to have a 1950s moment at a drive-in theater? Look no further than Badin Road Drive-In, located only 40 miles outside of Charlotte.

The drive-in theater has two screens, and double features are shown on Fridays and Saturdays. The theater serves classic concessions like popcorn and snacks, as well as grilled food, such as hot dogs, burgers and mac and cheese bites.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movies start at dark. The features are usually popular movies that are frequently updated on the theater’s Facebook page.

Location: 2411 Badin Road, Albemarle, NC 28001

Camp North End

Has inflation absolutely flattened your wallet? Lucky for you, Camp North End has your back!

This summer, Camp North End will be playing free classic 80s and 90s movies and will offer a free retro arcade every Thursday until Sept. 8. Guests will only pay for food and drinks from Camp North End vendors.

“Crossroads Cinemas” is held at the back lot of the historic Ford building. Bring a chair, buy some food and enjoy the show.

Location: 400 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206

Crossroads Cinema in Camp North End will play free ’80s and ’90s movies every Thursday from June 23 to Sept. 8.
Crossroads Cinema in Camp North End will play free ’80s and ’90s movies every Thursday from June 23 to Sept. 8.

Cinergy Dine-In Cinemas

Cinergy offers reclining and dining at the theater in Charlotte. The theater’s expansive menu offers chef-prepared appetizers, pizza, burgers and salads brought to your seat.

Don’t overlook the theater’s drink menu, which includes specialty drinks like Sauza Hornitos Margarita, wine and domestic, premium and draft beers.

Location: 5336 Docia Crossing Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269

Cinergy offers bacon cheese fries as part of its expansive menu that features chef-prepared burgers, pizza, salads and more.
Cinergy offers bacon cheese fries as part of its expansive menu that features chef-prepared burgers, pizza, salads and more.

Hound’s Drive-In

Tired of going to the big box movie theater and only watching one movie at a time? Hound’s Drive-In has you covered.

The drive-in plays double features on the weekends on one of its three screens. While watching the film, grab something “From the Grill” like a hot dog, a corn dog or a hamburger. If you don’t want an entree, try snacks like cotton candy, funnel cake and six mini donuts.

The theater is pet friendly and has a playground for the little ones to play in before the movie starts.

Location: 114 Raven Circle, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Our Town Cinemas Café & Taphouse

This local theater features a cafe and taphouse. Located in the heart of Lake Norman, the cinema brings back the days when the “hometown” movie theater reigned supreme.

The theater offers specialty drinks like Seagram’s Strawberry Daiquiri and Clubtails Long Island Iced Tea. The cafe menu includes good eats like a Bacon Cheddar Burger, Corn Dog Nuggets and Spicy Fried Chicken Wrap.

Location: 227 Griffith St, Davidson, NC 28036

Erin Evernham, left, and Ray Evernham, both of Davidson, N.C., talk before previews start for “Elvis” at Our Town Cinemas in Davidson, Thursday, June 23, 2022.
Erin Evernham, left, and Ray Evernham, both of Davidson, N.C., talk before previews start for “Elvis” at Our Town Cinemas in Davidson, Thursday, June 23, 2022.

Regal Cinebarre Arboretum

Have you ever wanted to watch a movie and get served fresh hot food? Cinebarre’s dine-in theater offers movie-themed snacks like “Fry Hard,” a plate of hot french fries with house seasoning, and “Crazy Rich Onions,” beer battered onion rings served with Cajun remoulade sauce on the side. The theater’s meals include “It’s A Wonderful Pie,” a build-your-own-pizza, and “Guacbusters,” a guacamole bacon burger.

The theater has a great selection of adult beverages that will help you relax a bit more into the seat. Try the Peach Whiskey Smash, made with Jameson Irish Whiskey, lemon juice and Monin Peach Syrup.

Location: 8008 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277