Unique Dinner Theaters Across the USA
The earliest dinner theaters date back to the Middle Ages when courses were interspersed with songs and theatrical performances during Christmas time, typically organized by schools and church groups. Today’s dinner theater options cater to all tastes, often featuring food tailored to the ambiance. Below are nine dinner and show options for your next night out, ranging from exclusive throwback magic to enchanting mermaids paired with tropical cocktails.
City Winery, Multiple US Locations
What began as one urban winery with a stage has swept the USA. City Winery now has locations in New York, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Washington DC, Boston, and Philadelphia. Guests can enjoy an array of performances, from comedy shows to intimate nights with renowned songwriters. The food is hearty, featuring dishes like mussels, pasta, flatbreads, and locally-inspired options, such as hot chicken egg rolls in Nashville, all complemented by exquisite wine.
Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, Denver, Colorado
This massive lounge, music venue, and restaurant bills itself as a “gastrobrothel,” with a colorful history that includes being a peep show, adult video library, and bordello. Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox draws in guests with its vintage decor, including booths and velvet curtains. Visitors can enjoy live music, DJs, trivia nights, or even pinball if they’re not in the mood for musical entertainment.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede at Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
This engaging dinner experience features a hefty four-course meal, including a whole rotisserie chicken and smoked pork loin, all served without utensils for a fun and messy experience. Located just outside Dollywood, the mini-rodeo showcases 32 steeds and their skilled riders entertaining the audience in a horseshoe-shaped arena, complemented by pig races and chicken-catching competitions. It’s a must-see for true Dolly fans, who know to arrive early to meet the horses in their stables and enjoy the pre-show entertainment filled with banjo music.
Manor Pro Wrestling Theater, Kissimmee, Florida
Florida’s Manor Pro Wrestling Theater combines the thrill of wrestling with culinary delights like Body Slam Oven Roasted Chicken and Drop Kicking Vegetable Medley. The wrestling performances are local professionals who bring WWE-style theatrics to life. Starting at $43 per ticket (children $37, under 3 is free), it includes a three-course dinner along with options for photographs and merchandise.
The Magic Castle, Los Angeles, California
In the 1960s, a former private home in Hollywood transformed into the Magic Castle, a secretive clubhouse for magicians. To gain entry, individuals can stay at the nearby hotel, email a performing magician, or befriend a member to attend as a guest for a nominal fee of $25 to $35. Guests don cocktail attire and dine in the old-school steakhouse before gaining access to the main magic show, while enjoying spontaneous magic performances throughout the venue.
The Wreck Bar Mermaid Show, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The beautiful beaches of Fort Lauderdale offer more than mere stretches of sand; they also host mesmerizing mermaid performances at the nautical Wreck Bar. Guests can relish crab cakes, painkiller cocktails, and other tropical delicacies while peering through portholes to watch the shows. This venue features both family-friendly and risqué performances, with a unique underwater mermen burlesque show every Thursday night, setting it apart as a must-visit attraction.
Cafe Carlyle, New York, New York
The Carlyle Hotel in New York has been synonymous with glamour since 1930. Its intimate Café Carlyle has housed performances from legends such as Bobby Short and Eartha Kitt to contemporary stars like Debbie Harry and Alan Cumming. The cabaret experience celebrates an era where waiters donned tuxedos and overly generous martinis ruled the scene. Early ticket purchases are advisable as this popular venue often sells out quickly.
Jackson Hole Playhouse, Jackson, Wyoming
A visit to the Jackson Hole Playhouse can include an optional dinner served in a nostalgic saloon setting. Guests sit on saddle-seats at the bar and enjoy family-style meals while actors serenade diners, enhancing the immersive experience. Following dinner, the show takes place in this historic venue, originally built in 1915. The playhouse predominantly features Western-themed performances, with show-only tickets available starting at $40 ($25 for children).
Tommy Gun’s Garage, Chicago, Illinois
Step back to the prohibition era at Tommy Gun’s Garage, the interactive speakeasy that has entertained guests since 1989. Here, memorabilia and a 1928 Model “A” Ford set the stage for a musical comedy revue where audience participation is encouraged. Guests may find themselves part of impromptu skits, as gangsters and flappers perform memorable musical selections from icons like Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Duke Ellington. Tickets range from $67 to $77, covering dinner and gratuity, with cocktails available at an additional cost.
