Dinner and a show make for a great date night or even a girls’ night out. Why not combine the two and enjoy an entertaining and delicious evening at a dinner theater. There are several dinner theaters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so whether you prefer a murder mystery with your steak and salad, a movie with your burger and fries or something even more unique you are sure to find it in North Texas.
Texas Star Dinner Theater
Formerly housed at the elegant Gaylord Texan Resort, Texas Star Dinner Theater moved to its own venue on historic Main Street in Grapevine. This North Texas dinner theater features a live murder mystery play with a Western theme while you dine.
You can expect to do much more than simply watch, though, as the actors play out the mystery in and around the dining room and guests are coaxed into participating in the show. The 90-minute play is broken into three acts during which you will dine on your choice of three entrees, which typically include a fish dinner, a chicken dish and a beef plate. The grilled tilapia is excellent, and you must try the Kentucky Bourbon Pecan Pie if it is available. Call (817) 310-5588 to learn more or purchase tickets, which cost $55 per person and include dinner, the show and gratuity. Parking is free and children over 10 are welcome. A cash bar is available as well.
Pocket Sandwich Theater
If you like your dinner theater on the lighter side, you will get a kick out of an evening spent at the Pocket Sandwich Theater in Dallas. Forthcoming titles include “O Brother, Werewolf Art Thou?” and “20,000 Babes under the Sea,” although while most of their performances are comedies or madcap melodramas and musicals they do put on an occasional drama.
The menu at this North Texas dinner theater leans more toward munchies than gourmet fare, with offerings such as nachos, salads and wraps. Of course, they sell yummy pocket sandwiches, too. Your server will bring a bowl of popcorn to the table, as well but don’t eat it! This is to toss at performers, staff and even other diners during the show. Food and beverages – soft drinks, beer and wine – are highly affordable, and there is a one-item minimum. Show entrance is also affordable, starting at just $10 per person for weeknight shows. Check out the Pocket Sandwich Theater website for more information.
Studio Movie Grill
Who says dinner theater has to consist of food and a live performance? Studio Movie Grill is another North Texas dinner theater that offers dinner and a show, although the show is of the cinematic variety. You can go online to the Studio Movie Grill website to buy tickets, like most movie theaters, but that is where the similarities to most other theaters end.
You can actually reserve specific seats when you purchase tickets. When you pick up your tickets at the theater, you are also given a menu and a coaster light. After you find your seats, you can browse the menu and turn on the coaster light when you are ready to order. A server will take your order and deliver the food to your table (yes, the theater has tables). The same server will bring your check before the end of the film.
Along with standard soft drink offerings, the menu includes a wide range of beer, wine and mixed drinks. Food items include starters, entrees, desserts and kids meals similar to what you would find at a chain bar and grill type restaurant, and the prices are comparable as well. They do offer daily specials on food and beverages during the week.
There are four Studio Movie Grill locations around the Metroplex. Find out more at their website.
