Great Milwaukee Movie Theatres

Take a minute and think about which cities in the country would have the most unique movie theatres.

I am sure Los Angeles, New York and Chicago probably top your list.

I'll bet Milwaukee, Wis. wasn't even given a thought. But it should.

People in Milwaukee love to see movies. And, contrary to popular thinking, it's not just at your run-of-the-mill multiplex. Here is a list of some of the best places to take in a flick.

Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse
6823 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa
414-607-9672
http://www.rosebudcinemadrafthouse.com/

The building that houses the Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse has been a theatre since 1931. In 1999, local entrepreneur Jay Hollis, of Millennium Entertainment, purchased the historic building in order to revitalize the classic single-screen neighborhood theater.

The Rosebud is small - it seats about 240 people - but what is lost in seating capacity is made up for with comfort and style. The theatre is furnished with plush velvet sofas, loveseats and recliners that make you feel like you're watching a movie in the comfort of your own home.

And just like at home, you can enjoy dinner from the comfort of your sofa or recliner. Before heading into the movie, place your order for appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches, and snacks offered on the Rosebud's menu. The food will be delivered hot and fresh to your seat, just after the beginning of the movie. The Rosebud also serves wide variety of micro-brews, wine, and mixed drinks.

The Rosebud screens mainstream movies, however it is known for showing indie and art house films that you won't find at the multiplex. They also feature live bands on their stage, have Green Bay Packer parties every Sunday during football season, and also host an annual Academy Awards party.

Oriental Theatre
2230 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee
414-276-8711
http://www.landmarktheatres.com/market/Milwaukee/OrientalTheatre.htm

Located in the heart of Milwaukee's fashionable east side, the crown jewel of Milwaukee theatres, and certainly a historic treasure, the Oriental has been screening movies since 1927.

Look up the term movie palace in the dictionary and you will likely find a picture of the Oriental. When the theatre opened in 1927, it featured 2 minaret towers, three marvelous stained glass chandeliers, 6 larger-than-life Buddhas, hand drawn murals, eight porcelain lions, lush draperies, and hundreds of elephants. Though time marched on outside of the theatre doors, walking into the Oriental is like being transported back to the Roaring Twenties, because, thanks to careful historic preservation and a renovation that transformed the oriental from a one to a three-screen theatre, the beautiful East Indian décor remains in tact.

The Oriental now is part of the Landmark Theatres, one of the nation's largest art-house movie circuits. Before the 7pm show on Fridays and Saturdays, moviegoers are treated to the lush sounds of the Kimball Theatre Pipe Organ. The organ music is the perfect introduction to the evening's feature, just as it was more than 75 years ago. This pipe organ is the largest of its kind in a theatre in America, and the third largest in the world.

The Oriental Theatre also has a unique claim to fame - it is the world record holder for a current and continuing film engagement. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has played as a midnight film since January 1978. The movie is shown every first and third Saturday of the month during the school year (September-May), and limited dates in the summer. The 25th anniversary celebration of the film was held at the Oriental in 2003.

The Times Cinema
5906 W. Vilet St., Wauwatosa
414-453-2436
http://www.timescinema.com/

A former car dealership, the Times Cinema has been operating continuously as a theatre since 1935.

Because of it's location in Wauwatosa, a suburb of Milwaukee, the Times, has always had to find a unique niche to help fill seats. In the late 40s, the Times' owners decided to begin showing art house films - foreign films and films that fell outside of mainstream Hollywood productions. This specialty breed of films was not without controversy.

In fact, in 1953, the Times showed a movie called "The Moon is Blue," in defiance of a citywide ban on the film. The reason for the ban - local censors didn't like the fact that the word "virgin" was used in a non-religious context. The community was outraged - but their outrage was at the censors. "The Moon is Blue" sold out nearly every show.

Today, the Times continues to survive as one of the area's few single-screen theatres and serves a diverse audience by showing classic, cult and indie films.

Fox Bay Cinema Grill
334 E. Silver Spring, Whitefish Bay
414-906-9999
http://www.foxbaycinemagrill.com/

Taking the "dinner and a movie" concept a step further, Fox Bay Cinema Grill offers moviegoers a unique dining experience.

Fox Bay houses a full bar and restaurant with an extensive menu of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and gourmet pizzas.

After you arrive and purchase your tickets, enjoy a drink at the bar. You'll be seated about 10 to 20 minutes before showtime. Once seated, wait staff will take your food and beverage order, and deliver the food just after the movie starts. Their staff is unobtrusive and won't distract from the movie. Your bill will arrive about 20 minutes before the movie ends.

The Fox Bay Cinema Grill is housed in a beautifully restored 1950 art-deco theater. Fox Bay shows the first-run films you'll find at your local multiplex in a much more spacious and comfortable setting.