The Best Vintage Movie Theaters in Dallas

As new multiplex movie theaters pop up around the country, many of America's older, original movie palaces are closing their doors. Many of these vintage movie theaters have been re-purposed for other uses, but a handful still show movies. In the Dallas area, several theaters from Hollywood's heyday have been renovated to their former glory and still bring in movie viewers. Following are some of the best of Dallas' grand old movie palaces.

Inwood Theater
5458 West Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75209
www.landmarktheatres.com/market/dallas/inwoodtheatre.htm
(214) 764-9106
Located in the heart of Dallas, the Inwood is considered one of the finest theaters in the city. It still shows first run films and features stadium-style leather lounge seating. In the main auditorium, leather love seats, ottomans and bean bags allow patrons to enjoy movies just like they do at home. An on-site martini bar also keeps moviegoers happy.

Midnight screenings of classic movies (and some not so classic movies) are held at the Inwood every weekend, and have become a Dallas institution. Going to at least one midnight screening is a must for any film fan.

Lakewood Theater
1825 Abrams Parkway, Dallas TX 75214
www.lakewoodtheater.com
(214) 821-7469
The Lakewood Theater's distinctive art deco neon tower has stood guard over east Dallas since 1938. The theater still looks largely the same as it did back then, and retains a colorful art deco interior. The Lakewood often holds special screenings of classic movies.

Palace Theater
300 S. Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051
www.palace-theatre.com
(817) 410-3100
Opened in 1940, the Palace is located in the town square of Grapevine, a small but affluent town north of Dallas near DFW airport. It is currently home to the Grapevine Opry, but the Palace also holds "First Friday" special screenings of classic films which are popular with film-goers across north Texas. At a recent screening of Star Wars, the Palace even held a costume contest for dedicated fans. The Palace is also a performing arts center and gallery for local artists.

Texas Theatre
231 West Jefferson Blvd., Dallas, TX 75208
thetexastheatre.com/
(214) 948-1546
The Texas Theatre became a historical landmark as the site where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. After being closed for years, the theater has undergone extensive renovation and has now reopened as a venue for live events as well as independent and classic films. A Kurosawa movie could be playing one night, followed by a locally-produced documentary the next night.

Uptown Theater
120 East Main Street, Grand Prairie, TX 75050
www.uptowntheatergp.com
(972) 237-8786
This vintage theater opened in the center of Grand Prairie (a west Dallas suburb) in 1950. It is now owned by the city of Grand Prairie and holds live events, plays, and concerts. Beautifully redecorated to its 1950's splendor inside, the Uptown is a popular venue for locals, and special screenings of films are often held, especially to coincide with some holidays.

Village Theater
32 Highland Park Village, Dallas TX 75205
www.hpvillage.com/store-listings/village-theatre/
This 1950's era movie palace is located in Highland Park Village, Dallas' premier upscale shopping destination (think Dallas' version of Rodeo Drive). Featuring a Spanish-styled exterior, the Village Theater has been completely renovated inside, and features digital projection and state-of-the-art sound for first-run movies. If the concession stand offerings don't tickle your fancy, a nearby Starbucks and several restaurants are within walking distance.