Theater raises the Bar in cinema

"Eat. Drink. Watch movies" is the slogan of one of the Lowcountry's newest and most unique entertainment offerings, and the "drink" part is no doubt the usual focus of this column. Or at least recommending a good place to enjoy a few.

Cinebarre in Mount Pleasant is exactly what its name implies — a "cinema" and a "bar."

While a number of local theatres (like the Terrace on James Island) have long offered adult beverages to enjoy with one's movie experience, Cinebarre specifically models itself as a bar/restaurant, which is noticeable the moment you enter the lobby, where you'll find not only an actual bar, but the stools to match and even two pool tables.

Says manager Cliff Mori "we offer a more adult movie going experience."

Mori, who has recently relocated from Asheville, N.C., (home of the original Cinebarre) stresses that for those who used to overly talkative, movie bound middle-schoolers on cell phones, or kids too-young-to-know-better, interrupting a good flick with endless disruptions, Cinebarre offers movie lovers a break. No children under 6 are allowed and no children ages 6-17 are admitted without being accompanied by an adult. In fact, the only exception to this rule comes during a Tuesday matinee, they appropriately call "Scream day."

Cinebarre offers food appetizers (with funny names, my favorites are "Children of the Popcorn" and "Lord of the Onion Rings") pizzas, burgers and sandwiches, all of which are served during the movie. As for the bar, a dozen domestic and imported draft beers are available as well as more than 20 bottled selections. A dozen red and white wine selections are available, by the bottle or the glass, as well as daiquiri and margarita pitchers.

When serving food or drinks during a movie, a typical concern might be possible interruptions during the film.

The individual theatres at Cinebarre feature not only the typical cinema chair with a small table in front, but to be as low key as possible, large numerals in front of each seat let servers know exactly where to go and who to serve with little ruckus. If additional service is needed, customers raise a card to alert the server.

I barely noticed the wait staff and enjoyed my movie interruption free.

Cinebarre also gets big bonus points for including a roll of paper towels at each seat; no need to get up and get napkins as they're already there.

For movie lovers who have refrained from going to the movies precisely because theatres are often overrun by too many nonadults, and for grown-ups who find beer and wine every bit as complimentary to a good film as popcorn, Cinebarre is likely to become an instant classic.