Dine-in theater now open in downtown Arlington Heights

Star Cinema Grill, a new dine-in movie theater in downtown Arlington Heights, is now open at 53 S. Evergreen St.

Nearly every part of the former Arlington Theaters, which closed a year ago, was gutted, with the new owners spending millions to install updated seats, tables for food that is served in the theaters, upgraded digital movie screens, a bar in the lobby and a newer ticket window.

Because of the tables, the number of seats available in the theater has been reduced from more than 1,500 to about 700 seats, although six auditoriums remain.

The theater opened at 8 p.m. Friday, showing many of the current major releases. Movie prices are $10.50 for adults, $9:50 for people over age 60, $9 for shows before 6 p.m. and $8 for children 2 to 10.

Inside the theater, each table has a buzzer for customers to press and summon their server. Each guest receives a menu card with all the food and drink options so they can check off their order without verbally disrupting other movie goers.

Guests who want to order food should arrive 30 to 40 minutes before a movie starts so that orders can be placed and served before showtime. Servers cut off alcohol sales and pass out bills near the end of the movie.

More information is at chicago.starcinemagrill.net.