Richard P.
Yelp
After nearly three years since my first review of Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie, it's time to revisit this Windsor Park treasure and Indy's only locally owned, non-profit arthouse theatre.
While there are other theaters in Indy that will dabble in arthouse indies, only Kan-Kan is truly devoted to them. Yes, you'll occasionally see a wide release, such as Barbie, here. However, the vast majority of films you see at Kan-Kan are true arthouse endeavors.
Kan-Kan is operated by Indiana Film Project, a locally-based 501c3 non-profit. You can join as a member of Kan-Kan at a variety of levels. You have the thrill of knowing you're supporting films and filmmakers in Indiana.
Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie is Indy's only locally owned arthouse theatre. Yes, Landmark will play some arthouse - but is not locally owned. The new Living Room Theater also plays arthouse, though it's not locally owned.
Kan-Kan is truly ours.
The Kan-Kan name honors the legacy of Indy native Kurt Vonnegut. Kan-Kan screens indies, docs, classics, locally made films, events, workshops, and has become a favorite of a variety of Indy's best film festivals.
The theater and the brasserie are together yet separate. This is not a dine-in theater. You can enjoy a meal without seeing a movie. You can enjoy a movie without dealing with the meal. Yet, they work beautifully together.
Kan-Kan's restaurant and bar is located on the first floor of the two-story building. It's a nicely decorated setting that is pretty easily accessible. Kan-Kan has accessible parking out front (be aware there's a bit of a slanted grade to the parking lot). The double-sided glass doors are very workable.
The Kan-Kan has three screens of varying sizes. Theaters 1 and 2 are accessed on the second floor for wheelchair users. There's an elevator to the second floor available via the restaurant (it's a nice elevator - NOT a freight). There's also an event space on the second floor and the second floor also has a cool little deck.
If you can't find the elevator, everyone here is super helpful.
This is a residential area. Kan-Kan is nestled in between Spades Park Branch Library and a short row of businesses located in former houses (Amelia's Bread, Stomping Ground, and a hair stylist).
I'll note that there's a lot of improvements going on in this area and road construction is pretty common right now at this corner. I've never had any difficulty accessing any business here, though the sidewalks are a bit torn up (new curb cuts are coming, though!).
I finally tried the restaurant last night. I'd note that it tends to be a bit pricey. For example, I ordered fish & chips ($26) and a Big Lug Pirate Cat Porter ($6 for draft). You can order less expensive items and they also have small plates and appetizers you can enjoy if waiting for a film. It was worth the splurge to me, though I'm not sure I'd do it often. Service was good, atmosphere was great, and there was one young lady who noticed I'd dropped a dollar at my table and came looking for me - I love that. I will also note they add a small tip for kitchen staff to the check - I'm not sure the percentage, though mine was a few cents over $1.
The theaters have a casual industrial vibe. They're new and they're still in good shape three years later. They aren't the ultra-luxe seats some theaters have, however, they are nicely done. Again, most accessible seating is at the top of the theater (not my favorite). You could technically sit at the bottom if you wanted.
Two event rooms are available. Kan-Kan can accommodate groups up to 145.
In terms of other access concerns, there are assistive devices for low vision, low hearing, and hearing impairment. You can check with employees if these are needed.
The theater opens 30 minutes before the first screening of the day (typically late afternoon/early evening, though different on weekends). The restaurant opens at 4pm on Sundays and 5pm every other day. The bar is a full bar.
While the restaurant itself leans toward pricey, it's also worth noting that concessions are a notch below a lot of theaters in terms of pricing with the usual soft drinks, popcorn, candy, ciders, and beer available. This is not a dine-in theatre, though you can take drinks and alcohol in.
If you're in the mood to hunker down at home, Kan-Kan typically also has an "on-demand" title available on its website. This started during the pandemic (when Kan-Kan actually opened) and has hung around.
The memberships are amazing - if you live in the Windsor Park, Spades Park, or Springdale neighborhoods (and can prove it) you can even get a free membership.
Listen. I love lots of theaters. Movies are what I do. But, Kan-Kan is truly Indy's own non-profit arthouse. It's run by film lovers, curated wisely, offers a great restaurant, is inclusive and accessible, and is just an absolute joy.