The River Oaks Theatre

On the Grid : River Oaks Theater

"This Art Deco theater has been showing films since the late thirties. It might be small by today's theater standards, but it's the place to see independent and foreign language films. In addition to their regular screenings, they host midnight movie showings of cult classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show and Akira. You'll always find us there when a Miyazaki film is playing, subbed…naturally." - Curiosity and Curiosities

The Best Fun Date-Night Spots in Houston | Eater Houston

"For a dinner-and-a-movie date all in one, book a ticket at River Oaks Theatre. The newly renovated movie theater, which also happens to be the oldest in Houston, screens a variety of films and independent movies, and also features its own bars with cinematic-themed cocktails, and a restaurant that delivers food straight to your seat. Diners can enjoy dishes like spicy veal and pork meatballs, lobster rolls, a saucy Luv Ya Blu Burger topped with French-fried onions and gorgonzola, pretzel bites served with beer cheese sauce and honey mustard, seafood cakes, and the banh mi-style Houston Hot Dog with Sriracha mayo and jalapeños. Dessert is also on the menu, but for a true treat, dip into Leo’s River Oaks next door for its souffles. They’re truly next-level." - Brittany Britto Garley

Houston’s Historic River Oaks Theater Reopens With In-Seat Dining and Cocktail Service | Eater Houston

"Houston’s oldest movie theater has officially reopened after a multi-year restoration led by Culinary Khancepts, relaunching October 3 with a sold-out screening of Joker: Folie à Deux. The 85-year-old, art-deco building retains its iconic marquee, terrazzo flooring, and auditorium statues while receiving modern infrastructure upgrades — new sound, lighting, stage systems, projectors, and refined seating — so it can host films and live events like concerts and comedy shows. The main auditorium seats 237 and features two retractable screens plus an additional 10-foot cinemascope screen; two upstairs auditoriums seat 50 each, and an upstairs VIP screening lounge with a Blu-ray-capable projector seats 20. A full dine-in experience lets patrons order from each plush seat via QR code and a light-up request button for table service; the menu curated by Justin Yoakum includes spicy veal and pork meatballs, lobster rolls, the saucy Luv Ya BluBurger topped with French-fried onions and gorgonzola, pretzel bites with beer-cheese and honey mustard, seafood cakes, a banh mi–style Houston Hot Dog with Sriracha mayo and jalapeños, and desserts like homemade-cookie ice cream sandwiches, chocolate tarts, and strawberry mascarpone cheesecake, alongside candy choices such as M&M’s and chocolate-covered almonds. Ritzy bars with velvet seating on both floors serve wine, beer, and film-inspired cocktails (for example, a vanilla vodka–Kahlúa–cream drink riffing on The Big Lebowski and a vodka/gin/blue curacao/Sprite cocktail garnished with a paper umbrella nodding to Zodiac). New incentives include subscription services, themed clubs, and the option to personalize one of 50 seats with an engraved plaque (filmmaker and actor plaques already honor supporters), and attendees are encouraged to buy tickets online as shows are quickly selling out." - Brittany Britto Garley

This Woodlands’ Reel Luxury Cinema Will Offer a Dine-In Movie Experience With Heated Seats and Plush Recliners - Eater Houston

"Culinary Khancepts is currently renovating the River Oaks Theater at 2009 West Gray Street, with plans to reopen it and new restaurant Leo’s Restaurant. Jason Ostrow, Culinary’s vice president of development, told online publication What Now Houston, that the renovated River Oaks theater will offer film screenings, events, film festivals, and higher-end food and beverages." - Brittany Britto Garley

"See a Movie at River Oaks Theatre Built in 1939, this is Houston 's oldest continually operating movie theater, showing lots of independent and foreign films, as well as monthly midnight showings of Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Room . Try to get tickets for a showing in the main theater downstairs. There are two smaller screens upstairs that have their own charm, but the art-deco style of the main theater is really worth experiencing."