Not too much beats a good movie and a drink. It's why we're pretty excited about FilmBar Phoenix, the independent theater opening this November at 815 N. Second Street.
Since the departure of The Palms Theatre and the Sombrero Playhouse, downtown has been indie theater-less, and the multi-plex AMC at the Arizona Center just isn't cutting it.
FilmBar will be a 21-and-over venue that will serve beer and wine as well as espresso from Cartel Coffee Lab. Go ahead, add it to your growing list of "reasons to be downtown."
Check out a rundown of the space and planned hours after the jump ...
"I want to challenge the conceptions of what is normal," says Kelly Aubey. "[An indie theater] is healthy, especially in this state."
The obscure building has been part of the downtown Phoenix landscape since 1966, when it was home to Arizona Stamp and Engraving. Until recently, it was gallery home to Kollective Art and Design.
Films to expect: FilmBar plans to show independent, foreign, art house, cult and classic films. They have not yet selected the debut film, but plan to show movies that will push the envelope. (Plus the oldies-but-goodies, like Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pink Flamingos.)
The layout: The nearly 4,000 square foot space will feature the bar in the front. The rear of the building will have one screen and accommodate 80 to 90 people. Just don't expect stadium-style seating, rather, comfy and eclectic chairs.
Other uses: Plans for multi-uses like live comedy, music and drag shows will come. But Aubey says he wants to focus on films first.
Note: The downtown theater will have downtown parking -- meaning the 16 spots on the north side of the building is all FilmBar has for now. Hopes are, according to FilmBar, that people will use other forms of transportation (Second Street and Garfield is just a few blocks from the Roosevelt and Central light rail station).
Hours: Monday -- Friday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
And as rumor has it, "Movie and Mimosa Sundays" are the works.
