Catch chef-inspired dining while bowling or attending a movie in Chicago

Update 3/16 – Having now tried a few of the food options at AMC Dine-In Theater downtown, have to report that they were not as good as expected. It was also hard to see to eat once the movie started. Based on a single experience, I’d recommend eating elsewhere before or after the movie, but it’s nice to imbibe in a glass of airplane-level wine or a cocktail while enjoying your film.
Who’da thunk it? Lucky Strike Bowling venue did. They’re now offering chef-driven food options whether you’re going out with the gang for a couple of games of bowling or gathering to watch an important Chicago sporting event at their 322 E. Illinois location.
The new menu is masterminded by A2Kitchen (A2K) Chef Rodelio Aglibot and consists of rich comfort food prepared daily with locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find contemporary takes on old favorites like panko-crusted Wisconsin cheese curds with tomato jam, ahi tuna poke flatbread and breaded chicken breast with salsa verde and chimichurri aioli. A2K’s cocktail list features a “seasonal kitchen” approach to hand-crafted cocktails, fine small batch and locally distilled spirits, ripe produce, herbs and spices. For more information, please visit http://www.bowlluckystrike.com/.
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Then, as if that isn’t cool enough, you can now order up food before, during and after watching a film in downtown Chicago. AMC Dine-In Theatres Block 37, 108 N. State St., officially opens to guests this Thursday, Dec. 17—just in time for opening weekend of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The facility features 11 auditoriums with plush, leather recliner seats, restaurant-quality food and a MacGuffins ® Bar, where guests 21 and older can grab a beer, glass of wine or cocktail to enjoy with their movie.
All you have to do is push a button to access items on the new AMC online menu The menu includes “Snacks & Shares” appetizers, burgers, bowls, macs, even sweets for dessert. And/or choose from beloved theater favorites like candy, popcorn, soda and more. AMC operates 2 other Dine-In Theatre locations around Chicago, including AMC Yorktown 18and AMC 600 North Michigan 9, which features the “Snacks & Shares” segment of the menu alongside traditional movie theater food and beverage. Or check out one of AMC’s 19 other traditional theatres in the greater Chicago area.