Arts & Culture in Worthington

Even though the crimson neon sign recalls that of a classic movie theater, the stadium seating and digital-projection system of Gateway Film Center point toward a modern polish. The same can be said of the cinema’s choice of films, a mix of classic pictures, arthouse darlings, Hollywood blockbusters, and home videos of David Cronenberg’s horrifying family reunions. For refreshments, the Martini Shot Bistro pairs standard concessions of popcorn, candy, and soda with unique options such as sushi, freshly baked pizzas, and a full bar with 20 draft beers.

Check the schedule for showtimes. Student tickets are regularly $10 each, and Thursday performances are pay-what-you-can shows.

Movie Tavern transfixes one's taste buds and imagination by blending all-digital cinema with premium seating and sit-down dining. Moviegoers are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes prior to showtime, so that they can leisurely peruse an extensive menu of chef-inspired American cuisine, from kobe beef sliders to pizza and sandwiches. Nimble and unobtrusive servers slip in during the show to deliver orders, and can be called on for more drinks or dessert with the push of a button. At select locations, guests can opt to sip margaritas or signature cocktails at the bar before heading in to see a show. Audiences get to enjoy first-run films every week, retro cinema every Tuesday and Thursday evening, and breakfast food paired with early morning movies on Saturday and Sunday. While geared toward adults, the family-friendly establishment also serves finger food for kiddies along with film-inspired dishes. Guests can head to the bar or straight to the movie without ordering food, giving them some latitude in shaping their night out.

Additionally, Movie Tavern treats audiences to myriad benefits with their membership program. Anyone can sign up for free online to receive one free movie ticket on the spot and one free ticket every year on their birthday, as well as invites to screenings and other special events.

Gateway Film Center's glowing lights beckon moviegoers over for a viewing of an independent or commercial film, midnight screening of a cult classic, or a free showing of a popular television series, such as Mad Men, reformatted for the big screen. The theater's plush leather seats lovingly embrace audiences as they feast their eyes on digitally projected cinematic features and thwart thirst with fruity cocktails, frozen beverages, and soft drinks from the Martini Shot Bistro. The onsite eatery also supplements typical movie fare with gourmet sandwiches, sushi, and pizza, which are allowed into the theater and inside luggage checked by airport security. During Name Ten Trivia night, Gateway's own Quizmaster Squirrel tests guests' cinema and television knowledge before rewarding winners with movie tickets and other theater-related prizes.

The oldest surviving theater in central Ohio, the fin de siècle elegance of the Southern Theatre's jewel-box auditorium transports audiences back to the days of vaudeville antics and silver-screen spectacle. Built in 1896 to state-of-the-art standards, the theater's bandshell-esque proscenium bucked architectural norms to funnel sound to the seats. Its 204 light bulbs required that the theater generate its own electricity for years, until scientists finally found the power outlets. Before the show, audiences can feast on the recently restored auditorium's eye candy, which includes a gilded ceiling etched with reclining figures and majestic arches that help the eye dance throughout.

Movie Tavern transfixes one's taste buds and imagination by blending all-digital cinema with premium seating and sit-down dining. Moviegoers are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes prior to showtime, so that they can leisurely peruse an extensive menu of chef-inspired American cuisine, from kobe beef sliders to pizza and sandwiches. Nimble and unobtrusive servers slip in during the show to deliver orders, and can be called on for more drinks or dessert with the push of a button. At select locations, guests can opt to sip margaritas or signature cocktails at the bar before heading in to see a show. Audiences get to enjoy first-run films every week, retro cinema every Wednesday morning as well as Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and breakfast food paired with early morning movies on Saturdays and Sundays. The family-friendly establishment also serves finger food for kiddies along with film-inspired dishes. Guests can head to the bar or straight to the movie without ordering food, giving them some latitude in shaping their night out.

Additionally, Movie Tavern treats audiences to myriad benefits with their membership program. Anyone can sign up for free online to receive one free bag of popcorn on the spot and one free ticket every year on their birthday, as well as invites to screenings and other special events.