FiImbar has my heart. I've been a somewhat reguIar customer for aImost three years now. I come here to write, meet up with friends, watch fiIms, chat with KeIIy, Kristin, and Jeremiah( who are aII inteIIigent and fun to converse with), and to Iisten to spectacuIar Iive music. I reaIIy feeI that this cozy, ecIectic estabIishment has made me feeI back at home in the PNW. The popcorn is readiIy avaiIabIe and aIways tasty and saIted to perfection. The fiIm seIection in a breath of fresh air, which is what wooed me from the start. It's hard to put their genres into a category, but, I'm fond of documentaries, and independent/quirky dramas and comedies(aII of which they show).
They have interesting and rare pops, deIicious IocaI brews, and fIavorfuIIy baIanced wines. The best part, they're aII decentIy priced. They used to have a happening happy hour buy one get one deaI, hopefuIIy that wiII make a come back on speciaI occasions.
The onIy thing I can say that couId make FiImbar even more enjoyabIe wouId be to add some smaII sidetabIes next to the Iong bIack seats so that peopIe who are watching the music performances can put their drinks/popcorn/other food down somepIace other than the ground.
FiImbar is a perfect mingIing or soIo destination for anyone 21-infinity.
I finally made it to Film Bar to snag a showing of Pulp Fiction. I knew that if the staff members had chosen a Tarantino classic that I was going to be at home at this picture show.
The bar is warm, beautiful, and the Mexican saint candles tied the lounge all together. Perfect place for mingling and chit chatting with whoever you happen to be bringing along with you. Reasonably priced bar, a solid flight of craft beers/ciders. The fact that you can order a properly poured pint and a solid 23 oz. for full feature sipping is an upside versus the wine list which is limited and only a couple of the wines can be bought by the glass. Small selection of candy and popcorn so it's best to snag a solid dinner beforehand if you plan on boozing throughout the flick.
Loved that the TV's were playing film reels and trailers that inspired Tarantino's work and the music also matched which always rocks when you are getting pumped to enter the tiny theater.
The theater is small and the variety of seating definitely is a plus in my book compared to going to regular theaters. Some wobbly high tables but that's to be expected anywhere.
Overall, I just have to say that catching Pulp Fiction at Film Bar was a solid cinematic experience. As Vincent talks of his wonderful time in Amsterdam where you can by a beer in a movie theater, I definitely echo that thought and give thumbs up to Film Bar for getting on that level!
I've been here twice now, once for the bar/nightlife and another time to see Stand By Me as part of their 80's series.
The Bar: lot's of craft beer on tap at a very reasonable price: pints for $5 and schooners for $6.25. They had a fun DJ the night I was there. There was dancing and seating available with an artsy crowd.
The Theater: a quaint theater with about four rows of seats with tables in the back. Tickets were $8 a piece. It was fun to see one of my all time favorites on the big screen! They also show a lot of indy flicks, and sometimes TV shows like the Walking Dead.
I will definitely return, either to see another movie or to enjoy the bar.
I'm deeply, madly, passionately in love with FilmBar: from the candle-lit seating coves  to the intimate theatre setting replete with floor cushions, pints and popcorn.
Cost:
-$8 per ticket for most shows. Modestly priced compared to commercial movie theaters.
-draft pints run in the $5 range
-popcorn available ($3-5 I think?)
Films and Showtimes:
-3-5 different films shown during the day (weekends have more showings than weekdays). Hours are from 5PM-12AM Monday-Thursday, 5PM-2AM Friday, 1PM-2AM Saturday, and 1PM-12AM Sunday.
-most shows are 21+ due to the serving of alcohol as well as the adult content in the film. Check the calendar <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thefilmbarphx.com%2Fcalendar%2F&s=09cd0f65027256a631b289e7c0f6b7dbdbaca07891b051ec4cc8da633135bf9a" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.thefilmbarphx…</a> to determine which films are all-ages.
-proudly shows independent and foreign films (both old and new), cult classics as well as local filmography
-seating for 70 in the theatre itself
Beverage/Food Offerings:
-cool tip: check in with Yelp to receive (2) 16 oz drafts for $5!
-25 draft beers
-12 wines
-popcorn
-typical "movie-theater" candies like: Mike&Ike, licorice, etc.
Ambience:
-dark, lovely atmophere... can I say "sexy" on Yelp?
-plenty of seating, be it for groups, couples or individuals
-theatre portion has standard theatre seating as well as tables with barstools in the back
-lots of floor cushions throughout
-awesomely addictive music playlists
Staff:
-friendly, engaging people work here
-enthusiastic owner. Thanks, Kelly, for making my dad and I's outing special: <a href="http://www.yelp.com/topic/phoenix-spreading-the-love-thanks-businesses">http://www.yelp.com/topi…</a>
It's embarassing how enamored one can be with an idea, a place: the FilmBar.
Indie movies+booze=best idea ever.
My friends and I have a great appreciation for bad indie movies, so when we saw that FilmBar was showing "Birdemic 2" we knew we had to come. We got some bottles of wine to share and sat down to enjoy the show. I can't speak to every movie they show there, but since Birdemic is a cult favorite, the crowd there was very familiar with the plot line and characters and would constantly be discussing or making fun of the movie. I thoroughly enjoyed this atmosphere since I knew what was going on, but I can imagine it would be hectic for someone who has never seen the first movie, or is simply trying to enjoy the movie as they would at a regular theater. It was a lot of fun though, and kind of reminded me of the Rocky Horror experience. The casualness of it coupled with the wine made the whole experience very enjoyable and relaxing, and we had a lot of fun!
After you exit the theater, you can continue to enjoy more drinks at the bar, and they even have a seating section with booths where people can drink and chat. There's a live DJ playing music, and some people were up and grooving to the beat (not a lot of space, but you can make it work if you're in the mood to dance).
FilmBar seems to show a lot of really interesting films you wouldn't be able to watch elsewhere, so I will definitely be back sometime for more!
Filmbar rules....I am an insufferable film snob. Look, I just used the word film instead of movie...that alone should tell you how pretentious I am...... There aren't many places or people in town I can find to let's say see a weirdly hilarious Japanese psychedelic horror movie from 1970 with. (forgive dangling preposition there, Sister Cecelia Ann would have rapped my knuckles with a ruler for the lazy grammar i have adopted.) Â But I digress.....This might sound pathetic, but I usually go by myself. Â Most of my friends and love ones prefer movies where things blow up or chick flix, so it's hard for me to see things I find interesting......Filmbar's curators are awesome!
Review Source:I love FilmBar and I want to be able to give it five stars, but sometimes their movie selection is just...lacking. I realize it's independent and they're trying to give films exposure, but I often find there are nights when I really want to go, if not just for the ambience, but absolutely nothing sounds interesting to watch (which is kind of bad as I love anything from bizarre weirdness to the most rigid of documentaries).
Now that I've gotten the one minor bad thing out of the way, let's talk about all of the good things. When they are playing a "good" film (hello, R. Kelly Singalong), I love the hell out of this place. The beer and wine selection isn't the largest, but they have a good assortment to appeal to most tastes on any given day and the bartenders are always super nice. In addition, the chairs are comfortable and the cup holders are big enough for the largest and coldest of beers, and if that doesn't make for a great movie experience, then I know nothing about what makes for great movie experiences.
My best advice is to just wait until something is playing that you genuinely want to see so that you can also fall in love with FilmBar, just as all who have come before.
I've never watched a film at the Filmbar but I have indulged in many a fine beverage at the bar. Â Liquor is not served here but that is made up for by the quality of beers that are available. Â On Saturday nights the resident DJ, DJentrification, host "The Palace" and provides an international sound that really sets this bar apart from the rest.
Review Source:I have a co-worker that is a regular here, and since we share a mutual love of independent and foreign films, he could not wait to bring me here. We met up on a random Wednesday night, so the place was not very busy at the time.
I'm not a beer drinker but they have several taps and craft beers available (and a few wines if I'm not mistaken) for those that want to enjoy a pint with their $8.00 movie. The place itself is the kind of quaint, hole-in-the-wall artsy type that I love so much, the lobby has a sufficient amount of booths and lounges to commiserate with friends before or after the film.
The theater seats were comfy and seemed a bit larger than what you get at a typical theater, and it was set inside what clearly used to be a small warehouse...but again this is an off the wall joint that is delightfully different and the kind of place I see myself coming back to again and again.
Keep checking their website for what's playing, it changes frequently so you don't want to miss out on something good!
I'm so glad to have this theater in my neighborhood. Great variety of films, great atmosphere, and very reasonable prices.I like that they often have a 5:30 PM movie which I can catch right after work and still be home by a reasonable hour, because I am an old person now.
And yet, they still let me in, even though I am old and creaky (40) and not young, hip, or hot.
While the place could use a small remodel to spruce up the place, it definitely feels like an art house or indie film cinema. The bar is small but there is plenty of seating to enjoy a glass of wine or beer before your movie. The theater is also small but cozy. Me and the boyfriend had a fun time last Saturday night seeing a very obscure comedy. I would definitely go back!
Review Source:A great spot with local beers on tap, live DJs on the weekends, and an interesting array of indie and foreign films. The interior is slightly swanky without being pretentious, and it's usually quiet enough to have a decent conversation. The theater was a bit bigger than I expected based on the size of the bar. Overall, this is a good place to come with your friends, on a date, or even on your own for a beer or three.
Review Source:When the night strikes you as "j u s t to much" or "ehh" I would recommend the cool settings of the FilmBar. The great thing that FB does is..... not much. When I say 'not much' I reference Ferris Bueller Day Off. When a wily young vagabond doesn't do much, yet makes it look like a lot, this grabs my attention.
I mean, it is one day where kid goes on a angsty teenager spree and lives to tell the tale.
The Filmbar is a spree in its own right. Go see it, throw some spoons and please be nice to the bartenders and barkeepers.
Much and Most thanks,
R_
NOte: It may just be me, but I think sometimes it closes without notice on random days.
Combining three of my favorite things makes this place AWESOME!!! Great movies, great drinks, and great events!!! I love their film choices, I love their drink selection which are quite reasonably priced, and their events kick ass!!! I've been here for movies, tv show premieres, Rocky Horror, and just to hang out. Ever since The Royale closed this has been our go to place for indie films and good times!!!
Review Source:We visited here for the first time to see an Audrey Tautou film that was showing at a Sunday matinee only and really enjoyed the film - not a peep from the other patrons watching - highly unusual these days with other theatres where people will chat through the entire film.......
Being that it was a Sunday afternoon - not too crowded and would definitely visit again - great lineup of films. Â 3/3/13
So after a few drinks at the lost leaf I walk to this place with my two girl friends. It's a pretty sweet and clever idea to have a cinema bar theme, that actually plays movies, TV shows and ect.
Tables are really low, sorta like Japanese style but other than that this place is definitely worth a stop in. Check out their fb for times and events of movies and tv shows. I know they show the walking dead weekly when it's airing on the network.
Oh and don't forget to grab a bag of popcron while you have a cold one.
Unbelievable. There are so many things going down at this spot, its pretty shocking I have never heard about it until now. This review is for the movie experience and a partial look-see at the lounge during this past Saturday.
~What To Do~
There are 4 distinct options. 1-Drink, 2-Drink and Dance, 3-Drink and watch a movie, or 4-Drink and nod your head to the music in the lounge...
~The Good~
We chose option 3, which was a perfect experience. My fiance and I chose to go see "The Room" for the first time with a couple friends, and I was worried that it would be a quiet theater. Nope. Spoons were flying everywhere, people heckling the screen, it was perfect. I felt right at home with the screaming and heckling, it made the movie such an outstanding experience. The beer was not too expensive, and they had a lot of beers on tap. I went with an Orange Blossom brew, and I am now in love with it. They also have wine, once again, so many options to go with. Also regarding customer service, the barkeep let me try a swig of a brew I was eying. He was awesome, and got an extra couple bucks tip, for I remember him being the one whom let me also go in to see the theater earlier in the week (I was curious). They are all about making the guest happy, customer service was quick and fast. The ambiance of the theater and the lounge is very different, it exudes a local independent joint. Beanbags to lay down on are inside the theater as are high tops to sit with friends at. Its a simple yet shockingly exciting environment to be in.
~The Bad~
My only issue is that they really have a big problem with noise coming from the lounge ((during)) the movie. That would be a big no-no, if you ask me. At times the bass and sheer noise from the lounge would envelop the theater, which was annoying at times. I know you are a bar, and that's cool, but damn that music is loud. Turn it down a bit and save your eardrums.
~The Down Low~
Overall, this place is a solid 5 stars, however the noise issue knocks it down to a 4.5. They are part bar, its OK, I get it. The drinks are reasonably priced, its movie selection is spot-on, and the customer service is strong. Its an awesome ambiance, the atmosphere really meshes well, regardless of the reason for being there. Craft brews and movies go well, this is for sure. They have a check-in special on Yelp as well, which I failed to notice prior to ordering up my beer. Total Me-fail. I highly recommend this spot to watch your next cult classic. I can't wait for "The Room" to come again, because God knows I will be there. Having to wait for it on the calendar is, as you guessed, "Tearing me apart, Lisa!"
I've been here several times for drinking, once for a movie, and twice for The Walking Dead. Â At this point, I don't think there is any other way I can possibly watch this show, because the beers are great and audience interaction just heightens the experience. Perhaps the only bad thing is, this cuts into the time I'd normally be watching Revenge. But I can always catch up on that.
Review Source:Not exactly the place you would picture a bachelorette party held at... but our little sex kitten (who was losing her freedom that night) wanted the first stop of the party to be at Film Bar, and in walk 20 drunk females ready to watch "The F Word." Â Miss Fontane, her flexible dancing crew and rock band put on such a dope show - I forgot I was in a theater. She sang about female body parts while her gymnasts/dancers started doing lap dances on the chair and giving out free ones to the audience. All of us were jealous of their bodies (diet starts tomorrow) and they definitely gave a lot of their attention to our bachelorette. So. Much. Fun.
p.s. they also serve beer, wine AND POPCORN!
I really loved FilmBar.
I love the atmosphere... dark and mysterious.
I loved the friendly service.
I love the selection of movies. We saw Rust and Bone which was EXCELLENT.
I love the decent prices of tickets and beverages. The drinks are twice as much at other theaters that serve alcohol.
I love that you can bring in outside food. I recommend something easy to eat if you do this. Carly's Bistro has great sandwiches and they are right around the corner.
Yes there are many hipsters. I have noticed that the Daria/Alanis Morisette angry grunge chick look is coming back... hmmmmmm. But I don't mind the hipsters. It's a movie theater. You don't have to hear them talk. :)
The only thing I don't love about FilmBar? It is too damn far from my house. But it is worth the drive.
I instantly got a great vibe at this hip urban theater. staff tonight was super friendly and helpfull. Nice selectin of beers on tap but anything eles the might of had to offfer was a mystery. I saw some candy and popcorn on the way in, otherwise they need a touch of help with merchandising.
The theater was cool, it reminded me of the great small theaters in San Fransisco. The place was not as new and shiny as I expected it to be, but I liked the funky cool better then polished and contrived. The place was plenty clean and the seats comfy enough.
The website has been added to favorites and thats a great start. I will be back!
BUYER BEWARE!!
If you buy a LivingSocial deal the fine print will read "excluding special events". Â One may think this means a party or something of that nature. You may even think these events would be labeled on their website. Â You would be wrong. Â I bought this deal when I saw "The Big Lebowski" playing and thought it would be a perfect Christmas gift for my boyfriend. Â
We we drove all the way downtown that afternoon for the early showing which wasn't too crowded. Â Then, we were informed that every "classic" movie they show is a special event, hence no deal. Â You would think that since it wasn't too busy and it seems like kind of a new niche place that they would honor the deal, but since they refused I was left disappointed and my present was wasted. Â This is why so many unique places go out of business...they just don't care about their customers and turn away someone who probably would have ended up loving the place.
This place was really awesome. Went with the NERDs Meetup group a few months back to watch Summer Wars, and have been back with friends a couple times since.
I really liked the atmosphere of the place, very almost bohemian in nature. The drinks were priced ok. I was very surprised to find the theater was an actual theater, I sort of assumed it was going to be a bar with a TV behind the counter but it was an honest to goodness lights out theater seating room with a projector and everything. The image quality was great as well as the audio.
Wow, a legitimate independent...film...bar.
It's everything you're looking for in Phoenix: It's different.
Their house wines are really nice, the beer list features better than average offerings, and the prices are reasonable. They're continuing to improve: Adding more beers to the tap, releasing exclusive content, hosting great screenings/themed events.
I will leave you with this:
On Thursdays they have throw back movies like The Goonies, and
they've also had screenings/events for:  Gainsbourg (Vie héroïque) and A Trip to the Moon (Le Voyage Dans La Lune) and the Sigur Ros experimental film.
Yes.
This is exactly the kind of place that every city needs. It's artsy-and-reasonable-bar meets independent movie theater, and the result is a beautiful marriage of shows, snacks, and sips.
I had a livingsocial deal here for two movie tickets and a bottle of wine. When my companions and I walked in, we were pleasantly surprised at the comfy booths, inexpensive drinks, and abundance of snacks available for pre-movie munching. In fact, we almost missed the start of the show because we were enjoying lounging so much. We walked into the theater and had our choice of comfy rocking seats, with table-and-chair options in the back for those with more snacks. I appreciated that the chairs included a spot to hold wine glasses without tipping them over. Plus, the movie that we saw (Sleepwalk With Me) was excellent. Overall, I'm a huge fan of this place and plan to get a membership for the next year and visit again again.
Used a Yelp Deal for the first time here. Sweet!
Every few steps on Roosevelt lead to good times, but Filmbar sets new standards for a more groovy nighttime experience. The tap selection, while small, excels in the taste factor. Pear cider? Four Peaks Peach? At $5 a pint, I can have a real good time. Wine connoisseurs will also be catered to.
The lights are low, the lounge is comfy, and the DJs are fantastic. They are heavy with the foreign house mixes, and you should be prepared to dance in a warm, intimate setting. Looks like a good place to just chill OR take a date. Oh, and it's an indie movie theater, too. Can we give it six stars for that?
Also, this is reason #200 the world is a more interesting place if you take time to view it through a Yelp monocle.
Film bar is a great concept but the uncomfortable seating knocks it down a few stars. I have been here a few times just to grab a drink and it is always dark and usually dead.
When there is a show going on the place lights up and the bartenders seem to get overwhelmed with the crowd. Service seems to be particularly slow when you are in a hurry to take your seats for a show. There are also no signs or helpful employees to tell you where to pick up your will call tickets. We walked around a bit lost before we finally figured it out.
I went to see Scandalesque and they over sold the show and I had to sit on a pillow on the floor. I didn't get too upset, but after paying $20 for a ticket I at least expected a seat. Thank goodness I was wearing pants. Had I not been, the women on stage wouldn't have been the only ones showing off their panties.
Good concept but it needs some work.
My boyfriend and I went to Film Bar last night to see Iron Sky. Neither of us had been there before, and the decision was made quickly, so we had no idea what to expect. The bartender was incredibly nice, friendly, informative, and genuine. The prices for the bar were very reasonable, and I thought that $7 for tickets was MORE than reasonable. We were there more than an hour early, and it was so nice to just sit back on the low booths and chat.
I gotta admit, I totally fell in love with this little place, and I can't wait to go back!
My ONLY concern is that by the time our movie was done, there was a DJ playing music so loudly that you could hear it in the theater and you couldn't talk without shouting in the bar, so we had to go outside to converse with our friends. I would bet that the place doesn't have a DJ all the time, though.
Art, Film, Beer, & Wine.
This is a great place to catch up with old friends, or to bring a date. It's pretty casual, but has enough personality to hold its own. I like to order a beverage while I make my way around the venue to check out the art pieces. This place is even better if they have a DJ spinning that night. The music is just as diverse as the movies they show here. I saw a crazy weird vampire movie that I ended up walking out of, but it was a fun experience, nevertheless. The selection of beers and wines is also really great, and appropriately priced.
I'd like to check out the comedy nights here, but I'm not sure if I'll get the opportunity any time soon. Maybe next time!
I've found my new favorite spot in downtown Phoenix. I'm bummed it took me so long to get there initially, but I'll definitely be going back to FilmBar soon.
It's one of the coolest places I've been to, both for the ambiance and the entertainment. It reminded me a little of a hookah lounge, but with the independent films it shows there, it has a cool distinctive edge.
Filmbar shows movies and features comedy shows (tickets are only $3-$7!) in a setting where you can drink beer or wine from the bar in the theater. While you wait for the film to start, you can sip your libation in one of the two lounge areas, which are decorated with Middle Eastern flair with tapestries hanging from the walls and cushy seats on the floor.
Both the person I went with and I also really thought the bathrooms, which were decorated in a similar style, looked super-cool.
You should make it a point to visit this very cool community-oriented space-they even let you in for free every fifth movie you see! For more info, check out <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thefilmbarphx.com&s=b5319163f71ed0a129c74671ccc729493ffb6f29a2f440ae462c2304b50fce5b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.thefilmbarphx…</a>.
I don't really like this place, but it's not fair for me to give it 2 stars because of my hatred for film and pop culture.
Forgetting about the film aspect, although that's the main concept- the bar itself has some decent wine, but I find the place uncomfortable. The Morrocon-ish styled bench seating and pillows don't appeal to me. I guess it might if the seats were deeper and there were more cushions and back support, but I feel like I'm sitting on wood benches covered in fabric pushed against walls and I just can't get cozy. I hate it! And the bar seats are made of wicker or some bullshit like that and they hurt my butt and legs when I'm wearing a dress. Yes, I'm aware that's TMI.
Maybe it's crazy to dislike a place because of the uncomfortable seats, but... Â I'm a delicate flower, what can I say?
How have I never reviewed FilmBar? This is exactly the kind of place Phoenix had needed for ages and the type of theater I craved. See, I don't really like big box anything (stores, restaurants, etc). And this even includes theaters. I also don't really care for most major motion pictures either. About 1 every year interests me enough to pay a bajillion dollars and sit with 10 million other people.
See. I don't just like FilmBar for the beverages. That's only a bonus. I love it for the small awesome non chain theater it is. And for the great movies it offers. And for the fact that you don't have to go in to enjoy a movie. You could go in just for the bar.
The staff is super friendly. Gift certificates are available. I believe you get a free movie on your birthday. It's pretty super rad!!
I see so much potential: screening major sporting events and other events, more quirky documentaries, rock band karaoke using the giant screen. Let's do some of these. Then I'll only love you even more than I already do.
Let me be clear on one thing: I love this place. The DJ's they have make it a lot of fun and the movie selections are great. In addition, their beer and wine selections are quite tasty.
So, why not 5 stars? I think that the crowd just has to pick up, really. I know they're currently working on adding new menu items and movie selections to the place, but right now, it can just be dead. I went in there most recently last Friday. There was literally only one other group of people there. And I use the term "group of people" loosely, considering it was a group of two. We ended up leaving, because I can spend time with just my group of friends at my house if I wanted to and we were looking more to have an outing. However, I wanted the FilmBar atmosphere and experience that I certainly get on Saturday nights and it just was not there on Friday.
DO go on Saturday nights. DJentrification is great and the vibe is wonderful. BUT...more importantly...go on other days!!! This place needs to fill up. Go see a movie, the theater is great! Get some drinks for happy hour. Go on Friday night and Sunday night! It's a nice bar that really has more of a hip lounge kind of feel.
And the great part is that they're improving every day. I think they're only about a year old and it sometimes takes time. But the staff is great, the drinks are perfectly chosen, and the music is generally pretty amazing.
A group of friends and I hit up this place for the first time and I can see we all enjoyed it our time. We used the Yelp deal to purchase 2 16oz drafts for 5$ on a saturday evening. I was disappointed when they ran out of the peach beer so I ordered the Sunbru instead. Â My friend ordered wine and she they were nice enough to give her a deal on her wine since the Yelp deal didn't include wine.
The atmosphere is dark, relaxing, and enjoyable to chill in. They have cool lanterns throughout. There is seating, which does utilize the brick wall as part of the seating. There was a DJ later in the night.
The theater, on this particular night, was hosting a CD release party. We ventured into there and were pleasantly surprised to find some food and tunes to which we enjoyed for a short bit !
After having a great dinner nearby, we walked to Filmbar for our movie. Â We arrived about 10min before the showing time and the place had a ridiculous glob of people in a disorganized line for the bar and there was no way of telling where to go for tickets other than to get in line.. turns out the tickets are sold at the bar.. also turns out we may have just walked in to the Theater as there was no ticket-taker guy. Â OK, so I guess that's trusting and good. Â
I still felt like it was very poorly organized because the bar line (which was also the ticket line) was really long and seemed to take forever for 2 people behind the bar to get through all these folks (understandable, esp since they're servine wines and beers - you need that time to do a proper pour). Â I think the manager should have or indicate separate lines for tickets and drinks that way those that already watched the movie and want to get their drink on can get in a separate line from people wanting to watch the movie that's about to begin (while still getting their drink on). Â When we got our popcorn, it was super salty and burnt... and highly overpriced! Yes, more than AMC!
Alright, done mentioning the 'bad'. Â
The theater is modest and simple; has tall bar-table seating with comfortable backed chairs and also has the standard movie seating towards the forward end; the sound was good, no issues; the picture quality was very good for this setup; the Movie was a true Independent selection - very enjoyable. Â Also, we had a full bottle of Cab with us for the entire movie and it was very enjoyable to mix a good movies with a good glass(es) of wine.
After the movie, we both hung out in the main area and enjoyed the atmosphere - nice crowd, young, yet some old, downtown-hip, loungy, alternative... good DJ spinning more swanky electronica grooves.... quite alive.
This spot just exudes cool. It stays true to the eclectic Downtown Phoenix vibe with funky artwork on the walls, mis-mashed (yet matching) decor, dim lightening and independent fills.
Before I visited FilmBar, I couldn't quiet grasp the visual (even after reading the reviews). I didn't get how it could be a bar and a movie theater in one without one disturbing the other. But then I visited FilmBar and realized that yes, it can be done and FilmBar did it! When you walk into the bar, you'd never suspect that there was a movie theater hidden through the doors to the left. It just looks like an independent bar in Downtown Phoenix with twists and turns that lead you to another room. The seating is limited but the entire back area has a long cushioned seating area and several round cushioned chairs. There's also plenty of standing room. I love the smell of pop corn upon walking inside. However, that's it for food. I'm hoping that one day they add a limited food menu to the mix. I think that would get more visitors through the doors during off hours.
Now moving on to the films. These films are for the movies elves who are fans of independent off-the-beaten path cinema. They play everything from movies that you've never heard of to classics as well as indie movies that have limited locations. Matinee tickets are only $5 which is a score and then you've got the bar when the movie's over!