AMC Dine-In Theatres Coral Ridge Review - Dinner and a Movie Redefined

By Tara Dickinson

Comfort Awaits at AMC Dine-In Theatres Coral Ridge

Reader, I must urge you to proceed with utmost hesitation. From this point forward, you venture forth at your own risk. If you continue reading and learn of the delicious experience that awaits at the AMC Dining Suites, future movie outings might be tarnished for you forever. Or, at least, you will be 100% spoiled for the evening.

Let’s jump right in and start with the good stuff. In this instance, that means a little concoction called the Angry Fireball. It’s a zingy cold glass of Apple Orchid hard cider, cinnamon whiskey, cranberry juice, and a shot of fresh orange juice. It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you go ‘whoo!’ out loud. That’s right – AMC Dine-In Theatres Coral Ridge has a full bar, and the Fireball is their signature drink for the season. If draught beer, a glass of Cabernet, or a margarita is more your style: no worries, they’ve got you covered.

Since you can order tickets and reserve the seats you want online, there is no need to rush to the theatre early to get a good spot. With a drink in hand, you can relax at MacGuffins bar and give one or two of the appetizers a go. We had the Crispy Brussels sprouts, which is a really nice alternative to see on a starter menu. Flash fried, they were crisp but juicy inside, all topped with Parmesan cheese and chili flakes. Being an American I also had to try the herbed ranch, bacon and cheesy loaded tater tots. Yup, they delivered. My movie partner for the night was so impressed, she ended getting the goodness for her dinner entree.

Time for the main event. We moved to one of the dining Cinema Suites which are reserved for 18 and older guests (very nice touch, in my opinion). The other half of the building is open for all ages. The suites feature plush, luxury recliners which is a major selling point! The chairs allow you to lie back in extreme comfort, feet propped up, while you press a button to get a meal delivered right to your personal side table. Sweet! AMC worked with culinary experts from C.A. to tailor the menu to ‘eating in the dark’. When you think about it, that can be a bit of a challenge. I do feel they were really cognizant about the movie and dining experience (meaning, you won’t leave looking like you got in a food fight with your burger).

The menu offers something for every time of day and for all different taste buds. Gourmet burgers and chicken sandwiches (with a quinoa veggie option), shrimp baskets, tacos, chicken tenders, and one of my all time favorites: mac and cheese. Yet this mac and cheese is taken to a whole new level. You have the traditional option; the gumbo option with sausage, shrimp and creole spice; a Mediterranean option; and then you have the “royal” option with bacon, gouda and mushrooms. Heaven. Seriously. I’m not kidding.

We shared the sushi appetizer, the gumbo mac, fish and chips, and the Royal Burger. The burger was the star of this show, stacked with brie, bacon, caramelized onions and sweet fig jam. For whatever reason, that combination of flavors creates a happy party in your mouth. It is regularly served on a brioche bun, but they will happily make you a hand-held lettuce wrap if you have dietary restrictions like myself.

If you have any room in your belly after all that goodness, the dessert offerings are simple classics done to perfection. Hand made individual milkshakes served in frosty glasses with a brownie garnish (right?!) and cream filled sugary donut holes. Good lord, someone needs to carry me to the car!

Don’t let the humble facade of this 10 theatre movie house fool you. The great service, luxury suites, and upscale dining menu at great prices are well worth repeated visits. The ample space in the aisles is ideal. The sound, picture quality, and screen size are all up to top of the line movie theater venues this of this day and age. If you become addicted to the experience like I did, AMC offers a reward loyalty program called “Stubs” – and who doesn’t love a good deal?!