Summer is less than a month away, and with warm (okay, scorching) weather just around the corner, there’s no better place to spend the day than in a comfy, air-conditioned movie theatre. You’re probably thinking of your standard movie-going experience: popcorn, soda, and the latest blockbuster. But what about a theatre that serves you gourmet food and yummy drinks right at your seat, while offering some of the most interesting and entertaining current and classic movies? Enter: Nitehawk Cinema.
With two locations, one in Williamsburg and one in Park Slope, Nitehawk is New York’s premier dine-in theater, pairing exemplary first-run and repertory film programming along with table-side food and beverage service.
Food and drink specials are curated to thematically align with films playing at Nitehawk Cinema while signature recipes always focus on fresh, local, and house-made ingredients. Besides the refreshing culinary experience, Nitehawk’s unique approach to film programming distinctly separates it from other cinemas in New York City.
We spoke with Nitehawk’s Cinema Team to get the inside scoop on upcoming movies to get you in the summer mood, and the drinks and food you should pair with them.
Too Late to Die Young
The film that should get everyone in the mood for summer is Dominga Sotomayor Castillo’sToo Late to Die Young. Set in the hazy summer of 1990 Chile, this coming-of-age story of a young woman who lives off grid with her bohemian family just oozes the feeling of lazy days of summer lounging and longing for your first love. The film sets the precise tone of summer with gorgeous pale light that gives the visuals a washed-out dreamy feel.
Food & Beverage Choice: Nitehawk’s Shrimp Taco and Chilean biodynamic Pinot Noir.
Shrimp is marinated in a homemade mojo vinaigrette and each taco comes topped with a slaw made from green cabbage, charred corn, chipotle aioli, and salsa verde. The Pinot Noir is perfect to sip while you’re discovering yourself in 1990’s Chile.
Screening at Nitehawk Williamsburg, June 8 & 9th at 10:45 am and at Nitehawk Prospect Park, June 10th at 7:00 pm.
— Caryn Coleman
The Dead Don’t Die
Given Jim Jarmusch’s past success transcending genre conventions with Dead Man and Ghost Dog, the world is very excited to see how he tackles a Zombie film with The Dead Don’t Die this summer. The exceptional cast combined with the director’s comedic sensibilities and his skill for shifting between light to serious tones, should make for a unique summer cinema experience.
Food & Beverage Choice: Nitehawk’s Housemade Beef Jerky & Kung Fu Hustle Gin and Tonic. Tilda Swinton uses a samurai sword throughout the film, and Nitehawk’s Gin and Tonic Kicks ASS. Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin is blended with Tokki Soju Black, lemongrass-kaffir lime tonic syrup, Thai Basil for a draught creation that is a study on East-meets-West.
Release date for The Dead Don’t Die is scheduled for June 14th — expect this film to be at both Nitehawk locations!
— John Woods
Midsommar
Most horror films aren’t set against blooming flowers and bright summer sun, but Hereditary director Ari Aster is offering up just that for his second feature Midsommar. With a wink and a nod to May Day horror classic The Wicker Man, Aster follows a pair of backpackers as they get suckered into taking part in a summer festival run by a group of weirdo Swedish townies. The title literally means midsummer in Swedish but this idyllic vacation quickly deviates into menacing dungeons over creepy candle-lit rituals and chants. How weird? Freaky violent sex cult weird? One can only hope!
Food & Beverage Choice: Nitehawk’s Burrata Salad & Battle Royale. With Nitehawk’s Burrata Salad, the brightness of summer is highlighted by fava beans and snap peas combined with the delicious creaminess of mozzarella with a splash spice from the Calabrian chili to showcase the deep contrast of flavors. Pair this refreshing dish with a Battle Royale which features Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin, natural sake, green melon, fennel liqueur and lemon as you experience the bizarre events at the hands of a pagan cult.
Release date for Midsommar is scheduled for July 3rd and expect this film to be at both Nitehawk locations!
— Kris King
Make Nitehawk your local spot!
Nitehawk is only a short walk away from Common’s Williamsburg home, Common Marcy.
Click here to request a tour of Common Marcy, or check out our other New York homes.