Entry No. 63 — the New York City file — filed under: after-dark
Nitehawk Cinema (Williamsburg)
A dine-in repertory theater where servers slip food and cocktails to your seat in the dark while the film rolls. Beyond first-run movies, the programming leans delightfully weird: late-night series spanning grindhouse exploitation, erotica, anime after dark, and multi-course Film Feast dinners themed to the movie on screen. There is a downstairs bar, Lo-Res, for a drink before or after the show, and archival 35mm prints turn up regularly.
The story
You don't come to 136 Metropolitan Avenue just to sit in a dark room with a tub of artificial butter. Nitehawk built its reputation in Williamsburg by pairing sit-down dining with genuine cult cinema culture. You sit in reserved rows fitted with narrow tables, jotting down order notes on tiny paper slips. While the movie rolls, servers crouch silently through the aisles, sliding craft cocktails and hot plates onto your table without blocking your sightline.
The real draw isn't just drinking in the dark—it's what they dig up for the screen. Beyond standard first-run films, Nitehawk's programming leans into late-night obsession: midnight series dedicated to grindhouse exploitation, vintage erotica, anime after dark, and physical 35mm archival prints hauled out of film vaults. For multi-sensory screenings, their Film Feast dinners serve custom multi-course meals paired directly to scenes playing on screen, while silents like 'Faust' occasionally get live, original musical accompaniment right inside the theater.
What it's like
Get there 20 to 30 minutes before showtime. Reserved seating means you won't lose your spot, but you need time to settle in, scan the menu, and slip your initial order note onto the table riser before the trailers drop. Servers move stealthily during the feature, dropping off drinks and clearing plates in near total silence. Before or after the film, duck into Lo-Res, the downstairs bar, for a dark corner and a nightcap. Late-night repertory screenings and special event tickets sell out well in advance, so lock in your seat on the calendar early.
The move: Book a late-night repertory screening, order cocktails and a themed dinner to your seats, and split a nightcap at the downstairs bar afterward.
📍 Before you go Reserved seating; arrive a bit early to order. Specific midnight/late series rotate, so check the calendar for the night you want.
- 📍 Williamsburg, Brooklyn
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 136 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- The City Reliquary — Take a short four-block stroll down Metropolitan Avenue to inspect Williamsburg's oddest collection of NYC civic relics before heading into the dark cinema.
- The Arm Letterpress — Spend the afternoon hand-cranking vintage wood type posters nearby before settling in for a late 35mm repertory film.
- Attaboy — Hop across the Williamsburg Bridge to the Lower East Side after a midnight movie for custom-built, off-menu cocktails behind an unmarked door.
Good to know
How do you order food and drinks during the movie?
Every seat has paper slips and pencils on a small table. You write down your order and set the slip in a designated holder; servers quietly pick it up and deliver your food and drinks directly to your seat while the film plays.
What kind of special movie screenings do they host?
Nitehawk runs rotating midnight series covering grindhouse, anime, and erotica, along with archival 35mm screenings, silent films with live musical accompaniment, and multi-course Film Feast dinners themed around specific movies.
Is there a place to get a drink before or after the screening?
Yes, Nitehawk features a downstairs bar called Lo-Res where you can grab drinks before heading into the theater or stay for a debrief after the movie finishes.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Reserved seating is strongly recommended. Midnight repertory titles, 35mm screenings, and Film Feast dinners routinely sell out prior to the show.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Wikipedia
last checked: 2026-06-23