Entry No. 39 — the St. Louis file — filed under: movies
Arkadin Cinema & Bar
A cozy, independent microcinema in the heart of the Bevo Mill neighborhood screening a curated mix of cult classics, weird B-movies, and indie releases. They host unique interactive events, including 'VHS Night' where bringing your own tape gets you free admission.
The story
In a stretch of Bevo Mill along Gravois Avenue, Arkadin Cinema & Bar operates as a microcinema antidote to generic multiplexes and algorithm-driven streaming queues. It is a venue built explicitly around the messy, physical joy of film preservation and cult film fandom, screening a tight, curated schedule of B-movies, indie releases, and obscure repertory titles.
The crown jewel of their weird programming is the monthly 'VHS Night.' The deal is simple: dig through your attic or bargain bins, bring an actual physical tape with you, and you get in free. The crowd then votes on which bizarre, forgotten magnetic-tape relic from the pile actually gets dumped into the deck and projected for the room.
It is as much a neighborhood watering hole as a cinema. The bar upfront does not rely on lukewarm draft lager; they pour local craft brews alongside themed drinks mixed specifically to match whatever strange feature is flickering in the dark.
What it's like
Stepping inside feels like stumbling into a private cinephile club disguised as a cozy South City bar. You get limited, intimate seating, so screenings fill up quickly. Arrive early enough to order a themed cocktail or local pint from the bar before grabbing your spot. Street parking in the Bevo neighborhood is straightforward—you can generally find a spot right on Gravois or down a nearby side street.
The move: Grab a local craft beer or themed cocktail at the bar, then grab a seat for their monthly 'VHS Night' to watch whatever weird bargain-bin tape the crowd votes to play.
- 📍 Bevo Mill, St. Louis
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 5228 Gravois Ave, St. Louis, MO 63116
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- The Silver Ballroom — Walk three blocks down Gravois after your screening for pinball, punk rock, and cheap drinks at this South City dive.
- Lady Layre — Pop over two blocks away before the film to craft a custom spell jar in an inclusive occult parlor.
- Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis — Pair two floors of hyper-detailed dollhouses and room boxes with a evening microcinema double feature.
Good to know
How does VHS Night work?
Bring a physical VHS tape to the box office to get free entry. The audience votes on the tapes brought in by attendees to decide what plays on screen.
Can I get a drink if I am not seeing a movie?
Yes, Arkadin functions both as an independent microcinema and a neighborhood bar serving local craft beer and cocktail menus.
Where do I park?
Street parking is available directly along Gravois Avenue and the surrounding Bevo neighborhood blocks.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Because it is an intimate microcinema with limited seats per show, reserve your tickets online beforehand for popular cult features and special events.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · ksdk.com
last checked: 2026-07-21