In just over a month, Tysons Galleria patrons will be able to get dinner, a drink and a movie — all from the same reclining, leather armchair.
The mall’s new CMX CinéBistro will open on the third floor of the redeveloped Macy’s wing on Sept. 23, as noted on the movie theater company’s website.
“Tysons Galleria is a natural fit for the surrounding D.C. suburbs, which is known for its upscale shopping, world-class cultural attractions, and fine dining scene,” CMX Cinemas told FFXnow by email. “We believe CMX CinéBistro at Tysons Galleria will exemplify the pedigree residents and visitors to Tysons Corner have come to expect.”
Between the nearby AMC at Tysons Corner Center, The Boro’s ShowPlace ICON Theatre, and Angelika Film Center in the Mosaic District, the Tysons area isn’t exactly starved for moviegoing options, but the CinéBistro promises a different kind of experience, where the food is as much of an attraction as what’s playing on screen.
Each of the theater’s eight screening rooms will essentially double as a dining room, with servers who bring in food and drinks from the restaurant and Stone Sports Bar outside.
With appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts, and a drink menu, including wine and cocktails, the restaurant will feature “rustic New American cuisine” with dishes like steak au poivre with duck fat and fried ruffled pommes frites. Vegetarian and gluten-free options include artichoke cakes with Old Bay remoulade and Brazilian tomato slaw.
Patrons must arrive at least 30 minutes before their showtime to get in-theater dining service. Standard concessions are also available.
“This allows them to get comfortable in their recliners and it gives our team time to take, create, and serve their orders before the film starts,” CMX said, noting that all seats have a swivel table, cupholders and a reading light.
All showings after 8 p.m. will be limited to people 21 and older. CMX says the age policy doesn’t have a huge effect on what movies are shown and when, but the showtimes can be adjusted for the anticipated audience. For instance, kid-oriented, animated movies may have more daytime screenings.
“What that does is it helps foster a more mature, refined experience that really mirrors the Tysons Galleria ambiance,” CMX said by email. “But overall, we think we’ve built something that is truly a destination, even if you’re not watching a movie. Our food and drinks are top-notch; the films are a bonus.”
CMX Cinemas launched with its first dine-in theater in April 2017 in Miami, Florida. It now has 33 locations with 358 screens across the U.S., including traditional theaters and CMX Market Cinemas that provide “grab-and-go” service, according to the company’s website.
The Tysons Galleria location is 43,268 square feet in size with over 800 seats.
CinéBistro will be an anchor tenant for the former Macy’s space, which was subdivided after the department store closed in 2019. Home to Bowlero, Crate & Barrel, and other retailers, the new wing is fully leased with the restaurant Jiwa Singapura and sports bar Yard House also expected this year.