Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    AMC River East 21

    3.5 (776 reviews)
    ModerateCinema, Bars
    Open 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    AMC River East 21 Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - AMC River East 21

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Branden M.

    This cinema is amazing! Got a Cadillac margarita from the bar before going to my theater to see (Shelter). Everything is so expensive but what isn't in Chicago. The margarita was amazing and the movie was great. The theaters are very small and a little noisy but besides that it's a great cinema.

    Seating
    Bryan S.

    Cool AMC we went to rest and watch a movie after exploring the city. The "laser" theater we saw our movie in was fully modern with not only the reclining seats, but also had heating for my sore back which was an unusual and welcome surprise. The quality of the movie projection was outstanding and the sound was comparable to AMC Dolby.

    Joani O.

    This is another nice theatre in the AMC chain in the River East area. You take escalators or the elevator up and the tickets counter is on the first level with the concessions, guest services and restrooms on the second level. They have big comfortable reclining seats and restrooms conveniently located at both ends. Parking can be pricey if you drive, but it is downtown. I use an app and park in a garage around the corner for less. There are nice restaurants in the area if you go out to eat before or after.

    Amy D.

    Awesome seating. I could fall asleep in those recliners. Too bad our experience was slightly soured by staff. I tried to give lost keys to the person checking tickets who refused to take them and made me go two levels back up to customer service. When I got there, there was no one even there...

    Nikhita T.

    I recently watched "It ends with us" in this AMC and I must say the experience was good. You can buy ticket online or through the Amc app. As you enter, you have to take the elevators up to where your tickets are checked in. From there you take the elevator up to the audi levels. Sometimes they ask for your ids too. There is a separate queue for A listers. You can get a combo of large popcorn and beverage in the price of medium if you are an A-lister. I was so excited for the movie, I ended booking the second row as all shows were fully booked. I absolutely loved the recliners, they are were comfortable, huge, has a heating panel. I had a good experience watching a movie here.

    Amelia B.

    Great chairs to watch the movies in. Seats can be heated and recline. Ordering my ticket was seamless. For popular movies, make sure you order early, since the theaters are not that big. Visuals and sound were great. Nice selection of concessions and access to bar.

    This must be AMC's favorite theater in the entire country because they are the only theater that offers frequent double features. A few months ago, I found out about the Dune double feature on twitter and saved July 25 in my google calendar. Since then, I have been regularly checking the AMC website to purchase advance tickets. I've also been scanning reddit threads because the Dune double feature was a hot topic and many were looking to buy advance tickets. Unfortunately, I recently found out this one theater in Chicago is doing the double feature! I am here to make my plea! I'm from NJ and am visiting some friends who live in Chicago August 16-23. I beg of you, for the love of Lisan al-Gaib! PLEASE host another Dune double feature during that time frame. Pretty please? I'm just a girl.

    Jonquil B.

    It has been years since I have been back to this theater! I used to go all the time because there are businesses/bars/etc. and it was a great place to pregame. I went to see Deadpool and Wolverine in their new real motion movie chairs! It was really comfortable and nice; the surround sound amazing. Food is still expensive lol but all movie there is. The location was clean and the customer service was very friendly. I did go during a slow midday Wednesday.

    Remodeled theater with nice leather recliners
    Jenna C.

    This has been my go-to theater for many years, mostly because it's walking distance from where I live and has matinee specials. However, it's 2024 and it seems they have remodeled!! I was in theater #2 so it was smaller but it had brand new flooring and nice leather recliner seats. Everything was clean and sound/picture quality was great. Be sure to check the website/app for offers or specials before you go, otherwise food+drink can get very pricey. This theater seems to have the standard popcorn, sodas, and candies but also food like sliders, flatbread pizza, etc. In addition, there's a bar for those that want an alcoholic selection. Love that they have these options as part of their full movie-going experience.

    Screening!!!
    Jada C.

    It has been such a long time since we last went to a screening. I missed going to the movie screenings. I missed seeing the movies on the big screen. AMC held a free movie screening On Wednesday evening, we saw "Champions" at AMC. The centered around a basketball coach who started to coach a special needs basketball team. After the screening, I walked around the hallway. I enjoyed looking at the famous movie stars of yesterday past and today. I love the nostalgia of theatre and films. They bring culture, history, social and societal aspects to life on the screen.

    Arcade fun

    See all

    4 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pili S.
    157
    371
    6026

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joani O.
    293
    1122
    3707

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marvin G.
    143
    15
    0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of AMC Theatres

    AMC Theatres

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom N.
    0
    16
    4

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of E G.
    0
    6
    0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Terry R.
    36
    36
    45

    6 months ago

    This Theatre is amazing, amazing sound and projection. The staff is wonderful, restrooms are clean.. easy Parking.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jada C.
    290
    674
    5240

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark W.
    135
    110
    10

    11 months ago

    I had two hot dogs and pretzel bites. They were fine 4/5. Also saw Life of Chuck. that was a 4.5/5

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of AMC Theatres

    AMC Theatres

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe C.
    354
    1037
    14221

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of vernon c.
    77
    238
    40

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mandy K.
    99
    17
    24

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Be careful when buying tickets on line. They trick you into signing up for a monthly fee

    Business owner information

    Photo of AMC Theatres

    AMC Theatres

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of AMC Theatres

    AMC Theatres

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 20

    Ask the Community - AMC River East 21

    Was this indeed trash asf?

    Not in my experience. And have been to the McVickers. 3 movies for $1.50

    Is there cheap parking around there?

    Its possible.

    How is the parking situation there?

    Paid garage, paid lots, paid street parking.

    How is parking option? Are there validated parking? Streets?

    There is vadilated parking just go the main desk with parking ticket. Street parking is difficult.

    Do they check bags?

    My bag has never been checked unless it's for a special advanced screening--then they will check back and take cell phones as Kenneth H mentioned above!

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - AMC River East 21

    It's massive, always has all hottest films and also those that are in limited release, and Lucky Strike is attached which is awesome!

    Mentioned in 57 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    The Lake Street Screening Room - Lake Street Screening: Security

    The Lake Street Screening Room

    (5 reviews)

    The Loop

    I come here to attend screenings through the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) invitation…read more The Private Screening Room is comfortable with a cup holder. Good air circulation. Excellent pleasant audio that is not too loud like in some movie theaters. The entrance to the suite is a bit disheveled and confusing.

    Ever wish what it would be like to be a film critic? To sit back in your own private theater, to…read morewatch on your own large movie screen, having your own large box of popcorn with extra butter. No one shouting out the ending. No one shouting, "Don't go in there!" or ""Run! Run! That guy is going to kill you!" Wouldn't it be lovely? Wouldn't it be nice? Such dreams... can become a reality. My friend John had his birthday party yesterday. He is a huge movie buff. Huge. Massive. Ginormous. For the start of his party, he did a double feature here to watch two of his favorite movies, Mission Impossible 3 and Goonies. (Not being the movie fan as he is, this would be my first viewing of either one of these movies). He rented out the space, he generously provided an assortment of snacks and drinks and provided his own copies of the movies on Blu Ray. It was a great time. The space itself is a 49 seat theater where many of the city's film critics screen movies, apparently its quite booked before the Oscars and other award celebrations. However Steve, (he's the one who runs it), allows it to be rented out for you and your closest 49 friends when its available. You bring your drinks, you bring your snacks, you have a good time. (and um.. as far as I know no nookie is allowed during the show and you help out by picking up after yourselves, but that's just proper etiquette. No one wants to see you get it on.... you're watching a movie, not making one). It really was a great time and pretty unique. It was fun to have a place to yourself and your friends and have a great time and Steve was really friendly. Anyone up for a movie or three?

    Millennium Park Summer Film Series

    Millennium Park Summer Film Series

    (6 reviews)

    The Loop

    Wow wow wow. Chicago has such cool stuff. So I was going for a walk downtown and I passed by…read moreMillennium Park. To my surprise that night they had the Free Summer Film Series event happening. Yes its not like the latest and greatest movie but its definitely a great place to gather friends and to sit and chill around. Wow there were so many people at the event. I stayed for a bit as well. It was really nice and relaxing. The screen is definitely not the biggest wide screen but it was ok. Also it was FREE! Thumbs up to this. Great for locals and tourists.

    Absolutely incredible! Be a tourist in your city and do this please! I know many, many parks in the…read morecity put on movies when the weather is nice. Cliche/touristy as Millennium can be to some locals, seeing a movie here is just a perfect way to spend an evening. Good company, watching a movie while the sun goes down, Pavilion adding their own flare with subtle color lighting and also the skyline - couldn't ask for more. Recommendation: go EARLY EARLY to get a good spot. Please be considerate of your fellow movie goes and don't plop your big chair in front of people who are sitting on a blanket on the ground. Bring your favorite food and beverages of course. Also recommend double blankets or yoga mat underneath as the ground can be wet. Two and a half hour movie was difficult to sit in on position on the ground so we said next time we'd get those 'chairs' that sit flat on the ground but have back support. This time around talenti was giving away free PINTS of ice cream - yay thanks!

    AMC Roosevelt Collection 16

    AMC Roosevelt Collection 16

    (19 reviews)

    South Loop

    I visited this theater for the first time since AMC took it over from Icon. Everything appeared to…read morebe the same except the seats and the snacks counter. I bought tickets online so I simply had them scanned upon arrival. Having to wait in line for a kiosk to open up would be incredibly annoying. I saw Scream 7 opening day, so the theater was packed. I walked right to the concession stand only to find a long line at the only available kiosk. Rather than wait in line, we ordered via the AMC app. I'm not sure if doing that was much faster, but we were at least able to skip the line. The bathrooms could definitely use a refresh. It smelled, and the toilet paper was running low. Some of the soap dispensers were also empty. I went to an IMAX showing and found the seats really uncomfortable. They've been updated, but they're definitely not as comfortable as the old Icon red recliners. They also don't recline as much, which sucked. The popcorn was fresh and hot, though, which is a big plus. The AMC theater in the burbs that I usually visit dumps popcorn from bags into the counter storage area. I also just saw the Michael Jackson movie there too and had a similar experience. I rarely go to the movies in the city, but if I do, I might have to go to AMC on Columbus or Block 37. I'm not sure if I can keep this location on the list.

    Judging by the reviews, I'm not alone here…read more I've been a longtime fan of the ICON Theater at 1011 S. Delano Ct E, so I was excited (and a bit cautious) when AMC took over. Unfortunately, the rebrand hasn't been a great experience so far. The biggest change is the shift to touchscreen kiosks for both tickets and concessions. While convenient in theory, it removes a lot of flexibility and human interaction. Once you order, you're funneled through the system with little room to make adjustments or ask questions without jumping through hoops. For example, I ordered Impossible nuggets and selected one sauce. When I tried to ask for a different sauce at the counter, I was told I had to go back to the kiosk and place a new order. I ended up speaking to three different people, including a manager, just to swap or add a $1 sauce. That level of rigidity is frustrating and unnecessary, and it actually made me late for my movie. Another issue is the bar and grill. I arrived early hoping to sit at the bar while waiting for a friend, but I was told I couldn't enter unless I had already purchased a movie ticket. Since we planned to buy tickets together, I couldn't go in. Even security didn't understand the policy. It feels shortsighted, why have a bar if people can't access it freely? It limits both customer experience and potential business. On the positive side, the theater itself is still great. The seating remains comfortable, and the movie experience hasn't changed much from the ICON days. Overall, though, AMC has made the experience more complicated and less customer-friendly. The over-reliance on kiosks and strict policies takes away from what used to be an easy, enjoyable outing. I'm glad the space still exists, but I hope improvements are made,especially when it comes to customer service and accessibility. 2 out of 5 stars.

    Cadillac Palace Theatre - Beautiful Cadillac Palace Theater

    Cadillac Palace Theatre

    (336 reviews)

    The Loop

    Back to 4 stars but still recommended!…read more What you'd want - great sight lines, comfortable seating (at least in the orchestra section), and a good sound system - are all there. It is a fitting venue for touring and other musical productions. The grandeur has been kept up tremendously, with marble everywhere you look, yet it doesn't feel tacky or OTT. The restroom lines are still a prison yard spectacle, and it's a bummer. It's fine to keep things moving and have a somewhat intense system for doing so. But I really dislike the power trip and lack of coordination. I was there early on in the intermission, thank goodness, and one woman told me to stand alongside the wall. Sure! Then about 20 seconds later, another woman working there told me to stand against a different wall while I waited. As I was in the stall, I heard one woman shouting directions at everyone - the crazy thing was that she didn't seem mad or rude, but she was at such an obnoxious volume with extremely repetitive shouts! It was honestly annoying, between that and literally being told "up against the wall" like we're criminals. It's also downright stupid that there's no wifi here. What year is it?

    The Cadillac Palace Theatre is truly one of Chicago's classic theater experiences and a real…read moreChicago staple. I used to live in the city, so getting the chance to come back and see a show there always feels special. Last December we went to see Phantom of the Opera with our daughter, my mom, and my godfather, and it was such a memorable night for all of us. From the moment you walk in, the theater itself is stunning. The architecture, the ornate details, and the overall atmosphere make it feel grand and historic in the best possible way. The theater is also very well run. Everything from entering the venue to finding seats and getting settled felt smooth and organized, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Seeing a show like Phantom of the Opera in such a beautiful space made the evening feel even more magical. It's the kind of place that reminds you why live theater is so special. Whenever I visit Chicago, I love finding reasons to return to the Cadillac Palace Theatre. It's an iconic part of the city's theater scene and always makes for a wonderful night out.

    Rooftop Cinema Club Fulton Market

    Rooftop Cinema Club Fulton Market

    (67 reviews)

    Fulton Market, West Loop, Near West Side

    Beyond any doubt, Rooftop Cinema Is a terrific experience you must try! Rather alone, romantically…read moreor a family outing it's a fabulous experience. The backdrop of Chicago was an incredible scene. Rooftop Cinema Food and drinks were expected the highlight prices. You also receive perks as you buy and spend with redeemable points. The Staff was remarkably generous and very well mannered. They inform me about the inside seating along with the food and cocktail menus. We ordered pizza, hotdogs, soda, popcorn and candies. I also had to do a little indulgence with the cocktail menu with the drink called Frozé. Loved it! It's always a pleasure when you can still adult while tending to the kiddos activities. Haha! Honestly, check em out at least one time! You will not regret!

    I discovered the Rooftop Cinema Club Fulton Market while watching a reel on Instaform talking about…read morethe showing of Inception and I jumped at the chance to see the movie. This movie is one of my go to movies and the whole concept blew me away the first time I saw it and I still love the concept. The Rooftop Cinema Club Fulton Market is located The Emily Hotel, on the rooftop (hence the name...HAHAHAHAHA!) The layout is quite nice. You enter on the 6th floor but to access the cinema requires you to go outside and down a flight of stairs. There is a bar to the left as you enter that serves cocktails, bubbles (yay!) and some food (pizza, chicken tenders, walking tacos, etc.) and to the right you can pick up your headphones and tickets for popcorn (if you purchased a ticket that includes popcorn). Seating consists of Adirondack chairs and loveseats. I purchased a loveseat, which ended up costing me about $75 in total (price of ticket, fees) but I wanted to spread out and have space to put my feet up and have a table next to me for my food and drinks. Seating is first come, first serve, which I am cool with. I love that they had astroturf on he ground, it felt nice taking my shoes off and feeling it on my feet. When checking in, you get this nice set of headphones to listen to the movie through. I was wondering how that was going to work with the street noises downstair. The person handing out the headphones made it a point to let me know that the headphones were ready to and had been sanitized. The Adirondack loveseat was comfortable and I was able to spread out and enjoy the movie in style. I took a bed seating pillow with me as didn't know what to expect in terms of comfort. While I was glad I took it, it wasn't really needed as the cushions in the chair were just fine. But it did come in handy as a pillow so I could walk the movie in a reclining position. This can be an expensive movie if you are like me, requiring some space, comfort, good eats and bubble. As I mentioned, the ticket for the loveseat was about $75, plus an additional $100 for bubbles and food, but I am worth it. That said, while I loved the experience, I am not a fan of the programming to date. There are offerings that I am sure most people love to see, I am not a fan of them. But the minute they have a movie I want to see, like Inception, Alien/Predator/Resident Evil franchise, to name a few, I will be back to the Rooftop.

    AMC NEWCITY 14

    AMC NEWCITY 14

    (90 reviews)

    Near North Side

    Parking is now up to 3 hours for validation. It is $2 validated if it's less than 3 hours,…read moreotherwise it's $12 validated for 3+ hours. It can get packed on the weekends but ticket check in is still a fast and easy process. There were multiple women's bathroom stalls that ran out of toilet paper. I recommend checking the toilet paper before using the stall. Seems like they might be understaffed due to bathroom not being stocked and the concessions stands line are usually long.

    As you can see I gave this spot another chance and yep place is even worse...I wish I could give…read morethis dump zero stars...The worst theater in the city of chicago...Where to begin...Ignorant staff, stale popcorn, dirty washrooms and if that wasn't enough these fools running this clown show will switch a theater on you and not let you know. Had tickets bought for a theater a week in advance...Go into XL theater with assigned seats that ate on my online tickets and end up with a different film shown...These morons switched theaters but didn't let me know and it was last showing so a total waste of my time...I will never be back to this s-hole again and btw this place has commercials galore before movie starts...Absolutely unexcusable and AMC wonders why no one wants to come out to theaters... Should have gone to Alamo theater...Screw AMC. The best thing that could happen to this theater is for it to close down for good....Its taking up good real estate and this is my final time back...3rd time is the charm.

    AMC River East 21 - movietheaters - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...