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    AMC River East 21

    3.5 (784 reviews)
    ModerateCinema, Bars
    Closed • 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago
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    AMC RIVER EAST 21 ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - AMC River East 21

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    Rikiyah M.

    Had such a good time at the Neagley advanced screening. We got to see two episodes early, plus Maria Sten came out and did a live Q&A which was really cool. Free popcorn and drinks were provided too! The whole event was a vibe and I'd definitely go to another screening like this.

    karina k.

    Really not sure why Yelpers are not so kind here. In addition to all the latest movies in the USA, This theater has the most international films shown of all the AMCs in the state of Illinois. You can see films that were amazing at the Cannes Film Festival from Spain, Korea, China, Japan, India, Ukraine, Portugal, France, Germany, etc. The seats are brand new and are so comfortable for your back. It's not a dine in theater and I don't care bc I don't want to eat theater food. The only thing I would love are little tables at the seats for the popcorn. I don't like to have popcorn pieces fall over to be polite. Love AMC and the movie popcorn deal is $29 per year for 50% off popcorn as long as you buy 6 per year. Great deal. And the large version is unlimited so for $5.39 you can share w the family and enjoy the movie!

    It's movie night!     Great venue for a new one we're seeing!
    Bill T.

    Seeing Sheep detective! Hope it's as good as advertised! Been a long day! Nice to have a break! The movie was a pleasant surprise! After seeing several (all) previews that were positively uninspiring; the Sheep movie started very slow, but ultimately ended up being a must see!‍. And the venue deserves 5 stars!

    5/24/25
    Pili S.

    Went to watch the Lilo & Stitch movie. Expected huge crowds but it was pretty empty. It was walking distance from the hotel so why not? These seats were so sift and comfortable, I thought I was going to fall asleep. Heck, with a half hour's worth of previews, you could actually do it. The 5 yo discovered that you could heat or make the seats cool if you wanted. This theatre also has a bar which seems to be the norm these days. LUCKY STRIKE BOWLING also resides in this 3 story complex.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Remodeled theater with nice leather recliners

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    11 months ago

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

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    1 year 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

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    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

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    AMC DINE-IN Block 37

    AMC DINE-IN Block 37

    3.0(391 reviews)
    0.7 mi•The Loop

    I went to AMC in block 37 to see the Michael movie. The location is very convenient right in the…read moreloop so it was easy to walk there from my place. It is on the 4th floor and there are lots of signs to guide you to the correct location. When I went over the weekend the elevators weren't working so I had to take the escalators. I was able to buy my movie ticket on the AMC website and there was no line to have the staff scan my ticket to get in. There are kiosks that make it super easy to order your popcorn and they even have a bar in there. The bartender told us each drink comes with 3 shots so my friend got a margarita and she said it was really good! The large popcorn was tasty. I was able to add extra butter to it and get a free refill so I could share with my friend. Next time I go I will just order the regular popcorn as I had a lot left over. The seats in the AMC theater are recliners which were really comfortable. I will come back to this theater next time I want to see a movie!

    AMC Dine-In Block 37 is what you would expect from a movie theater in the loop area…read more The AMC is located within Block 37 on the top floor. It's easy to get to as long as the escalators are fully functional (they have elevators so don't worry). Because it's dine-in style they offer you the opportunity to order your food to be delivered directly to your seat. You can order well in advance of your arrival or when you arrive. Be forewarned that they only give you a handful of delivery windows and they sometimes will bring the food out ahead of the time you setup. They'll bring it back out to you when you arrive as long as it's before the movie gets started. I normally only go to this location when everything closer to my house is sold out. The prices at this AMC is unbelievably expense. I've easily been able to calculate an almost $15 to $20 savings for movie tickets. That's before you even add on any food. I truly recommend eating before or after the movie because it's so expensive. The food is okay but not worth the price. My usual movie theater is a dine-in style setup so I can't place the price blame on that feature. It's a very touristy theater so they're used to people visiting that are willing to spend a lot.

    Photos
    AMC DINE-IN Block 37
    AMC DINE-IN Block 37
    AMC DINE-IN Block 37

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    The Lake Street Screening Room - Lake Street Screening: Security

    The Lake Street Screening Room

    4.8(5 reviews)
    0.5 mi•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?

    Photos
    The Lake Street Screening Room - Lake Street Screening: Entrance

    Lake Street Screening: Entrance

    The Lake Street Screening Room - Lake Street Screening: Apology Nosh

    Lake Street Screening: Apology Nosh

    The Lake Street Screening Room - Lake Street Screening: Street View

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    Lake Street Screening: Street View

    Millennium Park Summer Film Series

    Millennium Park Summer Film Series

    4.0(6 reviews)
    0.6 mi•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!

    Photos
    Millennium Park Summer Film Series
    Millennium Park Summer Film Series
    Millennium Park Summer Film Series

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    Chicago Theatre - One of the concession stands area

    Chicago Theatre

    4.2(570 reviews)
    0.6 mi•The Loop
    •$$$

    Short but sweet review - the experiences we've had at the Chicago Theater have always been…read moreconsistently good. This time was no different. My last review still stands. We arrived on time, were seated, and the concert started on time. The acoustics are great and our seats were in a good spot. We used their concession stand to get water and snacks - because we bought our tickets and paid for the concessions using a Chase card, we were given a big discount - nice. We'll continue to go to the Chicago theater when they have shows we want to see. It's a great theater and a wonderful experience.

    I have been to the Chicago Theatre several times for concerts and have had experiences in all of my…read morevisits. It's an iconic Chicago landmark for catching live events. I like its ornate décor, the stadium style seats set-up which offers good stage view, the acoustics, and the overall aesthetics of this venue which makes it an ideal place to watch live events. On my recent (late June 2026) visit to see The Human League, Soft Cell, and Alison Moyet for the Generations tour, overall, I had a good experience. There were couple of issues that we had such as lack of cool air circulation inside the auditorium (it was hot and sweaty) and a couple of people standing throughout the show to dance, blatantly blocking other peoples' view and not caring about being inconsiderate and uncourteous to people behind them to which the theatre ushers had no problem with it. Otherwise, I have not had issues at this venue. So, 4.5 stars but rounded up to five. I look forward to going back here.

    Photos
    Chicago Theatre - Stage - they have added portable chairs in the orchestra pit area

    Stage - they have added portable chairs in the orchestra pit area

    Chicago Theatre - Balcony row a seat 315

    Balcony row a seat 315

    Chicago Theatre - Magnificent ceiling of lobby with beautiful chandelier

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    Magnificent ceiling of lobby with beautiful chandelier

    AMC Roosevelt Collection 16

    AMC Roosevelt Collection 16

    2.4(27 reviews)
    1.6 mi•South Loop
    •$$

    I booked tickets at the wrong AMC, and I'm glad I checked before I left the house. This wasn't the…read moretheater I thought I had originally booked but it was a pleasant surprise. They scan your mobile tickets at the front, but you have to order snacks before you scan your tickets. It's a bit awkward, since we had already scanned our tickets and had to go back past the scanner to then order snacks since I didn't realize they were the only screens to order. It is a pretty great system otherwise. Placed an order and before I could even arrive at the pick up counter, my popcorn, drink and candy were ready for me to pick up. The theater I was in was pretty small. But the quality of the screen and sound system was excellent. Seats were nice and reclined all the way back. The theater was super clean. Parking available under the theater had a 2 hour free validation. Our movie was a little longer than 2 hours so it cost $9 to park. Overall a solid theater that's a bit closer than the other one, so will likely be back here.

    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.

    Photos
    AMC Roosevelt Collection 16
    AMC Roosevelt Collection 16
    AMC Roosevelt Collection 16

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    Cadillac Palace Theatre - Beautiful Cadillac Palace Theater

    Cadillac Palace Theatre

    3.8(342 reviews)
    0.9 mi•The Loop

    The Cadillac Palace Theatre is stunning! I feel so lucky to have such a nice theatre in my city…read more This place runs like a well oiled machine. Once doors open, they get everyone in and to their seats quickly. I'm impressed by how clean everything is from the seats to the bathrooms. All of the employees are very courteous and knowledgeable. I enjoy arriving a little early just to take in the beautiful architecture. It is stunning inside! The seats are also comfortable with great sightlines.

    Although the actual performance and show were great, what a horrible staff that works here (sans 1…read moreperson who actually helped). When we first arrived, upon checking our tickets, our tickets wouldn't scan/verify. The usher was getting frustrated with us for this, and made us go to the ticket booth to get our physical tickets. We showed the person the tickets on our phone, and she printed them out for us -- after several rounds of confusion on her part. She was so soft spoken (in a noisy theatre entrance) that it led to much confusion. After this, we had to "cut" back into the entrance line (the security guard was helpful here) and we got thru the gates, finally. Then this usher/ticket checker who scanned our tickets (the 2nd time) was literally yelling at us on which direction to go (not a yelling as in being loud, but yelling like we were stupid). I go the way he yells at me because he won't stop yelling at me to go the direction he points me in -- which is the wrong direction. We had orchestra seats and were headed there, but this usher/ticket checker was yelling at us to go up the stairs. Fine, maybe I'm wrong. We get upstairs, and the 2nd usher again points us in the wrong direction to go further upstairs. This is again incorrect. We are flustered and confused, and not sure what is going on. We finally reach the 3rd usher at the top of the stairs, and he finally points us in the correct direction. The ushers here (Sans the 3rd one) were incompetent and rude.

    Photos
    Cadillac Palace Theatre - Another inside picture

    Another inside picture

    Cadillac Palace Theatre - Where we're going, we definitely need roads.

    Where we're going, we definitely need roads.

    Cadillac Palace Theatre - Louis Armstrong play

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    Louis Armstrong play

    AMC River East 21 - movietheaters - Updated October 2026

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