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AMC River East 21

3.5 (782 reviews)
ModerateCinema, Bars
Closed 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

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Recommended Reviews - AMC River East 21

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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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Remodeled theater with nice leather recliners

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9 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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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!

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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

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4.1
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A Mother's Day Feast! A spectacular display of food that was fresh and platter pleasing. A LIVE…read moreJazz band was playing (not pictured) only during this special day. The wait staff was helpful, the decor was unique and fun. Inside the EMC hotel, this gem was a nice getaway from the usual. Reservations were required and main courses of either Lamb Chops, Salmon, or Prime Rib was the perfect dishes to any meal.

So I took myself to a place that was on my "must go to" list. Called The Albert. Menu online is…read morewell designed and great looking food. Advertises as $100+ pricing so I'm like ok this is gonna be a nice dinner. What you don't see unless you're looking closely - It's in a medium end Marriott - not mad at that but it's not a stand alone restaurant. The menu looked absolutely nothing like they show on the restaurant website. It was cheap looking. Same food options as website. The ambiance was well designed but - hotel restaurant vibes. Ordered the tuna crudo. Nothing to write home about. The mussels - I'm maybe gonna wake up with food poisoning tomorrow. The bucatini pesto pasta looked like regurgitated peas baby food and overcooked pasta. I sent it back kindly. And the chicken thighs were cooked. Like, that's all I can say. So I paid, still hungry. Cause the chicken thighs had basically no meat. Crudo is naturally so small and the mussels equally. Left and am now at Hampton Social eating a delicious lobster roll and tomato bisque. The highlight! The people sitting next to me asked me if o was a good critic! Haha - best compliment ever! But disappointment of a restaurant.

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Timothy O'Toole's Pub

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We were around the corner at the Aloft during our weekend stay. Ended up at pub thrice during our…read morestay. Other reviewers are spot on about friendly staff, nice atmosphere, clean restrooms, noise not too overwhelming, lots of televisions to catch a game. We had the Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs every time we went. The idea doesn't make sense - but they were soooo good! We ordered the Fish & Chips on our first visit. We were not expecting to actually get potato chips. Didn't realize until later they have french fries here, but they decided to give us potato chips. Who serves potato chips as a default with Fish & Chips? Is this a Midwest thing? Each visit, they were out of tall boy PBRs. Guess they don't restock on holiday weekends. But they did have Old Style, so no harm.

Let's just start with WOW! I'm in town for a conference. Same conference I've been to before and I…read moredrive by it telling myself that I'm going to eat there this year. Well this is the year! I was so excited that I was the 1st person in this morning. The bartender, Lisa was amazing. Just a quick PSA, before posting a picture of someone, please ask before posting! If you get a chance, please ask for her! Having read a previous review, I knew I had to have the Ruben! As you can see, it's piled high with corned beef! The fries were delicious! Trust me. There were other options but if you're a true Ruben fan, you'll order it whenever you get a chance. Total success! If you never heard of Man Vs. Food, one you missed a great show. The filmed an episode here! They knew what they were doing filming here! The staff is fantastic! The atmosphere was perfect! Not too loud which helps with the bar bantering. Stick a pin in this place and experience this place!

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4.1
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Great food, drinks, and view. We came on a Sunday and ordered some drinks to start, as well as…read moreBrussels sprouts. There were a small portion but delicious. Not too crispy but still tasty. We also shared the half chicken and Ceasar salad with shrimp. There were only 3 pieces of shrimp for the extra money we spent; but otherwise the food was delicious. Definitely on the pricier side because of the rooftop and area.

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AMC River East 21 - movietheaters - Updated July 2026

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