Clean and reasonably priced. Comfortable seats and quiet environment. Movies can be contemporary or classics .

Love this place. Usually have great films here. A bonus is that there are minimal previews!

What a little hidden gem on the ArtsQuest campus, two theaters that are pristine and easy to get to. Concessions and tix are priced very fairly and it's just a quick walk away from other attractions in the city :) read more

We went to see *The Universe of Keith Haring* (with a discussion afterwards) as our excuse to check out the resplendent new ArtsQuest facility, which is pretty much unbelievably impressive in its scope and vision. The theater was full of artists, teachers, and people who had known Keith (as one of my good friends did, another reason for my interest in him). Excellent inspiring discussion of art as activism by a Moravian professor and the director of the New Arts Program in Kutztown. How wonderful it was to see Keith making art to Devo, the B-52s, the Flying Lizards and so on, and we longed to time travel back to 1980s NYC when it was still cheap enough for a normal person to live there -- actually, both my bf and I did for a time, but as poor working slobs who did not know about Paradise Garage (or each other, too bad). :-) Now, you would be wise to grab up some Southside row homes -- because this area is going to be groundbreaking in terms of what you can do with a massive campus of decaying industrial buildings. Note: None of the new things including the casino are in actual Bethlehem Steel buildings, but they are all on the grounds of the former steel giant. I was disappointed to hear this, but I do understand, having worked on public building projects and seen the prices of large-scale renovation. (CORRECTION: The new Visitors Center *will* be in a restored building, a really cool one with stone arches.) There is a short walk from the parking lot to the ArtsQuest building, which we can see some people complaining about in weather that is not perfect. Much of the grounds area is not yet finished, but we got a tour after the film from the Arts Director, who reminded me of supercool Ann Magnuson and who was full of energy and passion for the new facility (even though it was getting pretty late by then, so we know we were very lucky -- she is dedicated!). So we got to see the music venue upstairs modeled after the wonderful and intimate World Cafe Live in Philly, the outside deck, the VIP area, and a variety of rentable and free meeting spaces, all with the backdrop of the huge smelter stacks lit with changing colored lights, now regarded as works of art. I bet my steelworker dad who slaved there more than 30 years would find amusement in this, as well as a small gift shop fill with key chains and t-shirts with the vintage Bethlehem Steel logo (I wanted some, but let it pass). There is going to be a glass sculpture -- NOT a Chihuly, she said, because that is what every asks -- several stories tall, within the spiral staircase. They are still assembling it. As we walked in and bought our (reserved seats only) tickets, there was a marimba player filling the large main floor with music. This area is called the Creativity Commons. The art film was in the smaller theater; a second bigger one is next door. *Jane Eyre* was playing there. A snack shop called Mike & Ike's (Just Born of Peeps candy fame is a sponsor) offers not-so-exciting fare so far, but I am hoping for the "healthier" choices that I read about in the Morning Call. We stopped by Vegan Treats beforehand -- oh, imagine a VT dessert bar there! A small counter bar features Yuengling drafts (another sponsor), Sam Smith, and a Belgian, as well as wine ($7, pedestrian) and spirits. We saw people hanging out there after the film -- great to have a place right there to talk about what you just saw. The area outside the theater is filled with tables and chairs. Aramark will be providing food for the cabaret-style dinners that will be offered in the music cafe. There is going to be an outdoor stage backed against the stacks with a grassy area around it for 50 free concerts a year. In an era of diminishing public space, it is nice to know that ArtsQuest kept in mind that not everyone has the cash for expensive concerts and that some people are just looking for public hangout space. This is definitely going to be the spot, with so much to attract families of all types. Some of MusikFest, a longtime festival of the North Side, will be here this summer, great idea! I am really hoping for acts that appeal to GenXers (punk rock, New Wave, ska, reggae), not just Boomer music from the 60s and 70s. There are plenty of us who were young in the 80s and 90s -- we are now in our prime, ready to throw our money around, haha, and would love to see music offerings that take us into consideration. I wondered who was footing the bill for all this (thinking of my town and its revitalization needs), and learned that, although the Sands Casino donated the land, ArtsQuest raised the $26 million itself, during a recession, hence the corporate sponsors. Now that is pretty impressive dedication to the restoration of one's city, both from dedicated arts workers and local business. read more

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Before a recent visit to the Lehigh Valley with my lady (it's her home region), all I knew about the area came from the song "Allentown" by Billy Joel. So when I saw what had been done with part of the old Bethlehem Steel Plant, my mind was blown. It's now an independent arts venue with its showcase piece being this independent cinema. Right from the start, this place is all class. The menu boards are high definition offering information on both the movies showing and other entertainment in the hall. The seats in the theaters are so plush and reclined so far that I almost fell asleep (luckily "Dallas Buyers Club" was so good that I couldn't). The lighting was not the harsh glare of many a multiplex and the sound was perfect. But what got me the most was that the movie theater is affordable for almost anyone. An evening showing was $10. For first run art films. I haven't seen that price since about 2005. I'm glad it doesn't follow the crowd on pricing! The one trend this place does endorse for movie theaters is a new one I like - alcoholic beverages in your seats. That is if you don't finish them in the very relaxing lobby full of art and some awesomely unique (and maybe a little bit scary) "theater" seats. Being from the Detroit area, it was great to see an urban renewal project going so well in a city that was similarly down on its luck. It's a great place to kill time in Bethlehem that isn't filling out forms or standing in line. read more

Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema - Even if I'm not sure if I want to sit in this chair, it was neat. - Cinema Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

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Frank Banko is a new independent cinema that has opened as part of the larger ArtsQuest Center, and even larger SteelStacks arts campus in Southside Bethlehem. The cinema includes two theaters that show independent films as well as late night horror flicks. There's something for everyone here. Tickets are reserved, not general admission, so be sure to arrive early to get the seats you desire. In addition, there are very few previews so getting there on time is important. The theaters are smaller stadium style with large cushy chairs. The best part about the theater though is that there is a full bistro and bar here so you can have your dinner while watching the movie. Sandwiches, wraps and more will be offered with their full menu which arrives May 1. Also very cool, because of this being part of a larger arts building on last visit there was a live band (free) playing so we stayed later to listen to them post our movie. Awesome. read more

This is a five star theater for those in the Lehigh Valley who love independent, foreign, limited release and horror films. Previously, only the Civic Theatre in Allentown hosted shows of this ilk in the area. Unlike the delightfully aged Civic, however, the Alehouse has brand new comfy seats, a bar just outside the door and a pretty cool ambiance. I have only been to one film so far, so this may be a presumptuous rating, but I'm hoping that isn't true. My ONLY gripe was that the sound for the movie that we saw, Evil Dead 2, was a bit subpar. Suggestions lead to change, however! Check out the Alehouse. read more

It's a small theater in a really cool building. It serves beer - win for the lover of beer drinking while watching a movie! There are only two theaters but they show really good movies which are harder to find at the bigger theaters. I think they like to pride themselves on smaller, not-yet-released-to-every-theater type movies. And I'm okay with this because it makes it that much cuter. They have comfortable seats and a friendly customer service area. Even sitting in the waiting area is nice because it is so open to the outside and clean! I believe the prices are good, a combo for medium popcorn and a large sode for $7.25-ish. WIN! I like this better then the big theaters and will definitely see more movies here when I'm in the area. read more

$7.50 matinees with reserved seats in a new theater, showing awesome independent films...with actual food & beverage options that don't involve washing down fist fulls of MSG with buckets of HFCS? Definitely my kind of place! Took some out of town visitors to the SteelStacks to explore & see a movie. Box office line was quick. We had showed up about 30 minutes before show time and had our pick of tickets. Sound & picture isn't perfect, but for a chance to see films in stadium seating with which you wouldn't normally have that option, I'm willing to give up a bit. I do find it very strange to think that they are running the place with volunteers (the box office employee & the ticket taker were both wearing volunteer badges). Can they really sustain this place in the long term with volunteer labor? I hope so, but I'm willing to pay a little more if it comes to them needing to hire real employees. read more

This is a great place for those who don't want to be around the teenie boppers and the crush of large cinemas. The normal crowd is 20+ and some films I would say they are 40+. Food and drinks are a normal price for a cinema. Many times after a movie there will be free entertainment going on in the lobby area or there are other options within a short driving distance (e.g., Sands Casino). Ticket prices are $10 unless you are an ArtsQuest member or a senior or a student. Pre-show previews are normally about activities at the SteelStacks such as comedy, music or comedy classes. Lastly the sound system is nice. It isn't one that blares and blasts you out of the place. This is a nice place to visit, isn't crowded with kids and has comparable prices. read more

The Google Map is incorrect. Put in the address: "807 East 3rd Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015" to find the entrance to Founder's way. The map goes to "founder's Court" which is in the 18020 Zip code and is miles away. Drink and enjoy good movies. read more

Fabulous place to see an independent film. Lovely facility and schedule of film rotation. Great ... read more

Best theatre in Lehigh Valley. Real food, beer, comfortable seats, indie movies. Only two screens so it's selective.

First of all, the theater itself is very nice with wide aisles and comfortable seats. I've seen two films there so far that have not made their way into mainstream theaters and that is GREAT. I'd give this theater 5 stars if not for the following experiences I had. First, get there really early. The first time I went there, there were other events going on around the building. Unfortunately, the theater snack bar is also the snack bar for EVERYTHING else going on. So if you want a snack to take into the movie, you may be waiting behind like ten other people that aren't even going to the movie! Lame! Second time was worse. There was no one at the box office except for a woman working diligently on an email or something that was apparently more important than people waiting to buy tickets to a movie starting in ten minutes. After I finally got my ticket, I go to the snack bar and IT IS CLOSED. Yes, the theater snack bar was closed for a 7:15 movie. The bar was open so if you wanted to get hammered for the movie, that was an option. Maybe they are losing money but if you run a theater, run a theater. It's almost as if the dozen or so people coming out to support them were a nuisance. How about getting some classic films like you said you were going to do in surveys too? read more

Parking was a little off, a little far. I like the variety of indie and offbeat films one can choose from, esp. b/c the Regal on 378 closed and the Civic only shows one at a time. The snacks were fine, we liked the trays they give you to carry them in. Seats were very comfortable. Definitely will be back here. read more

This movie theater is my favorite place to go! My fiancé & I enjoy it every time. You can purchase alcoholic beverages from the bar & take the drinks into the movie theater with you. The bartenders are always friendly & accommodating. The movie theater has stadium seating & the seats are very comfortable. Great place to go on a date! read more

What happened to the Banko Alehouse Cinema? It was my favorite place to see interesting, independent, limited release films that never came to local theaters. Now...both theaters are playing "A Star Is Born" or other run of the mill movies that are being shown by large movie chains. Not sure who is making the decisions ... but it is a noticeable change of direction from the movies that made this ArtsQuest venue my preferred theater. read more

I don't go to a lot of movies, 2 a year max, but this theater is great. There are actually 2 theaters, one a little smaller (200'ish seats) than the other. Both have great seats that recline, great sound, and you can bring in beer and food from the lobby. Interesting selection of movies and reasonable prices. Nothing not to like... plus they do other shows like Comedy or Live Music as well. Definitely worth checking out the schedule... read more

Love this theater!! Great selection of movies, rotating through at a nice pace. Comfortable, intimate setting. There are some yummy options for snacks, and you always get a disount on tickets if you have an ArtsQuest membership! read more

I love the theatre, and wish it had more of the films that come to, say, the Pocono Community theatre. My wife has a disability, and it boggles my mind that there is no parking anywhere close. Now that the Christmas market is there, even getting in to drop her off at the doors is a challenge. I walk fine, but how about people who do not, who drive there alone, or a couple, both of whom are disabled and cannot walk from that distant lot? For an otherwise first-rate operation, this insensitivity is jarring. My only other concern is the quality of the food. We decided to get our dinner for the movie, instead of the usual snack fare. Both entrees were terrible. Nothing is fresh either. Charge a bit more and provide decent food and we will support it! read more

My wife, friends and I had a less than desirable experience tonight at a showing of Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. There were some very disorderly and intoxicated people in the crowd. They ruined the trivia ahead of time. The announcer asked them not to ruin the experience for the crowd. They were booed for ruining the trivia event and still they were allowed to stay. During the moving, their 90 minutes of loud personal conversation, their texting 80% of the movie, their cellphone photography and videography of the film all got a pass from the Arts Quest staff. The patrons around the obnoxious duo asked them to stop texting and hold their conversation. That had no impact. Several of us spoke arts quest staff about the people causing a disruption and still nothing was done. I spoke to the front desk person after the movie. She said that because of the "Quote a film" night rules, arts quest staff could not do anything. Really, they couldn't handle the drunks texting, shouting, pirating and disrupting? That is ridiculous. The front desk said that because we were the only ones to complain, it was not enough of an issue. Come on, Arts Quest stands with the bullies against the rest of the crowd? Not cool. The front desk was quite adamant that they had done something. They peeked in for a minute and didn't see anything. Well timed miss or apathy? read more