I finally made it to Rosebud Cinema. Granted, they were closed for almost four years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, so I've only recently had opportunities to do so. While there my son and I got popcorn, a soda, and a bottle of water. Matinee pricing isn't bad compared to bigger chain theaters. My ticket was $10 and he was $8 since he counts for child prices. The popcorn was expensive at $9 for a medium-ish size bag (even with a free refill) compared to larger buckets at other theaters and we didn't care for the flavor of the "butter". The soda was $7, which was also pricey. Unfortunately they only offer one size for both the popcorn and soda and don't give you a discount for buying both as a combo. They have other food like pizza and chicken tenders on the menu board, but no prices were listed. I know people love the leather recliners at other theaters, but the loveseats at Rosebud Cinema are preferable as far as I'm concerned. We sunk into the plush loveseat and it was far more comfortable than a hard leather recliner. Each loveseat had a decent size pillow to lean on too. It's not the most conveniently located theater based on where I live, but the decent prices and comfortable seating will probably bring me back. read more

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The Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse was named after the rosebud sleigh in the Orson Welle's 1941 classic Citizen Kane! This theatre was first built in 1931. It is the first movie theater in the Milwaukee area to serve alcohol. There is a variety of concessions including fresh buttered popcorn and pizza. The Rosebud is known for their plush love seats and is a fine dinner theatre. Also, check out the Avalon Atmospheric Theater and Times Cinema which is owned by the same business the Neighborhood Theater Group. The Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse is a unique Cinema classic in Wauwatosa! read more

Rosebud Cinema - Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse logo. - Cinema Near Me - Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

The Rosebud is a nice option for seeing current movies in couch style, right in Tosa. Service is very nice and helpful, always! Every seat is an old loveseat couch that comes with a little front table to food and drinks. The couches are kind of worn, but comfy. The Rosebud serves beer, and food like pizzas and nachos. Although I'm not much on eating real food during a movie, it's nice that Rosebud offers this, yay. Everything related to the movie like sound and sightlines equates with the big box or metroplex theaters, and Rosebud is nice to have as an option. read more

Rosebud Cinema - Cinema Near Me - Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

tl;dr yes, this small locally-owned theater has couches #luxury I've watched a handful of movies here and will keep coming back. It still owns my heart because I watched one of my all-time favorite movies here - Guardians of the Galaxy (Vol. 1). Watching movies is all about making memories and the Rosebud gets the job done. The place is small - you're getting the one theater and a limit to what movie is your option, but the size has its perks. Like warm-just-made-before-the-movie popcorn (unlike the large places that will serve up the stale stuff from the night before.) And not just popcorn, but you're getting a full pub-style dinner available including pizzas, waffle fries, chicken tenders, nachos, mozzarella sticks and the like. Also, cold beer on tap (Lakefront, Great Lakes, Sprecher, etc.) along with classic cocktails and wine. The staff comes out and delivers right to your - that's right - couch, love seat or recliner inside. Perfect date night spot that is intimate with great food/service and something a little extra compared to your standard movie experience. Highly recommend. But beware - parking can get a little hectic on busy nights and it only shows one film a time for a limited amount of time so GET IN THERE, or you'll miss out. read more

Looking forward to the reopening of this historic renovated theater. I love the ambiance of 20th century movie theaters, this was and will be again a place to enjoy classic movies with good food and drinks. The movie goers here don't have their phones on texting, don't talk through the show, it's the atmosphere of a more civil and neighborly time. read more

The best movie-watching experience! Who needs lounge chairs when you have a whole love seat!? I love going to the Rosebud so much I will go by myself! Plus a great location right next door to Bel-Air and across from the Drunken Cobra! And it's historical so you're supporting a great cause when you go there! So many great memories at Rosebud read more

Rosebud was a great date night spot. I'd walked by it before but didn't catch a movie until I saw they were showing "A Star is Born" which I'd been meaning to see for a while. We got there about 15 minutes before the show and there were plenty of open seats to choose from. I liked that they were showing previews for the older versions of "A Star is Born" before the show which gave us a sneak peak into the history. The loveseat style was pretty comfortable and good for coming with a date. I could see how it could be less ideal for groups of 3 or coming with friends. We liked being able to cozy up a bit though. The drink selection was pretty good although I wish they would give tap water. My fiancé ended up getting tea and they actually had 5 different ones to choose from. We also got pizza, popcorn and a hard cider. The pizza was pretty mediocre- probably just reheated and although we got the veggie one there were only a few veggies sprinkled on. We will definitely return but may stick to the drinks and popcorn next time. read more

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I went to Rosebud a few times for movies or to watch Packers games within the first couple of years of it being opened. It was a cool experience, but I didn't feel a need to go back. For those who haven't been, imagine a movie theatre where the seats have been replaced with sofas and big comfy chairs. Rosebud was the first theatre to serve alcohol in Milwaukee, if I recall correctly, and you can buy pizzas and other non-standard theatre food, which has become popular in the main stream theatres. Then a few weeks ago, I attended an event which included the Black Panther movie opening and dinner at Irie Zulu, with the movie portion being shown at Rosebud, and I have to say, this was not the same movie theatre I went to years ago. The picture and sound system were vastly improved, and there was much more furniture (sofas of different materials) added, since my last visit. So, kudos to Rosebud for stepping up its game. I don't know when they did it, but they did it, so I plan to go back again and add Rosebud to my very short list of go-to movie theatres. read more

I love the location. Service was great. They showed a short film before the feature which was super rad. Sound was great. But what most people dig about Rosebud is a huge turn off for me--the seating. Its not like regular public seating "fabric" that is super plasticky and synthetic to avoid stains and make cleaning easier. These are legit pieces of furniture. Are these cleaned every night? Between every screening? I kinda wish this info was readily available for the bedbug-paranoid folks like me. Also--most of the seating was loveseats. I like to go to movies by myself. Is there something in place to make sure I dont have to share a couch with someone I don't know? I don't know, even if I was provided with all of this info, I think I'd go elsewhere. Just not my jam at all. read more

Rosebud Cinema - Seating is loveseats? - Cinema Near Me - Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

I came to your establishment this evening to purchase 1 ticket to watch Spiderman and to get out of the 94° heat . Before I purchased a ticket I asked if I could bring in my water bottle that I had been using all day to stay hydrated. Matt and a lady at the counter said no outside beverages were prohibited.  I understood.  I asked if I could bring it in empty and they fill it with water. Again they said no that it was against there policy and If I wanted water I had to purchase it. I left your establishment without watching the movie because i had to pay extra for water. This may be a policy that needs to change.  I understand the policy about food and beverages but I shouldn't have to pay extra for tap water. read more

Such a unique little theater in the heart of Tosa. I love that this little theater sits right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. You will only see one-two movies playing at a time at Rosebud because of the size. It is a very quaint theater that uses couches instead of traditional movie theater seating which is kind of cool if you ask me-plenty of space to snuggle up on your own or with a date. Some of the couches sink a little bit further than you would like but they are still plenty comfy. They offer many popcorn, candy, soda, alcohol, dinner food options and always have plenty of staff on. It's a nice option in this area if you want to catch a quick movie without driving to a big box theater. read more

This was the perfect place to watch a 3 hour movie (Avengers End Game.) I'm so spoiled with reclining dream loungers that I can't even watch a movie at a normal theatre anymore. The couches here make it easy to cuddle or sprawl out and adjust to stay comfy throughout the whole movie. They also provide little coffee tables to set your belongings, food & beverages down (no outside items allowed in.) $10 tickets are super worth it and I love that they also serve alcohol. We shared a large popcorn, which was a necessary size for how long this movie was (no need for butter - food popcorn!) My 1 complaint was how loud it was - I don't think the system was set appropriately for this movie because some parts of it were deafening. That being said, I'd definitely come back (and maybe try some of their other food options next time!) read more

We live just a few blocks from Rosebud and it's our #1 choice when we go see a movie. The Good: *Locally owned, a big plus. *Matinee prices ($5) are a really good deal *Full bar & actual food (mostly bar food or sandwiches) available *Couch seating, good views and good sound *Attracts a mostly older crowd - fewer teens yapping thru the movie as compared to the big chains *Nice drink specials where you buy a pint glass and get refills for cheap. Good beer selection too. *Plenty of parking bit on the street and in a free lot across the street. The Bad: *Most of the couches are pretty "tired" as in bottomed out. Get there early so you can choose carefully. *They only show one film at a time and only for a short while. If you miss it, you're SOL. Overall, I would rather go here than any of the big chain theaters. The prices are good, I can have a drink and they are just a few blocks from home! read more

A great option for an intimate, cozy theater. They have several couches for seating throughout for this 1-movie theater. A variety of options for snacks (popcorn, candy), warm apps, or pizza. Surprisingly several options for non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages! (Cocktails, beer, and wine) It's a nice place for a date night out, lazy night out with friends or family! The sound and picture quality are also plenty enough for me. Parking is street/public parking so it can be a little difficult at times. When I've gone, it hadn't been super busy. So I've only shown up like about 5-10 minutes before seating with enough ease to find two couches for a group of 3-4. Whenever I drive by, I always keep an eye out for what they are playing. I'd rather come by here than to other theaters to catch a movie. read more

A great place to see a movie if you're in the mood for something more intimate and unique than the usual giant theaters. We love date night at the Rosebud and now it's easy to grab dinner nearby (like Bel Air Cantina), then head over to the theater and order a Lakefront custom beer and some popcorn to enjoy during the movie. The best part is the comfy couches that make you feel like you're watching a movie at home, but with theater quality. I think one big thing is missing: an Old Fashioned. There's great beer and good wine on the menu, but just rail cocktails, and I feel like Rosebud could step up their game with some creative cocktails and a signature Old Fashioned. Last time I was there the person working concessions had no idea how to make an Old Fashioned and his best attempt was not great. It could probably also use some cleaning, but generally it rocks and I'll definitely continue seeing movies there. read more

I have lived in Milwaukee my entire life and I have always know that this theater existed until last night. I was kicking myself for not visiting her sooner. Rosebud is on 68 and North Ave sandwiched in between Cranky Al's and Bel Air Catina. I didnt have troubles with parking but I can see where it might be an issue. The prices weren't that bad compared to Marcus Cinemas and the over-priced Ipic. They serve food... pizza, popcorn, cheese sticks ect. I think I might have even seen some adult beverages. The employees her very helpful and patient as we sat and looked over the menu. The seating is comprised of a gang of love-seats, recliners and couches with coffee tables. The food came out so fast after we sat down we were shocked. I will come here as often as I can. The theater is in a good area that is close to a lot of other businesses including a 10 minute drive to Mayfair. The only bummer is that they only show one movie at a time since there is only one screen. Hopefully its something that I would like to see. read more

What an experience. "I hereby declare that every movie I consider seeing in a movie theater, I will first find out if it is playing at the Rosebud, which is 5 miles across town from my house but so worth the drive." I've lived in Milwaukee all my life, and I had no idea. Movies - check. Dining options (although I admit I didn't try any of them this time around) - check. Very comfy couches - check. A nice selection of local beers, ON TAP - check. Tasty popcorn - check. Supporting a local business - check. Yeah, this place is great. See movies here. I think you can also watch Packers games here, for FREE. Of course the hope is that you will buy food and beer as well. Love it. read more

I'll admit I'm not much of a movie -theater-going gal (despite my love of actual films.) That being said, this is a great venue!! The seats are all a jumble of couches, love seats, and recliners with coffee tables. Like ur having a private screening in someone's giant living room. Great for a date. You can order food or drink (including alcohol,) get a number to put on ur couch and they bring it right to u! Granted, the food isn't anything gourmet, but uve got sandwiches, pizza, fried appetizers, burgers, etc to choose from. The staff was very friendly, offering to let me come back and add on an item to get their 'value meal' price. You can usually find parking very close on the.street. (during the day mon-sat I think there is a 3 hr limit before 6 pm though ). There's also a small public parking lot across the street too. Soooo much nicer than mayfair. They show some classics.and.some major releases. Great venue. read more

Who doesn't love comfy couches and a great selection of beer while watching a movie?? It's like being at home - but with a HUGE screen! I love the Rosebud. Pass up the big movie theater chains, and keep it local with Rosebud! read more

This is a combo Rosebud / Times review... The Rosebud and the Times are spots we keep returning to... not because of the prices, but the uniqueness of it. It's my favorite spot for our "date nights." Sure, the prices are a little higher here, but you're also paying for the experience. I would highly recommend the cheesy garlic bread. Delicious! The beer on tap is all hand-picked and not a bad one in the bunch. (Try the Casablanca, brewed just for the Rosebud by Lakefront Brewery - it's wonderful.) The Rosebud and the Times are great places to support because they will show the hard to find indie movies (you don't have to drive all the way to the Downer or Oriental - bonus!). The Times will show $5.00 classic movies and midnight shows, and they are a great value. When I ordered a beer at the last movie I was at, they were all out of plastic cups, so they gave me a pint glass. The fact that they go the extra mile to satisfy their customers goes a long way in my book. All in all they get 5 stars from me. read more

Rosebud is the coolest place to see a movie. Where else can you go, put your feet up and enjoy a beer? Sitting on a nice comfy sofa instead of theater seats is fantastic. You order your food/beverages at the counter, you get a number, you place your number on the top of your sofa and they bring it to you when it's ready. Now keep in mind the food is about as good as the concession stand at your local Little League park. It's not the gourmet, but I can get a Corona to go with my pretzel and cheese! The experience is worth it, I just wish they would change the movies a little more often so there is more variety. read more

So sick of the corporate theaters. Would much rather watch a movie at The Oriental, The Times or The Rosebud.

I really can't think of a reason, except the limited selection, to see a movie anywhere else in Milwaukee. The girl and I used to drive from the East Side to see movies here and then as soon as we move to the area it shuts down. Figures. But now the clouds have parted and the sun is shining and the birds are singing and the Rosebud is showing movies again. They still have hugely comfortable loveseats instead of chairs. Perfect for snuggling and cuddling and illicit kissing. Guaranteed to make you feel like a teenager again. They still have a pretty great selection of food that they'll serve dinner theater style, bringing it out to when it's ready. Just put your number on the back of your couch and you'll get it soon enough. They also have a full bar, which is super exciting. Listen, I'm a cheap-skate. I was raised by a cheap-skate and fell in love with a cheap-skate. I sneak my own booze into whatever event I can. I'm the guy buying bottles of Coke at Miller Park and alternating swigs from my bottle of brown liquid. I'm probably the reason the Rosebud went out of business the first time. But if you're not a broke scum-bag like me the ability to buy booze at the show is a huge plus. The staff is great, always has been. I mentioned to one of the guys when we were there last week that they don't have the popcorn flavor shakers they used to have. He had me fill out a comment card and I don't know if anything will come of it but it's nice to have the illusion that your opinion is valued and matters. Love the Rosebud, if you've never been you gotta check it out. read more

I just went here this weekend with a buddy to see the movie "Her'. I had only heard stories of the mythical theater with couches. Parking was pretty simple, plenty of street parking and down several side streets. We went around 12:30 and ordered some food/beer before the show. We got jalepeno poppers, cheese curds and chicken strips. I have to agree that I thought they were overpriced - but this is the name of the game, huh? We picked a front and center couch that was actually very comfortable. It was, however the only one without a removable cover in the immediate area, leading me to have terrible thoughts about what I was snuggling with. The food came out at a relatively quick pace, but we were enjoying our $15 pitcher of Riverwest Stein so we didn't care. The screen was on the smaller side and there was no surround sound - but that all took a back seat to the great service, and supporting a local establishment. As soon as I left I went to their website to see what comes out next, and I can't wait to go back! read more

Went to the Rosebud to see Spiderman, but was not prepared to have my mind blown. Draft beer on tap . . . served in a real glass . . . you've got to be kidding me. "Your rootbeer float will be brought to you sir just put this number card on the back of your couch." Couch??? After ordering Newcastle on tap, a hot pretzle that will be brought to me, a rootbeer float for my daughter, and some poppers we walked into the theatre. Layed out before us were dozens of velvet sofa's and love seats, each with a small cafe table next to it. I never knew a place like this existed. It is a treasure and I can't wait to take a date there. A great movie going experience. read more

Some theaters have stadium seats where the armrest folds back to make it more of a couch-like seating arrangement. This place has actual couches and loveseats. There really isn't a bad seat in this place as far as I can tell. All of them seem comfortable and allow you to get up close to your sweetheart (or archenemy if that's your thing). While the previews were playing, I was worried that it was going to be too quiet, but my worries ceased when the movie started. The sound is loud. The sound is stereo. I'm pretty sure it wasn't surround sound, but I can give them a pass on that. The screen was magnificent. Maybe magnificent is the wrong word. The screen was really big. The concessions struck me as being a tad expensive for what they were, but probably at about par of prices at your local AMC or other movieplex. They did have a good soda selection including Sprecher Root Beer and Orange Dream. They had a decent beer selection too. My only real complaint is that they advertise beer or soda in a pint glass that you get to keep, and on the little poster thing near the concessions they show an image of a Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse glass, but we got Miller Lite pint glasses instead. Yuck! read more

I loved this place when it first opened. They'd play independent and foreign films and midnight movies and so on. It's still a great venue to see a movie but sadly they've moved further and further from the original concept of independent cinema so now I'm hard-pressed to find anything playing there that isn't your typical megaplex blockbuster. I like that they've expanded the menu though. And really, on the rare occasions they show something I'd actually pay money to see in a first run theatre, as opposed to the kind of garbage more worthy of dollar night at the value cinema, it's a great pleasure to see it here. I just wish it could happen more often than every two or three years... read more

I slept far too long on this hometown theater...it won't happen again! Comfy couches, great staff, free refills on soda...incredible sound, and best of all...within walking distance for me! We will be back to try the pizza and paninis -- great stop for date night! read more

LOVE THIS PLACE! This is a great date or family place. It has drinks, beer, food and movie theater fare. Seriously great deals. You can get combos that include popcorn, hamburgers, pizza, and many other things. Great atmosphere, very clean. Decent parking in the area. The sofas are comfortable and give an air or romanticism. The people who work there are great and the bathrooms are clean. Go there! Have a great time! read more

We hit up the Rosebud for the first time last night. Great little date place. Couches are pretty comfortable (though a footrest would be nice!) and the picture/sound were good. As others have said the menu offers a lot of choices. We were starving but there aren't a lot of healthy options. We opted for the pizza which was nothing more than a frozen Jacks or similar...but the price was astounding...$15! I definitely prefer the iPic at Bayshore, but overall it was a nice experience and we'll be back. read more

Nice place, It's not very close or easy to get to from downtown but worth the drive if you're in for a slightly different movie experience. They seem to have a lot of rules and make seeing a movie feel slightly more complicated then it really is. Can't enter for 30 minutes prior. etc. Thought that was kind of common sense. Comfy couches, lots of beer/wine choices for movies, have to keep up on the schedule to know what you're getting into. I love that they're playing older movies, but wish they had a couple more current ones thrown in the loop. One of the many details on the website says order food from the extensive menu and they bring it out in 15-20 minutes. We didn't order anything but it was 45 minutes into the movie and the people in front of us were just getting there order. My other complaint is that we ordered a large drink and medium soda and the guy tried to hand us two small drinks. I felt a bit snippy to have to tell the guy that nothing he gave us was right. Felt really bad for holding up the line. But it was worked out in the end. Was surprised how expensive everything is considering most of the movies are not new, but if you're in the mood for something a little different when all movie theaters are the same I'd reccommend this at least once, especially if there is a good black and white movie showing. Could be cute. read more

Pretty cool. All seats are loveseats, so it is an awesome (fantastic, superior) date experience. It might be awkward to go with an acquaintance or a love interest on whom you are not yet ready to make a move. If you are ready to make your move, consider a trip to the Rosebud! Concessions: oh, the selection! Beer, soda, rootbeer floats, ice cream, all sorts of food. And the classic candy and popcorn. The popcorn did not taste fresh, they must not go through a lot. They do feature awesome options to sprinkle on, though. Included are: Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast (yum!), salt of course, and then real popcorn flavorings (*not natural): cajun, bbq, ranch, sour cream and onion, cheddar. Staff: friendly and helpful. Definitely an intimate movie experience. Boyfriend went to the bathroom and one of the employees offered to tell him where specifically in the theater I went to sit down after he came out. read more

Big fans of the rosebud theater! We like that you can get alcoholic drinks, food and also the couch seating. One thing I do not like is sometimes movies are only there for a week and I don't get a chance to see them. We go to the rosebud over any other theater and will sometimes wait for a movie to get to rosebud before traveling anywhere else. Ask them about the pint glass refill special. Well worth it. read more

We had been meaning to go here for 3 or 4 years, finally went this weekend. Was not expecting the decent beer list and the fairly large ( for a cinema ) food menu. $5 dollar movies before 5pm was an added bonus. The love seats are a cool idea and the fact that they bring the food to your seat was good too. It would however, have been nice to be told that when I ordered the food instead of me standing with the number in my hand waiting at the counter. It wasn't until I saw some people go in with numbers that I asked the ticket guy and he said you put the number on the back of the couch and they bring the food in after the film has started. The love seats are not the comfiest however cool they may be. I wouldn't normally tell someone to try the pretzel bites at a chain cinema, but here they are awesome! We will definitely be coming back. read more

Rule #1 - Don't sit on my couch if I am there!! Am a huge fan of the Rosebud. And, am a proud card carrying member of the Rosebuddy Club! $35 gets you 5 admissions, 3 popcorns and 10% off all concession stand items. How can you beat that. I make sure I am at least 45 min early to the movie to get the best seat in the house. Although, I am not sharing which couch that is, cause I am sure I will end up fighting someone for it. Best place to see a movie. Comfy couches, full bar, and plenty of food options if you are so inclined. Me....I stick with a large soda, popcorn and a box of candy. The way a movie should be seen. read more

I love the Rosebud. There is nothing like going to a movie, lounging on a plush couch or love seat with your man, and consuming a glass of wine. The screen itself is huge (don't need my glasses). I can see from any seat in the theater. I like that I can snuggle without a silly arm rest jabbing in my side. The movies do not change all that often. I do like most of the movies that are selected though. My all time favorites are the classics that are brought back. read more

I love this little theater in downtown Wauwatosa. They have a great food and drink menu. The couches that recline make the experience even better. They only show a couple movie selections at a time, but it's still a great option over other theaters in the area. read more

The best place to comfortably watch a flick. It feels like you are on your couch. (Well, duh!) You get served any deep friend 'connie food you desire and you can get a cheap pitcher. If you go to the early show it's only $5. Come on, with this economy... you can cough up $5. read more

I love old, unique cinemas...especially ones that serve meal type food and alcohol! I try to go to the Rosebud as much as possible and tend to avoid large theaters like Marcus. Not only can I support local business, but you have your choice of sitting in a love seat or a wing back chair during the show. They play first run movies (last night I saw Gangster Squad) but once and a while they also play classics and even football games. The menu consists of appetizers, pizza, sandwiches and typical cinema food as well as beer, wine, sangria, long islands and mixed drinks. Since they reopened, the sound system has been upgraded and some of the worn out love seats were replaced. It's charming, comfortable and unique- all around great experiene. read more

Really, really enjoy this spot (located in my new 'hood)! They had a fabulous Groupon earlier this summer and I snatched it up right away, eager to check the place out. A friend and I stopped in on a weeknight for drinks, pizza, and a flick and I'm SO glad we did! Food delivered right to your comfy couch, beers and cocktails, and a super cool staff and vibe. Our pizza was hot, fresh, and tasty - and the beer was COLD. I also noticed there are one-seaters for the times you are seeing a flick solo. They show one movie at a time, but no complaints from me - I can plan ahead for the ones I want to see. Can't wait to go back! read more