Create memories with friends and family and have an evening of fun with dinner and a show in Anderson County. Our venues range from community theatres to state of the art cinemas and we have dining options to serve every palate. Here’s a few pairings and suggestions:

Oak Ridge Playhouse and Dinner:

Take in a play or musical event at the Oak Ridge Playhouse and choose from a variety of dining options in Oak Ridge to finish out your evening. The Oak Ridge Playhouse is one of the most thriving community theatres in Tennessee and one of the oldest in the Southeastern United States. The Playhouse offers a diverse season of musicals, comedies, dramas and children’s plays. To see a schedule of upcoming shows, click here.

Just a few steps away from the Playhouse, you can enjoy a delicious southern meal at Dean’s Restaurant and Bakery. Dean’s is a locally owned restaurant serving fresh, southern food with Appalachian roots. You’ll be greeted with southern hospitality and will be ready to plan your next visit after enjoying a delicious meal! We highly recommend the pot roast or fried catfish. And, be sure to treat yourself to a homemade dessert while you’re there.

Another option: take a short walk down the street from the Playhouse and enjoy some of Anderson County’s best pizza at Big Ed’s. Big Ed’s Pizza has been a staple in the community since 1970. The pizza sauce and dough are made from scratch and they hand toss all of their pizzas. Big Ed’s attracts locals and visitors from afar and once you visit you’ll understand why.

New Release Movie and Dinner:

One place to check out a new release movie is Cinemark Tinseltown in Oak Ridge. The Cinema offers luxury loungers and an online reservation system, so you’re guaranteed to get a great seat even if you show up at the last minute. The Cinema has 15 of the latest box office hits showing at all times. You can find a schedule here.

If you’re looking to pair your movie night with some fine dining, you may want to check out the newly opened Fire and Salt Restaurant. Chef Alex Gass is an Oak Ridge native and has brought local ingredients and heirloom recipes with a unique flair to Oak Ridge.

If you want something a little more laid back, check out Oakey’s Sports Bar and Grill right down the street from Tinseltown. Oakey’s is a casual American restaurant specializing in burgers and wings and all of your traditional favorites.

Another place to catch a new release movie is the Historic Ritz Theater in Downtown Clinton. You’ll get to experience current movies in a historical building. Tickets are only $6.00 each and you’ll want to save room for popcorn: it’s been rated as some of the best popcorn around! Movie times at The Ritz are limited to one showing at 7:00 pm, so plan accordingly.

You have a couple of close options for dining if you’re catching a movie at the Ritz. Right next door is Hoskins Soda Fountain and serves the best burgers and shakes around. They also have daily specials and a variety of sandwiches to choose from. They close at 6 pm during the week and 3 pm on Saturdays, so be sure to plan ahead.

You can also grab a bite to eat right down the street from the Ritz Theater at Apple Blossom Cafe. They have a large menu from sandwiches and burgers to pasta and seafood, so there is something for everyone. And, it’s all delicious! They are open until 8:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, so it’s a great place to grab dinner before the movie.