River Oaks Theatre
The River Oaks Theatre was first opened on November 28, 1939. After closing in 2021, the theatre was acquired by Culinary Khancepts and Star Cinema Grill, and reopened its doors on October 3, 2024 as Houston's premiere film and live events venue. The theatre offers an eclectic mix of film programming featuring art house films, awards-worthy blockbusters, and classic cinema. In addition, the River Oaks Theatre hosts live events such as comedy shows, musicians, and performers of all shapes and sizes.
The new owners led the extensive effort to rejuvenate the theatre with a stunning new design that thoughtfully blends the theater’s original rich burgundy and gold Art Deco charm with luxurious modern touches and a new full-service food and beverage experience, elevating the standard for both cinematic and live entertainment in Houston.
Located in the iconic River Oaks Shopping Center owned by Kimco Realty, the venue is now a full-fledged venue for live events. The main auditorium features sound, lighting, and stage systems designed to host concerts, comedy shows, and other live performances.
Besides the classic movie snacks like buttered popcorn and candy, River Oaks Theatre now offers a new, refined food and beverage menu that enhances the guest experience and can be delivered right to the seats. Guests can enjoy seat-side service in all auditoriums, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action. Lavish bars located on both the first and second floors offer craft cocktails, wine, and beer.
Menu highlights include the Free Range Popcorn Chicken, served with charred jalapeño ranch, and honey mustard, as well as the indulgent Veal and Pork Fried Meatballs, crisped in oil and served with spicy tomato basil and parmesan. Other entrées feature The Lobster Roll, made with Atlantic lobster, tarragon, and lobster butter on a toasted croissant, and the nutritious Ora King Salmon Grain Bowl, a vibrant mix of ancient grains, avocado, herbs, red onion and cucumber topped with a Greek yogurt dressing. For a heartier option, try the Luv Ya Blu Burger, made with Allen Brothers dry-aged smash patties, French fried onions, R.O.T. sauce, and gorgonzola dolce, served with fries.
