JUNE 14
C RY D E R
P O I N T
Wanna Get Out for a Movie?
Drive to a Drive-In!
BY JILL DAVIS
Feeling cooped up? Want to get out for a while? Well,
it seems that everything old is new again. Welcome the
return of the good old-fashioned drive-in movie.
Most readers probably don’t even remember what a
drive-in movie is, let alone have ever been to one. Basically,
you sit in your car, snacks in hand, and watch a
movie on a very big screen. They were once very popular
in downstate New York; for whatever reasons, drive-ins
have been long-gone from our area. But with traditional
movie theaters remaining closed, some ingenious folks
are trying to satisfy people’s appetite to get out of the
house and see a movie on an honest-to-goodness ginormous
movie screen.
Sure, in most cases you’ll have to take a short road trip
to get to one but hey, you’ve got the time! You’ll also have
to plan ahead, since space at venues is often limited and
you usually will have to buy tickets in advance. Also note
that so far venues are offering primarily “oldies but goodies”
such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Raiders of
the Lost Ark” and the like. The upside is that many have
food available either for pickup on-site or brought right
to your car, just like in the old days.
You’ll see that prices can vary greatly, but so far, the
concept seems to be a hit with shows selling out quickly.
If this retro-style entertainment is successful, it’s likely
that more venues will be popping up; who knows, maybe
they’ll stick around after this pandemic pain is over.
Listed below, in no particular order, is a list of locations
currently open or in the planning stages. Since this
is a pretty new (old) idea, information isn’t necessarily
complete. Check out the websites or the weekly Queens
Courier for updated information. And don’t forget to
pass the popcorn!
SMITH HAVEN MALL
Smithtown
Smith Haven Mall debuted its drive-in movies on May
28 with a b-i-g 52-foot screen. Plans are to have themed
evenings such as “date night,” “family night,” etc. Tickets
must be ordered online in advance, $40 per car. You can
bring your own food or order curbside pickup from one
of the mall’s restaurants. Website: movielotdrivein.com
NASSAU COLISEUM
Uniondale
This one’s a no-brainer--the Coliseum’s parking lot is
huge! $30 per car in advance/$35 at the gate; credit or
debit cards only. Food trucks will be on premises. Website:
ticketmaster.com/artist/2756410
COACH MEETING HOUSE
Oyster Bay
Here’s a smaller venue but it offers old-fashioned “carhop”
dining with food and drink brought right to your
car. June movie dates were not yet available at press time.
Website: coachgrillandtavernoysterbay.com
YANKEE STADIUM
Bronx
At press time, this one’s still in the works with drive-in
movies slated to begin in July, and it’s pretty ambitious. So
far they’re planning themed nights, such as “date nights”
14 CRYDER POINT COURIER | JUNE 2020 | WWW.QUEENSCOURIER.COM
on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and a “family brunch
series” on Saturdays and Sundays. They also are marketing
this as a combo drive-in and live music concert.
Prices are not yet set. Website: mailchi.mp
VILLAGE IDIOT IRISH PUB
Oakdale
Here’s a pretty intimate option, so to speak. The pub’s lot
holds only 15 cars, so it’s no surprise it’s sold out quickly
so far. The charge of $50 per person includes 2 drinks and
a meal including mini chicken tacos and chicken fingers.
Website: villageidiotirishpub.com
BEL AIRE DINER
Astoria
Photo via Instagram/belairediner
You have to have your timing right for this one. Movies
are announced only 2-3 days in advance and the lot only
holds 30-40 cars. Most tickets are $32. Order food from the
diner ahead of time from their website: belairediner.nyc
BAY TERRACE
Bayside
Councilman Paul Vallone teamed with Cord Meyer,
the owners of Bay Terrace, and the Queens Chamber of
Commerce to hold a drive-in movie event on June 19. It
filled up in no time. The organizers are hoping to hold
more such events in the area under the umbrella, “Northeast
Queens Drive-In Movies,” so be on the lookout for
future announcements.
Photo via Flickr
/coachgrillandtavernoysterbay.com
/2756410
/movielotdrivein.com
/WWW.QUEENSCOURIER.COM
/villageidiotirishpub.com
