Have Your Cake- And Watch A Show, Too
Los Angeles dinner theater is transforming the way you dine
Dinner theater has an extensive history- and has become very popular in Los Angeles recently. When you were a kid, your parents probably didn’t allow you to watch TV while you ate supper. Meals were a chance for families to spend time together. The television was off, games were put away, and everyone was gathered around the table to eat mom’s horrible meatloaf. One of the best things about growing up is that you get to make your own rules. And as an adult, if you want to combine your entertainment with your meals, it’s your decision to make.
This desire to be entertained while we eat stays with us as we get older. Only now, it presents itself in a more elaborate way. Instead of wanting to watch TGIF while we eat our Kraft mac-n-cheese, we now prefer musicals and spectacles alongside our wine and tomato soup appetizer.
Dinner theater in Los Angeles can be enjoyed by almost anyone, regardless of the kind of entertainment you’re looking for. It can be found in various locations around town, almost any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining meal or hands-on grub, a comedy magic show or a Clue-like mystery, we’ve got the spots you need to check out this summer.
Medieval Times
Whoever said that swords and shields don’t belong at the dinner table was right- they belong in the arena in front of the dinner table. If you prefer your night out to consist of love, courage, duels, and a side of corn, Medieval Times in Buena Park may be just what you’re looking for. This dinner attraction transports you back ten centuries to a time of courageous knights and epic sword fights. Paired with a hands-on feast, this breathtaking two hour performance will make you forget where you are- and what year it is. Once you arrive, you are immediately treated as one of the king’s noble guests. Prior to your four-course royal feast, you will be seated in a color-coded section that corresponds to one of the knights. Be prepared to cheer him on to victory in an electrifying battle that consists of jousting, weaponry, falconry and horsemanship, where pure Spanish war horses perform equestrian stunts. In between the clashing swords and dueling knights there is romance and drama as well, as the king tries to maintain peace in the kingdom, creating a real-life Game of Thrones feel. Only it’s not HBO- it’s dinner at Medieval Times.
Teatro Martini
Part Vegas, part fine dining, full-on entertainment, Teatro Martini Dinner Comedy Theater offers a unique combination of cirque, magic, comedy, and dancing. You don’t need a five hour desert drive to find a top-notch burlesque performance show that also features acrobats. Towing the line between casual and classy, this show jumps from comedy to dance to magic in a matter of moments. You’ll want to leave the kids at home for this one, as it can be a little naughty at times. But it’s all in good fun, and makes the perfect spot for a date or even a birthday celebration. Make sure you come hungry, because while you are engaged with the variety of talent that surrounds you, you’ll be provided with a meal that is on par with the top-tier caliber artists. The three course dinner consists of sirloin, chicken, or salmon, and is prepared by world-class chefs as skilled as the performers in front of you are flexible.
Keith + Margo’s Murder Mystery Dinner
Want to take your love of dinner theater to the next level? How about being a part of the show you’re seeking? Fourth walls don’t exist in this hands-on whodunnit murder mystery dinner experience, which forgoes the stage and takes the experience, consisting of dead bodies, detectives, and a four course meal, directly to the audience. From the start, you’ll find yourself immersed in a web of lies and accusations- all while enjoying your Greek hummus appetizer, chicken parm entree, and tiramisu desert (vegetarian options available.) From the moment you walk through the door, who you are and what you share is up to you- but beware, others may be lying as well. You may be seated beside the killer- or you may be the killer! At the end, all guests are asked to solve the case, which makes perfect use of your ten plus years of Law & Order: SVU experience. The best (and funniest!) guesses win prizes.
Rockwell Table & Stage
If you’re not quite sure what kind of entertainment you’re in the mood for, you may want to check out Rockwell Table & Stage in the Los Feliz Village. This cozy venue offers a variety of shows every week, ranging from unauthorized musical parodies of The Big Lebowski to cage matches that pit Broadway stars against each other in sing-offs. The intimate setting puts you practically on the stage with the performers, and the talent will remind you that Hollywood is only a few blocks away. Rockwell’s extensive cocktail menu may entice you to skip dinner all together in lieu of a liquid evening, but with options ranging from flatbreads to stuffed sea bass, you may reconsider. After the show, you can continue your evening on their rooftop patio, dimly lit with string lights and mellow music and the perfect environment in which to wind down.
