New Movie Theater at Oakbrook Center with IMAX and Dolby Cinema

The new AMC Oakbrook Center 12 movie theater opens tomorrow! It has 12 theaters, including one IMAX and one Dolby Cinema. I had the opportunity to check it out today and share photos with you, along with scope out the best place to park!

The lobby has a MacGuffins bar that offers beer, wine, and cocktails that you can bring in with you.

The concessions are in a Marketplace style, where you grab, pay, and go without lengthy ordering causing long lines. The food and drinks offered include:

• Chicken tenders
• Mozzarella sticks
• Pizza
• French fries
• Chili Frito Pie
• Better-for-you snacks
• Plain and chili cheese hot dogs
• Frozen soft serve and shakes
• Gourmet popcorn
• Espresso, cappuccino, lattes
• Chili cheese and chicken nachos
• Frozen Yogurt
• Coca-Cola Freestyle

Each theater has the new style seating: plush rockers in the IMAX theater and comfortable power recliners in the rest. The Dolby Cinema boasts rich colors and an amazing sound system, along with power recliners that pulsate with the action on screen.

I normally wouldn’t take pictures of the bathroom, but since we’re probably thinking like parents I wanted to let you know that there are family restrooms with smaller toilets and sinks. I appreciate when the little ones are thought of too!

Where to Park

There are always many options to park at Oakbrook Center that have access to the same area, but where is the best place to park for the AMC 12? Go around to what I call the backside of the mall, by the Sears Auto Center, and you will see the biggest AMC sign attached to the building. There is a ramp to the parking garage right under the sign. (For reference, when you are driving towards that area you can either veer to the right up the ramp or go straight toward California Pizza Kitchen.) The first level after going up the ramp is closest to the theater, but going down a level is also convenient. The escalators take you right to the front door of the theater.

There is also an AMC sign on the other side next to Nordstrom. You can enter that parking garage and park by the elevators that take you up to the second level of the mall. From there you walk across toward the theater. This way is a little more convoluted, but doable. The theater mentioned that they are working on adding signs to that area to make it more clear.

Upcoming outside the theater: The District at Oakbrook

The District at Oakbrook, a food court featuring several fast casual restaurants, will be opening in early December, with the exception of Potbelly Sandwich Shop and Nando’s Peri Peri which will open in November.

“The District at Oakbrook will round out our great selection of fine dining, casual restaurants and snacks and drinks, providing guests with diverse dining options to fulfill any culinary craving,” says Caryn Torres, senior general manager of Oakbrook Center. “Oakbrook Center’s fast-casual restaurants will be ideal for on-the-go shoppers, business lunch crowds, large groups, families and moviegoers looking for quick service in an upscale setting.”

Here is the list of restaurants that will be in this area:

Nando’s PERi-PERi – The South African-Portuguese restaurant is known worldwide for its succulent PERi-PERi chicken, marinated for 24 hours, flame-grilled to perfection and basted to customers’ preferred flavor and spice. It’s equally renowned for its spicy PERi-PERi, Bird’s Eye chili pepper and unparalleled collection of original South African art.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop – Potbelly Corporation is a fast-growing neighborhood sandwich concept, offering toasty warm sandwiches, signature salads, hand dipped milkshakes and freshly baked cookies served by engaging people in an environment that uniquely reflects the Potbelly brand.

DMK Burger Bar – In 2009, David Morton and Michael Kornick opened DMK Burger Bar in Chicago. Since then, DMK Burger Bar has been serving award winning burgers, fries and shakes to Chicagoans. DMK is a major supporter of local charities benefitting hunger, wellness, children and the environment.

Greek Kitchen – At Greek Kitchen, guests get Greek served their way with customizable pita handhelds, fresh salads and plates. This original, quick-serve concept offers the most flavorful ingredients, guided by the timeless health benefits of Mediterranean cooking. Guests can enjoy Greek food that is refined for a modern world.

Porkchop – Dishing out an urban interpretation of a Southern backwoods experience, Porkchop serves gourmet Southern comfort food and barbeque and features an innovative bar program with some of the world’s top whiskeys.

DAVIDsTEA – DAVIDsTEA is making tea fun, modern and friendly. The store offers more than 150 flavors of loose tea, hot and cold drinks to go, modern tea accessories and the world’s greatest, most knowledgeable staff.

Stan’s Donuts – The popular Stan’s Donuts, brought to Chicago by critically acclaimed baker Rich Labriola from California, has crafted some of the world’s best donuts for more than 50 years. Stan’s offers an abundant variety of donuts, as well as tasty coffee and delicious ice cream.

Pie Five Pizza Co. – At Pie Five Pizza Co., customers can create their own personalized pizza in under five minutes. With a selection of more than 28 fresh toppings, seven savory sauces and four made-from-scratch crusts, Pie Five has something for everyone all for one low price.

Freshii – With the mission to create a restaurant that helps people live healthier and longer, Freshii provides fresh, nutritious and energizing meal choices. The menu offers everything from quinoa bowls to fresh pressed juices.

Cilantro Taco Grill – A family-ran business, Cilantro Taco Grill provides a delightful restaurant experience with great service. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner made from fresh ingredients, guests can taste truly authentic Mexican food.

AMC Oakbrook Center 4

For those of you who have been enjoying the current movie theater at Oakbrook Center (the AMC 4), that theater is not going away; we will just have even more movie choices in the same mall!