Who doesn’t love dinner and a show? From Southern comfort buffets to Broadway-style productions, these historic dinner theaters turn a night out into a full-blown experience.
The Barn Dinner Theatre — Greensboro, NC
Step inside one of the oldest dinner theaters in the country at The Barn Dinner Theatre in Greensboro. While live musicals, comedies, and dramas unfold on stage, guests enjoy an all-you-can-eat Southern-style buffet loaded with ham, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, greens, and warm rolls. If you’re visiting during the holidays, their beloved Black Nativity is a can’t-miss tradition.
La Comedia Dinner Theatre — Springboro, OH
With over six million guests served, La Comedia knows how to put on a show. As one of the oldest and largest professional dinner theaters in the country, they go big with Broadway-style productions like Jesus Christ Superstar and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The food? Just as satisfying. Think roast beef for dinner, glazed ham at brunch, and an assortment of freshly baked breads – pumpernickel, sourdough, the works.
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre — Indianapolis, IN
Hundreds of thousands of guests pack into Beef & Boards each year for Broadway hits like Pretty Woman and Cinderella, served alongside a buffet-style spread of roast beef and prime rib. The circular theater layout means there’s not a bad seat in the house – every angle gets you close to the action, the music, and the drama.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres — Chanhassen, MN
Since 1968, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres has been serving up a little something for everyone: drag brunches, holiday celebrations, and classic musicals like Guys and Dolls. The menu is à la carte, with entrees like top sirloin and orange roughy – upgrade to prime rib or Atlantic salmon if you’re feeling fancy. Save room for their decadent chocolate cake, which is tall enough (and rich enough) to split with your date.
Toby’s Dinner Theatre — Columbia, MD
Theater in the round means no seat at Toby’s is more than 30 feet from the stage – you’re practically part of the cast. This family-friendly venue performs musicals like The Little Mermaid and The Hunchback of Notre Dame while you load up at the buffet with roast beef, ham, ribs, and every side you can imagine. Great views, great shows, and enough food to fuel the standing ovation.
Alhambra Dinner Theatre — Jacksonville, FL
The oldest continuously running professional dinner theater in the United States, Alhambra is a northeast Florida institution. Catch tribute bands or full musicals like Fiddler on the Roof and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang while the whole family enjoys a three-course meal: soup or salad, your choice of salmon, pork, or chicken, and dessert to finish. It’s dinner, it’s a show, and it’s been doing both since before most of us were born.
Derby Dinner Playhouse — Clarksville, IN
Around since 1974, Derby Dinner Playhouse is the only dinner theater in the Louisville area, and it brings the full production: live orchestras, ornate costumes, and professional lighting. Shows range from kid-friendly favorites like Rapunzel to musical groups like the Glenn Miller Orchestra. The buffet holds its own, too – fried chicken, fish, a full salad bar, and plenty of sides to keep you satisfied through intermission.
Jesters Dinner Theatre – Longmont, Colorado
Get ready for a night of laughs, music, and unforgettable live entertainment at Jesters Dinner Theatre in Longmont! This beloved family-run spot has been delighting audiences with musicals, improv comedy, adult shows, and kid-friendly performances for decades. Grab a tasty dinner, sip at the bar on Friday nights, then settle in for a show packed with heart, humor, and hometown charm.
