Cinema Cafe

It placed its first ad as “Cinema Cafe” on December 21st. 2001. Another ad posted.

Two screens in October 1983.

Opened as Terrace Theatre on May 12th, 1967

Terrace Theatre opening 12 May 1967, Fri The Roanoke World-News (Roanoke, Virginia) Newspapers.com

I would be interested to know whether this theatre was able to project the real Cinerama, 3 projector films. It certainly had the deep curved screen for them. I recall seeing 2001 A Space Odyssey there when it was first released as well as a few other movies that could take advantage of the screen but I am not sure whether they were single or 3 projector. As kids we used to go there on Saturday mornings and all we needed to get in was 6 bottle caps (from Dr. Peppers?). It wasn’t long before it began to decline although it became a fun spot for infamous midnight movies where a cloud of herbal smoke would quickly fill the entire theatre minutes after the show started. I had not seen it for decades but while visiting Roanoke recently noticed it appeared to be closed.

The theatre opened in 1967 with IN LIKE FLINT on a giant curved screen called ULTRAVISION (a poor man’s Cinerama). IN LIKE FLINT was especially fun for Roanoker’s because one of the undercover female spies claimed she was just a “little ol school teacher from Roanoke, VA”, a line that was used at least three times in the film. I bought the video just to hear it again.

I love the Cinema Cafe! My teens will go there with me and we can eat and watch a movie together, and someone even refills my soda for me!! My son can take a date there for a nice evening that is more personal than just sitting in a movie and more entertaining than just eating out. The evenings are not my favorite times as they are more crowded, but obviously others enjoy them. The pool tables in the lobby encourage you to come early and there is plenty of seating to watch the players from. Such a friendly place!! ..and the food is even good and not expensive
I don’t know what a treasure theater is, but Cinema Cafe is a treasure to experience.

The Mall,whose parking lot the joint sits in,refected the demise of this NON-treasure.When it opened in the 60’s,it helped kill the wonderful downtown theater scene.By the way,I was told that there is a bldg.on Campbell Ave.that was a theater till sometime in the 50’s,between the Roanoke Times and Jefferson St.Somewhere near where Woolworths once was.Anybody out there older than me?

I’ve been to this place. It’s an interesting alternative. An adventure. Come with good friends, and any bad experiences* you encounter will seem good when you reflect on it in the future.

• = It’s right off of Williamson road. What do you expect?

This is a great theater with a pool table, video games, good food, acloholic beverages, and friendly staff. One of the best places in Roanoke.

Built in the mid 60’s this theater came to life as The Terrace Theater. It had the largest screen acreage of any theater in Roanoke. Also was advertised as the rocking chair theater because the spring loaded seats allowed a small amount of flexing.