The best movie-going experience. Ever.
I'd heard about the Parkway forever. Some mystical, magical place that played first-run movies, served pizza and most magical of all, offered beer to its movie-going patrons.
Needless to say I was skeptical. The fact that this wonderland was located in Oakland didn't help to convince me. Oakland is, like, totally FAR.
But at last, in the tow of the two people who had proselytized to me most enthusiastically about the Parkway, I went. I was shocked first at the ticket price: "Excuse me. But did you just ask me for $5? Not $15? Not $50?" Then the menu: "What do I want on my pizza? Are you kidding me?" And the beer: "A whole pitcher? Of Prohibition Ale? No. WAY." And then we got into the theater: "Couches? Comfy cushy chairs? Tables? Am I dreaming?" And the creme de la creme: Real butter for the popcorn
Okay, so the pizza isn't over the top great. Neither are the nachos. But they are good enough and there's BEER. Good beer. It's just like watching movies at home, except you have to wear your pants. And the movies are always the good ones---the ones you really wanted to see as soon as they came out but didn't have time.
I'm not saying there aren't already a lot of reasons to go to Oaktown. But you can never have too many. And the Parkway is my favorite one.
Parkway Speakeasy Theater
1843 Park Blvd btw. 18th & 19th
Oakland, CA 94606
(510) 814-2400
www.parkway-speakeasy.com
