Date night on your radar? We’ve got you covered, and we’re keeping you close to home. If you do date night at the Edmonds Theater, you’ll be in for a treat. This isn’t just any movie outing—it’s a step back in time to when going to the cinema was the main event (Netflix can have the night off). And because everything you need is within a few walkable blocks in downtown Edmonds, you won’t spend your date hunting for parking or driving on any freeways.
Here’s how to build the perfect Edmonds Theater date night, from drinks to dinner to dessert, all centered around one of the last single-screen, independent theaters in America.
Start with Drinks
Bar Americano
Kick off your Edmonds Theater date night with craft cocktails at Bar Americano. This Italian-inspired cocktail bar on 5th Ave S serves rotating drinks, N/A options, and bar snacks in a vibey space with a great patio. The vintage vibes and DJ nights make it the perfect pre-movie spot to ease into your evening. Besides, it’s just a short walk to the theater.
612 5th Ave S, Edmonds, WA 98020
Daphnes Bar
If you’re looking for something with absolutely zero commute to the theater and one of the best-known bartenders around, snag one of the very few stools at Daphnes (owned by the same group that owns Bar Americano), literally connected to the theater. This 250 sf whole in the wall is famous for its stiff (and delicious) cocktails. Plus, you’ll already be where you were planning to go, you know?
415 1/2 Main St, Edmonds, WA 98020
Leftcraft
Want to combine drinks with light bites? Leftcraft‘s full bar has a nice list of signature cocktails and 26 rotating craft selections, all in an airy, cool space. Their West Coast-inspired menu means you can snack on something seasonal before heading to the theater. Check out our best happy hour spots in downtown Edmonds for more pre-movie drink ideas.
519 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
Dinner: Fancy or Casual?
The beauty of an Edmonds Theater date night is that you can go as upscale or as relaxed as you want. All of these spots are within easy walking distance of the theater, so you’re never more than a few blocks away.
Salt & Iron
For a more elevated (but definitely not stuffy) experience, Salt & Iron is your pre-show place. Start with oysters, move on to burrata, and consider their signature salt and iron dish—steak with scallops, shrimp, garlic whipped potatoes, green beans, and chimichurri. End with an affogato, and you’ve got yourself a meal worth remembering. We featured Salt & Iron in our best dinners in downtown Edmonds roundup, and it remains a favorite for special occasions.
321 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
Fire & The Feast
Pacific Northwest Italian with stone-fired pizzas? Yes, please. Fire & The Feast’s Pepperoni & Calabrian Honey Pizza has a cult following, and their house-made pasta is worth the trip. This spot hits the sweet spot between casual and special—perfect for an Edmonds Theater date night that doesn’t require a reservation weeks in advance.
526 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
Restaurante Machiavelli
For authentic Italian in a romantic space, Restaurante Machiavelli brings the goods. Their pasta is made fresh, their wine list is thoughtful, and the atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve been transported straight to Italy. It’s a solid choice if you want something a little more intimate before your movie.
316 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
Moto Pizza
If you’re going casual, Moto Pizza adds a punch of fun and neon to the adventure. Their “odd” pizzas are made to be shareable or eaten solo, and the soft serve with a side of arcade games will give your date a decidedly retro feel. Bonus: They’re basically right across the street from the theater.
414 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
MARKET
For seasonal, locally sourced fare, Market offers a menu that changes with what’s fresh and available. It’s the kind of place where the food tastes like the Pacific Northwest—and we mean that in the best way possible.
508 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
Pssst, Charcoal, right by Workhorse, and attached to Graphite Arts Center, is also worth checking out if you want something artful and new to try.
Edmonds Theater: The Main Event
Once you step into the Edmonds Theater, you’ll quickly realize you’re walking into a piece of living history. Opened as The Princess Theater in November 1923, this Art Deco beauty has been entertaining families for over 100 years. As one of only 54 single-screen, independent theaters left in America, this theater has survived the Great Depression, multiple ownership changes, and even a global pandemic.
Today, it shows first-run movies for just $10 (or less—Tuesday shows are just $7)—about half what you’d pay at the multiplex. The popcorn is popped in coconut oil with real butter (healthier and tastier), and there’s even a balcony section for 18+ guests. Whether you’re catching the latest Pixar release, a Throwback Thursday classic, or a comedy show, you’re experiencing movies the way they were meant to be seen—on a big screen, surrounded by neighbors and friends.
And here’s a fun fact: in 2013, local artist Andy Eccleshall (who happens to have a studio you can see from the sidewalk at Graphite) painted a mural in the theater lobby depicting both the theater’s history and classic movie stars like Clark Gable and James Dean. Tucked in the corner? A portrait of Jacques Mayo, the late dentist who bought the theater in 1979 and invested over $175,000 to restore it to its original grandeur.
Research shows that going to the movies—especially in a communal setting like a historic single-screen theater—increases feelings of social connection and shared experience. In an age of endless streaming options and a whole lot of loneliness, it’s an irreplaceable thing to watch a story unfold on the big screen with other people. Shared laughter, collective gasps, and even the rustle of popcorn bags are what make an Edmonds Theater date night more than just watching another movie on your couch.
415 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
Edmonds Theater Date Night: Book Online or In Person
You can grab tickets online or buy them at the box office. Pro tip: if you’re seeing a popular new release or a Throwback Thursday showing, get there early. This is a single-screen theater, so when it’s sold out, it’s sold out.
A Walk to Dessert
After the movie, stretch your legs with a short walk to one of Edmonds’ best dessert spots. The evening air, the conversation about what you just watched, and something sweet to cap off the night? That’s the perfect ending to an Edmonds Theater date night.
Molly Moon’s
Molly Moon’s at Main Street Commons serves ice cream with a Pacific Northwest twist. From their “Always” flavors like Honey Lavender and Melted Chocolate to seasonal specials, Molly Moon’s never disappoints. We featured them in our best ice cream in Edmonds guide, and they remain a downtown staple for good reason.
558 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
If you’re more of a froyo person, pop across the street to Revelations Yogurt, and if you’re a gelato fan, hit Canarino at Hazel Miller Plaza.
Snoqualmie Ice Cream
For classic, creamy ice cream that hits the spot, Snoqualmie Ice Cream is your move. They’ve been making ice cream in the Pacific Northwest since 1929, so they know what they’re doing. Grab a cone, stroll around downtown, and let the evening wind down naturally.
300 Admiral Way (right by the Marina), Edmonds, WA 98020
Want to Host Group Date Nights or Events?
If you’re thinking bigger than just a date for two—maybe a double date, a friend group outing, or even a company social—Workhorse Coworking is just blocks from the theater and available for private events. Our space is flexible, comfortable, and designed for connection. Whether you need a spot for a pre-movie gathering or a post-film debrief with drinks and snacks, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to plan your Edmonds Theater date night? What’s your go-to spot before or after the movies?
