A dinner theater gives you the meal and the show in one place, usually under one ticket. The classic version serves a buffet or plated dinner before a full musical, comedy or play, sometimes with dessert at intermission. Murder mystery dinners seat the actors among the tables and challenge the audience to work out whodunit between courses. Themed spectacles, such as jousting knights, pirates or Wild West shows, seat a big crowd around an arena and serve a set meal while the action unfolds.

Many traditional dinner theaters are long-running local institutions with professional or semi-professional casts, and they lean toward well-loved musicals, comedies and holiday shows. Menus are usually fixed or offer a few entrée choices. The ticket typically covers dinner and the performance, while drinks, dessert and gratuity are often extra, so read the fine print.

The Date Activity

For a date night with almost no logistics, dinner theater is hard to beat. There's no juggling a dinner reservation against a curtain time, no rushing across town, and the show hands you something to talk about all the way home. A murder mystery is the livelier pick: you'll compare suspects over dinner, and the cast may pull a guest or two into the plot. If either of you hates being put on the spot, choose a traditional show or ask for a table away from the stage.

Dress codes range from casual to business casual, so check ahead; it's a good excuse to dress up a little. The evening runs longer than a regular play, so don't schedule anything tight afterward. If you enjoy it, try a straight theater production or a comedy club for your next night out.

On Your Own / With Friends

Dinner theaters are made for groups: birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions and office parties. Most offer group rates and can seat a larger party together if you book early, and some will announce a birthday or anniversary from the stage if you ask. Murder mysteries are the best group choice, since your table turns into a team of detectives. Going alone works fine at a traditional show, where you may share a table with other guests and get some easy conversation along with the performance.

Good to Know

Book ahead, especially for weekends and holiday shows, and mention food allergies or dietary needs when you reserve, because set menus can be hard to change on the night. Arrive at the stated seating time rather than the show time, since dinner comes first. Ask whether gratuity is included so you don't tip twice. Matinees and weeknight performances are often cheaper. Content varies widely, so if you're bringing kids, check that the show suits them. If drinks are part of the evening, plan your ride home.