Local Brews and Elevated Snacks at San Diego's First Outdoor Rooftop Cinema Club
A twilight-lit panorama of downtown San Diego welcomed us to the Manchester Grand Hyatt, the newest home for the UK-based Rooftop Cinema Club.
We stood on an outdoor tennis court that had completely transformed into an open-air movie theater with a large projection screen, soft turf flooring, rows of deck chairs with cozy blankets, and wireless headsets. Framed by views of glowing skyscrapers, the retro-style concession counters and market lights brought instant vintage charm to the outdoor theater.
At the food counter, we found a menu filled with tempting tacos and wraps along with classic movie fare like nachos and hot dogs, all elevated by fresh ingredients and local twists.
Our carne asada tacos and poke nachos were perfect for sharing while perched at a pub table surrounded by stunning views of the hotel’s sparkling towers set against the dusk-colored sky.
With a selection of local breweries and California wines available, the drink menu had us smiling with its ‘Stay Classy’ cocktail, an Anchorman referenced Old Fashioned, and the ‘Almost Famous’ floral and citrus-forward gin cocktail.
With drinks and popcorn in hand we cozied up with our blankets, and turned on our headphones just in time for a nostalgic cartoon short to kick off the evening.
As the sky darkened, the night’s feature film, the 1980s San Diego-centric classic, Top Gun, roared onto the screen. We all cheered at the famous Kansas City Barbecue bar scenes, which had been filmed just next-door, and the real helicopters circling the skyline just beyond added to the effect, blurring real life and cinematic glory.
With a curated line-up of award-winning new movies and cult-classics, I can’t wait to bundle up and go back for another memorable movie night and dinner under the stars at Rooftop Cinema Club, which is sure to become a San Diego classic in its own right.
Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA 92101
Times: Tuesdays to Saturdays, doors open at 6:30pm, movie begins at 7:30pm
Ticket Prices: $17 per person for a single deck-chair, $20 per person for a single deck-chair plus bottomless popcorn, $24 per person for a double love-seat plus bottomless popcorn
Purchase Tickets & View Movie Lineup: http://rooftopcinemaclub.com/san-diego/
