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When it comes to movies, the Triangle has been on a roll of late. Cinebistro in Cary started the premium movie theater revolution and then Raleigh Grande’s upgrade wasn’t that far behind. But out in Chapel Hill, I had a chance to attend a media preview of the restaurant at the new Silverspot Cinema. Great food and dining experience at Trilogy, sans the movie. Of course, eventually I had to make the trek back to Chapel Hill to catch a movie at Silverspot. And Silverspot Cinema does a good job for movie-goers but it’s not perfect. Read on for the details if you’re curious!
Silverspot sits in the very busy shopping plaza off of Estes Drive in Chapel Hill. You can’t miss it on the far northern end, it’s got a big mural with bewitching eyes facing the parking lot. The full-service restaurant, Trilogy, sits in front but you can whiz on in past the patio outside, through a second set of doors. Inside you’ll immediately run into a bank of ticket kiosks to the right. Touch-screen your way thought the interface, pick your movie and seat, swipe your card and you’re good to go! Ticket prices at Silverspot are about $10 to $15 depending on when you go, on par with the other luxe theaters in the Triangle.
Head further in and you’ll hit the concessions area on the left. Silverspot offers the usual popcorn, candies and drinks along with a short beer list ($6 to $10) and some interesting food options. In addition to burgers, hot dogs and fries you have a selection of items from Trilogy restaurant: pizzas, sliders, mac n cheese, truffle fries, kung pow shrimp and more! I didn’t try the food here but be assured that Trilogy Restaurant offers some excellent food, check out my full review here!
Once you’ve got your snacks and goodies, head on in to the theater! The decor is pretty mod but in a retro way here at Silverspot: lots of dark greys and white in interesting geometric patterns.The theater itself is stadium style with raised seating. About 12 leather chairs in a row and 8 rows deep. Silverspot’s leather chairs are super-comfortable but note, they don’t tip back or have foot rests unlike the Raleigh Grande or Cinebistro. The front row does have an ottoman to raise your feet up, if that’s your thing.
And as for the movie watching experience at Silverspot, it’s quite good. The picture is very sharp and clear (go Moana!) and the sound-system is powerful with just the right amount of thump in the bass. I gotta say that while I wouldn’t mind having reclining seats here, you don’t miss much at Silverspot if you’re really focused on the movie. The chairs are plenty comfy enough for the 2 hour visit. So I’m so glad to have hit up Silverspot for a movie-watching experience, finally. While it may be a touch behind Cinebistro in terms of comfort and food convenience, it’s definitely a step up from the Raleigh Grande. Each of these theaters has its own pluses and minuses, it just depends on what you’re up for and where you live!
Silverspot Cinema at University Place
201 S Estes Dr #100
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919.357.9887
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