If there’s one thing moviegoers like, it’s chowing down — even the most mediocre flicks become enjoyable when there’s food to be eaten.
“If you’re going to go to a movie,” says Melissa Rocha, Film Forum’s theater manager, “you’re going to treat yourself.”
We hit the city cinema concession stands in search of options for popcorn and beyond. Here are the tasty results.
* Film Forum
209 W. Houston St., 212-727-8110
Must order: chocolate orange bundt cake, $4.50; latte $4-$4.75; popcorn $4.50-$5.50
Known for its crunchy popcorn, this theater also has a fab baked-goods selection.
Baked goods are as popular as the hot drinks from the Illy-serving Fellini espresso bar. In the past, the Italian beans have been paired with screenings of “La Dolce Vita,” and macarons with “Kings of Pastry.”
Popcorn fact: It’s the best in the city, and you can add your own salt or cinnamon.
* Landmark Sunshine
143 E. Houston St.; 212-260-7289
Must order: sweet potato Tater Tots (with maple syrup), $6.50; Divine Chocolate, $4.75; Painted Pretzels, two for $5
At Landmark, the flavored popcorn toppings at the seasonings bar include cajun and ranch.
“It’s hippie seasoning,” says house manager Hanlon Smith-Dorsey, 30.
“Younger audiences are more likely to buy concessions,” he says. That means sweet potato Tater Tots with a soft middle and thin, crunchy crust. Or pepperoni pizza ($8), veggie eggrolls ($7) and other hot treats.
In the candy case, be on the lookout for white, milk and dark chocolate-covered Painted Pretzel rods.
Popcorn fact: Add your own seasoning.
* AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 with IMAX
1998 Broadway; 212-336-5000
Must order: Smart Movie Snack Pack, $7; mozzarella sticks, $6.75
Indies aren’t the only ones serving satisfying eats. AMC’s hot mozzarella sticks are chewy and tasty. A new Smart Movie Snack Pack box ($7) comes with Chiquita fruit chips, PopCorners chips, an Odwalla bar and water (or Diet Coke).
Popcorn fact: Free refill for large bags ($7.75).
* Brooklyn Heights Cinema
70 Henry St.; 718-596-5095
Must order: Downtown Cookie Co. treats, $4.50; chocolate Coke, $3.25-$4.25; bittersweet hot chocolate, $3.50
After Heights resident Kenn Lowy bought the theater last summer, he realized that movies themselves dictate food sales.
“Take ‘Melancholia,’ ” he says, “No one came to the concession. Same for ‘Albert Nobbs.’ But ‘The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,’ everyone came.” Some movies just make people want to eat. His Coke — fountain Coke with chocolate syrup — has been a hit.
Popcorn fact: You can get real butter on top.
*Angelika Film Center
18 W. Houston St.; 800-326-3264
Must order: Sacred Chow grilled tofu salad sandwich, $7.75; sunflower lentil paté (with crostini), $6; Sahale Valdosta pecans, $4.50
From spinach quiche ($5) to grilled tofu spa salad ($6), this theater is a vegetarian and vegan paradise. If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal before the show, there are tables and chairs in the lobby — or you can take everything into the theater.
Popcorn fact: Large bags ($8.50) come with a removable “Free Refill” tab you can use immediately or save for another day.
* Nitehawk Cinema
136 Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-384-3980
Must order: specialty drinks ($10) that go with the movie playing; beer
($3 to $8); fish tacos ($14)
The real fun here is in the specials, which change with every film. This month, in honor of “The Artist,” there’s a Dagwood, with ham, turkey, salami, provolone and cheddar ($14), as well as a Freudian Slip cocktail with vodka, aperol and lemon juice ($10) inspired by “A Dangerous Method.”
Popcorn fact: There are three tasty options, including the Nitehawk, a combination of curry, cayenne and fleur de sel ($7).