The Big Picture (www.thebigpicture.net) is a unique event/meeting facility that moonlights as a cocktail lounge and cinema. The owners seem to have found the perfect balance between a welcoming, homey atmosphere and posh, vibrant nightspot.

Tickets are reasonable (Monday and Tuesday $5, other days $10), and a small price to pay for a few hours of peace and luxury.

The peace: Big Picture is a 21-and-over facility, so no little kids running around making things sticky!

The luxury: A long list of tasty cocktails (a little on the expensive side, averaging $8 to $10 each), white cheddar popcorn served in champagne buckets ($5), big comfy theatre seats with drink holders and (some) foot rests, drink service during the movie (pre-order your drinks before the movie and they'll bring it to your seat at just the right time), a lounge with private alcoves, overstuffed chairs, couches, and intimate lighting and digital projection.

This is definitely one theatre you'll want to get to early just to enjoy the atmosphere!

The theatre is located adjacent to El Gaucho restaurant and lounge, in the middle of hip and vibrant Belltown, so there are lots of options for dinner and drinks with your movie.

Note for you "Eastsiders": Big Picture recently opened a second location in the Redmond Towncenter. I haven't been there, but I hear it's as hip and fun and the first one!