Best Mommy Hangout

Reel Moms at AMC Loews 34th Street

312 W. 34th St., 212-244-8846

Parenthood changes a lot of things—but movies on Saturday morning? It sounds strange until you consider the alternative: No movies, ever. Reel Moms has gotten its share of good publicity, and deserves it. The service lets parents of pre-crawlers check out current, grown-up, even R-rated titles at special showings with lowered decibels (so as not to spook the kid) and the house lights up (makes feeding easier). The screenings have evolved into a kind of early-morning cocktail-party scene, with popcorn and Diet Coke replacing wine and cheese, and the Saturday slot means working moms and stay-at-homes alike can join in. Regulars arrive early to chat by the stroller-parking area in the lobby. There’s no charge beyond the usual adult-price tickets, which go on sale the morning of the show.

From the 2006 Best of New York issue of New York Magazine

Competition breeds the best. If only one pizzeria existed in New York, of course, there’d be no real winning slice. Thankfully, we’ll never know what that sorry situation tastes like, since pizza—like dance parties, dog runs, and fried chicken—has to evolve upward here.