When I walk into the new IPic in Milwaukee, the first in the country, I am struck by the high-class design of the place. Art covers the walls, and the employees lack that cheesy “night at the opera” decorum. It feels more like a nice restaurant than a movie theater. Ticket purchasing brought an immediate surprise as I was asked to select my seats from a touch screen, reserving my place in the theater no matter when I chose to enter. Then they handed me my popcorn ticket and valet parking validation. So yes, I was stunned, utterly speechless from the word go. Guests under 21 aren’t allowed in the theaters after 6pm, and must exit the building proper after 9pm. Wandering a few feet in, my eyes lit upon the hip “High Def” bar, and I knew I was in adult hangout heaven.

It turns out that I came in at the tail end of Happy Hour (4pm – 7pm), and the specialty cocktails were only $5. All of these drinks were created by Adam Seger of Chicago, premiere mixologist and one of the top bartenders in the nation. My waiter, a really cool cat named Kendrick (one of the best servers I’ve ever had, so request him, seriously!) ran through some recommendations and informed me that all the juices used in the drinks were hand-squeezed. No Minute Maid here, all the ingredients in their food and beverages are local when possible, and fresh as the day itself. I tried the Hibiscus Daiquiri (hibiscus infused 10-cane rum!) and the Paradise, both of which hit the spot. The Hibiscus is really a nurturing drink, something I would have just one of while waiting with friends for the film to start. The Paradise is more of a fun party drink. I could have three or four and it would make any movie more fun. Both were amazingly tasty!

From there I checked out the bowling alley briefly with its 65-foot HD screen (they were playing the Anthrax/Public Enemy video for “Fight the Power”), before I moseyed back to Kendrick and got a table. The food here is phenomenal, and you really owe it to yourself to try the Spinach and Artichoke dip appetizer. My food was prepared exactly as I asked, and the menu ranges from burgers to steak, salmon and lobster. Then it hit me: I could spend an entire evening at this place! The furniture was amazingly relaxing (the bronze vinyl chaise I was sitting on had my mind reeling) and even the carpeting has a “chilling in the coffee nook” feel to it.

Finally, after dinner, it was on to the theater. If the rest of the IPic didn’t blow me away, the movie theater itself certainly sealed the deal. Each of the six theaters is decorated with oil paintings, reproductions of various works specially chosen for their aesthetic value and custom framed to fit precisely with the décor. The 79 different works alone would be worth the price of admission. Each theater is completely digital, using DLP projectors and the latest in surround sound technology to provide the prettiest looking and sounding movies you have ever seen. Each seat, be it a recliner or loveseat, is more comfortable than anything I have at home and they have done away with armrest cup holders in favor of built-in end tables. No seat is too close to any other, and this is really a date-friendly atmosphere.

IPic in Milwaukee opens Friday, December 7 with The Golden Compass on two screens. If you are over 21, check this place out NOW! I can’t stress enough that IPic really nails it on the head when it comes to creating an experience. This isn’t just a two-hour jaunt to see some movie you might hate, it’s dinner, hanging out with fun people, and the liquor flows! You will likely go out with friends for all of these activities anyway, so why not do it in a classy and fun atmosphere that really makes you feel like every penny is worth it.