Kino Úsmev: a unique retro movie theater in Košice

Kino Úsmev is not just a movie theater but also a cafe, a bar, a street food park, sometimes even a gallery and a cultural institution. Its unique retro atmosphere will take you back to the 1980s in Slovakia. If you are in Košice, Kino Úsmev is a must, even if you don't plan to watch a movie. It is simply a place where you can socialize and hang out with locals.

Kino Úsmev

Kino Úsmev is one of the first cinemas built in Košice. Since 1929, people could enjoy the atmosphere of this movie theater, but it closed its gates after some governmental changes. It was re-opened in 2012 and became popular again, so it was never closed. There was a new technology implemented so that people can experience high-quality projections, but everything else remained the same. The cinema chairs, ticket office, and basically everything has retro vibes. Even on the wall, there are signs like “Please wear appropriate clothes”. Of course, now the times have changed, and you can watch a movie in anything you want, but imagine, just a decade ago, jeans were strictly forbidden in the movie theater.

Artistic hub

Kino Úsmev is an independent and alternative cinema, which means that you don't really come here for Hollywood blockbusters. But if you want something less commercial, this is the right place! Kino Úsmev pays special attention to alternative movies or Slovak production. It also took part in the European film festival and other important projects. People behind this cinema are trying to promote the cinematography culture and cooperate with different cinemas, cultural institutions or artists all over Europe to make sure Kino Úsmev offers the best program. A part of the program is also a series of travel documentaries or special projections for seniors or kids.

Cafe, bar and street food

Kino Úsmev is not just a cinema, it is also a hangout place for young adults or families. It has an outdoor terrace, and it is always full, as soon as the temperature rises. There are several street food trucks with a variety of options here. For example, my favorites are quesadillas at Robin street food truck and jalapeños cheese fries from Smile street food truck. During the summer, there is often a food festival where you can try even more options. Inside of the movie theater is a wooden, very retro bar and a cafe, serving local brands of wine, beer and lemonades. The bar also serves as a little gallery, since there are several exhibitions, for example, old movie posters.

If you like artistic cinemas, Kino Úsmev in Košice is the right choice for you. The whole movie theater has unique retro vibes. It is also a local well-known meeting point because there is everything you need: a nice bar and a cafe, an outdoor area, a street food park, a cinema, plus it is located in the city center.