Raymond The Amish Comic
Cinema & Drafthouse - West Hazleton, PA
We've gone to see Raymond's show at the Cinema & Drafthouse on the night before Thanksgiving every year since 2019. There was no show in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, so this is our fifth year of this tradition.
This venue on Broad Street in West Hazleton opened 107 years ago as the Hersker Theater in 1915. It has gone under several different names over the years until it was remodeled into its current incarnation as the Cinema & Drafthouse in 2003. It's a combination restaurant and movie theater where you can grab a beer and a bite to eat while enjoying a film. They also show Eagles games, and though I'm not a massive football fan, I saw Philadelphia win their first (and only) Super Bowl on their screen six years ago. And, of course, they are the pre-Thanksgiving home of Raymond the Amish Comic.
The food here is pretty good. I've had their cheesesteak, mozzarella sticks, sampler platter, and a few other things over the years. Tonight, I had a Smothered Brisket Cheeseburger with a side of fries and a coconut coffee porter.
Raymond was hysterically funny as always; particularly with the Hazleton vs West Hazleton material. We always enjoy his shows, and I look forward to seeing him again.
