Cleveland Cinemas' eastside palace of indie and foreign fare is the perennial favorite for this award, and with good reason. Not only is it the birthplace of the Cleveland International Film Festival, and home to monthly midnight movie screenings of Rocky Horror and The Room, it's also the only game in town for limited-release films and smaller distributors. The region's true art-house theater is the Cleveland Cinematheque, but it's the Cedar Lee that gives you first-run gems, Oscar nominees, and up-and-coming directors in one friendly package. Plus, Cleveland Heights has tons of great options for food and beer after you catch a flick.

2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts., 216-321-5411, clevelandcinemas.com.