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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Cinema, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
1120 S Lamar BlvdAustin, TX 78704
Neighborhoods: 78704 (South Austin), South Lamar District, Bouldin Creek
(512) 476-1320
Now Playing:
Battleship, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Dictator, The Great Muppet Caper, The Iron Giant, Marvel's The Avengers, Marvel's The Avengers 3D, Men in Black 3, Men in Black 3 in 3D, Much Ado About Nothing,
More Movies »
The Sound of Music
Showtimes on RottenTomatoes.com
« Fewer Movies
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- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
456 reviews for Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
456 reviews in English
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Review from Clint S.
5/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love movies. At my old job my work friends and I would discuss movies pretty much every day at lunch. I've been in plenty of late night booze infused arguments with friends about movies. However, I don't go to the cinema as often these days. A big reason for this is the rude crowds that attend the movies, or at least show up to the movies I go to see. Either its talkative teens or someone who just can't go a couple of hours without looking at their phone. Luckily, I may have found the cinema that I actually look forward to going to.
Along with being a movie theater, the Alamo offers a full dinner menu, and as the name implies, a great beer list. Obviously it is dark in the theater, so you might want to avoid ordering something that is messy. I went with the Porky's Pepperoni Pizza, which was pretty good. I wasn't sure if having waiters run around the theater would be distracting, luckily they weren't. Yeah you notice them, but I never felt distracted by them. The Alamo plays mainstream movies but also have fun events as well. Apparently my birth year of 1982 was a great film year, as the Alamo will feature various '82 films this summer. They recently featured a Beastie Boys Rap-a-long which benefits the American Cancer Society.
Now the absolute best thing about the Alamo Drafthouse is any of those talking and texting shenanigans I pointed out earlier are not tolerated. They make it clear right before the movie starts that if someone complains about your talking/texting once you get a warning, twice you are booted.
Overall I really enjoyed my first visit to the Alamo Drafthouse. Anytime there is a big movie I want to see, I will be seeing it there. -
Review from Brian D.
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have reviewed a number of other Alamo Drafthouse locations and I don't that I have much to add about this one. South Lamar is probably the busiest and most popular of Austin's growing number of Drafthouses. It gets pretty crazy on the weekends and parking can be kind of an issue. That said, it probably gets the biggest variety of movies, including more Indie films than either the Village or Lake Creek. And, most of the special events (Fantastic Fest, etc.) happen at South Lamar. They have one of the largest tap selections and a fairly large lobby in which to wait for your movie.
The biggest draw of this location is the Highball around the corner. This is very good planning on the part of the Drafthouse folks, for you can go buy your ticket at South Lamar, and then walk over to the Highball for a swift pint. The close proximity also allows for some cross-programming. For example, they did a Wizard's Ball at the Highball prior to one of the Harry Potter films a couple of years back.
In short, there is some innovative programming going on at the Alamo South Lamar. I will be interested to see what new ways they come up with the make movies into events. -
Review from Sally F.
Austin, TX
5/13/2012
We saw The Avengers 3D this afternoon at the Lamar location. We hadn't been to a Drafthouse in a few years and today reminded us why we never go. The seats have changed for the better and we like the stadium seating and the lobby isn't grimy any more. But this is one expensive movie outing.
Two tickets for a 3d movie (which includes a $2.50 surcharge for something or other) cost $23.50.
We decided to eat, since the movie was long and we knew we'd have time. Two individual (very good size, though) pizzas, two side salads, two iced teas and one chocolate chip cookies & ice cream dessert cost over $50, with tip. The food was good, even though we couldn't see it.
So the Drafthouse is a place for a special, very long movie, not for every movie.
Oh, and the place is really cold - bring a jacket or some kind of wrap.
Update here: The Drafthouse manager informed me that the $2.50 surcharge is a Fandango issue, that the Drafthouse "only" charges a dollar for each online-purchased ticket. We bought through Fandango because we had a gift certificate. But I will never understand why there is ANY kind of surcharge for purchasing a ticket online. Isn't it easier for the company to sell that way? -
Review from Amanda M.
5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
ahhhh this place is pretty darn cool. Why aren't there more places like this?
Just be warned you're eating in the dark. Maybe I'm the only one that has trouble with this... so order your food wisely. For me, a pasta dish wouldn't bode well, because it would land all over my front... but again, I could just be a very eye dependent eater. -
Review from Rachael C.
Austin, TX
5/7/2012
I love Alamo. I grew up with Alamo. It's like a family tradition in my household. They've really established themselves a great company with an awesome message.
Seriously, I have no beef. The staff is courteous but no-nonsense, the food is good, drink list plentiful. I like that they have rotating specials. All the crazy events really need no gushing, we know how cool they are.
Honestly I haven't written a review before now because their badassery within the Austin market is so well established, it's kind of redundant. Plus I don't wind up seeing movies in the theatre all too often anymore, but in the past few weeks I've gone and seen two at Drafthouse, so I figure it's time.
So after all the praise, why the low rating? This bullshit reserved seating stuff. Plain and simple. I let them slide at the Ritz because I hadn't been in forever and it's such a small theatre, whatever. But we specifically switched over to Lamar this last time to avoid that debacle, only to find reserved seating in effect there as well. We were stuck in the front rows twice in a row, and both times the reserved section did not sell out.
I wouldn't be nearly so upset if they hadn't of blindsided me with this new seating policy. We were out and about and bought our tix on the fly, via Fandango on my iPhone, and there was NO mention of regular vs reserved seating through that venue. Maybe it's partially my fault for not being up with the times, but they can't expect every person who checks them out to immediately know about a new seating policy.
Seriously, infuriating. HATE the new seating policy. HATE HATE HATE -
Review from James R.
Austin, TX
5/22/2012
South Alamo is my favorite of the Alamo Drafthouse's. Some of the best movie experiences of my life have been at this very theater. I'm a bit of a movie buff and have been so spoiled by the Drafthouse theaters here in Austin that I literally can't enjoy movies as much at other theaters. And it's more than just the excellent service, alcoholic beverages, food or even the badass clips they show before the movie. It's the crowd that are my fellow audience members most of all. As a long-time theater patron I can tell you an audience can change the way you experience a film...and having a good audience can make all the difference. That's what makes the Drafthouse truly the greatest theater ever. Because they, along with their patrons, put the movie experience first and foremost. That is why, on the opening night of a great film, there's no other place I'd rather be.
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Review from Allison T.
Austin, TX
4/28/2012
Alamo is the only place I will see a movie now. Pretentious, I know. But every time the man asks if I want to go to the non-Alamo theatre near our house my upper lip crinkles as if I've smelled something sour and I have visions of a real-food and beerless movie...(*gasp*).
I highly recommend the South Lamar location because of it's non-downtown location (sorry, Ritz, I've only been to you once for reasons having to do with traffic and parking), it's proximity to Highball (who doesn't want to arrive to their movie early enough to grab a whiskey before they go snag primo seats?), and their relatively expansive parking situation.
For the newbies, in case you are readings reviews to figure out how Alamo works and if you want to go (you do), (when at Alamo):
-Arrive in enough time to figure all of this out:
-buy a ticket, go in the theater, find seat, put ticket on table in front of you.
-Look at menu, find delicious drinks and eats, write them on provided paper with provided pen, put piece of paper in metal stripping along back edge of your section of table (make a flag out of it so your sever will see it).
-Pay attention to your server when they come get flag, they may have questions.
-eat, drink, watch movie, don't TALK. don't TEXT.
-when the server brings your check, put your card or cash on it as soon as they set it down. otherwise you get distracted by movie and then your THAT jerk that they have to go recollect the check on b/c you weren't ready.
-TIP your server when they bring back your change or receipt.
I love going here. I love most of the people that go here. I love beer and wings. C'est la vie! -
Review from Keyla R.
Updated - 4/3/2012
The manager contacted me about my review. She said that the carpets, which were causing the smell, have all been replaced! Yay!
Also, she says that the center may undergo a remodel that may address the parking issue. Double yay!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/9/2012
After our last bad Alamo encounter, when we learned not to eat the food, we adapted our expectations… Read more »
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Review from Sara B.
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Oh, Alamo, how do I love thee?? Well, after Violet Crowne appeared, it waned, but after watching Hunger Games with a big bowl of green chili queso fries, we're back to the way we were.
If you're visiting or new to the area, you have to check this place out. The pre-show clips are entertaining (enough so that I'm always in my seat at least 30 minutes before showtime), and you can eat junk food and drink beer: it's movie going perfection. Go to any of the locations (South Lamar is my favorite, but each location is special in its own way), and be sure to order a beer and some snacks -- you'll never want to go back to a traditional theater again! -
Review from Chelsea V.
Austin, TX
4/5/2012
Oh Drafthouse how your self made pre-previews, creative no talking ads, fried pickles and general attitude woo my heart. It is delightful.
I have been to this location several times and out of all the locations they ahve in Austin, this location seems to represent what Alamo drafthouse stands for the best. It is fun, eclectic, and you pick up your tickets from a computer that looks like a robot. How can you not smile? They generally have a good selection of movies and for big releases they do themed showings. For Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt 2 they served butterbeer. They also do great sing/ quote-a-longs.
On the downside, parking at this locations is horrific. It is worse than any college campus I have ever been on. It can take you 10 minutes jsut to find parking, and that usually requires stalking people in the parking lot. Ince you get in the theaters smell like old food ground into the carpet, which over time smells like the outer gate of a roller coaster. i.e. discusting. But over time you adjust and it's a great experience.
Their food is halfway decent. They have pretty good pizzas & flatbreads, My favorite item is their fried pickles. They are crispy and juicy spears and they don't short change you on the ranch. Last night I decided to try something new and had teh Once upon a Time in Mexico Salad. The jalapeno lime vinegarette dressing was really great. Don't go in expecting 4 star eats, but youll get a decent meal. -
Review from Rebecca L.
Austin, TX
4/3/2012
One of the reasons I keep coming back to the Alamo is because of the experience. I'm not talking about the food (although there are a few things on their menu that aren't too bad) or the drinks, I'm talking about their strict STFU policy and their no babies/children (except for certain days) rule. I can't tell you how annoying it is when you are trying to watch a movie and there are loud asshats making a racket and being inconsiderate to everyone around them.
Two days ago, I went to see a movie with my friend K. There was a couple next to us who would laugh very loudly, which was ok, since it was a comedy. What was *not* ok was them reading the subtitles. Out loud. I flagged the server with a written complaint about them which she didn't get until halfway through the movie, when she was dropping off the checks. She didn't return for another 15 minutes, during which the couple continued to be boisterous. I wrote a second complaint and this time she talked to them and asked them to be quiet. Well, they either have a hard time understanding basic courtesy or they are just naturally loud and rude. They continued to disturb me and my friend with their loudness.
After the movie, I complained to the manager and he apologized for the server not taking immediate action against said talkers and comped us two tickets. Now that is what I call customer service.
As that one old lady says during the Alamo's no-talking PSA, "I didn't come to the movies to listen to you idiots! If I wanted to hear that, I can just walk down the street." So can it. -
Review from Noelle D.
3/8/2012 7 Check-ins Here
This is probably my least favorite Drafthouse location. Last year I thought it was Lake Creek but it's been redeeming itself lately.
For a year or so this was the location showing most of the things I wanted to see. Not sure if the long drive from the far north has started to outweigh the programming or if the programming changed.
Ye gads that is some horrible parking. Considering the size of the parking lot you'd think there would be plenty of spots but most are reserved for the retail shops. Understandable. But inconvenient. It's tempting to park in the residential neighborhood behind the back parking lot but we're not mean like that. I think the worst has been when we had to park in the alley behind The Highball and walk all the way around the building.
The lobby is cramped while lines for all the theaters fill up. And the ticket robot out front needs a little window or plastic bit to keep the wind from whipping the freshly printed tickets away. I had to go chasing my tickets down the alley! When I came in and told one of the box office kids she shrugged and thought "meh" so loudly I could almost hear it.
I don't expect all the employees to be bright and shiny moviebots but they could be a bit nicer anyway. -
Review from Cassandra T.
Austin, TX
3/21/2012
The events at this location are good. The service is not. I usually go here for advance screenings, and avoid the food. Some servers are great, but I've often had problems including:
Incorrectly billed items.
Cash change returned to strangers in the same aisle.
Bad food. (i.e. $10 chicken fingers with little to no chicken)
Generally not positive attitudes.
I wrote a letter once about billing errors and food quality after a particularly bad experience. I received a response, but never received the promised consolation items. So, that was disappointing.
I prefer the North locations. -
Review from ann e.
Austin, TX
4/3/2012
The Alamo Drafthouse is the ONLY place I'll go see a movie and this is my favorite location. They host the annual Alamo Drafthouse Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, at this location.
The moviegoers at the theater are, for the most part, very respectful. You don't have a lot of those annoying middle school kids or parents bringing their young children (there is an age limit).
The food has seemed to go down in quality over the past couple of years, although still waay better than your regular theater chains offer. I do appreciate their seasonal menu items, but I still feel like they could use more flavor. Also, how many theaters can you order a beer while you watch? -
Review from lauren r.
2/22/2012 44 Check-ins Here
Alright alright alright, I guess as I have 20+ check ins here I might as well get a move on with the review.
What is there to say about the Drafthouse that hasn't been said before? It's an Austin icon, a must see, a stalwart Austin hero, if you will. It's such an amazing experience for so many reasons that I doubt I could cover them all here if I tried.
First of all, their special screenings are STELLAR. Like, what? Elf quotealong with Spaghetti and maple syrup? Count me in. Moulin Rouge singalong? Am I in movie-goer heaven? Yes, the answer to that is definitely yes. They also do other special nights, like Austin Film Society's Essential Cinema (not so shameless plug), which is every Tuesday. I went the world premiere of Tegan & Sara's newest Doc there... I can't even really remember all of the badass stuff the Drafthouse does, that's just how bountiful it is.
And on to the food. OMG. Like, yeah. The best kind of fried deliciousness you'd want in a decadent movie experience. Fried pickles (FRIED PICKLES!!!!), bleu cheese burgers, nachos and queso, popcorn with Parmesan and real melted butter.... mmm. Feelin' sweet? They've got a Guinness milkshake with your name on it. Oh yeah, and their amazing fresh n' homemade chocolate chip cookies. Of course they've got some yummy light options too, hummus, salads, wraps, etc. But who wants that when you can eat fried pickles.
Oh also, the drinks. LOTS of yummy beer, both bottled and on draft. Sometimes they have specials, too, and those are almost always a surefire great time.
The staff is super friendly and helpful, and that's a plus in any establishment. $10 a ticket isn't bad, and they offer a $3 discount for students and AFS members.
There's just really nothing better than coming to an early matinee and having some lunch while watching the newest awesome flick to hit the screens. Or coming in at 7ish and catching dinner. Or coming in for the late show and having a few drinks.
You know what, there's just really nothing better than the Drafthouse. -
Review from Mike M.
Dripping Springs, TX
4/22/2012
OK, so, up until the past three months or so I would have given the Alamo 6 out of 5 stars. The food is always above average (their pizzas need some help though... fairly bland), the stadium style seating is awesome, and the staff has always been great.
However, the best thing about the Alamo has always been their no talking/phone rule. On my past 3 visits there have been people either talking, texting, or both throughout the entire movie. 2 out of 3 times we complained our server via the food ordering slip. Both of those times a staff member would stand in the back for about 5 minutes or so, during which time the offenders would be quiet. As soon as staff was out of the room they would start right back up. Both times staff did catch the parties in the act and warned them, and then the offending parties went right back to blabbing/texting away. The last time we told the jerks to shut the eff up ourselves.
So, the biggest reason to go to the Alamo is now not a reason to go there any more. -
Review from Jeff O.
Austin, TX
5/3/2012
Best movie theater in Austin and probably best in all the USA. and maybe the planet? maybe even the universe?
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Review from Amanda K.
Austin, TX
3/1/2012
The Alamo has completely ruined me for regular theaters! It feels like watching the latest movie in your home, with whatever munchies you'd prefer, a giant screen, beer and PLENTY of snark.
I've been to all locations dozens of times over the past decade, and the very worst thing that's ever happened was a timing snafu that caused us to get our check as credits were rolling. Not too bad.
The only reason I couldn't give these guys a 5 is that the food is hit or miss. To be more specific, some things are consistently great, and some are consistently bad. They have a huge selection, including a stellar beer menu, traditional movie theater goodies, and full dinner menu--salads, appetizers, wraps, burgers, pizzas, plates an desserts. AND a seasonal menu that often features movie-themed dishes for big releases. Think Butterbeer.
By and large, everything is fantastic. The salad dressings are all super fresh-tasting and not over-poured. The fried pickles are AMAZING! The burgers are juicy and intensely flavored. The pizzas are solid, and the freshly baked cookies with ice cream. Come on! So good.
Just steer clear of the nachos, pastas and, really, anything that is "baked." This seems to be drafthouse code for dry, dry, dry.
But go. And if you want the full-immersion experience for your first trip, check out one of their signature events. You won't be disappointed! -
Review from Alex C.
2/9/2012 10 Check-ins Here
I love the Alamo. It's an Austin institution, even. Artsy films, food and booze during a movie, and strictly enforced no-bothering-other-people rules make it one of my favorite places. They even have a kung fu movie night!
My complaint is that lately - at all the Alamo locations - things feel a little more corporate. Prices have gone up across the board. The cheapest hamburger is $10.50 - and it sucks. The service has slowed down too; my last several experiences at Alamo have had servers take a LONG time to see an order flag, and take an even longer time to deliver.
I despise - UTTERLY AND ABSOLUTELY DESPISE - the new use of the tablet PCs instead of pen and paper... I understand that it's easier, but did anyone stop and think that the bright screen of a PC is FAR more distracting than your neighbor texting? I mean, what the hell? Was it that hard to jot down the (numbered) seat location and the order? I don't see waiters at restaurants carrying around PCs.
Credit is due that when I complained about the food in my online survey, they sent me a gift certificate for free food. Management has always been cooperative and helpful, as has the staff.
So Alamo, even though you're not quite as cool as you used to be, you ARE still a billion jillion bazillion times better than any other movie theater on the planet. You're still cheaper, too, than an $8 bucket of popcorn and a $7 soft drink.
But please don't forget, Tim and Carrie, that the experience is the most important thing. So get rid of those tablets, okay? -
Review from Sarah H.
Austin, TX
3/24/2012
I've tried this location twice. The first time was awesome! However.... The second time, I ordered a beer and cookies. The beer was okay and the cookies were more like rock discs. There was not a hint of moisture in the cookies and they crumbled all over me when I took a bite, because they were so dry and burnt. I usually get fried pickles and they are always amazing, but everything else I've tried has been bad or just okay. Also, the movie theater was so packed it was hard to move around in the actual theater and the lobby. We had to wait in a line and stare at each other for 30 mins before we could go into the theater. But, it's still the Alamo and it's awesome!
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Review from Lynn F.
Round Rock, TX
2/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Roses are Red
Now blow me a kiss
An inconceivable valentines?
Sure babe, As you wish!
These guys were fantastic last night. My hubby and I went there for valentine's day take two. They had the princess bride quote along dinner. This review is more for their 'special features' than the movie theater at a typical movie.
First of all we had a waiter come along, ask us what drinks we wanted 'to get started'. Well, it was 6:45 and we wanted to know when the first course would be showing up :) He told us it would be out soon but pick a drink and we'll comp it for you guys while you wait for the movie to start. Yes - we all 3 got a free 'pre' glass of wine while we waited. Wow.
First course was a nice MLT - the mutton was nice and lean, the tomatoes were ripe - very tangy! Almost as good as true love itself! Seriously though, this thing was huge. They served it with a side of crunchy kettle chips. The flavor was amazing. Tasted like a sliced roast beef sandwich panini style. It had 'truffle aioli' on it. I ate it open faced as it was so large! They served this with a nice sparkling 'Kila Cava'.
The Second course was 'screeching Eel salad' and no one in our group was quite sure of this course before we tried it. All I can say is 'wow' - it was flavor bombs in your mouth good. The eel was crispy with a glaze on it and the vinaigrette was slightly sweet and tangy. They served this with their 'as you wish white' which was specially made for Alamo from a vineyard in California. The white - I didn't like it as much as a sipping white, was a bit on the acidic side on the first sip. With the salad though it was a perfect pair and I loved it.
The third course was the 'seared R.O.U.S.' - a NY strip steak. OMG the flavor was amazing! After having the plain jane but twice as expensive filet for valentine's the night before at another place, this was like the holy grail of steaks. Yes - Alamo draft house beat out the steak house. They did a rub with peppercorn, muster seed and espresso medium rare with mushroom risotto. They served this with their 'inconceivable Cab' - which was amazing with the steak. My only complaint of the night is they gave us very small glasses of the Red. Think 1.5 inches in a stemless redwine glass.
Their last course was the 'Twue Wuv Twuffles' - chocolate truffles rolled in cocoa nibs with a peanut butter creme and candied strawberries. The truffle itself was good - I thought the peanut butter was a bit over the top but everyone in my group loved it. Strawberry was fantastic! They paired this with a tawny port that was great.
The quote along experience itself was a lot of fun. They had fireworks going off while our heroes were in the fire swamp. They had some of the phrases on the screen so everyone could quote along. We were given 'props' - a blow up sword, bubbles and a bell to ring every time they said 'true love'.
A great time with wonderful friends and great food - This place makes me proud to live in Austin.
And yes - alamo draft house CAN deliver up a meal on par with some of the best restaurants in town - they also have great pub food when you're in the mood for that as well. -
Review from Mike T.
2/7/2012
Beer and movies? What's not to love?
Oh you've seen that before?
Well this is the out of the mainstream place celebs go to see a show in Austin. Plenty of big movie stars have been sighted.
Don't have that at the other establishments...see another great reason to attend a midnight showing here. Not just for 1$ lone star night. -
Review from Alyssa B.
San Marcos, TX
2/24/2012
I went here for a date once. This being the third time I've ever been to the drafthouse (I realize its a mortal sin to not go there every chance you get) I was completely entertained by the previews, and of course the awesome PSA. I didn't order anything this time around, but it was waaaaaaaaay better than my last Alamo experience as it was only ruined by the fact that the movie I saw was HORRIBLE.
I LOVE this place. -
Review from Christine A.
Austin, TX
12/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Who does not love the Alamo? Food, drinks and a movie at approximately $30 a person. This experience could have been a lot cheaper at home. But who the f**k cares? We are at the Alamo! We are with our friends and we are cool because we are at the Alamo!
Is it just me who wants to stand up and say to everyone around me, "I don't get it"? Just like Keri B. at the Violet Crown. I really don't. I can't see my food. How do you watch a movie and look for your food at the same time?
The nachos were good but I kept dipping them in what I thought was guacamole and coming up with sour cream. Yuck. Then I spilled a hunk of something on my boot. What if there is lipstick on the wine glass? Or a hair on the nachos? I'm too short to reach everything and would like a t.v. tray to put in my lap with a little cup holder for the wine.
Every time I go, I remember why I don't go. Still, it's very Austin-ish so, go. Just do it. Then you will be cool, too.Listed in: Music and Madness in Austin
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Review from D L.
Washington, DC
4/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I wish they had more places like this in DC, multiplexes like this I guess. But comfy seats, a service staff that's friendly and efficient, and just an overall enjoyable movie experience. The no talking ads before the movie are funny too; those should be shown at every theater. Decently packed on a Tuesday night, 10:30 pm show. So I can only imagine it's packed on weekends.
They are also selling The Princess Bride wines now and the boxes are amazing! They have As You Wish White and Inconceivable Cab. Heard the latter is awesome. Will try it when I get home. -
Review from dana p.
Austin, TX
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
South Lamar is the best Alamo location. if only it were the closest to my house. Biggest theaters giving you the best chance at a great seat without arriving a full hour early. Good beer selection here too.
We don't see movies anywhere but Alamo. -
Review from Chris D.
Austin, TX
2/13/2012
Oh, Alamo Drafthouse, how you've changed my world. Alamo South Lamar, being the closest to my house, gets the first Alamo review.
Parking and general ambiance:
This location has a huge parking lot in which you can drive around forever without finding a space, and you want to get there early anyway to get a good seat, so give yourself time. Once you're inside, you can get a drink while waiting in line or poke around the little poster / t-shirt shop.
Alamo serves food and drinks, and for this reason, there can be crumbs, sticky floors, and food smells. They do a pretty good job of keeping it clean, though, and the floors are much less sticky than those at some non-food-serving establishments I've been to.
What you're going to Alamo for is the Alamo experience. You want to order a beer and some fried pickles and watch funny/odd/creepy/ or kitschy previews. You want to have a mustachioed waiter and the option to have noisy neighbors ejected. You want to see extras from "Portlandia" tittering in their natural habitat. And this can be worth a little ethnic food aroma
Food:
Fried pickles are polarizing. There are spear people and chip people. I am a spear person, and Alamo has the best spears in town (especially since the untimely demise of Katz's)
I can't say I've ever had anything I didn't like off the Alamo menu. Fair warning though: not a dieter- friendly menu. If you want lo-cal, eat before you come or stick to the celery that comes with the wings. Also, the $5 milkshake is worth it.
Drinks:
Average to good. Some of the mixed drinks have been less than great, but they're usually theme-based specials, and who ever actually made a yummy butter beer?
They do a good job of having good beers and palatable wines at moderate prices. Yay :)
Service:
Usually good. I like the Original Alamo servers much better than the franchise Alamo servers. They duck in and out like secret food-service elves and don't talk too much or block the screen while you're trying to watch the movie you came to see -
Review from Liz B.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is my favorite Alamo location. Large parking lot, large theatre, and a large indoor waiting area.
I wish they showed Rocky Horror here too, but I don't mind traveling to the Village location at all.
I don't know what to include to make this review useful -- just go. Don't go on baby day (Tuesday), but go on another day or at another time. Go. Enjoy. Laugh (or cry depending on your movie). -
Review from David S.
Austin, TX
1/2/2012
This isn't the drafthouse to visit if you're hungry.
Today was the 2nd instance of them losing my food order. The first time about 2 months ago, it was an evening showing, and really if I don't eat before 730, it makes for a rough night sleeping. We wrote on the order ticket: please make sure we're not charged for the food we never got. No biggie, everyone gets one free pass.
Today was a 2:05p matinee, and 45 minutes into the film, no food had arrived despite having ordered during the previews. Neighbors to the left on the same aisle had already finished their food. I left the theater & found a manger, and within 5 minutes of getting back to my seat, food was on the way up. Within the next 5 minutes, orders got delivered to the people to the right of us. As we were in a top row, I noted there were plenty people down below that had received their food earlier.
They did did comp the meal, so there is that.
I'm at an Alamo about once a month, so the fact that it's happened twice at this location is particularly noteworthy. Given a choice next time of Regal Arbor or Alamo South for a art/indie release? I'm going to the Arbor. -
Review from Alex J.
Los Angeles, CA
12/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Straight up the best movie theatre chain there is.
- An enforced no talking/phone policy
- Affordable soda & popcorn (real butter) with refills on both
- Very comfortable seating and nicely spaced out
- Good food & beer selection
- Beautiful screens
- No advertisements, instead director interviews and related shorts (yes there are trailers)
- Reasonable ticket prices
- New movies and well chosen classics -
Review from Trent Z.
1/8/2012
What can I say about this place that hundreds of Yelpers haven't said already? IT. IS. AWESOME. Not only can you have delicious food and drinks while you watch a flick, they have a zero tolerance policy on noise and texting, so you can watch your movie in peace. I pretty much only watch movies at Alamo Drafthouse nowadays. They also play some funny old clips from movies and commercials before the movie that relates to the movie in a certain way. For example, if the movie is about baseball, they might play a short clip of cartoon characters playing baseball.
Food is pretty decent, if not remarkable. There is one stand out that I tend to get whenever I can though, the Salted Caramel Shake. It's like an explosion of sweet flavors that brings a single tear of joy to my eye. Imagine a 4th of July fireworks show... in your mouth, and you've gotten the basic idea. Try it, and you will not regret it!
Remember the Alamo... for your next movie watching experience! -
Review from Rachel S.
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
My mom goes to the movies everyday on which she does not work. This is usually two days a week, but on a holiday weekend sometimes more. Her theater of choice is the Alamo, and having gone with her whenever I'm in Austin, I can attest to why.
I understand It can be a pain when you can't see your food, and sometimes it's hard to catch all of what's going on in the movie if you're trying not to spill salsa on your pants. Nonetheless, the food is awesome. I've never had anything I didn't like, though the rabbit stew (which was served in honor of Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland") was a little gummy. But what overshadows any less than experience at the Alamo is my experience with the Guinness Milkshake - it's INCREDIBLE. This comes from someone who doesn't drink/like beer.
I love how the food and drink selection compliments whatever movies are showing! When "Snakes on a Plane" was showing, the Alamo featured the Sam Jackson brew. I think when "Julie and Julia" was playing they had a whole assortment of fine French foods. Sorry I wasn't in town for that one!
The seats are bleacher-style, so everybody can see! The only risk with the Alamo is that it's so popular that it could get crowded, especially over the holidays. I caught "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" over Christmas, and it was so crowded that we were stuck on the left side of the theater. My neck really hurt afterwards, and I'm still awaiting my chiropractor visit...
The specialty showings at the Alamo are unbeatable - 80's sing-a-longs, "quoteable" movie-fests. I of course don't live in Austin anymore, so I unfortunately I miss out on all these ridiculous events. However, I find it interesting that the Belcourt Theater in Nashville often has parallel events to the Alamo - they'll both have a "Lord of the Rings" trilogy showing on the same weekend, or they'll both be showing that movie that no other theater dare shows ("I Love You Phillip Morris"). Which brings me to this plea:
Alamo, PLEASE buy the Belcourt in Nashville, TN and bring the Alamo to our (less than) humble city. You would do SO well in Nashville, as we will eagerly welcome a theater such as yours. Please consider this investment!
Love, Rachel -
Review from Ganush M.
Austin, TX
10/20/2011
EXCUSE ME IF I AM NOT HIP, but I just can't seem to understand the concept.
I recently took my fiance out to lunch (it was on me because he recently gave me an emerald necklace which I truly treasure) and we decided to come here expecting TEXMEX. HELLO. REMEMBER THE ALAMO?
I guess not everyone does.
We were expecting a restaurant and when we were asked to present tickets before entering, we thought it was a theme gimmick (ala Rainforest Cafe, which is very close to my heart).
We bought tickets to see IDES OF MARCH, thinking it to be a platter or special table.
LONG STORY SHORT- I am sat at some sort of communal style bench- everyone is facing the same direction like a CULT.
Every time I tried to make conversation with my bench mates I WAS SILENCED. LIKE A CHILD. IN THE DARK.
Ultimately, I was won over by their food. I had a delicious mushroom pizza and an Italian soda that tasted better than anything I ever had in Italy (such a backwards country).
I FOUND OUT THE NEXT WEEK THAT I WAS ACTUALLY WATCHING A FILM.
I have a condition that does not allow me to distinguish between two and three dimensional spaces which often affects my ability to rationalize why someone could not be as physically giant as actors on the silver screen.
IF I HAD BEEN TOLD I WAS GOING TO THE MOVIES, I WOULD HAVE UNDERSTOOD THOSE TWO HOURS OF MY LIFE.
Either way, I had a great time, and because of the Alamo Drafthouse, I am expecting many more necklaces. ;P -
Review from Raymon D.
Austin, TX
3/27/2012
This is a place where I get the "I'm in Austin, this is my home" feeling. Keep it real, "keep it weird," and keep putting the love and effort you guys always do into entertaining reel selections between movies. It's Austin - not LA or NY, Dallas or Houston... but Austin. Come and know that feel, bro.
-
Review from Novalina N.
San Francisco, CA
12/26/2011
Looove this theater. I wish there's something like this in SF.
Plus:
- you can order food inside. And it's good!
- they're pretty nazi about enforcing "no talking" policy.
- the indian movies preview in the beginning is awesome.
I can't come up with any negatives.
Best movie theater EVAR!! -
Review from Teresa S.
Austin, TX
11/19/2011
Best place to watch a movie, hands down. I can't believe more places haven't adopted their real food and adult beverage options. Scratch that, their mouth watering grub and generous assortment of alcoholic drinks. :) I for one love the Godfather Pizza and with Artichokes among the topping options, you can't go wrong IMO.
I won't even consider watching a film anywhere else. My loyalty is so severe, that even though their movie selection is pretty terrible most of the time, I cross my fingers and hope that what I want to see eventually gets played.
ALAMO... A BIGGER CINEMA DOESN'T MEAN YOU WON'T BE COOL. JUST KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND WE WILL STILL VISIT IN DROVES. -
Review from Jordan H.
12/12/2011
As Simon Pegg proclaimed in the documentary special on the Hot Fuzz DVD, "This is the mothership!"
To be euphemistic, Alamo Drafthouse represents everything that is awesome about the movie going experience. It's so much more than have a waiter bring you booze while you sit back and enjoy what ever awesome flick is showing on the screen. A.D. is more like a thematic experience, adding it's own flavor and trimmings to what the film has to offer has to offer. If the movie you were going to see was a Thanksgiving Turkey, A.D. would be Grandma's super secret glaze and world famous stuffing shoved up the back end to give that dinner a complete, unique taste.
For example - when I went to go see Kick-Ass when it was released, we were entertained with various super-hero themed escapades before the previews. My personal favorite was Taiwanese Batman and Robin using coconuts to thwart a cocaine drug cartel - in the 1970s. And there was booze.
I also love the special events that Alamo Drafthouse likes to put on, such as showing old movies like the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with a full pizza-themed menu for dinner. Classic! Your chances for a surprise advance screening or running into Leonard Nimoy are also increased. Thumbs up for that.
The food is also very affordable at Alamo Drafhouse, as are the ticket prices. Even though there is a little bit of inflation - because, let's face it, they're a movie theatre - I will gladly pay and have refills brought to me so I don't miss any awesome scenes. And imagine the amount of gas you save having dinner and a movie all at one convenient location!
And what I really LOVE about Alamo Drafthouse is their strict no talking/texting policy. There is nothing more annoying than watching a movie you've been waiting for and having some douche highschooler in front of you chortling about a one-liner and having to put it on their Facebook right then and there. And A.D. definitely sticks to their policy. You break it, then you're out! (P.S. if you haven't seen their preview about this consisting of an angry customer who was ejected for texting, you should. Hilarious!). It's nice to know that there's a theater out there that cares about preserving the experience more than an extra ticket's worth of money in their pockets.
I could go on and on about how awesome Alamo Drafthouse is. But for now all I'm going to say now is that it's the best movie-going experience I have ever had, and it's going to be pretty tough to beat. Anyone visiting Austin should put this at the top of their To-Do list. -
Review from Atx S.
Austin, TX
12/25/2011
If you're a move aficionado, there simply is no better place in Austin to see a movie. Alamo Drafthouse allows you to enjoy food and drink while enjoying your movie and they've done it in a way that manages to be completely unobtrusive. But the best part about Alamo is that they do not allow any nonsense. Children are not allowed (well, technically they have a special time set aside for them), and there is NO talking or texting allowed during the movie. If someone is disrespectful enough to break these rules, they are ejected without refund. I LOVE IT.
The seating is stadium style and comfortable and the crowd is, well, it's south Austin so let's say "eclectic". The people watching is sometimes as good as the movie. It's one of the great things about this location.
The servers are also eclectic, consistently friendly, and accommodating. Their menu is available online so you can peruse the food and drink items in advance and purchase tickets days ahead if you so choose.
There are a couple of things about Alamo I'd like to see change but they don't bother me enough to quit going or give them a lower rating:
#1) I don't like having to pay a $1 fee to buy my ticket online. I don't care what the reason is behind it, I don't like it.
#2) I resent showing up an hour (sometime 90 minutes) early to a show to get a good seat only to have the waiter ask me to "move in" so they can squeeze more people into the row. I earned my good seats - why should I have to give them up for someone who breezed in at the last second?
#3) I wish Alamo had a entrance procedure like Southwest Airlines. Each ticket has a number on it and the earlier you show up(or purchase), the lower your number. Then they'd let us enter in groups of 10 or 20. You get there later, you get the leftovers, fair is fair.
They could open the "boarding" process no earlier than 90 minutes prior so people don't go nuts. Just a thought
Bottom line - this place is awesome and I LOVE this location. It's in my 'hood and you can hit "Highball" after your movie for some drinks, karaoke and bowling! What's not to like?? -
Review from David M.
Pasadena, CA
11/27/2011
Imagine driving down I-35 from Little Rock with your parents on a rainy April day in 2007, eagerly anticipating a mysterious new city called Austin--the crown jewel of the Land of Texas--and the diamond embedded within that crown jewel, The University of Texas. I had never been to the state, but gleaned from many a Google search that Austin was a unique fusion; a barbecue brisket of urbanity marinated in Lone Star drawl and slathered with a sweet glaze of high-tech modernism, topped off with a steaming layer of perennial heat.
"Austin seems pretty cool," I thought to myself as I looked through the admissions tour bus, watching the ribbons of water sweep aspiring hipsters and top-heavy frat guys into the culverts. "Although I thought it would be hotter here..."
As we drove back from our campus tour, I looked up at the ceiling of that modified Ford E-350, its curved sides peppered with DUI lawyer ads and HIV testing clinics, and pondered: "What really makes Austin so special?"
And then it appeared, out of the distance, like an oncoming train. (Actually it was after searching "fun things to do in Austin"). It was a place, the locals said, on South Lamar, a quiet road out in the middle of nowhere, near Mr. Johnson's blueberry patch; a grandiose movie theater plated with neon signs. And so we went. And it was awesome.
Four years later, as a recent graduate now living in Pasadena, CA, I am jealous of all of y'all who live in Texas. The biggest reason is because you get to see movies at the Alamo for crazy cheap prices compared to other parts of the country. After paying $13 to see a movie here, I feel like a spoiled brat (and that's just a typical movie, not a 3D one). I mean, this movie was locally grown here in California; shouldn't it cost less?
Back to the Alamo. It isn't some dollar movie theater. The decor isn't just dark nothingness; it brims with the fog of cinematic bliss. The pre-trailer content isn't the same old Coke trivia or celebrity recaps, either. The clips relate to the content of your soon-to-be-shown movie, clips that someone found just for you and the ~50 people sitting around you! It gets you in the mood and almost provides a sort of visual exposition for the time, culture, location, and ideology of your chosen movie.
Of course, they have to make money somewhere, and your stomach is where it's at. The food is overpriced but, at least in my experience, it has been very tasty. I've noticed little touches, like that they use real ranch dressing for salads. And their burgers and pizza are also good. Oh, and the desserts. Wait, did I just name everything on the menu? Oops. And how about themed foods for movies? Like butterbeer for Harry Potter? Alamo Drafthouse, you know me too well. Stalker.
I also like that the theater has values, in an old-schoolroom-corporal-punishment sort of way, where you are told to turn your cell phones off (often in a funny and/or disturbing PSA video). And the fact that you can tattle tale on loud viewers is good too; I wish I had that option when I saw X-Men 3 at midnight in high school, the movie accented by a chorus of commentators going "Aw gurl he did NOT just do that mmmm no gurl!"
The Alamo doesn't always have the best resolution or sound, and yes, it does smell cheesy. But it's Austin. It's the Austin I hope never leaves, because the city is rapidly growing into something I think is more douchesque, following the migration of Angelenos and New Yorkers and their uppity I-adore-Austin-but-hate-Texas ways; morphing into more of a combo strip mall americana/liberal elitism depot and fading away from its inner soul, a sleepy town anchored by progressive yet distinctly Texan hippie grit. Long live the Alamo Drafthouse. Long live the weird Austin. -
Review from Josephine L.
Boston, MA
11/29/2011
If you are visiting Austin/Texas and you don't come here, your visit is invalidated. Plain and simple.
This place rocks. What could be a more brilliant concept than freshly-made food enjoyed during a movie? Sure it's dark and hard to see the menu and you might be turning on your iPhone every 2 min for light. But it's worth it.
I'm raving about this place even though my pasta primavera was actually not good at all. It was under-seasoned and tasted really bland. Plus, not enough shrimp. HOWEVER, the giant basket of fries more than made up for it. I will be dreaming about those fries for a long time.
I saw Harold and Kumar in 3D here and noshing on those delicious fries while having 3D Christmas balls thrown at my face was one of the funnest things I've ever done. I cannot believe this is the same price of admission as a regular theater. Why don't more places adopt this concept? Seriously.
