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Alamo Drafthouse
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Restaurants American (Traditional) Cinema, American (Traditional) [Edit]
1000 W Oaks MallHouston, TX 77082
Neighborhood: West Oaks
(281) 920-9211
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
82 reviews for Alamo Drafthouse
Review Highlights
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"Good for movies, amazing for special events." In 8 reviews -
"I love love love how you can eat while watching a movie." In 7 reviews -
"...Pancake theater (think Mystery Science Theater, but with..." In 3 reviews
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82 reviews in English
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Review from Leslie R.
Houston, TX
5/16/2012
I'm a huge fan of movies theaters, and movies in general, in fact I watch a movie almost every day. Houston is so blessed with so many theaters where you can EAT TOO!!!!
There's nothing better than plopping down for a new movie on a huge screen and having some hot food and an ice-cold drink with it. It must be the American in me, but serve it up and bring seconds! I love the idea, and I am on board. Going to keep trying the other locations and theaters! -
Review from Robyn W.
4/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Well I'm a fan just because they host some cool events. And you have to be a fan of a place you can order beer & watch a movie.
So the food is decent, but not a 5 star joint. But you know what your going for really. To drink beer and watch movies! -
Review from Aaron M.
Houston, TX
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was here for the Friday the 13th mini-marathon. The event was hosted by Roger, and had guests from 8th Dimension selling their wares. It was an awesome event, and was lots of fun. The guy dressed up as Jason Voorhees was a nice touch.
Parking was meh. You're at a mall, so don't expect close parking.
Staff was friendly, waitstaff was decent. The method of ordering food/drinks was different than other 'dinner and a movie' type places. The down side is that they kept bringing food that wasn't yours. (Maybe in an attempt to get you to eat/drink more?)
The food was adequate. We had chips & queso, fried pickles, and a few drinks. A friend had a burger that he enjoyed.
It was a great experience, and I'm on the look out for more of these events. -
Review from Lynn L.
Stafford, TX
3/26/2012
Me and my friends used to frequent this place when we felt like having dinner and a movie together. Unfortunately, we will not be back due the treatment we received last weekend.
Since it was opening weekend of the Hunger Games, we expected the theater to be full and settled on some seats that were pretty close to the screen. No big deal, we were just excited to see the movie and order some food. We save 2 seats for my friend and her sister which wasn't a big deal to me since there were plenty of open seats in the rows in front of us.
There are a few people who ask us if the two spots we're saving (one with my friends purse in it) is available and we tell them that they're saved. Then this one guy comes and asks us if the seats were available and we say no. He stands at the aisle for a while and then says "your friends aren't here, you can't save seats" or something of that sort. He then proceeds to step on my shoes, pick up my friend's purse and sit down. Meanwhile, his pregnant girlfriend is pushing up on me trying to make her way through. After going back and forth with these people, the manager finally shows his face and lets them have the seats. I would understand if this was a full movie theater with no seats left but there were literally seats available right in the row in front of us. Its not like it would of made that much of a difference.
And the only reason why we had to endure fighting for our seats was because our friend was held up at the box office. Her sister is 14 and they wouldn't let her in because it was PG-13 and she didn't have ID to prove she was of age? Seriously? First of all, since when do you card for PG-13 movies? Second of all, since when do teenagers under the age of 16 have IDs. And third, my friend is 23 and old enough to be a guardian. Ridiculous!
So after all this we leave and proceed to get our tickets refunded. The manager is there and demonstrates child like behavior by laughing and joking around with his employees. There was no sorry or how can we make it better. He was just silent, crossed his arms, and ignored us. That is not how a manager acts in the service industry and is a poor representation of Alamo Drafthouse.
I hope the choice he made that night was worth the 4 tickets and the food we had already ordered. I also hope it was worth not having our business anymore and having a bad review on yelp.
If you would like a dinner and movie experience, pass on this place and head on over to Star Cinema Grill. -
Review from Claudia B.
Littleton, CO
4/1/2012
It's hard to write this review without comparing it to the other location on Mason which is my "regular" Drafthouse movie theater.
The good: drinks and food while watching a movie? BRILLIANT. I loved the chips and queso and the BBQ chicken pizza was delicious.
The bad: the bathrooms smell like piss :( . The service was veeeeeeerrrryyyyy slow. We got there 30 minutes before the movie started and we must have waited at least 10-15 minutes before we got our first pitcher of beer. Granted, there was only one waiter and a trainee, but there were only 8 people in the theater!! The queso took forever (but at least they came and told us after 10 minutes that it would be a while longer and offered to bring me some salsa to hold me over till the queso was ready so that was good customer service).
We went to this location because the movie time was convenient (middle of the day) and we'd probably come back but I prefer the other location better (newer, cleaner, and better service). -
Review from Saba E.
3/15/2012
Last night a friend and my husband went to Alamo Drafthouse for the first time and we all felt, "wow, why have we never been here before?!" It was a great place to be after work. We went for the Office Space Quote Along and went home after bashing a fax machine, having delicious drinks and food, receiving mini staplers, and flair for our outfits.
This was such a blast and for my workaholic husband, it was a great way for him to unwind and relax. He was a bit annoyed by how far it was from central Houston, but I thought it was well worth the drive.
Fabulous experience and I'm definitely subscribing to their emailing list! :) -
Review from R G.
Houston, TX
3/24/2012
I drive across town to get to this great theater, but today wasn't so happy. Came to see the hunger games, which is great BTW, but there were a few things wrong. The menus were sticky as well as the paper to write my order. Food is only so-so but quite costly considering. $12 for a salad? At a theater?
However, I would still drive this far to see movies at this place. Brought my uber picky dad, and he was impressed. -
Review from Dakota L.
3/9/2012
Alamo Drafthouse is so awesome that despite being a good thirty minutes from where I live, it is probably one of the theaters that I visit most.
You can eat and drink actual food while watching a movie, and how can you top that really? Alamo also has great events, like a sing-a-longs and quote-a-longs. The Moulin Rouge sing-a-long they had recently pretty much made my year.
The only reason I docked them a star is that the food quality used to be really really good -- same price as Chili's or Applebee's (ick) but far more delicious. Of late, they've declined a bit; still good, but no longer amazing. For example, about a year ago, their green chile mac was AMAZING. Had it again three months ago and it wa just okay. I really hope that they pull the food quality back up to the awesome level it was at before, but it's still a great place for a lot of reasons.
A run-of-the-mill big chain theater is planning on opening up in the same mall. Kind of makes me angry, honestly, that they want to drive Alamo out of business to replace them with the same old big chain crap that there's far too much of nowadays. For my part, I'll keep driving to the other side of the city to help keep them open. -
Review from Pam B.
1/29/2012
Love, love LOVE the Alamo Drafthouse! Of course, this location compares with none of the locations in Austin but it doesn't matter...I'm still so very happy to have an Alamo Drafthouse in Houston :)
For those of you weirdos who have yet to try this place out, allow me to give you a quick briefing on why this theater puts all other theaters to shame...
-They don't make you watch commercials before the movie! I *hate* going to see a movie only to have to get there early and watch 9 million Coca-Cola commercials and be inundated with pointless movie trivia that loops every 3 minutes. At the Alamo before the lights dim, they are actually showing entertainment that halfway relates to the movie you are about to watch.
-Free drink refills that I don't have to get up to obtain. Other theaters may offer this as well, however it requires me to leave the theater and miss my movie. Not here...I just put my little piece of paper up and BAM I have another diet Coke in front of me.
-Ummmmmmm, you can drink alcoholic beverages there?!!?!?!? Yes, a huge plus indeed.
-They have a sense of humor (like haha but seriously....) about d-bags that typically ruin going to movie theaters. Are you sitting next to a loud, obnoxious person that feels the need to update their FB status every 5 minutes in addition to checking their emailing and texting? Alamo has a pretty much a zero tolerance policy on this type of behavior.
Not to mention, that the food here is pretty delish as well. Pass on other theaters...this place is definitely your best bet if you actually want to spend the pretty penny it costs nowadays to view a movie in the theater. Highly recommend!! -
Review from Janna L.
12/16/2011
My boyfriend has joked that going to this Alamo Drafthouse is like travelling the Oregon Trail. So yes, I'm one of those stereotypical yuppie Houstonians who doesn't dare venture outside the loop. However, as a former Longhorn, I have a special place in my heart for the Alamo Drafthouse. Who doesn't love an independently owned theater with a twisted and quirky sense of humor? I can't get enough of their quote-alongs. The Drafthouse will pick older comedies and show them on the big screen with classic quotes highlited karaoke-style. Talking and quoting out loud is encouraged and even more fun when everybody participates. They usually hand out silly props to throw or make noise at certain points throughout the movie. The overall experience is very interactive and unique.
The food is good and the beer list is always impressive. I recently went and noticed they had a great selection of seasonal winter beers. The food comes out quickly and is always well prepared.
I'd go to the Alamo Drafthouse all the time, if only it were closer to my house in the Heights. Once they build a new one in my neighborhood, you bet i'll be there anytime I'm interested in catching a movie. But for now, I'll save the experience for special occasions- like quote alongs. Make sure you check their calendar of events regularly for special showings because there's always something going on! -
Review from Caroline S.
Houston, TX
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
This was my 2nd time coming to this Alamo location. We came for the Scarlet Spider comic book debut Q&A session. Great service at the bar. Companion and I each had a side salad and split a pizza (some sort of veggie covered pizza with pepperonis). The salads were really good and the pizza was alright.
In the theater we ordered a 512 Pecan Porter milkshake (not on the menu!)..... All I can say is.... OMG!!!!!! This was incredible!!! If you like Pecans and ice cream, don't think twice about ordering this treat. You will not be disappointed!!! Aside from getting our comic books signed (hehe!) this was the highlight of the night and one of the best milkshakes I have ever had (companion agrees!). -
Review from Teresa M.
Updated - 12/7/2011
If I could I would give this 3.5 stars. I think Alamo is starting to really focus on their beer! Anyway, I was disappointed to see an all-around price hike of a couple bucks on their menu. $11 for a personal margherita style pizza is a little steep. I guess you pay to eat during a movie.
The price hike would be fine with me if the food was really good. They have high brow stuff on the menu but it's not done as well as you'd hope-- I would stick to the burgers. Last night I had the stuffed portabello. The stuffing was only on top of 1/4 of the mushroom, and the mushroom was pretty drastically undercooked (sad!). We really like Alamo but maybe it's better to go for dinner first then just grab a beer with the movie.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/24/2011
This would be a 5 star establishment in my world if it were a little bit cheaper and a little closer… Read more »
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Review from Felyn B.
Houston, TX
12/24/2011
This was my third time visiting this Alamo Drafthouse (Houston) location.
The service can be a bit slow, but they're always friendly.
Food is alright--I had the Royal with Cheese Burger yesterday. The beer selection is so awesome that I've asked for an application for their Beer Passport.
It may not be fancy-schmancy, but with their no texting, no talking policy, it's pretty much has sold me into frequenting the place. Also, love the various theme nights: Action Pack, Girlie Night, and my favorite, Hecklevision.
It may be 25 minutes (via tollway) away, but I will be visiting again and again. -
Review from Robin M.
Houston, TX
2/1/2012
I am in a long term relationship with the Alamo Drafthouse, and am happier than a happy thing in a place filled with the happiest happiness. I have been going to the Drafthouse since I was in the 6th grade. It's celebrated with me for every Harry Potter premiere, it's supported me through the pain of all of the Twilight movies, and has saved me from more sad, boring nights than I can even remember. For years, it was the only movie theater my parents would go to. I counted down the days until my eighteenth birthday, the day I would gain the honor of being able to buy a Drafthouse movie ticket without a legal guardian present. Because yes, the Alamo Drafthouse has age limitations. Nobody under 18 without an adult, and no kids under the age of six (i believe).
Not only are you not bothered by irritating children who don't understand that you paid seven dollars (yes, only seven) to be there, YOU GET TO EAT FOOD AT YOUR SEAT. AND DRINK ALCOHOL. AND THEY BRING IT TO YOU. And it's all delicious.
So you have silence, food, drink, and movies. What else could you possibly need? OH YOU KNOW, MAYBE JUST A TEAM AMERICA QUOTE ALONG WITH AMERICAN FLAGS AND CAP GUNS AND GLOW STICKS. Or a showing of Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus where you can text in jokes about the movie under a chosen nickname and see them pop up on the screen in real time.
Like Anime? Like free things? Tuesday nights are for you, then. Free admission to see some pretty freakin awesome anime, along with the chance to win prizes (often a copy of the very thing you're viewing) in a raffle. And you can spend the money you saved on the ticket on some of the aforementioned food and drinks!
This is only the very tippy top of the iceberg.
Typically the people who work there are friendly, and from a more alternative crowd (which is awesome), and all the facilities are immaculate. They've got a great selection of beer and wine, some tasty cocktails, and a solid menu.
p.s. Student discount WUT WUUUUUUT! -
Review from Martha D.
5/25/2011 8 Check-ins Here
I have not found that much difference between this location and their other Houston location, Mason Road. They have a full bar, amazing beer selection and better than most "dinner and a movie theater" food faire. West Oaks is closer to where I live, way over near downtown Houston, however we usually hit the Mason location because we have never seen anyone under 18 there. On Tuesday's matinee, Alamo has baby day the only time little kiddos are allowed. Out of all the "dinner and a movie theaters" the Alamo is the least family or kid friendly. If that's what you need, this is not your theater, Movie Tavern or Studio Movie Grill are where you should head with the kiddos in tow and by kiddos I mean under 18. You won't find a kid's menu at the Alamo!
Tickets are regularly $9 and $7 for matinee and students with ID. You can purchase tickets online through http://drafthouse.com, but they only sell the regular priced tickets and they will charge a $1 booking fee per ticket ordered. http://Fandango.com recently started selling tickets, but their fee is $1.25 per ticket. Check out my review of the Mason Road location to get the jest of what the Alamo is all about. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Barely beat out by the Mason Road location, this is my second favorite "dinner and a movie theater." The location is around the other side of the mall if you are coming from Westheimer and Highway 6.
Watch out for their signature events, girlie night, sing-alongs, quote-alongs and tough guy cinema. Usually cult classics or just things wacky it's something fun and different, and it's always nice to catch your favorite movies here whether you caught them the first time in theaters or not. I love the Rolling Roadshow that offer outdoor screenings, lately in Market Square Park in downtown Houston. You can usually find the screening schedule here - http://www.marketsquar...Listed in: Dinner and a Movie Theater
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Review from Lisa O.
Updated - 9/19/2011
The GRAVEYARD SHIFT and a VEGETARIAN REVIEW:
Every 3rd Saturday at West Oaks is a FREE B-Horror flick at 10pm! With a little stand-up, games, and giveaways, we had such a good time watching such a bad (but awesome) movie. The Graveyard Shift team is quite catering, before the movie started they even asked the crowd for ideas of movies we'd like to see at upcoming Shifts. It was a fun and cheap night out, and because it was a free show we didn't feel bad ordering up food as well. Note: for October, I think they're having a Graveyard shift every Saturday and even an Evil Dead Day with Bruce Campbell in person-- check out the website!
Le Food: not tons of veggie options here, you pretty much have pizza, grilled cheese, or the veggie burger-- Get the veggie burger!!! It's a homemade black bean patty, really well seasoned and a good consistency/texture. Shared it with the meatie bf and he really enjoyed it as well. The fries were crispy and well seasoned too.
All in all, a great meal and a fun show added this extra star for me!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/23/2011
Great to find a drafthouse option so far into suburbia. Incredibly nice and helpful staff. The… Read more »
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Review from Jane J.
Sugar Land, TX
6/27/2011
Love the atmosphere and the Nobody Under 18 policy they usually have. The commercials and events they host usually lead to a pretty good time. It's a fun place to hang out with your friends and I have some pretty good memories doing Rocky Horror, Troma Thursdays and Sing Alongs. When Harry Potter came out last summer they had a "butter beer" drink that was really good. I love their menu design, and how they named them after famous movies and quotes.
My only complaint is the food and prices. Granted most food at theaters are pretty high, but their food is also very VERY bland tasting. Even the cake is pretty bland. I wish I could get something better tasting for what I was paying for. -
Review from Vic C.
Richmond, TX
9/6/2011
Pretty good. Now I wish there were more good movies to see at it.
I recommend you arrive early - they don't leave the lights up even a little during the coming attractions, but we finally stumbled to a seat and figured out a way to order. Service and food were both excellent. Wish they had a full bar - I thought they did, since they list "margaritas," but apparently that's wine margaritas. Still, we split a nice bottle of red that was reasonably priced.
I noticed another review complaining about talkers - we did not notice any, and the theater was pretty full. Maybe the announcement at the beginning of movies is starting to have an effect. I'm an old codger and find it appalling that people have to be *told* to shut up and turn off their phones, but you gotta do what you gotta do to stop it.
And it is clean - Houston's Health Department says so:
http://houston.tx.gego... drafthouse&tp=ALL
(I always check the Health Department site before I eat anywhere in Houston - you wouldn't believe the list of violations some fancy-schmancy places have.) -
Review from Cullen E.
Houston, TX
1/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love this place and you should too! I love that they still offer student discounts (college too!) and have reasonable pricing. So many movie theaters have gotten to be $10+ per ticket and Alamo has not. While this location isn't quite as awesome as the original on 6th Street, it can't be docked a star for simple geography. Speaking of geography, this place gets sketchy at night. I generally always walk back out to my car expecting a window to be smashed. Thus far, I'm always pleasantly surprised with an intact vehicle. However, the sketchiness is again not Alamo's fault and I refuse to take a star away for that.
My movie-going experience has always been pleasant and I will continue to go here even though it is quite a drive. I prefer the matinee showings when possible so that the theater isn't crowded (and loud). Their buttered (real butter) popcorn is better than most. I pretty much get their Porky's Pepperoni Pizza 80% of the time and it never lets me down. The milkshake is also rockin. -
Review from Kari M.
1/3/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love Alamo. I went to Alamo in Austin all the time and this was my first time to the Houston location.
I just feel like you can't beat Alamo. The servers are nice and quick to come by and get your order. The seats are real theatre seats. The tables are easy to reach.
I love that they always put time and effort into the pre-show clips. They research what the movie is about and who is in it. Then you get to see nothing but those types of clips. Example: We saw Black Swan. The clips before the movie were either ballerinas or Natalie Portman clips.
I also love that the inside of the theatre is old school red drapes all over all the walls. They don't allow kids which makes my heart swell. The last two theatres I've been to in Houston have had really obnoxious and annoying kids either talking over the movie the whole time or screaming and running up in down the aisles. No worries here! If you are a parent and want to take your kids, you can. They just can't be unattended or under 7, except Tuesday's are Baby Day.
The only complaint I feel anyone could ever make about Alamo is that it is expensive. But I feel given that it's an adult environment with anything you want at your finger tips, it's worth the extra cost.
Also when we went they had a special if you check in on Facebook and show it to your server, you get a free Alamo Drafthouse Pint glass. Sweet!Listed in: Show off Houston
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Review from Jim M.
Houston, TX
1/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
We recently attended the "ActionPack 90s Sing-a-Long" at the Alamo Drafthouse out in the burbs.
Now, I know that the Alamo doesn't create that content themselves, but I do have to say that it was a ton of fun. I'm not sure why it was fun for most of the audience, I was one of the only people there old enough to remember when many of those songs were first released. Not the point.
I had the fish and chips and they were great. I also had the green chili cheese fries which -had the right kind of cheese-! A rare thing this far from Philly.
The service was fast, friendly, helpful and went out of their way to avoid interrupting the screening, which was very cool.
I'm not sure how I'd feel about this whole wine and dine thing while trying to be caught up in a narrative film. I mean, I eat on my couch watching things, but the only reason I go to the theater is to get totally immersed, you know? So I'm not sure this is the place to do that.
But they do a LOT of these kinds of odd ball screenings and I think those, on the whole, must be a blast.
There is a screening coming up of The Wizard of Oz synced up with Dark Side of the Moon that I am seriously considering checking out. -
Review from Elizabeth M.
Houston, TX
1/9/2011
I'm giving this place five stars because it takes a lot to get me out of the house and to an actual theater to see a film. Most of the time, my attitude is that I'd rather be somewhere where I can pause the film a few times and sit on my comfortable couch. But allowing me to eat dessert and drink delicious beer while watching a film? Sold! And they have some insanely fun events here- makes it worth it to trek all the way from Westbury to West Oaks.
(I had never been to West Oaks before- is it in the middle of nowhere or did I just get lost?)
We actually went out on a Tuesday for a '90s singalong event. In addition to encouraging the audience to accompany the music in the videos, they gave us tambourines, glow sticks, and inflatable guitars.
I had a delicious beer here, and some really meh grilled cheese. The beer came out quickly, but the grilled cheese took long enough that I was worried it had been forgotten. The waitresses are really good at being unobtrusive while still managing to serve food and drink.
I have to say, clearly the folks who put together the video selection for the 90s event were a bunch younger than me. Most of the tracks were from after 1995. I was mostly in it for the pre-1997 goodies, and thus was a bit disappointed. I'd love to see one of their films with audience 'heckling' built in- you can text messages that appear onscreen with the film. Perfect for campy releases.
I love the restaurant-cinema concept. It may very well be the future of cinema in an era and country where many people have elaborate home entertainment systems.
p.s. showing up 20-30 minutes before showtime is totally the way to go. It makes ordering and menu browsing less stressful! -
Review from Erica C.
1/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've only been here for a movie and dinner. It's a nice change compared to your regular stale movie theater. Alamo is packed with a lot of personality. They recommend coming early so that you can get settled and not feel rushed looking through the menu. It's a drag sitting through the pre-showing crap at other theaters, me and my friends make sure to time it where we arrive when the movie starts. However, Alamo shows funny videos that have you cracking up and wanting to tweet about it. We came an hour early but it whizzed by with food selection and funny videos.
The food isn't all that great. It's overpriced mediocre food but a lot better than the overpriced salty nachos and dry hot dogs you find at another theater. I like the option of having a root beer float while watching Jason Stratham jump off of a roof.
There seems to be a lot of fun events like sing-a-longs and pajama parties. Checking one of these events is on my to do list! -
Review from Lori H.
Updated - 3/31/2011 2 Check-ins Here
They do have mix drinks....Alamo Margarita and Strawberry Daiquiri.
Gotta go back to try those.
I came here again because a friend of mine had a groupon.
I had the Best Root Beer Float with St Arnold Root Beer and The Raging Bull pizza. (pepperoni, Canadian bacon, and sausage)
The pizza was made from scratch and was SO Good.
The service was good as usual.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/26/2011
This was my second time here.
The service is actually really good.
The beauty of this place it isn't… Read more »
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Review from Alvin J.
10/24/2011
I'm a big fan of Alamo Drafthouse because you can drink in there. Duh. And the beer selections are actually very good and unique. I've discovered a couple of great brews there like Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale out of KC. The food is no great shakes but if you're hungry it'll more than satisfy. They have all sorts of movie events like special screenings, sing-a-longs, sporting events, TV broadcasts (The Walking Dead is a recent example). The screens are not as big and the sound is not as surround as the big chains but I think there's more character to this theater. The only part that sucks for me is the long-ass drive from my house but if you have the time, it's well worth it.
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Review from Wei W.
11/15/2010
I have been to Alamo Drafthouse West Oaks when it first opened. It was a new concept to Houstonians where you can order real food and beer while enjoying first run movies. The first time I entered the theater, I find it odd where every other rows of seats are now tables with menus, papers, and pencils on it.
My overall experience from Year 1 until now has been nothing but praise. The waitstaff have been trained really well on the customer service, on remembering and writting down additional details on the scratch sheet of paper with the food order on it, and dropping off the right check to the right person.
The food runners are overall good on delivering the right food to the right person, or at least the right table. I do remember I had occasionally where incorrect food was dropped to my table and I had to be interrupted by my movie viewing experience just to let them know this isn't my food. But it is really rare this happening during all my visit to the Drafthouse.
The food menu has been very stable, and they always have a seasonal menu attached to the main menu. The beer selection is top notch and they are one of the only venue that gets a keg from St. Arnold's Divine Reserves. They also have a Growler which let you buy pitcher of beer for a cheaper price. They also have a beer passport for people to check in and get cool prizes just by drinking beers at the theater.
Overall, Alamo Drafthouse West Oaks had it's up and downs and currently it's very stable in the high end of the fun scale. If you have an out of towner who never visit a movie theater that serves beer, this would be the place to go to have a great time. -
Review from Gilbert L.
Houston, TX
Updated - 4/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wednesday 3/30 was the Horror Movie Mix up. Three horror flicks from the 80s mashed up and edited for only the best parts. While that is going on you throw in some hand puppets that bring back a sense of Mystery Science Theater 3000 meets USA Channels "Up All Night" series from the early 90's!
Management has all kinds of great stuff planned with this group called "The Action Pack". Besides horror movie mash ups there are quote-a-longs to cult classics, sings-a-longs to music videos, and this programming called "Hecklevision" where you get to text in jokes about the movies pop-up video style.
Best part...It was all FREE! Just the cost of whatever you are drinking and/or eating. A great marketing plan on what would normally be a very slow weeknight.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/31/2011
There is a story....a story about a guy (me) that likes to watch movies, eat really good food and… Read more »
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Review from Shari H.
7/14/2010 ROTD 7/13/2011
I ended up at the Alamo Drafthouse one night at the suggestion of a friend who wanted to see "Blood into Wine" (a documentary about the lead singer from Tool who started a winery in AZ). Clearly, the downside (for an avowed inner-looper like me, anyways) to Alamo Drafthouse is the location since it is way the hell out there on Highway 6 in a sprawling suburban mall.
Once you deal with the fact that a lengthy drive is involved, you can start to have some fun. We bought our tickets in advance to ensure that we'd get a seat (I think there is a $2 charge for advance booking) but you can also buy tickets at the door. I love the fact that Alamo Drafthouse offers beer, wine and daiquiris to enjoy while watching the movie. I got a decent bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from NZ from the bar which they placed in an iced wine bucket and gave me 2 wineglasses. It cost $20 which seemed less than if I had bought it at a restaurant. I didn't realize it at the time but there is also waiter service in the theater and they come by your chair regularly to see if you want to order anything.
We didn't order food but Alamo Drafthouse has a surprisingly extensive menu featuring spinach-artichoke dip, potato skins, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and quesadillas which are for consumption on the counter right in front of your plush theater chair. However, as other reviewers have noted, it can be tricky to eat such things in the dark which probably explains the popularity of popcorn.
Alamo Drafthouse has stadium-style seating (read: roomy and comfortable) and best of all, a big sign that flashes on the screen at the outset which makes it clear that talking, ringing cell phones and general patron noise will not be tolerated. Huge thumbs up on that.
I thought it was a great experience overall and look forward to returning!Listed in: My ROTD's
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Review from katie g.
Houston, TX
1/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I surprised my boyfriend with a date to the Alamo Drafthouse, he's a movie junkie and I bought a groupon for buy one get one free movie tickets, since tickets can get so pricey these days it was definitely worth the buy!
We had the best service, I wish I knew the lady's name because I would give her a shout out but she made us feel at home. It was our first time, but had been to other theaters like Studio Move Grill and Movie Tavern so we kinda knew what was going on. The food selection was about the same as the others and we got some chips and queso to start and burgers for our main meals and everything was delicious and just as we had ordered, even with our modifications... just perfect! The movie we went to was great so the whole experience was awesome, we even did a little shopping afterwards at the mall! We will definitely be going back, even after we use our Groupons :] -
Review from Tim K.
Sugar Land, TX
8/7/2010
I like what the Alamo Drafthouse is and does. I enjoy the way they take your orders, serve your food and beverages, and close your tickets. I like that they host events (some free) for cult movies, TV series, and film celebrities both local and real. I like that for some shows kids and even babies are allowed and for the rest of the shows there aint no stinkin' snot-nosed, whiney-assed. frickin yollerin demon spawn in the audience. I just wish that there was a frequent diner/drinker plan and/or a BYO/corkage policy every now and then - thus 4 instead of 5 stars.
Additionally, this location is a little more ghetto than the others. No disrepsect - just sayin', y'know. -
Review from Andy T.
Valley Village, Los Angeles, CA
7/8/2011
I've been an Alamo goer for 5 years, regular bi-weekly attendance, and mostly in Austin, which is always a spectacularizimous experience. The Houston West Oaks Alamo Drafthouse does a good job of upholding the Alamo name and service. A tad on the sticky/dirty/smelly side inside the theater, but acceptable because it's West Oaks Mall, and this theater used to be a different, crappy theater before that, and that theater used to be a different crappier theater before that, and that theater used to be pretty good because my sister worked there in 1989. Or 1990. My point is: Houston West Oaks Alamo Drafthouse has developed that old, moldy Windchime Dollar Cinema type urine/popcorn/moth ball/wet towel stanch. And I'm totally cool with it, because I grew up around West Oaks, and I feel right at home when I get a whiff of it. Yes - I am immune to urine/popcorn/mothball/wet towel smells. I'm awesome in so many ways you don't understand.
The real stinker though is the non-Alamo-policy-savvy crowd that comes here, who enjoy their movies by talking and texting, causing me to un-enjoy my movie. Stop talking and texting. Frutching stop it. I would tell you to your facials you Houston talkers and texters, but I'm scared of you...and raising a card to say "the douche and his gf two seats to the right of me are making unnecessary commentary about how fake Transformers is boohoowahwah" is kinda lamoes. But I'll do it if I have to dammit! I'm warning you! I will raise the crap out of a card! So...yea...*elementary school quiet sign*
Long story short, Alamo Drafthouse West Oaks is still the best theater to go to in Houston. Because it's Alamo Drafthouse dammit. -
Review from Marvin J.
12/31/2008
Alamo Drafthouse
It's no secret that I love movies.
It's no secret that I love beer.
Combine the two and you have me in a euphoric state.
Gotta love Texas!
I drove by the Drafthouse wondering what the heck this was - a movie marquee sign led me to believe it was a move joint, but a "draft-house" is essentially a bar. After a hectic day, I decided to go take a look;
Whoa.
WHOA.
WHOAAAAA!
Beer and movies? With food? HELLZ YEAH!
I got hammered watching Valkyrie.
The movie was suppose to be serious....but add some beer and I couldn't take anything serious hahahahahahhaha! The movie was good. I think. But damn, that theater kicked some serious ass!
We ordered two pitchers of Bud, an assortment of food...holy shit, this place rocks!!! As of now, this is MY movie joint. As a matter of fact, I think I'm going to try to open one up here in California.
5 stars. Period. I'd give it 10 stars if I could. -
Review from Aimee P.
Houston, TX
8/4/2010
I love the quirky charm of the Alamo Drafthouse. I love the funny, vintage previews before the movie. For instance, before seeing Inception, they played a bunch of old 80's commercials and clips starring a young Leonardo DiCaprio. I love that it is not overly corporate, like Studio Movie Grill. I love the beer selection, and they have decent food (very good pizza).
My only gripe is that it is in West Oaks Mall, which isn't the safest area. But I guess that's part of the deal...they take over old, crappy movie theaters.
I love that it's a little taste of Austin, in Houston. If you love corporate chains and microwaved food, then definitely go to Studio Movie Grill. -
Review from MsAshley W.
Houston, TX
10/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Finally, I got to check this place out. It was not wait I expected at all... the seats were a tad bit uncomfortable and awkward. The company was great thooooo =) BTW- CONAN SUCKED! =(
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Review from Katrina B.
Austin, TX
5/21/2008
I love the Alamo Drafthouse. Who doesn't like to have a drink while they're watching a movie?!
My husband and I always get their fried pickles, even if we get nothing else. The pizza and hamburgers are also good, and the H always wants to get popcorn- for some reason it's special to him. I don't understand getting popcorn when there's so much else to order, but whatever. They also have salads for the health-conscious.
Alamo has a large beer selection, and I've never ordered anything but beer, so I don't know about their wine or mixed drinks.
The reason I give this Alamo 4 stars is because they still haven't introduced a live element like the Alamos in Austin. My sister took me to Master Pancake theater (think Mystery Science Theater, but with live comedians) of Planet of the Apes and it was absolutely hilarious.
Also, I recommend always ordering tickets in advance and getting to the show early. Most new movies are packed on Friday and Saturday night. You can go to the alamo website to order tickets. -
Review from Chris S.
Seattle, WA
2/8/2009
Getting wasted while watching a movie?!? There's nothing better! And Alamo Draft House is your best place to do it.
Alamo is awesome because you can sit back, relax, watch your favorite new movie and eat, drink and be merry.
They basically take old movie theater's and rip out every other row and replace with a small "bar-esque" table. It works out really well, and you don't even have to get up to order. The servers will come around and take your order before the film, and well as leave a notepad for you to make your order later in the film and they will grab it from you during the movie and then bring you the rest. They're even awesome enough to bring you your bill before the end of the movie so it's taken care of by the time the film ends.
Awesome.
But the fact remains that the theater is old and outdated. The servers coming and going is distracting. The getting up to run out and pee ever other beer is annoying. And lastly, paying for expensive beers and snacks on top of the tickets adds up for an expensive evening! Oh, and did I mention that Alamo Draft House is WAY THE HELL OUTSIDE OF HOUSTON?
Yeah, so the concept is nice, but the reality isn't. What could be an awesome movie-watching experience is somewhat stained by the facts and location.
Fun for a time or two, but be sure to pack your wallet! Oh, and make sure to have that cabby waiting. ;-)Listed in: Get Your Popcorn Ready!
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Review from Shawn C.
Clermont, FL
7/27/2007
You sit in your theater chair and then a nice lady brings you beer and food!
'nuf said. -
Review from ANA G.
La Porte, TX
4/9/2008
Talk about the best concept ever! YES to be able to chow down in front of a big screen. You can get a bucket of beer too! Cool refreshing alcoholic beverages, appetizers, food options and even desert... All brought to you by your waiter/waitress while you enjoy the flick! Oh sooooooooooo cool! They even hold special events... My favorite, especially if your an anime fan... Is the Anime night at the Alamo
every Tuesday at 7:30 pm. Admission is FREE!!! Doors open at 6:30. How can you go wrong with that!!!! -
Review from Hope T.
Houston, TX
10/23/2008
Factor in basically what everyone else says. It's a nice place.
I do want to explain why I knocked off a couple of stars... they started the movie ten minutes early. We got there on time but the previews had passed, the opening credits had passed, and the movie was well into the first scene. My cell phone is how I keep time and I know it was correct.
The second thing they did wrong was turning on the house lights as the end credits began. If any of you have ever worked for a theater, you know that this is a no-no. If you don't know that, your manager didn't train you properly. The movie is not officially over until the end credits have stopped running.
To work around this, show up 20 minutes early, and know in advance that you will have trouble reading the end credits because the lights will be turned on. Sadly, most theaters are doing this because not enough people are complaining about it. I don't think that complaining at the theater will work. Perhaps a letter to the CEO of the chain will create a trickle-down effect...
The food was excellent as always, and the waitress was prompt and friendly. I would go back, but not for a first-run film. -
Review from Alex R.
Sugar Land, TX
3/5/2009
I love love love the chocolate shakes here!!!
I love love love how you can eat while watching a movie!!!
Other then that the screens are a little small, but the movies are as good as any other place. I enjoy the smallness of the place, makes it feel cozy and like I belong there. The food is actually good! I was very surprised about my hamburger, but I think it is because my chocolate shake was so good.
Very fun place to see a movie, especially since you get to eat while doing it.
