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Capitol Drive-In Theatres
Rating Details »
3630 Hillcap Ave
San Jose, CA 95136
(408) 226-2251
San Jose, CA 95136
(408) 226-2251
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
102 reviews for Capitol Drive-In Theatres
We've kind of been on a retro kick lately.....making Sunday night fried chicken for dinner, bowling one week--so what was next?
A Drive-In Movie.
And no better movie is currently out to watch at a drive-in, than "Zombieland".
So the bf and I packed our car with a blankie, a small cooler of adult beverages, and headed over to Capitol Drive-In Theaters. It's been awhile since both of us had been to one and we kind of forgot how it all worked. When we pulled up to the booth and told the attendant which film we wanted to see, I was SHOCKED to find how cheap tickets are! For 2 adults it came out to $13.50. Maybe I've been used to the $10-11 per person Movie Theater ticket prices but this unexpected deal was awesome!
Since we came a little early we had perfect space selection to park our car....smack dab in the middle. We decided to check out their "concession" stand that offered a TON of different types of food. We settled on Chili Cheese Fries although everyone was buying their street tacos. Needless to say, they've got everything to accommodate any kind of muchies one could have at a Drive-In.
As for the movie experience, it was AWESOME! There's no need of worrying if you're too loud during a movie, you can bring your own food and drinks, and it's cost effective! We'll DEFINITELY be back here to watch movies more often---though next time, we'll need a bigger "adult beverage cooler" :)
ps. I'm not saying we did this, but if you watch the first movie screening, you can just drive over to the next spot (or stay in your spot) to catch another movie! Movie Hoppin' at the drive in! :)
pps. Zombieland was AWESOME!
Drive-In movies can be a blast if you know what you're doing.
Follow my easy tips for making the most of your drive-in experience:
1) go in the winter. I know it seems like the quintessential summer activity, but my wife and I actually like it better in the fall/winter. Especially with our mild California winters. In the summer the movies don't start until after 9:00. By the time you watch the 2nd movie, it's almost 2:00 am. That's too late for old people like us. During the winter, movies start at 7:00. You can see both features and be home before midnight. Which is ideal on a weeknight, thus my second pointer...
2) go on Tuesday. As others have mentioned, $6.75 buys you TWO movies. On Tuesdays, they do a special and it's $4.75 per person. The newest movies run first on 6 screens and then there are 6 others that run second. You have to kind of mix and match. If you are adventurous, (and again, in the winter) you can catch a triple-feature!
3) BYO snacks. Kind of an obvious one. The snack bar has pretty good specials, but who wants to walk all the way over there, especially in your pajamas? (we'll get to that later). There is a Togos, Baskin Robbins, Taco Bell, all that nearby. Bring your dinner in! Also I like to go to the CVS and get candy and cash back because I never have cash and the movies are cash only.
4) if you have an SUV, do like we do and park backwards. I put the seats down and fill the back with blankets and pillows and open the rear hatch window. It's like watching a movie in bed (hence the PJs). I can't imagine watching a movie in a regular car in the front seat. Lame!
5) Pick a bright movie. The nearby streetlights and other distractions are not conducive to dark films, such as horror and a lot of action ones that take place at night. We try to stick to comedies just because they are usually brighter and easier to see.
6) Be tolerant of distractions. It's a $5 outdoors movie. There will be distractions. Kids, people talking, planes, trains, that one guy blasting Three 6 Mafia in the middle of the movie, and the occasional barking dog (sorry about that! what, you thought we were gonna leave them at home!? that's the main reason we go!)
7) Have a good car battery. Mine died once last year. Luckily someone gave me a jump. It's a good idea to run your car a little between features. No problem if you have to change screens anyway, but if not, just start it and let it idle for a few minutes.
Hope this was helpful! Have fun!
How come nobody told me about this before?! $6.75 for a DOUBLE FEATURE?!?! Spankin' deal.
Seems like drive-ins are only a summer thing because when I went recently, there were only four other cars there! It was kind of nice and kind of creepy at the same time.
If you bring a full car, make sure it's a convertible. If you bring a non-convertible, make sure you only have people in the front seats. Anything other than these two choices will make it really unpleasant and uncomfortable for the people in the back. I was really impressed with the sound quality emitting from my radio. To me, there really isn't that much of a difference between watching it here and in a regular theater!
There is a fairly clean concession stand and bathrooms. The people working there are pretty friendly and probably bored out of their minds. There's even a small bar with a TV inside that was completely empty. I'm not sure why people would be sitting here when they've probably come to watch a movie... strange. Outside, there are six screens; you can check online for the movies showing. Each row has an intentional incline so you can lean your chair back to watch the movie... smarties!
Make a whole event out of it... grab dinner and eat in your car, get a bunch of snacks, snuggle comfortably in blankets, etc. It's your own car so do whatever you like!!! That's the joy of the drive-in.
This is great place to have some popcorn time in your car, nice big screens good views. the thing about it is that it should be divided into sections, family section and others. When we wnt in last time acouple of weeks ago. You don't just see the screen, you see cars next to you with actions too. I wouldn't take my kids there.
It sucks to have to drive for over an hour to get here but at least I have the option :) reminds me of the good old days.
Pros: It's a great place to watch a movie and yet have side convos with the ppl in your car. I've watched many movies here and I'm a BIG fan! The people who work here are surprisingly friendly. Although this place may attract eccentric people, most of them are also respectful and friendly.
Cons: sometimes the radio feed is not so great.. you'll have to find a spot that doesn't elicit static. Also, this place is definitely not brand new. They would benefit from a little touch up here and there.
Overall, i would recommend checking out this place if you've never been to a drive-in.
DUDE. This place is beyond awesome. Bringing me back to my childhood mannn, sitting in the back of my dad's 4runner with my older bro. When we use to put those big 'ol silver speakers and hang them onto our car window. GOOD F-IN TIMES MAN. And to think you can relive those memories right now! 5 stars, they deserve it. Good 'ol family/friend/loved one fun.
+The food isn't over priced like in indoor theatres. It's actually affordable and worth it. I know right??!
+Tuesdays= only 4.95/person, and it's a double feature! We saw ice age and A night at the museum.
+Feel free to sit on your car hood, on the car roof, shoot bring in a blanket and pillow and relax my friend. just relax.
+Brought me a nostalgic feel. This place is on my top 10 things for summer fun. Good job San Jose. And to think I've lived here for 4 years now and my friend from Fremont told me about it. Lolering.
u know how first impression is always important. This place definitely gets a 5 stars in my book. yeah...a lot ppl couldn't believe me when I said this was my first time going to a drive in theatres and yes.... I LOVE it!!
before I went...I heard stupid story of how DriveIn theatres is not really a place to watch movie and people are more there to make out and have sex. maybe it somewut true.. but thx god. I didn't see none of that around us. That will be gross... lol.. anyway.... sometime i get little skeptical of certain part of san jose and on top of all the stupid stories... I was certain that the DriveIn theatres must be ghetto. To my surprises, while waiting to pay for the movie I noticed every car that was around us were actually very nice cars.. not ghetto at all.
anyway.. to make to story short. It was a great experiences... I did noticed there were mostly vans/ suvs.. i guess it's better to have a bigger car.. u can pop ur trunk and bring folding chair to sit. At first my bf told me no matter where we park we can get a good view of the movie... that is not necessary true.. in my opinion... the middle spot is still the best. ooo... n we have a small car... it doesn't work if u want to have a full house in a small car because you can't see crap if u sit on the back seats. so either suvs, pop the trunk n brings chair or just two for small cars.
btw... the sound is play through ur car radio just in case u are first timer like me. =P
we didn't get to try it food... but according to yelpers.. there is tons of yummy food there... I will make sure to not eat before hand so we can go try them out.
for all the first timer just like me... this is a must try experience.. it's very awesome and cheap. it was not even 7dollars per person. it's just couldn't get any better than this.
I believe that is a great place to watch drive in movie if you enjoy that kind of experience. Besides, there is no other choices. Other drive-in theaters are all out of business. I rate this based on my drive-in experience itself, not particularly against this location.
One big problem with drive-in is that the screen is too dim and there are plenty of distractions around you, like an occasional ambulance siren and a periodic airplane flying overhead, and not to mention the kids screaming a few cars away. I watched District 9 and I couldn't see the details of many scenes because the dim images blurred together.
Since you provide your own sound using your FM radio, there is not much to complain about except yourself. However, movies are made with surround sound soundtracks and no car stereo is designed for surround sound. There is a major disconnect. Regardless of how great your car stereo system is, it CANNOT give a good movie experience, period.
The admission is pretty cheap, $6.75 for adult and $1 for kid. And you get to see 3 movies. Being restricted by the sunset, the first movie does not start until like 8 pm or later. The third movie would last till 3 am or even later. I don't think many people want to stay that late given it does not look like a very safe neighborhood.
I love this place. Not for the unhealthy dining or dirty restrooms..
I always have a good time watching a movie in the privacy of my own car. Great with friends, family, the kids or just my honey.
i love drive-ins! gotta be careful where you park because some of the screens have better audio than others, oh an be sure to clean your windshield before going!
i heart the drive in.
and this one is pretty good.
there's enough screens to be the drive in version of a multiplex, but luckily we were at the one with its back to the rest of the screens. no distracting other movies.
we brought our own food, but for $6.75 a person for a double feature, you could afford the normally expensive food at the concession stand. we went exploring there, and i was surprised (aside of the cheap ticket fee) that the food wasn't astronomically priced either. a couple bucks could land you a hot dog, some churros, pizza, soda, popcorn...
and they had video games and ice cream too.
so hop in your car, bring some food or buy it there, and fog up some windows. open year round so there's no excuse not to. :)
5 stars for drive-in, 3 stars for inside theater.
I used to come here all the time when I had a roommate who worked here and got me into movies for free. Even without free tickets, this is still a theater with a great drive-in and a good inside theater. I have nothing bad to say about the drive-in, which had a good variety of movies playing for a great price. It's not quite San Luis Obispo's Sunset Drive-In in terms of cute, old-fashioned atmosphere, but I like the greater selection of movies and think this is definitely the best in the bay area.
The regular movie theater is ok. It's an older theater, and the seats don't lean back in the way new seats do. It's also a little bit dirtier than some nicer theaters. That said, it's less pricey than the nicer theaters and plays a good selection of movies.
My husband and I like watching movies here because it's cheap ($6.75 a person) and coz we can bring our own food and drinks. I only gave them four stars because they really need to get some new food items. I ordered the nachos one time and almost got sick because of the "steak" they put on it. And they really should put a big sign that everyone can see before they pull up to the cashier that says "CASH ONLY". Fortunately, they let you park inside to use the ATM machine.
4 stars for inexpensive movie watching!
Part 6/6 of Date Day:
The perfect way to end our date was to just chill at the drive ins together. For $7/person, you can actually watch 3 movies, depending on what time you get there. We got there around 10:30, and watched Terminator and Hangover.
Pros:
Getting to talk and be loud during the movie.
Being able to eat and drink whatever you want.
Being able to smoke in the car.
Cons:
Ghetto ass people. OMFG. It was like some crazy 80's flashback, with Mexican doods in dickies, and gangster mexican hair bear chicks. People would mob in huge cars, and then hang out outside their cars tailgating, so it was really loud outside.
It was CROWDED, so you were literally 4-5 inches from the car next to you.
The bathrooms are far from the car and FILTHY. I'm scared to touch anything in there.
I'll always still love going to the Drive-Ins, and being that this is the last one left in the area, the ghettoness won't keep me away.
But for other out of town Yelpers, just be expecting ghetto ghetto folks all around you. :)
Total price for both of us was $14 for 2 movies. I think I went over my $200 date day budget by $10. However, we were out of the house from 10am-3am, and it was 110% quality time, every single moment of it.
Until next month. :)
Two movies for $6.75, food from anywhere you want, with that special someone in your life, priceless. Will definitely go again. Tips: 1.) Get there early and try to get a spot close to the screen so that you can recline your front seats. Its so comfortable! 2.) Clean your windshield. 3.) Bring food and enjoy.
A perfect old school date night to see UP. We brought some food, drinks, even the dog. If you get there on the late-ish side, then you might get a not so great parking spot. But then again, you should have brought the comfy car. My boyfriend brought his truck. We set up our lounging chairs, blankets, dog bed, and chinese food. Snuggling, snacking, drive in movies! Not a bad way to spend an summer evening. Oh San Jose! Why must we have this ever present struggle of how crappy/great you can be?! Why?
Great drive in plus great place to see a cheap movie.
Who knew there was a drive in theater stuck in a time warp somewhere in.... San Jose?
Well two friends of mine swear by it and I was drug along to see Land of the Lost at a 12:35 am showing. Horrible movie by the way... don't waste your time. Since it's a drive in, they take advantage of the wee hours of the night so it was still pretty busy when we left. I imagine it'd be nice to get wasted here and maybe hot box as you chow on movie snacks and watch the silver screen. For $6.75 per person it's a good rate if you're willing to drive the distance. Oh, and it's Cash Only
The place itself looks kinda sketch--dirty lots lined with creepy skeletal canopy frames from the day-time flea market, trashy bathrooms and a snack bar that probably serves up stale popcorn. And I imagine quite a few people were snuck in in trunks. I know I know, it sounds like I'm talking a lot of shit, but maybe I just have high standards. Unless I'm dying for the Drive In feel, i'll stick to the East Bay and hit up the Grand Lake.
Thumbs up. Price is good and the employee's dont harass you about anything. As mentioned you pay and once your movie is done, you can go to another.
i will make more of these trips to down there wheni got nothing goin on. pretty dope.. i
only down fall, is when a train goes by n your window is down(I like the cool breeze)
This was JV's second time going to a drive in theater and JQ's first time.
We love the drive in's. It is so much more personal and you don't get distracted by the neighbors around you as much.
We decided to pick up some snacks and a few drinks to throw back. JQ was surprised that you could drink beer while you are there. You could basically do anything you wanted in the comfort of your own car. (please don't think nasty minded folks)
We had an SUV so we positioned the car backwards and flipped the back seats down so we could lie down and be comfortable as we watched our movie. Other people did that as well, but were more prepared with an aerobed, pillows, and a blanket.
For just $6 a person, still cheaper than the movie theaters, you could watch as many movies as you wanted. The first movie generally starts at 8:00PM and lasts for about 2 hours, then they show another film immediately right after. You could also drive around to another screen and watch a different movie! This drive in is great because they have about 5 or 6 different screens!! All for the price of one!! AMAZING!! LoL!!
Come in early, about 30 minutes or so to get the best spot for your first movie. Surprisingly they fill up rather quickly. Bring snacks so you wouldn't have to pay. Bring pillows, blankets, and what ever else you want. The sound is played through the radio station so if you have a good boom-box or stereo that is portable, I suggest you bring that too so you don't waste your car's batter power if you decide stay there until the last showing.
The movies are the most recent releases, so don't think they are the old, released 2 months ago movies. The screens aren't too great but what else can you expect of a classic drive in.
Great times. Fun moments you have to try.
I went to the drive in with a few friends about a month ago, and it was AWESOME!! we brought boones, watched 3 movies, spent all night there for like $5 a person. good food, good movies, good options, good parking, it was great! definitely a good option for a cheap night out with friends or family. two thumbs up! and the flea market that's there during the day is amazing as well.
Went here for the first time last night, and had an absolute blast. I can't believe I've never been before. We watched two movies - could have made it three, but it was a Friday night after a long day and we were tired. There was enough time between movies to switch screens and get settled (and figure out which random radio station was the right one for that screen). The picture and sound quality were remarkably good.
Bad things: It's on the flight path to SJC and the low-flying planes are quite loud. There are also train tracks right next to the screens, and we missed some dialogue because of super loud trains passing through. It only happened a couple times, though. (Also, we were sitting outside the car with the radio blasting through the open windows, so it probably would have been much quieter IN the car.)
The clientele is a little weird/sketchy - I'm not sure why people were constantly driving in and out during the movie (usually with headlights on, so irritating), and there were lots of teenagers running around and making out, but it's all part of the fun. I wouldn't go here for a quiet drama or something I really needed to focus on, but for mindless action/thriller/horror movies and the like, it's a great experience. For $6.75 per person for two movies, plus we got to eat pizza and drink beer during the movie, it's the best deal ever.
Oh, and be careful when pulling out, the bumps that allow you to park your car on an incline can be hell on the underside of your car. I'm scared to look at my bumper this morning.
LOVE drive in movies!! Haven't been to a drive in since I was a kid and the Burlingame one was still open, so was kind of stoked to bring a drive in virgin for his first experience...and since this is the closest one to SF with the most screens, and we got good reviews from other fam, we decided on this one.
The car line to get in took longer than the drive to get there did (almost 45 min)...so they aren't messin around when they "suggest" to get there early...we ended up missing 15 min of the first movie. =(
But love that I can watch 3 movies in one night if I wanted (we only watched 2) for less than $7/pp. I packed snacks so didn't hafta buy anything.
Oh! and how excited was I when I realized we didn't have to use the big speakers that hung out of our window anymore?! heehee The audio is streamed through your radio!! woohoo! (Yes, I realize I kinda jus showed my age...)
So why not 5 stars?...cuz I don't know if I'm jus totally out of the loop here or there was a sign we missed or something...but not ALL the movies are listed on their marquee...and where does it list which screens are showing what movies??...and how are we supposed to know what station is for what screen??
We asked the cashier about the radio station for the first movie we wanted to watch and since it started already we knew where we were going...and we also asked him where the next movie that we wanted to watch would be showing but we ended up having to ask someone who was parked for our second movie's station so...a little confusing...like I said, maybe we missed something...
Either way, still loved the fact that I didn't have to hear other movie goers chomping on their popcorn, my seat didn't get kicked, didn't have someone excusing themselves as they walk in front of me in the middle of an action scene, or the not so stealth people who insist on answering their phone to not so quietly tell the person on the other line that they're in a movie and they'll call them back, or the texter who doesn't think their light on their phone distracts those sitting behind them from the movie!!!
Just had to deal w/ a few drivers who aren't so courteous and drive up with their lights on...but that seems worth it to me!
I feel very lucky to have a drive-in with such historical value within the city I was born and raised. Sure, sometimes its a "bad" night aka really ghetto people who are loud and have no manners. But this place has a great vibe otherwise. You can eat and drink whatever you want. Talk whenever you want. Awesome date idea!
This place is freaking awesome! It's a gigantic classic drive in.
For you youngsters who have never been to a drive-in let me state the obvious: Drive-ins are so great b/c you can basically do anything you want in the car and no one cares. Talk loudly, drink heavily (make sure to have a DD to drive you home), smoke (cigarettes of course ;-), get nekked, fart without embarrassment. Hopefully not the last two at the same time.
And they're much cheaper than standard theaters - I think it was $6.50? And only $4.75 on Tuesdays! Really big, exciting food court with all kinds of stuff. I'm on their email list and get nice coupons for food court every week. Sweet!
YOU MUST EXPERIENCE A DRIVE-IN MOVIE BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE! They are disappearing fast. I mean it. Go tonight.
I have the best memories of this drive-in from when I was a kid... the earliest movie I can remember seeing her was Bebe's kids lol. I regret that I don't come here more often because it's such a great price for so many movies.
Last Friday I went to see Drag Me to Hell (and saw Fighting & Night @ the Museum) I'd say the most annoying part of my experience had little to do with the people who worked there, but the other patrons. OH MY GOSH! Maybe some people aren't familiar with drive-ins need to GET familiar.
Rule #1- turn off your headlights, especially if you're backed into a space.
Rule #2- turn off your engine, it isn't necessary (unless your car is old as hell and you anticipate needing to get a jump after the movies)
Acually... rule #3- if you can avoid it, don't bring in a car that has a battery that won't last all night.
Other than those particular gripes, the drive in is great.
So random!
Going to a drive-in has been on my list of things to do since high school and San Jose made it happen. I always seem to find out about a drive-in right after it has been closed and the land has been sold to erect a Wal-Mart..
This place is really popular so get there in plenty of time to get your drive-in setup set up. The lines were so long to get in; by the time we got a spot (that wasn't hard - no idea what is going on with the lines!!), the movie had started. Again, the line of cars was ridiculous.
We were in a group of 6 so we did the folding chairs thing, which was fine. Take a blanket & your snacks of choice and don't think about the drive back to SF while you're enjoying the flick. :)
YAY the drive in's!!
The memories, 5 of us hiding in our friend's moms' Odyssey because we could only pay for 2 and talking through all the movies oh boy...
I still like coming here with friends whenever I'm back in town just for fun. The place looks a little sketch, and I would definitely bring my own food and *drinks*. ;)
Sometimes the sound quality can be a bit off.. so just be careful about that.
Tuesdays they have good deals on movies so if you have nothing to do on a tuesday night go out to the movies!!
I lost my virginity here. I'm not even kidding. It was during a screening of Aeon Flux, and I've been coming back ever since.
I love this place because it's cheap (although i think they recently raised prices) and the experience of watching a movie in your car is a nice change of pace from an actual theater. You can bring your own food, talk during the movie (among other things), and you can stay as long as you want.
In contrast to a normal movie where you pay to see one film, here at capitol you pay for entrance into the general area, and you can stay and watch as many movies as you want. How cool is that? They give you a radio station and the audio comes right through your stereo!
However, there are some downsides. The picture and audio quality can vary from average to downright horrible. A lot of times I had to position my car just right to get a decent signal, and sometimes i feel like the projector isn't bright enough depending on what screen your on. Action flicks like star trek just don't have the same effect on the drive in screen as they do on the real thing.
The general area is also pretty dirty, and sometimes it can get so crowded it can be hard to maneuver your car. There are also some assholes that come here. They drive big SUVs and park in front of small cars. They bring their foldout chairs and take up 2 parking spaces. They keep their headlights on during the whole fucking movie.
But other than that (and i don't mean this sarcastically), the drive in experience is great. It all adds to the character. What you have to understand is that this is the only drive-in for miles, and there are only a handful left in the United States. I fear it is an experience my children will never get to have, so go and enjoy it while it's still here.
This place rules. If I had a smokin hot boyfriend I would take him here, but luckily I have the two bestest friends ever so they'll do. We saw Year One on the big screen and it was fun. I also took a picture of a tiny asian boy shooting a video game gun hardcore. I would also like to tell you that Chris deserves a raise and he's cute. I don't know why but I am loving San Jose a lot. Probably because I'm part mexican. YEAH, THE DRIVE-IN!
I wish we had more Drive-In Theaters in the Bay Area. My husband and I took my daughter and her friend to see Star Trek. They have several screens and for two movies at $6.75 a person, prices are very reasonable, if your under 11, its only $1.00. Popcorn was actually really good there. You need to have an FM radio to hear the movies, we used are car radio and for the girls a portable radio (portable radio didn't work as good, hard tracking the station). We all really enjoyed ourselves, highly recommending for a family fun night heading out to the Drive-In!!!!!
I love this place.
I always get that nostalgic feeling a time before I was born, when things were simple. That feeling when I listen to Sinatra songs and think of how simple life was. That's the feeling I get when I come to the drive-in. Kind of old-school, but just simple.
The parking lot is has a series of ripples so that you can park your car on an incline, throw back your seat, and enjoy the big screen from the comforts of your own car. You tune into the station that they give you when you buy your ticket at the booth. Tickets are only $6.75 per person!
This places loses a star because: 1) there is a bit of static/background noise coming from the station, and 2) it's a better experience if it's only 2 to a car. My friend in the backseat had to lay at an angle in order to view the full screen. 3) They are totally adament about shutting down the ticket booth when the last movie of the night starts playing. We got there at 11:35pm for an 11:30 showing, and they turned us away even though they could've squeezed us in. Boo.
This place is great for a date night.
I guess this is a cutesie place to have a date, like on good old Happy Days. But I'm not sure if I'd watch all, or most of my movies here. It's a great experience, especially because drive-ins are so hard to find, but for me it's like a one time thing only. It gets cold in your car, there seems to be people constantly walking around and partying it up. You also see people getting busy in their cars (that's what the motel 6 is for, honey), so it's kinda like going to an adult theater. Hollaaa.
I also find it distracting that you can see the other movies from the corner of your eye, so I always end up missing parts of movies. Maybe it's ADD. It's cute for reliving Grease, but I think it's more for horny teenangers. :X
What a... unique... movie watching experience! This is something everyone needs to try at least once. Don't go expecting great sound and great screens like at indoor movie theaters, and you'll have a very pleasant experience. Just take it for what it is: simple and charmingly old-fashioned. We got to see 2 movies for $4.75 each because we went on a Tuesday. We brought tons of junk food, pillows, and blankets, and we were good to go.
Like to talk with your buddies during the movie? No problem. Like to git bizzy in public spaces? No problem. Like to get wasted while watching kiddie movies? Nooo problemo.
There were a couple challenges though, for us first-timers. We didn't know which screen we were supposed to be at. We didn't know what station to tune our radio to in order to hear the movie. We didn't know that there would be humongous bumps in the parking lots so we scraped the bumper a bit. The windshield also kept fogging up--not because we were doing anything steamy, but because we decided to go in the middle of winter when it's really freakin cold outside. However, people around us were apparently getting steamy, because we kept hearing random and intermittent blasts of the car horn. Rolling around in the driver's seat too much, I bet. Heehee.
If you do decide to go on the weekends its pretty packed. You will usually see some people who ruin the experience by:
1.bringing laser pointers and pointing it all over the screen.
2.smoking weed and run around all over the place.
3.standing around drinking beer in a group thinking its a party.
4.barbecuing food and being loud. (how ghetto is that?!)
5.driving around in their car with their lights on.
I suggest you come here on a weeknight to avoid some of those annoyances. My boyfriend and I usually come here on Tuesdays because its only $4.75 a movie and its usually not packed being a weeknight and all.
We usually buy snacks before coming here though because we had a bad experience with the food from the drive-in. Do not get the popcorn there! The person who was behind the counter was scooping the popcorn in the bag..dragged her sleeve in the popcorn machine! Her sleeve looked very greasy and disgusting from the popcorn. That made me want to gag when I saw it because that was very unsanitary. If you want snacks from here, make sure its packaged snacks or go buy snacks from somewhere else before coming here.
All in all. It's cheaper than going to regular movie theater and its fun if you don't let others ruin it for you.
I stopped watching movies because:
Theatre seats are uncomfortable.
Too many previews and commercials.
Expensive food.
Teeny boppers and shit.
Eleven bucks a movie nowadays! wtf
Ahhh the Capitol Drive In.
Am I getting this right? The ONLY drive in theatre in the Bay Area?!
That makes this an automatic historic landmark.
Movies are only 6.75!
And you get three previews before the movie starts and thats it.
Bring in your own food and drink.
Here are some good pairings we recommend you try.
H Salt fish and chips + drive in
East Lake + drive in
Frozo's frozen yogurt + drive in
Panda Express + drive in
French bread pizza +drive in
You see where I'm going with this?
And when the movie is bad, like for example, Wanted...
You can create your own dialogue in the comfort of your own car.
Even kick your feet up on the dash.
Or poke each others faces and/or pop pimples.
It's the drive in! Roll up the windows and do what you want!
Julie I know you're reading this. ;-)
The goods:
-Cheap and you get a double feature!!!
-Bring your own food. We always bring two pizza and usually some taco bell
-Fun experience and a great night out with the friends
-Don't have to worry about babies crying or cells ringing and you can talk as loud as you want. Just roll up your car windows and your in your own little movie pod.
The bads:
-The grounds aren't kept up to nice. Looks pretty dirty.
-Parking your car is sometimes confusing and everyone is just driving every which way so you have to be careful.
-The won't tell you the second movie playing for any movie, except the one you paid for. They don't want you moving your car, but everyone does it once they can tell whats playing. We asked once before we knew this and the guy was really rude about it.
I'll keep coming back!
I'd like to think of myself as a Capitol Drive-In Theatre fanatic. My bf and I use to come here all the time to watch a movie or two or even three. =) We use to come here so much that we'd have to wait for the new movies to come out before we could come back. Our favorite night was Tuesdays or "2 dollar Tuesdays" as we'd like to call it. It's not really $2, but actually $4 per person, which is half the price of a regular night. But hey, $12 for two people ain't bad either. The food is a little pricey here, so bring in outside food, drinks and lots of snacks. The best time to go is in the summer. Take the SUV, reverse park and open up the back. I suggest bringing blankets and pillows for the back of the SUV if you got one, so you and the hunny or family can relax and enjoy the movie.
Note: the prices have gone up since we use to go. Still cheaper than going to the walk-ins though.
Another note: try to get there early so that you can choose your parking spot...this place fills up pretty quick on the weekends during the summer.
Oh how sweet is the Drive-In Theatres...
This is probably the last one standing in the area. It doesn't have the old school speaker boxes that straps on to your window. The sound is transmitted through your radio. Different station for different movie.
It beats paying $11 each per person for a movie (Is that the price now? I don't know anymore). Plus, you get to bring your own food instead of having to stuff your backpack with snacks and sneak it in or paying $100 for popcorn, soda, nachos and sour patches.
ANNDDD, you don't have to worry about anyone kicking your seat or hearing stupid comments from other patrons or having nicotine fits because you can smoke all you want in the car. haha.
If you want to watch Sex and the City and your man wants to watch Indiana Jones, don't argue!! Just bring your mp3 players, you know, the ones that have built in AM/FM. You can both enjoy your movies and still be together and cupcake all you want.
Best thing about it is... doesn't it bring back the good old days? Sigh... it makes me feel like a kid again. Don't forget about all the privacy you get for *ahem* other things...
Added Bonus: sip sip in the car.
Oh and I gotta secret... if you go to the drive-in, wait until the last showing starts. The ticket booth workers will leave 5 minutes after the movie starts. Then you can drive in and watch a movie... FOR FREE!! The movie might not be the one you want to watch, but OH WELL! At least you get to make out with your girl for an hour...
