Business Description from the Web
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is dinner and a movie under one roof. There is a regular menu as well as specials to go with the theme of the night.
Tips About This Business
Atypical theater fare fills the menu--pizzas with campy movie-related names like "Poultrygeist" Chicken Pesto complement bottles of Fat Tire or Anchor Porter.
Spawned by the comedic creators of Alamo's infamous and retired Sinus Show, Master Pancake Theater's live cast mocks a different plot-challenged movie each month.
Seasonal Rolling Road Shows offer clever pairings of films and Austin locations, like "Jaws" at Lake Travis and "Goonies" in a cave.
Want to impress your date? Skip the bucket of beer and order a bottle of vino to complement your film.
At various times between 1964 and 2007, the Ritz served as an adult theater, comedy house, punk music club and pool hall.
Editorial Reviews from the web
In Short Lovers of independent films, classic cinema and 20th century kitsch flock to Austin's flagship movie theater. Relocated from its original Warehouse District venue to the classic Ritz Theater, it continues to sate filmgoers with beer, wine and a full menu. Built in 1929, the building features two screens, allowing owners Tim and Karrie League to double the mayhem. Theme...
more
Other Reviews from the web
i love this place! the crowd is there for the movie or show and they make sure of it. if you talk or text, they will kick your a@s out and that is lovely. service and food is always good. they should have one in every town in the nation. you can tell they care about the experience and do everything they can to enhance it. REMEMBER THE ALAMO!!!
Pros
+ best movies, shows, foods, drinks...
more
Posted by sanidy
on November 17, 2009
The Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz will be playing An Audience of One March 30th and 31st. It's a funny, yet chilling documentary about a pentacostal minister whose vision of a big budget film goes wrong. It's an intriuguing look into the lives of people whose faith drives them to do crazy things. It's an amazing film and is worth checking out this month.
Posted by ilovethe60s
on April 21, 2009, (Edited March 19, 2009)
It's fun to be downtown and the theater is arranged where there really isn't a bad seat. However, the service leaves a lot to be desired. The first time I chalked it up to an exception but since have found it is the norm. Waiters walk by several times and don't even notice your order sticking right where they tell you to put it! They're not even smart enough to realize that two people who...
more
Posted by one_beachlvr
on April 21, 2009, (Edited June 01, 2008)
I really enjoy the Ritz Alamo. While it's not my favorite Alamo theater, is does has have it's own appeal. The screens and theaters are massive and sitttings in those seats makes you feel like you've traveled back in time to when going to the movies was a big event. They type of film they show is rather limited as they only have two screens, but it is well worth it to check out a film there.
...
more
Posted by RunningTRex
on April 21, 2009, (Edited May 30, 2008)
I love their pizza, I would go just for that. And its great to get a good cold mug of beer and sit back and relax. It's an added bonus that they happen to play movies in their theatres too!The downtown location gives you unique things like sing alongs, Weird Wednesday B movies,special movie events with themed dinners,live burlesque shows and even air guitar competitions (yep). I am spoiled now...
more
Posted by rubberduckie
on April 21, 2009, (Edited December 03, 2007)
This is SUCH a classic Austin spot! Mr. Sinus Theater--just like Mystery Science Theater 3000--where they talk over the movie and make fun of it! I saw the Karate Kid, and it was hilarious!! I just love the fact that you can watch a movie, order a big fat burger, and drink a beer all at the same time!! It's everything you want in a friday night!!!
Pros
+ Eating at the movie theater!!!
Cons
...
more
Posted by travelbugg1980
on April 21, 2009, (Edited November 09, 2007)
I've been a big fan of Alamo Drafthouse for several years, always enjoyed my time there. The food isn't top notch dining or class "A" cuisine, but I don't work for Zagats so who gives a hoot. The pizzas and salads are pretty good, the root beer float is great too. Downtown offers "Mr Sinus Theater which is a must see venue if you haven't experienced it. They're not always great...
more
Posted by elibutton
on April 21, 2009, (Edited February 16, 2007)
I LOVE going to Alamo for everything from movies to their unique special features, such as the Beatles Sing Along they held recently. Alamo never ceases to amaze me with their brilliant and quirky ideas for entertainment, and their involvement with the Austin community is even better.
My only suggestion is please, for the love of all that is holy, do not EAT there. We have eaten twice at two...
more
Posted by sarah315
on April 21, 2009, (Edited July 11, 2006)
I had so much fun here. At first I was a little skeptical about eating in the dark...but you can order while there is still light. The food is pretty good and pretty well priced. Ther service is also pretty decent, considering the layout.
All in all it was a great time.
Pros
+ Food and a big screen...I'm sold
Cons
- None
Posted by shoegal84
on April 21, 2009, (Edited July 06, 2006)
I disagree with those folks who said that the food isn't good at the Alamo! Are you kidding? The pizza is great! And the desserts are also fantastic - as well as the salads and burgers. What other movie theater cna you get not only beer and wine but also Italian sodas?! I love the quirky movies you can't see anywhere else and the live music to silent movies and cartoon, and other live...
more
Posted by schlaumfi
on April 21, 2009, (Edited September 28, 2004)
The food here is unispired and lacks any effort in making it palatable. Even the popcorn is served cold. The food was once a tasty addition but now rates somewhere between a bad 80's B flick and Gigli. The food is overpriced, so make every effort to eat before or after the show. There are many other eateries around the Drafthouse that are more worthy of your money.
Pros
+ Programming
...
more
Posted by allyourbase
on April 21, 2009, (Edited May 29, 2004)
The Drafthouse is a fun & unique place to go with a date, a group of friends, or when guests are in town and you want to give them a taste of a true Austin institution. Nothing beats being able to eat food and drink beer while watching a movie in a theater, and the movie offerings are always electic, if not a little weird. Theater room could use a little updating/cleaning.
Pros
+ Fun, Unique...
more
Posted by hwood41
on April 21, 2009, (Edited August 04, 2003)
My wife & I love the Alamo. Having beer and (good) food at the movies is an idea that should have been here years ago. The only problem we've experienced is with the intelligence level of the waitstaff. Just small things, like bringing the appetizer last, and then giggling about it instead of apologizing... Of the many times we've been to the Alamo, we've only actually received good intelligent...
more
Posted by doghostage
on April 21, 2009, (Edited June 25, 2003)
really a unique experience the Alamo will be probably the only thing I will miss about Austin when I move away. nice Leather couches in the back food and drink delivered right to you and always the most eclectic selection of films This place is what makes going to the movies fun!!!!!
Posted by smoyboy
on April 21, 2009, (Edited September 12, 2002)
I think what I like the most about the Alamo is the choice in movies, followed second by the fact that you can order a pitcher to watch these movies. The food is not great, although named very cleverly. My suggestion is go there early and get the sofa seats in the back. Also, the midnight shows and Harry Knowles events are fun. I was laughing hard with the rest of the crowd at the "Sick and...
more
Yes, they serve food. No, it's not particularly tasty. Drinking beer at the movies is just fine with me.
food is definitely hit and miss, but the wine/beer selection is great... i can't watch a movie anywhere else now!
In ShortLovers of independent films, classic cinema and 20th century kitsch flock to Austin's flagship movie theater. Relocated from its original Warehouse District venue to the classic Ritz Theater, it continues to sate filmgoers with beer, wine and a full menu. Built in 1929, the building features two screens, allowing owners Tim and Karrie League to double the mayhem. Theme nights,...
more
movies, food, and beer...
more
I don't know how it could get much better than this, unless maybe you got a foot massage while you were eating your dinner, drinking your beer, and watching the movie.
My favorite dish on the menu is the chicken pesto pizza with black olives and roma tomatoes. The salad and focaccia bread is quite tasty, too.
One of the many times I've been there, there was a mixup with my order and I...
more
The first movie I saw at the Alamo Drafthouse was Rock and Roll High School. It was the beginning of a long and meaningful relationship. I could have beer served to me while watching a movie. That alone was a great reason to go, but you could also pick from a menu, and finish off with dessert. The Alamo Drafthouse also shows UT football games on Saturdays, a treat on their big screen. The...
more