I just got back from seeing “The Fighter” at The Alamo Drafthouse. So, I could think of nothing more fitting than to blog about this great establishment. There are 4 in the Austin area and I have been to 3 of them. It is one of the best movie experiences ever. If you have not had the privilege to go, you are missing out. They are mainly found in Texas. But rumor has it they are going to be expanding to Los Angeles. How convenient 🙂
Let me walk you through the glorious experience. The ticket price is just like any other theater. Many think it is more expensive, but it’s not. There is a lounge and bar that you can hang out at before or after the movie.
You usually want to get to the theater at least 15 min before the movie starts to get settled in. At normal theaters they have cheesy trivia and advertisements on the screen before. At the Alamo they personalize your experience. They put together clips of media that have to do with the movie you are seeing. For example, when I saw “Whip It!” they showed roller derby videos. When I saw “The Town,” they showed clips from cop and robber shows. And today for “The Fighter” they showed parts of “Rocky.” A lot of time it is comedic.
The theater is set up differently. There are the usual movie chairs, but then there is a table in front of you, bar style. The chairs run by fours and then separate so you can get out and not have to climb over people. In front of the table before the next row of chairs is a space to walk through; which is where your server walks by, so as to not interrupt you.
On your table is a menu, slips of paper and pens. You pick out what you want. Everything I have tried I have liked. Fried pickles are my favorite. And their movie popcorn is the best.  If you like adult beverages they have plenty of beers and wines, etc. to fill you up. You write on the paper what you want and then you stick it up on the metal pocket, so your server knows you want something. They slip by and pick it up. It’s that easy. You would think it may be real annoying to have someone walk by, but it’s not bad at all.
All this is great. But there is even more. The Alamo does really fun events as well. They pick cult/popular movies and do quote-alongs. For Christmas they are doing one for Elf. Earlier this year they did one for Office Space. They also do singalongs. For Christmas they are doing a pop sing along, they have also done Michael Jackson, Glee, 90’s pop, and many more. Most of them have other activities to go along with them. Another fun event they do is Saturday morning cartoons, but they go old school. They encourage you to come in you pajamas, and give you as much sugary cereal as you can consume.
I could go on and on about their personal events, but if you want to learn more you can go the Alamo’s website.
This is one Austin staple that I will miss. I try to take most of my visitors there if we have time. And I hope the rumor about it coming to Los Angeles is true. I will be first in line! If you are in Austin have never been…what are you doing?! Stop reading this and go right now!
Until next time…PEACE OUT!
The One... 