The Alamo Drafthouse is the greatest theater chain in the country with lovingly crafted pre-shows designed for whatever experience youre about to see. Look for their special nights showing old movies. For example, seeing Pieces (1982) at this theater included a special introduction from theater staff, a passionate speech for an obscure film, really, and the packed theater made this the best theatrical experience you could imagine.
Stopped here to see the joker. It’s a little old time feeling inside and I would like to see it be a little cleaner and keep the same feel. That would be the reason for the reduced star. The volume on the movie was just a little too high. Overall though, I really liked this place. The popcorn was excellent and the prices for the food seemed fair. I really like that they use reusable dishes for their food. I would like to see the wait staff in the theater be a little more friendly. The guy waiting on us seemed like he was annoyed to be waiting on us, like he was doing us a favor to allow us to be in his presence. Overall it was a good experience, hopefully if the employee with the man bun reads this he’ll be reminded that it never hurts to be friendly and welcoming to people.
Always a great time at Alamo Drafthouse - Ritz. The Master Pancake Shows they have, as well as the movie parties are something everyone must attend at least once. Alamo has found a way to change the way you view a favorite film for the better. I have found myself scheduling Austin weekend vacations around what Alamo Drafthouse - Ritz is showing. They are that good and fun.
We sat in the balcony seats. Worth every penny. Food was good. Our server was attentive. When we arrived there was no staff to direct us where to go. We had a hard time finding the balcony. It would have helped if they told us that we had to walk through the projection room. When we left, again, no staff around to help us with our bill.
Good food. Excellent service. Master Pancake is a must see no matter what movie they are mocking
I love this theater. Its all the greatness of the Alamo Drafthouse. If you time it right, you can be in your own quiet little movie world on Friday night and then step outside straight into the madness of 6th Street. Makes for a fun exit!
I was upset when they turned my favorite music venue, The Ritz, into a movie theater oh so many years ago. However, look how well it turned out! Theyve been serving great movie-themed food for years, and the service is always quick and perfect. The amazing videos they play before the movie starts are always a wonderful vintage montage of weird relics from the past. I only watch movies at the Alamo.
This is the worst movie experience I have ever had. I spent 30 minutes fighting downtown traffic, finding parking that cost a fortune, and avoiding vagrants on the street just to get to the theater and be denied entry. I could have just walked up the steps and into the theater but I was honest and went to check in the counter before seeing my movie. My friend was waiting inside and ended up seeing the movie by himself and my trek into downtown Austin was worth nothing. There goes $30 and a few hours on a Saturday. Never again.
Had its pros and cons. The essence of filmmaking really presents itself here. Perhaps what I liked most. I have never been a fan of people crunching on nachos like they are feeding a wood chipper while Im trying to watch a movie. I think the admission fee is a bit high for matinee. The place was clean and employees were very friendly. I would recommend
The screens & seating at this location are not very big but allows for a more personal setting. i love going to the Alamo because of the no nonsense rules against talking & phones. it was interesting how the joker hysteria lead to a security guard at the front entrance asking to see whats in my bag. other than that my experience is always the same. if you have never been to an Alamo you should go and experience its damp smells. the total silence except for the person who took a bite at the wrong time during the movie. the inventive way they tell you to stay off your phones before each screening. its such a wonderful place, peace.
Downtown location is pretty neat, experience and all.Small theaters and only limited showings
Great movie, pizza was good, but the smell in the place reeked of 6th street. Plus they had couple people sneaking in as ticket control was lax. Dont know if braving dirty 6 was worth it..
Ok, the theater itself is a little wonky, but its kept that classic feel. But the reason to go is the lineup of cinema entertainment that they provide. Parking isnt easy and weekend nights will test you, but its still worth doing.
I love that there are waiters that take your order while watching the movie. You simply write the order on paper, place it standing up & a waiter comes by very quickly to grab the order & they put it in immediately. The menu has many delish snacks, and pizza. Id highly recommend the Carnivore Pizza! Theres adult drinks like margaritas, cocktails, and beer. The restrooms were very nice and clean, with toiletries for the ladies. Its a small theater with only 2 screens but I still had the best time!!!
Dont expect a lot of seating room, this place is always packed. And for good reason: great food, fast service, and a very quiet and respectful movie experience. They will kick people out if they repeatedly use their phones during the movie, it is wonderful.
I have been going to the Drafthouse since I moved to Austin in 2013 but have never taken the time to review them. I Saw once once upon a time in hollywood last night the best part was this theater was playing it in 35mm. It brought the prefect touch to the viewing experience. A lot of theaters these day are all digital so its nice that the Drafthouse has the option to watch certain movies in that format. I hope the Drafthouse continues to off this kind of experience as long as there are still filmmakers who still shot in the format
Really cool, old, renovated theatre. Did was pretty good. Had the double cheese burger with gluten free but. Tasted really yummy.
Nice little venue. Looks like its just two screens, so its a small, intimate affair.
Amazing theatre with great ambience. They are very strict regarding maintaining silence during a movie so if you are a cinema person like me, you will love this place.Food is amazing and the system to place order is super efficient. Must try Chocolate Milk Shake here.Since it is on the 6th street, parking might get difficult during weekends.Speakers are good and overall movie watching experience is worth it.
I havent laughed as long or as hard in years! We watched the Keanu Reeves movie review with 3 of the funniest comics on the planet. What a treat!!! Our server was first rate. The food was brought pretty quickly for a full house. It was hot and delicious. My beyond burger was so good you could go just for it. Kudos, Alamo.
Great Master Pancake performance! The 3 comedians were hilarious and well rehearsed. Keeping the Alamo weird. One star off, the brussel sprouts and bacon pizza was overcooked and dry.
I went to the Ritz for a screening of the Sonic Youth Daydream Nation 30th anniversary films. It was one of the most enjoyable moving going experiences I’ve ever had. So enjoyable, that I decided to go back the following night and see the Terror Tuesday Made for TV mystery movie show they do.The theatre itself was very nice, has an old time Art Deco vibe. Food was great. Most importantly, the variety of their film programming (with new films and art house/cult classic/left field type films sitting side by side) is inspiring. If only I lived in Austin, I would be at the Ritz all the time...Alamo needs to come up to NJ and bring a theatre like the Ritz with them. I have no doubt it would be a big hit in Princeton or New Brunswick.
Unfortunately the speakers didnt function in theater one. They had the sound whisper quiet. Then cranked it up and there was a persesant humm louder than the film. No one stopped and refunded anything it just seemed like they didnt care. I hope they fix it soon. To much of a fan to see this place fall apart.
I enjoy the experience, the environment and the friendly staff. I would reccomend this as something to do with Family and Friends. It really is a unique experience in movie watching.
Such a great convenient theatre if youre staying downtown. The best showings are their weird extra curriculars (like master pancake theatre) rather than the blockbusters.
This is a really fun movie theater, definitely recommended to enjoy and have good food and drink.
We go here for movie parties and master pancake theater. Love the beer and cocktails. Oh and the best buffalo cauliflower ive ever had. Dont forget to look for special food based on the movies.
I love this Alamo location. I went to the Fathers day brunch viewing of Birdcage!! I had a great time. Service was poor. I didnt understand why they only had two servers working the sold out show in the bigger theatre. Everything anyone ordered took forever. Come on Ritz, live up to your name ;)
I love and miss this theatre especially for their opening nights and movie parties. That Taylor Swift one, though; SO FUN! And every time before opening night they staff on stage always goes the extra length to show their enthusiasm. The props at this location are always good. Austin has the best Alamo Drafthouses.
Ive been wanting to come to the original Alamo for awhile and I wasnt disappointed at all. My first experience with Alamo was in Houston and the Austin location is just as good. Our waiter Alex was courteous, attentive, and timely in getting food and drinks to us and the movie was great. The theatre itself has lots of character as well.
Little warm up top, but what isnt during summer in Texas? Master pancake was knock out funny. Food is incredible, added rum to the ginger berry and it blew me away. Go back again and again and again drink and eat and laugh yourself to death.
The same quality youd expect in any Alamo experience, except for the old bartop seating that make it hard to navigate around seats (really appreciate the upgraded small tables at the other locations).
Best place to catch a movie downtown. Most of the time its older movies for movie parties or the live riffing antics of Master Pancake Theater. Still the old style of tables where its one large one across the row of seats so to get in and out you go Under the table to go forward but at this point with the rest of them upgrading its a good astetic. Food is on par with the rest of the Drafthouse being good but prices are in line for an Austin market.Go to it and after enjoy 6th street.
Neat and oldschool location. I love all the special events and screenings they have at this location.
Hilarious ads and pre movie entertainment, and wonderful food and service during the movie. Couldnt have a better movie experience
Downtown movie theater is narrow, but considering you spend your time mostly in the seats, thats not a big deal. Dont sit in row 1 if you can help it, the view isnt great, but I was there for Master Pancake Theatre, so row 1 was actually a lot of fun.
A fun date night location to see a movie, have dinner, and get drinks.
This place is magical. They host the best movie parties, singalongs, and of course Master Pancake.Its a small old downtown theater complete with tiny old balcony. Its intimate and unique among movie theaters. Its no wonder its a favorite of so many stars of the movies they show.
We watched X Men Dark Phoenix and the movie was great. The Alamo Drafthouse facility was also enjoyable. My wife and I only had chips and queso from the menu which was really good, and each had a soda. The service was great.
I can talk about Alamo Drafthouse all day. What I love about the Ritz is the originality of it and its location downtown. This is the location I go to for more specialty screenings like Lawrence of Arabia or The Fifth Element Movie Party. They know how to do it right. They have one huge screening room and a small screening room. The food is good here but I do miss the old menu.
So cool!! We went to see the fifth element movie party. We were given cap guns and blue glow sticks (for the diva of course). One of the most fun movie experiences Ive had. Partly because of the balcony seats. Theyre nice and private. Very comfortable. The food was tasty. Looking forward to future movie parties.
Place is very cozy, shows great films, and the beer and food is delicious!
Quite honestly this is the best movie watching experience you can have in a theater. With good food, fun pre-movie videos, and nice waiters you should have an excellent time
First time to visit the Alamo Drafthouse. There are fun posters from concerts and events from Austin framed in the lobby as well as a selection of souvenirs and movies.The auditorium was clean and the wait staff was amazing.A warning: I went on a Sunday; and on Sunday in Texas you cannot be served alcohol without food in front of you. So you will get your drink with your food (and you must at least order a popcorn to be served).
Great staff. Sometimes I just stop by for a beer on my way past. They have great selection of local draft beer.
A unique movie experience with food, nice beers, and a strict no talking, no texting policy. Loved it.
Awesome experience! The dining service doesnt intervene with the movie due the unique floor plan of their theaters. The food was good, though their menu has a lot of messy dishes that could prove difficult to eat in the dark. I especially enjoyed the custom pre-movie entertainment; a way better movie intro than a barrage of trailers!
I love this place. Its the best theater there is.
Great theater showing older movies I never could have seen in theaters. Parking isnt great, but thats all of 6th.
Nice, rustic, good food, Nicholas Cage is a maniac.
Great place ..watched Interstellar on 70mm here...
This used to be my all time favorite. The menu and quality of special events have been on a downward tend for years, sadly. Still the best place for pre-show entertainment, but newer theres are blowing them out of the water on seating and dining experience.
This is my favorite theater in Austin. They show new releases, some classics, and do some pretty unique events. There are movie parties and quite alongs but my favorite events are the annual lord of the rings feast and all of the Master Pancake shows.
First time at the theater. The seats are old and uncomfortable and food was only mediocre. The chicken tenders were over cooked and French fries under cooked. We wanted popcorn and the machine was broken. The soda was watered down swill and I will never go back to this location again. I wad to walk blocks from parking to the theater not enjoyable.
I like the seats and the space between the tables. Also like the old rustic look plus the t-shirts they sell in the lobby! Over all a cool place.
An unusual experience for me in having actual food served in the cinema. Very happy. Saw a great european horror film
Always enjoy Alamo Ritz. Master Pancake was hilarious. A great date night for us! Buffalo cauliflower was amazing. Yum!
This is the original Drafthouse location, I believe, and unlike all the others theres no adjacent shared parking lot so expect having to walk a couple of blocks and more if you go on a weekend night when that part of downtown gets crowded with nightlife. This one is a small location with only two screens but I strongly recommend its occasional Master pancake theater. Look it up.
Great theater with helpful staff as all Alamos are.
I like their other locations in Austin better. But Alamo Drafthouse is still the best chain of theaters
Great atmosphere, good service and decent food.
Parking can be a little tricky for this location, but its really neat that theyve maintained this little piece of Austin history!
I wne to a wedding here. The service was great, the venue is beautiful and original, loved it
Awesome historic spot, look up Master Pancake and see the show
Love this place for the Master Pancake theater, wish they did this at more Alamos around the country!
Fun and good food. Great atmosphere
Had to wait extremely long time for wait staff to take order even longer for my order and when finally receiving, it was lukewarm with no condiment. Frys lucked liked and tasted old and ed reheated. Was a little disappointed that movie was not completely what we came to see miss the director cut but still enjoyed the edited movie.
Really cool cinema, amazing food, the bottomless popcorn does not lie, it’s seriously huge. Good service and decent price for what you get.
Quaintly situated and decorated. Love the signage outside and the antique feel of the theatre. Went to a sing-along recently and they had great dance space to really enjoy the experience. The staff was fun and welcoming. They offer a good variety of food.
A little old and floors are sticky but nice staff and theater.
This one rocks. They wont kick you out for laughing at a funny scene like the other alamo draft houses will and have done to me.
The best movie theatre in Austin. Always good service
Grand old theater filled with spacey charm & wheelchair access. Parking to this location takes logistics but its nice.
I really like that this is one of the locations that shows old school movies on certain days of the week. They show a lot of the 80s movies that I miss so much! I have them on my Facebook page so that I get notifications from them so that I know what is playing!
I love this place. The concept is cool, the employees are humble and efficient, the food is delicious and the movies are great. Love it
An excellent, friendly staff. They have gaps between the rows so that the staff can ask for and deliver food and drink orders. It is a bit distracting to have them kind of scurry in during the movie. Additionally, the need for more leisure designed seating is needed as other theaters have adopted
Neat building - two fairly small theaters upstairs when you enter. If you bought a ticket online, you just walk right into your theater to your seat - no fuss! There is an elevator in the back by the restrooms. The menus are hiding in a slot under the table in front of your seat. The wait staff will explain it all to you. Careful not to sit in the back rows - you will be behind the aisle where the wait staff will be traveling throughout the show. Finally, don’t show up late or you will have to catch a different showing!
Two small balconies with leather recliners were perfect. Give those seats a shot.
The Ritz is an older theater that reminds me of movies showcasing vaudevilike. Im not sure how old it actually is, but it is a beautiful theater. As a person who is wider than most the seats are a bit small, but I can still get my ample posterior in. There are a lot of stairs to get to the theaters, but there is a tiny, slow elevator if stairs are your nemesis.The food is typical of any Alamo Drafts House - delicious and subject to specials based on the movies and events presented. Service is a bit hit or miss, but once you get everything it is delicious.I have a serious food allergy and at this Alamo Ive never had any issue.
This location always has offbeat options that are fun to participate in, like movie parties and terror tuesdays. there are only two screens, so you wont have a ton of options at any given time, and the seats are old school, which is kind of fun after being pampered so much at other alamos. food is great, and the character of the building leaves a lasting impression.
Great audio and video quality. Good beer selection and friendly staff.
This is a fantastic place to watch a movie on a nice afternoon with friends. The atmosphere is really great and I really enjoy having food and drinks with my friends while watching movies. Really great spot and location with fantastic ambience that just cannot be beat. Always looking forward to the next movie here so that I can enjoy spending time with my friends. Very interesting concept and I would recommend this to everyone.Interesting thing about this theater is that they really focus on etiquette and insist that people act appropriately, which is a very refreshing experience given how often people speak during movies. Glad that this concept has reached Austin.
Still a great place to watch movies. Master Pancake shows are always fun and worth catching if you can.