The original motto at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema was simple back when it first launched in 1997: “…good food, good beer and good film, all at the same place!”
Celebrating classic cinema is important to the Alamo Drafthouse folks, while making sure to have fun along the way. Whether it’s an interactive Movie Party presentation of a timeless classic, a chef-inspired feast with a menu paired to a film, or a re-evaluation of a lost gem, they love sharing the movies they’re fans of.
When you see a movie at Alamo Drafthouse, you get cold drinks, delicious meals, tasty local beers, and signature cocktails brought to your seat by a server. Need a free refill on your popcorn or soda? Raise an order card and they’ll get it taken care of asap.
I still recall my first Alamo Drafthouse experience in Austin, Texas some 20+ years ago. I was really impressed how stealthy the staff was about delivering food and drinks to moviegoers. They were like ninjas—they never once interrupted the movie-going experience.
Sure, the digs are fancier at the DTLA location (than they were way back when), but the commitment to service is still as fervent as ever. This is the place to enjoy a film and indulge in good eats and drinks all at the same time.
The food and drink menus are often adjusted to accommodate big films such as Wicked where moviegoers dined on the Yellow Brick Burger and enjoyed the Witch’s Brew cocktail or took home a Glinda Cocoa Mug. Regular menu items include Bottomless Popcorn, Churro Popcorn, which are bomb, chips and queso, fried pickle spears, as well as loaded fries. Entrée choices include wings, pizzas, burgers, and salads. Sodas and iced tea are also bottomless.
The LA Drafthouse complex also includes the Video Vortex (bar and event space) where themed events can include Broadway Karaoke, Dungeons & Drafthouse role-playing game night, as well as its Jeopardy! Bar League. There’s also a video store where you can rent free movies.
There are also fun special screenings where movie fans can revisit classics such as Elf, Gremlins, Polar Express, etc. These classic screenings really are a hoot.
FYI, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has a zero-tolerance for talking or using a cell phone of any kind during films. “We’ll kick you out, promise,” the powers that be declare. “We’ve got backup.”
Also, no one under the age of 18 is allowed to see a film unless accompanied by a parent or guardian to preserve the experience for all guests. And there are no paid advertisements on Drafthouse screens. Instead, if you arrive early, you’ll see a custom preshow their video squad has loaded with content they think you’ll love.
During my recent visits, I’ve enjoyed good cocktails such as the watermelon mezcal margarita as well as boozy milkshakes to really pick up my moviegoing experience. Here the theaters are clean, the seats are comfy and it’s really all about enjoying the movie.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DTLA is located at The Bloc at 700 W 7th Street in Downtown Los Angeles. Open daily. Call (213) 217-9027.