arlington cinema and drafthouse

With the early show (7:30p) sold out weeks beforehand, we were relegated to buying tickets to the late show. Doors opened at 9:30p, Standup Comedy from 10-10:20p, and The Princess Bride movie was shown from 10:20p-shortly before midnight. Of course, just getting there was an adventure as we had to endure mother nature's special event, the beginning of 2015's Siberian Express. We dodged other vehicles wiped out on the interstates and yielded to ambulances and other emergency vehicles on our way to an especially fun parking adventure. We couldn't figure out where to park so we ended up going around the block and eventually found a metered on-street parking space along S. Walter Reed Dr.Then, we had to get close to our buddy as we were packed into the lobby like sardines waiting in line for them to let us into the theater. Alas, we made it in and grabbed what looked like the last available table towards the back. My food was brought out to me during the Stand-up comedy so I missed half of that show as I had to turn my back to the performer to eat at the table. Becoming thirsty, I managed to get my glass of wine I ordered about 10 minutes later. The comedian seemed like he was good and funny but I was distracted by the timing of when I had my food served and the position I was forced to be in while eating it so I couldn't really tell you.I had never seen The Princess Bride film before and didn't really get to understand a lot of what they were saying because of how loud the crowd was. It seemed like they were constantly laughing or talking the whole time so I missed a lot of what was said. All I can remember is... Inconceivable!It seemed like a great evening and place to bring your Valentine's date and it looked like a lot of couples had an enjoyable evening. That wasn't my experience. For me, not so much... just poor service, average food, inflated prices, bad seats (of course, the tallest person in there was sitting in front of me). Yet, ask someone else and they might tell you a completely different story. It all depends on your perspective.

We had an amazing Valentines Date at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse! Make sure to get there early to get a good seat with a table! It needs a little love to spiff it up, but I was happy to have a place that feels like a slice of home to have a fun date night! The comic was funny too!

The good. The price for the show was very reasonable. Food and drink prices were fair. The comics were great, lots of energy in the room, great laughs.Were it needs work. Everything in the place is well worn in. Comfortable but well worn. The staff was nice but seemed overwhelmed. Despite several members of the staff walking past us repeatedly It took 20 minutes to place our order,( stepping to the bar isn't an option) two drinks and some nachos, and 30 minutes for any of it to show up. We had fun and would go back for another show. Next time I'll eat before I go and try to order drinks early and maybe more than one at a time.

It's a movie house that has live shows. You need to get there early if you want good seating. Bar type food served, hard to get your servers back so order a pitcher or bottle of wine. Wasn't the best comedy show I have seen but it was a different type of scene and fun atmosphere.

The Arlington Cinema and Drafthouser is an Arlington tradition. They have both comedy nights plus fun movies that have left the regular theatres. For example, they recently showed "Guardians of the Galaxy", and now have "The Equalizer". They have tables so you can eat pizza and other munchies plus pitchers of beer. The whole point is to relax and enjoy yourself, rather than just sitting and watching a movie.To show their diversity, coming up they have Tom Green, Warren Miller, Second CityArlington Cinema and Drafthouse2903 Colombia PikeArlington, VA 22204Here is the website so you can see what is scheduled:arlingtondrafthouse.comI suggest getting there early as there is not a lot of parking close by.Enjoy!

We went there to watch comedian Eddie Griffin. He's funny as hell. You get to have a sit down dinner while watching the show. I love the concept. The food was good. I had salmon.And I liked my Carribbean drink, something with rum maybe but it was good. The chairs are comfortable. Now I look for more events there. Actually this Saturday night we're going to try to catch Open Mic Night with free admission in the green room. Can't beat that for entertainment.It's free. Something to do on a Saturday night. They have it other nights as well.

I've been going to the Drafthouse for about 6 years now and it just never fails to be a relaxing and fun time. Where to begin...First I should say I only go for the movies not the comedy shows. Also, you have to have the right kind of attitude to truly enjoy the place. Relax, have fun, don't sweat other people trying to have a good time. There's eating and drinking so, there's going to be light talking--deal with it. Most of the times people are shockingly respectful and either keep the conversation very short or very quiet. The wait-staff are the greatest. They are fast and polite and manage to mostly stay out of the way of the movie and many of them have been there since I've been going; I'd guess it's a fairly good place to work. The quality of the screen and the audio has vastly improved in the last 2 years, but still on Mon/Tues you can get away with a $2 movie! Some have noted they charge for soda refills and the prices on beer food might be high. I think they're pretty standard for DC (just get a pitcher of beer for like $18) and considering how affordable the movie is I think it's worth it. Parking/seating: If you seeing the Monday or Tuesday show get there when the *doors open* which is typically 45 minutes before the show starts. There's a good amount of parking but if you show up at start-time you might have to park down the street. But if you're early you can pick a great seat and get your food/drink before the film starts. Protips: 1. before you go, make sure the "Comedy Film Bucket List" meetup isn't happening that day or if it is, get tickets early. For some reason they always go to AC/DH and they just pack the place. Once we had to walk away because all the tickets were sold out--something I never saw before or again, but I avoid going when the Film Bucket crew is going to be there. 2. Sign up for their newsletter so you get advanced notice about there special events like "Dude fest" or "Beer fest" which I hope they do again since I missed that showing of Beer Fest when they actually had members of Broken Lizard in the theater. Anyway, if you're looking for a fun and relaxed place to throw a few back and see a film without being robbed--AC/DH is definitely worth checking out.

We went to watch a comedy show and had a really good time. The theater is old, there are a couple of rooms - the Green Room is the smaller and where they do Improv, the large room is the theater room. They let you in about 20-25 minutes prior to the show, so show up a little early as they queue everyone up and it's general admission. The seats are comfortable, and there are some tables, and a few rows that have a long, hard counter, and also seats that are scattered around with no tables. If you have a group of friends that all want to sit together, you can easily move chairs to accommodate. Prices for admission are pretty reasonable.The food is average bar-quality food with a decent selection of drinks. Order when they first come by, because a full theater takes a long time for the kitchen to handle. Also, the sodas are not free refills, so you might want to order a pitcher. There are quite a few parking lots on Columbia Pike within a block or so, but you might need to hunt for a spot. The theater itself has a very small lot.We had a good time, for a fair price, so we recommend.

What places still charge for soda refills?? Soda is cheap and even the mom and pop restaurants all over Alexandria offer free soda refills. My family and I went to the Arlington Cinema and DrAFThouse to see Tom Arnold - including the show tickets, dinner, and drinks we spent almost $200. My biggest issue was that 3 of us requested fish and wanted lemon to put on the fish. I was provided 1 lemon wedge for my water and then we were brought 3 more lemon wedges to have with our dinner. 1 lemon wedge each wasn't enough and when I asked for more the waiter told me, " you were already brought extra lemons and if you want more I'll have to charge you significantly." - Seriously - This place needs to start looking at where they are trying to make their money and keep it real.

We were only in town for two nights - and we're from CA. So, we definitely wanted to hit up some local entertainment! The Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse was FANTASTIC and a MUST-DO. There are usually two shows (for comedy/ stand-up), a complete food menu, and a complete beverage menu with beer, wine & spirits - and all at an affordable price & with EXCELLENT STAFF and service! Highly recommend!!!

I love this place! Tons of great food options. Great beers! You won't be wanting for choice since you won't be limited to Coors and Miller light. Good mixed drinks, good ales, and cheap movies!

This place has a relaxed vibe and a retro look that I'm rather fond of. Where else can you get a beer and pizza to watch a cheap movie? I have even done a double feature here. They have a great mix of movies and comedies. I'll have to agree with some of the other reviews that the staff can be hit or miss.

Great variety of specialty shows and comedians - have seen several top comedians and all good. Note it is hard to find parking in the area but there is free parking in the basement parking garage of the corner high rise across Columbia pike.All of the times I have been there the servers are nice but VERY slow in service so order everything you want the first time they come by including 2nd drinks as many of the times I have been there they come ONCE and then ask if you want anything else close to the end of the show and not in the middle so too late to order again- less money for the establishment and you don't get that 2nd drink /food. Also, if you sit in the back, staff talk loud enough in the back kitchen area that it is heard and mixes with the comedians or other show so it is distracting.

All theaters should be like this where you can order real food and see a movie. Bizarre Office Depot Work chairs, but comfy. Workers there are hit or miss on friendly level and service can be slow. Movies are 2nd tier so they have been out for a while. Menu choices are pretty good and I always go with the pizza. Prices are a bit on the high side and the glasses they serve the beer are tiny.

While the theater is very very very old, the ambiance and service is pretty good. Pretty simple - get there early for a great seat, grab a drink and some food and off you go to a cinematic adventure.