Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse

I went here for the first time with a friend this past Monday night to see ‘The Revenant’ and I was very pleased. The Cinema has a single theater that can fit roughly 60 – 70 people at capacity. They served casual pub-​fare (from apps, entrees, and deserts), drinks, and even popcorn.
When we walked into the box office, we presented our ID’s, and paid for our tickets– which were a mere $ 2 a ticket; Yes, that’s right folks it was that cheap– and continues to walk into the theater.
The theater was a multi-​tiered and open floor-​ed style that was legitimately filled with black (comfortable) swivel desk-​chairs pulled up to either long tables or were surrounding small circular bar tables in groups of four. The screen itself was a very respectable size, situated at the end of the room and taking up the majority of the wall. My friend and I grabbed the end of one of the long tables and took our seats.
A waitress walked up soon after and passed us menu’s, explaining how the drafthouse operated for food/​beverages. They used a ‘Stop/​Go” method similar to ‘Fogo de Chão’– face the idol up when we want service, and on it’s side when we are satisfied, I was ecstatic at this. She left and we began to peruse the menu. The menu was nothing exotic, but perfect for all things considered. Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, wings, pizza, fries, etc– All very reasonably priced considering the $ 2 cost of a movie. When we had finally decided, we turned our idol up– and within a few seconds she came by to take our orders. My friend ordered a chicken/​avocado wrap and I ordered a Chicken sub, in addition to the «sampler» appetizer. Then we sat and waited.
Our appetizer came out about 10 minutes later, and our entrée’s came about 15 minutes after that. Giving us just enough time to have a part of our meal before the movie kicked on. When the movie did start (7:30 pm), it started– by this I mean that there were no previews before the film.
Towards middle of the film, we turned the Idol Up to get refills on our drinks, which were promptly done– the staff moving like ninjas in the darkness of the theater, never getting in the way of the film itself. Towards the end of the film I was beginning to get worried that we’d get stuck in there while everyone tried ti pay their bill at the conclusion of the movie, and as I was about to turn the idol up to ask for the check, all of the server’s appeared for the tables they had been servicing handing out the checks to the various groups with great efficiency. I was pleased yet again.
Overall– this is a nice casual spot to see a movie and have a meal. Albeit it’s nothing exotic, but you get what you pay for. I’d love it if they managed to improve the food quality (it wasn’t bad, just wasn’t particularly great either), or expand the menu one way or another. ⁸⁄₁₀ Would recommend)–
Pro-​tip: Don’t show up last minute, so you get a good seat!

I went to the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse (ACD) on 4÷2÷16 for a 10:00 PM comedy show. I had heard about the ACD for years; and, was looking forward to seeing what it was all about. Unfortunately, the ACD did not exceed my expectations.
Before I go into why I am only rating ACD 2 stars, let me say my rating is not based on the show. Overall, I enjoyed the comedy show. I did feel like the main stage comedian went a little long (he repeated a lot of his jokes). However, the ticket price was very reasonable. It was my choice to stay. I could have left anytime during the show.
ACD is need of a major renovation. I did not mind the fact that the theater space uses conference chairs. I was «off put» that the majority of the office chairs were ripped and/​or had lost their stuffing. After about 20 minutes, it was a little uncomfortable to sit in the chairs. I understand. It costs money run a business. However, I kept thinking ACD is obviously making money (they sell out the majority of their comedy shows). How much can it really cost to purchase office chairs?
The walls and the carpet look like they haven’t been changed or cleaned since the 1980s. I don’t mind if a place is dated (and in some cases the retro feel of a place can add to the experience) but in ACD’s case it just felt dirty.
The bathrooms (at least towards the end of the show when I used them) were disgusting.
The ordering and table service is based on the fact that a server can see you’re ready to order when you put up a sign on a table. However, they’re a limited number of tables available. What happens if you wanted to order and happen not to get a chair next to a table? In fact while I am on this topic, I should mention that another reason ACD is receiving a lower than average rating from me is that their processes in general don’t make a lot of sense. After you purchase a ticket (s) online, a ticket is not attached to your confirmation email. After you stand in line at ACD you have to give you the box office your name and you get checked off a paper list where you are handed what looks like a raffle ticket to confirm you’ve been checked in. If you are buying a ticket at the box office you cannot also pay with a credit card which makes almost no sense to me because the average cost of a ticket at ACD is $ 30.00.
Our waitress was very nice and when I asked her what happened to our order (45 minuties into the show), I truly believe what she said that the kitchen forgot to put the order ticket in.
The ACD food was average to above average. I thought for a show the food prices were actually very fair.
In a nutshell, I am glad I had the chance to experience this iconic club but based on what I experience the owners of ACD really don’t care about improving their patrons experience. I find that asham because their a very few places in NOVA where you can enjoy live comedy.

Not a lot of movie theaters serve hard liquor so this was a unique experience. Tickets were $ 6.50: save that money for drinks :-) they also have a full menu to soak up some of that liquor. Prices are very reasonable. If I had to improve something it would be the chairs. They are very hard, worn out office chairs. The feels like I’m in a TF JOC all over again.

I’ve been to Arlington Drafthouse twice in the past 4 years and have had DRASTICALLY different experiences. The first time was in 2013 for a comedy show. I went with my friend, we sat in the front row, drank a few beers, and had an amazing time! The show was hilarious, reasonably priced, and the acts even stayed after to meet with fans.
So, when I was taking a trip back up to Northern VA recently to visit friends, I thought that I should see what was going on at the Drafthouse as a fun Saturday evening activity. I saw that Wine Lovers: A Musical was booked for the weekend and thought it sounded interesting.
It was honestly one of the worst entertainment experiences I have ever lived through.
First of all, the ticket was $ 36.
That wouldn’t have been too bad if it was for a legitimate play or if the play included a wine tasting (as you would assume it would based on the play’s description of being a tasting and musical comedy experience). But neither of these were true. Instead, you had to pay an additional $ 15 to taste a bunch of $ 8 Costco Wines.
The play only lasted an hour long (seriously, it started at 7:10pm and was over by 8:15pm). I would be sad about this but it wasn’t very good. I give props to the actors, they were trying very hard and I appreciate their talent and effort, but the play was just not good.
The worst part of it all was the service. The servers were awful. They took forever to get people’s orders and visibly rolled their eyes when we didn’t order the overpriced crappy tasting. They brought out checks 20 minutes into the play and when my friend ordered another glass of wine (which were only $ 7 vs. the $ 15 tasting) the waitress acted like it was the end of the world as we know it.
Overall, I was really disappointed with the Drafthouse. I had such a positive expereince in the past (giving it the two versus one star), but the play, prices, and service just really fell short this time.

What a classic old haunt! I’ve been coming to the drafthouse for years: wine events, comedy shows, and old movies. The food isn’t great, but that’s not why you’re there. It’s a fun venue, they have a pretty good wine list and yummy popcorn for late night movies. They featured Amy Schumer years before she got big and they sometime bring pretty good acts here. Check the schedule often, when one of those bigger names come here, tickets sell out pretty quickly. This will always be a staple for a great date night.

Review of the Green Room:
Now has a $ 5 cover charge for amateur comedy shows despite being advertised as free. This is a new policy that you don’t find out about until after you’re already there.
Really slow, incompetent service. Took 20 – 30 minutes to just get a beer. Had to place my order twice b/​c server forgot my order.
Show started quite late.
Rude bartender interrupted my friends’ performance to tell me that recording video wasn’t allowed, despite no signs or warnings to the contrary. Then interrupted me again to tell me that _​still photos_​were also considered «recording,» with an empty threat to confiscate my phone. Claimed that signs were posted all over about that, but there were no signs. No announcement beforehand either. Assumed I already knew about this policy because he told my friend just before he went on. (I didn’t.) Just whatever policy the bartender says goes, apparently.
Bartender and manager responded to my complaints after the show about their unposted policies re recording video or photos of friends performing by threatening to blacklist my friend from ever performing there again. Real classy, guys.
I will not be back.

In theory, this place should be my holy land. I love movies, beer, and junk food, and this place offers all three. However, the food was terrible (some of the worst pizza I’ve had in a while), you have to get there super early if you want to snag a decent seat for a flick, and they only play movies a couple days a week. Even though the servers are on top of things, the service is pretty middling. Honestly, you can grab a bite to eat at a casual place in the mall and then walk into reserved seating at the Tysons AMC right as the show starts for pretty much the same price, but a much better food, seating, and movie experience.
All that being said, I’m all for supporting a local business that has some character, and I understand they bring a lot of live acts to the area in a pretty intimate venue, so I’m not anti-Drafthouse…it’s just not for me.

Came to see Pete Davidson perform stand up. He was great!!! But I don’t think I would ever come to this place if not to see a comedian I like. The set up is pretty weird, all the seats are office chairs. And while the seats are tiered to help with the view, if you aren’t sitting at the front of each level it’s pretty hard to see, especially if someone tall/​with big hair is sitting in front of you.
Also, the whole theater smells funky, not pleasant. Also, service is super slow during shows; it took at least 45 minutes for us to get the drinks we ordered. Cocktails are creative though and they’re all based on movie titles, very cute! My friend got the Pulp Fiction and it was good. I got the alcoholic root beer float, was decent but I’d probably go for a cocktail next time just cause alcoholic float wasn’t as good as I expected it to be.

An interesting experience was had on Saturday. I wasn’t sure how to get there (it’s a short bus ride from Pentagon or Pentagon City), and I wasn’t sure what the place would be like with the words cinema and drafthouse in its name so I read some fellow Unilocal reviews after I had already purchased tickets to see The Second City.
When you first walk in, you give the person behind the counter your ID and receipt so that s/​he will give you a ticket to get in.
True to form, there are slightly worn, some more so than others, black leather office chairs that roll and swivel. It’s true if you get there early (doors typically open an hour before the scheduled show), you can have your pick of sitting around tables or at a counter.
Servers will come take your orders prior to the show and during the second half, they come by with receipts. Most people seemed to have a great time and took advantage of the ordering system, a combination of either putting a flag up to alert someone you need something or waving your hand.
One complaint is that the lights are not dimmed completely during the show.
As for the entertainment itself, I came to see The Second CIty’s Holidazed and Confused Holiday Revue. It was pretty good — not hilarious but it had its clever moments.

The great thing about this place is that they do bring some pretty good acts. I was here for Alonzo Boden and it was drop dead funny.
However, it does look kinda run down (WARNING — not a first date type place).
The food is kind of blah and the drinks are kinda blah too (like rather divey in terms of quality, but rather pricey in terms of price).
The chairs looks like they went through World War 3 at times — with the fake leather pealed out and etc.
If you don’t mind the super cheap feel and like the convenience factor, then this place is perfectly for you!

I love the Drafthouse, as it tends to be known. Sure, it’s not the best food or the nicest movie theater, but the service has always been fantastic, the food and drinks are fine (and reasonably priced), the chairs are comfy, it’s never too loud or too crowded, and the movies are budget-​friendly. It’s also a great place to see a comedy show and it attracts some big names.
I have a thing for mozzarella sticks, so that’s what I tend to get when I come here, though I’ve been meaning to try some other options on the menu. I’ve only had wine or beer, but have also been meaning to try some cocktails. If you don’t mind seeing second-​run movies, this is the place to go.

This place is a little out of the way in terms of being next to any metro stops. But it has a lot of good things going for it. The movie theatre shows movies that are a little bit behind the latest releases. But it’s more of a social experience and it’s definitely worth checking out. You can order drinks and food during the movie and the services was excellent. I had the turkey and avacado wrap, it was nothing to write home about and my date had mozzarella sticks and they were pretty great.
It’s definitely a date spot and a couples are noticeable. We watched Trainwreck, an amazingly hilarious movie and then stayed around to watch some free comics. There is the movie theatre in the back and the ‘Green Room’ is right next to the front door. The comics were more on the amateur side, one was just racist/​ableism/​body shaming and all sorts of bad, but it was free and the drinks were good enough. It got a 4 because it’s not blow your mind out of the water in any category but pretty good in everything.

Great second rate theatre. Movies are 2 $ on Monday/​tuesdays, I think 5.50 on other days. Great place to watch a movie and eat or drink or watch standup and eat/​drink. I’ve been going here for seven years now and it use to be a dump. It’s still a dump but they’ve upgraded their seats and the sound system. One of my fav places in the area.

Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse is like a dive bar in your parent’s basement with a large screen projector. I loved it.
Note: Must be 21 to enter.
Pros:
— $ 1 and $ 2 movie nights
— Drinks available
— Servers are attentive
Cons:
— Parking (while my car was parked outside, it was scraped.)
— Restrooms are typical of a dive bar.

Pretty cool place. We went to see Iliza Schlesinger and she was hilarious. The concept is good — they serve you alcohol and food even throughout the performance. You stand up this stand thing from the table and servers come around. Our server was nice but the three stars are because the prices on the menu are different from the real prices. The ones on the menu are really cheap but the real ones are about a 5 dollar difference. Like what? Definitely need to change the menus.
It’s also weird that they don’t give you actual seat numbers so we went about an hour before the doors opened in order to get front row seats. I guess it depends how close you wanna be and how much you care. But overall a cool concept and I would come back here.

I love discount movies! $ 2 Mondays and Tuesdays, and $ 6.50 other days of the week. Tickets are cash only. Parking is usually available on side streets a block or two away from the theater.
Although the movies they play are not new releases, I love that I can vote for upcoming movies on their website. I sign up for their newsletter, and sometimes they will send out free comedy passes to one of their shows. (I haven’t made it to any yet, but you bet I will soon!!!) The chairs are swivel, black cushion office chairs — comfy, but not luxurious.

First time going here! I’ve been hearing about it for a while, but never made the time until this week’s stand up performance from Michael Ian Black!!!
The place was nice. The show was hilarious! Waiters and waitresses bringing you stuff!!! Hell yes they do!
Downside: no assigned seating! The show started at 7:30. I get an email saying they recommend to show up prior to the 6:15 doors opening if I want to be able to find 4 seats to sit with all members of my party? This is insane to me. The layout is ABSOLUTELY PERFECT for reserved seating, I think it’s just laziness on their part.
Will I come here again? Yeah probably. The experience was great, the seating just an annoyance not a dealbreaker.

This is my update review. After church and getting out of the heat I went to see three movies.
The handicap restroom had been clean and fix what need to bee dune.
They still don’t have credit card ticket sale yet. They only have one screen and very limited showing what people vote online what people what to watch from a list.
Here my food review.
First movie HOME (Disney movie)
I order the Fish N Chips and it came out hot crunching nice. But is slowly started to get oily and chips (French fries) with honey mustered) It’s ok but I’m not getting it again.
Second movie Tomorrowland (Disney movie)
I wanted to try Mac & cheese bites just a snack and hot with ranch dressing. crunching good until the oil kick in. Not going to order this again.
My brother show up we saw Avenger: Age of Ultron
We order the B-​B-​Q Salmon with xtra rice. Came out extra dry and ask for a replacement. It came back out I try it was the same dish. And only thing they mad up by giving us a pitcher of cherry coke. rice dry and look it has been microwave. Waitress gave us a free popcorn. Buttery and hight salty. Sad gave us same plate after 45 min.
Don’t get non above. stick with the pizza, hamburger and nachos with no chicken. I still come back.

Yes they deserve five stars. You know why? They are a well organized machine with very small bathrooms. They send out emails with planning tips for their shows as well as their menu in a pDF so you can plan ahead. They book great comedians as well as great openers and hosts. They have a great system for opening the doors. One guy makes sure you are at least 21 and then stamps your hand. Then he sends you to get your tickets.
Why I love them:
1. Buy your tickets online
2. Parking available if you get there early
3. Big comfy office rolling chairs to sit in
4. Excellent service
5. They book really good comedians
6. Well organized entry system
What could they do better:
1. Get larger bathrooms and maybe just give the girls both men’s and women’s bathrooms so our line won’t have to be so long
2. The food is really greasy (well some were)
The negatives are minimal. We haven’t been here YET for the green room or movies but we hope to. It is worth a drive out of DC to come here.

A fun way to see movies shortly before they go to DVD as well as a few fun classics (& a comedian or two). There is a menu with bar food options and an assortment of drinks (beer, wine, & liquor with fun movie inspired names).
Movies are generally $ 6 with lower prices on Monday & Tuesday ($ 2). They also have passes you can buy for a year of viewing. We have movie passes so this is our go-​to movie location.
As much as I enjoy seeing movies here it is a real hit or miss. Sometimes they do not seem to be showing much of anything and other times there are good options. Basically I think this is because movies are second to the comedian schedule.
When they do show a Friday evening movie they will also have a wine bar near the entrance of the theater. You buy sampling tickets and may try different wines or find one you like and get a full glass (or two) depending on how many tickets you purchase ($ 1.50 each).
They also show some classics/​favorites for specific holidays and encourage audience involvement. A couple of my favorites are:
Ghostbusters at Halloween time
Princess Bride for Valentine’s Day
It’s a Wonderful Life for Xmas time
I’m a fan!