The RDU Buzz

By Madeline Cook

Alamo Drafthouse

When it’s so easy to enjoy great television from the comfort of your couch with your favorite snack, movie theaters have had to turn up the appeal! Alamo Drafthouse has done just that with their dine-in movie theater concept, and you’re going to want to take all your friends when you check it out!

Luckily for those of us who live in The Triangle, North Carolina’s only Alamo theater is right here in Raleigh! The entrance invokes comic book-like murals that hint at scenes from old films. Oversized marquis lights read “Cinema” to let you know you’re in the right place! We recommend buying your tickets in advance so you can stroll right into your theater, find your seats, and look over the menu before you get too honed in to the feature film! With an excess of old movie titles for rent, VCRs and cinematic memorabilia to explore, be sure you allow ample time on the front or back side of your movie to enjoy the sights.

At Alamo, the goal is to deliver “the best moviegoing experience in the world”. This is apparent right away, as scratch-made food prepared in house replaces the days of elbowing up to the counter to wait your turn for popcorn and candy in hopes you don’t miss the start of the film! Incredibly kind employees will check in with you upon finding your seat to explain the process, but don’t worry, it’s easy. In fact, we found the system to be straightforward and effective! 

Dim-lit personal tables accompany each plush seat. Tucked underneath each table sits a full menu with options like the soft pretzel or tasty popcorn tossed with herbs, truffle oil and melted butter. Sandwiches, pizzas, burgers and salads arrive right to you with quality matching that of any great restaurant. Shakes, cocktails, mocktails and more can be ordered all the way up to 45 minutes before the film’s end by simply jotting your selection on a piece of paper and pressing the call button located at your table. Employees have an impressive knack for keeping glasses full and customers happy while minimizing interruption and distraction from the big screen. 

As the credits roll, exit the theater to check out the Video Vortex Bar, vintage movie posters and collaged tabletops where friends gather to rehash their favorite scenes and discuss which movie trailers caught their attention, making plans for their next visit to Alamo Roadhouse.

See the lineup of movies to catch at The Alamo this month by visiting the link here. Then, head to 2116 New Bern Avenue for a fun outing to see the latest in comedy, drama, romance or action films… the choice is yours!