Alamo Drafthouse vs. Bijou (Austin, West: house, theater, middle school)

[doss1]

Hey folks,
Looking at attending a film this weekend but wondering.... Is there a preference for a certain Alamo Drafthouse location (Westlakes, Park North, Stone Oak)? Any tips on arrival times? Seating?

I have never been to an Alamo Drafthouse, but have been to the Santikos Bijou. Which is better?

Thanks

[sapphire]

I haven't been to either, either. But I do know that AD has a fairly strict no cell phone/no text policy that I like and now that I know that, I will most likely go see a movie there. There is a video going around on FB that is hysterical, it's a voice mail (with a Powerpoint of the entire message) left by an angry girl who was kicked out of the theater after using her cell phone. Hit up mamatotex97 over there, she posted it yesterday or the day before. It's truly worth watching.

[LovingSAT]

Yes, click on Alamo Drafthouse web page to see it. I love the North Park location... Not to mention I know Alamo Drafthouse gives back to the community! They are my top pick!

[perticusrex]

I prefer the Bijou, but it also depends on what I'm seeing and who I am going with.

She texted. We kicked her out. : Blog : Austin : Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

[momzillajen]

I really like Alamo Draft House Stone Oak but it's the only one I've been too. The food is "kinda" pricey but you get a lot... a large popcorn is like $5 and drinks are $4 but free refills. There is not a bad seat - because it is really tiered so you never have a blocked view. I would get there at least 30 - 45 minutes early if it is a busy night or new movie, to get a seat and watch the fun pre-show. If it's not busy, probably 15 - 30 minutes... gives you a chance to order before the movie starts

[doss1]

Yes, that video is what prompted me to check out Alamo Drafthouse. But, it seems like there may be an unusually large crowd this weekend due to it.

[BenjaminNicholas]

I've been to both, spent countless hours at the ORIGINAL Drafthouse in Austin (which is now gone) and have to say that between the two, Alamo Drafthouse gets the concept right. Bijou needs a serious renovation, better trained servers and a menu that doesn't resemble middle school lunch fare.

That being said, what The Alamo has turned into since franchising out is totally not what Tim League originally created: Once a place for film-lovers and those interested in not-the-norm creative movie events is now just another multiplex with surly teenage staff and a menu to boot. The Westlakes location is most like the original concept in Austin (if that means anything).



BN

[pobre]

Oh that video was priceless!! Magnited States of America!!

[blizzrd]

I actually really like the Bijou. It's quiet, there are no kids there, they show better films. As for the food, I can't say I've eaten there. We usually hit it up after having a lunch and get desert there and that's always been good.

[Bo]

I rarely eat when I go to movies. On my one visit to the Park North Draft House, I was asked by the waitstaff 4 times during the movie if I wanted to order anything. It was like being at a ballgame with beer vendors walking up and down the aisles. In addition, the theater was downright chilly... and I'm someone who is rarely uncomfortable in air conditioning. All of that is why I've never gone back.

I like the selection of films better at the Bijou. I like the much more discreet waitstaff at the Bijou. I like the fact that the air conditioning has always been comfortable when I've been to the Bijou. I don't even mind the musty smell at the Bijou... since it is, after all, in the basement of a shopping mall!

BTW, I've been having a spirited debate this week with folks in the Austin forum about whether that Drafthouse voicemail/trailer bit is staged, viral marketing. I think it is. Most of them think it is not.