Why go see a movie and eat boring, old popcorn when you could enjoy a delicious full-course meal and (for the adults among us) a local brew, instead? Parents and kiddos alike will adore pairing their cinematic experience with a yummy dinner. Plus, mealtime during movies can be a godsend, particularly if you have younger children who tend to get a little cranky without frequent snack breaks. We’re talking fun for the whole family here — or an excellent outing for the kids and their babysitter or nanny!
Thanks to Austin’s incredible film culture, dine-in movie theaters are nearly as ubiquitous as Tex-Mex or tacos. Here are our picks for the best dine-in theaters around town!
Violet Crown Cinema
Address: 434 Second St., Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-495-9600
Ticket Pricing:
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Monday – Thursday: All shows before noon, $7 | Matinees before 5 p.m., $9 | 5 p.m. until close, $11
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Friday – Sunday & Holidays: Matinees before 5 p.m., $11 | 5 p.m. until close, $13
A solid movie theater choice for either date night or family movie night, Violet Crown (located downtown on Second Street) always promises a good time. This small, locally owned theater boasts an array of healthy snacks (hummus and pita bread; popcorn with olive oil) and fun themed drinks, and the entrees are stellar — the Veggie Chili Dog is better than its meat counterpart. Small plates, such as the Avocado Spring Rolls and the Pork Tapas, are delicious and easily shareable. Plus, Violet Crown is known for its consistent selection of the best in both indie and mainstream cinema.
iPic Theaters
Address: The Domain, 3225 Amy Donovan Plaza, Austin, TX 78758
Phone: 512-568-3400
Ticket Pricing: See all pricing info here.
Located at the Domain, Austin’s popular outdoor retail and residential center, iPic is a great bet for your next dine-in movie experience. Rather than a concession stand, iPic has a chef-driven menu that includes darkened cinema-friendly fare, such as gourmet pizzas and sandwiches, as well as tasty appetizers. You can’t go wrong with the Nacho Deluxe or the Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls. Food is served directly to your seat, making dinner and a movie at iPic one of the most convenient options on the list.
Alamo Drafthouse: South Lamar
Address: 1120 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704
Phone: 512-861-7040
Ticket Pricing:
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Monday – Wednesday, $10.75 (2D), $14.25 (3D)
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Thursday – Sunday & select opening nights, $11.25 (2D), $14.75 (3D)
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Matinees (before 6 p.m.), $8.50 (2D), $12.00 (3D)
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Students, seniors, kids ages 6-11, military personnel, Austin Film Society & Austin Film Festival members, $8.50 (2D), $12.00 (3D)
There are several Alamo locations in and around Austin, but the one on South Lamar remains a local favorite. This is mainly because, in addition to their yummy menu offerings (and plenty of local brew options for the adults), their programming is always excellent. From obscure screenings, to movie sing-a-longs, to premiere parties, there’s never a shortage of good times at this particular Alamo. We recommend checking out Kids Camp, which provides an affordable way for families to watch movies together over holidays breaks. You get to choose your own ticket price, and 100 percent of sales are donated to local nonprofits. (Just keep in mind that most Kids Camp screenings are ages 3 and up.)
Moviehouse & Eatery
Address: Bldg. B, 8300 N. FM 620, Austin, TX 78726
Phone: 512-428-6071
Ticket Pricing:
- First show of the day (every day): $9.50
- Veterans/Active Duty military with ID (every day): $9.50
- Mondays: $6 movies before 2 p.m. (except holidays — see Deal Days website for excluded dates)
- Wednesdays: $6 movies before 6 p.m. for guests over 65
- All other regular pricing: $12
When you watch a film, are plush recliners your thing? How about a delicious food and drink menu accompanied by an attentive wait staff so you don’t have to miss a minute of the movie? That’s what we thought! Catch the film of your choice in true comfort and style at the Moviehouse & Eatery, located at the Trails at 620. We’re betting the whole family will adore noshing on the theater’s fried chicken lollipops, but there are plenty of other offerings on the menu, including freshly made pizzas, plenty of delectable starters, tacos, and burgers. Do yourself a favor and order at least one of the Cheesy Cavatappi — pasta tossed with caramelized onions, bacon, sweet peas, two kinds of cheeses, and garlic breadcrumbs… and it’s insanely good.
Flix Brewhouse
Address: Sky Ridge Plaza, 2200 S. Interstate 35 B1, Round Rock, TX 78681
Phone: 512-244-3549
Ticket Pricing: Click here for all pricing info.
Flix Brewhouse in Round Rock is the ultimate of pairings: a first-rate movie theater and a microbrewery! If you’re taking the kiddos here for a fun Friday night activity, parents should definitely indulge in one of the nine micro brews that are made at the theater. (We recommend the 10 Day Scottish Ale, if you’re into amber ales.) In addition, the pizza here is truly divine — the Flix Supreme, in particular, is a yummy concoction of crumbled Italian sausage, mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, green bell peppers, and mushrooms. Or, you can’t go wrong with the “Flix Favorites” list, which features everything from baked potato skins to spicy fried pickles.
Alamo Drafthouse: The Ritz
Address: 320 E. Sixth St., Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-861-7020
Ticket Pricing:
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Monday – Wednesday, $12
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Thursday – Sunday & select opening nights, $13
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Matinees (before 4 p.m.), $9.50
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Students, seniors, kids ages 6-11, military personnel, Austin Film Society & Austin Film Festival members, $9.50
While much smaller than other Alamo locations in town, the Ritz on Sixth Street has a fabulous atmosphere and awesome snacks and drinks, in addition to being a historic landmark of sorts. (It was originally built in 1929!) Just like the other Alamo locations on this list, the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz always boasts original and creative programming. We recommend arriving at least a half hour early to take in the sights of downtown and to enjoy the fun themed pre-movie entertainment!
AFS Cinema @ Austin Film Society
Address: 6406 N. Interstate 35, Frontage Road, Ste. 3100, Austin, TX 78752
Phone: 512-322-0145
Ticket Pricing: Prices vary by screening. Click here for the full calendar.
The newest theater on this list, the Austin Film Society’s AFS Cinema is an indie movie lover’s dream come true. After a huge renovation this year, AFS opened the cinema to the public with two screens — showing all the latest in art-house fare, in addition to current flicks and specialty screenings, and a cafe with a full bar. Concessions are fresh, hip, and delicious. Think: lots of local menu items, in addition to signature cocktails, craft beer, and Austin-produced coffee.
Galaxy Theaters Highland
Address: 6700 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin, TX 78752
Phone: 512-467-6165
Ticket Pricing: Adults, $9 (matinee) or $11 (evening) | Kids ages 2-11 & Seniors 60+, $8.25
Blast off into foodie/film nerd heaven at the recently renovated Galaxy Theaters Highland! In addition to serving up better-than-average concessions, this theater is a super-modern affair. The seats are plush recliners, and the sound system is top notch. Kids (and adults) will adore Galaxy’s D-Box (an extra $8), a fully immersive movie-watching experience in which D-Box-enabled chairs allow you to truly feel the action that’s happening on screen. (Just, um, don’t eat too much pizza during the movie!)
Alamo Drafthouse: Mueller
Address: 1911 Aldrich St., Ste. 120, Austin, TX 78723
Phone: 512-572-1425
Ticket Pricing:
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Monday – Thursday: $10.50 (2D), $14.00 (3D)
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Friday – Sunday & select opening nights: $11.00 (2D), $14.50 (3D)
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Matinees (before 6 p.m.): $8.50 (2D), $12.00 (3D)
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Students, seniors, kids ages 6-11, military personnel, Austin Film Society & Austin Film Festival members, $8.50 (2D), $12.00 (3D)
We know, we know — it’s another Alamo Drafthouse! The three on this list are different from one another. In short, we love the South Lamar location for its kid-friendly programming and the Ritz location for its downtown flair. But the Alamo in Mueller stands out from the crowd for a couple reasons. Namely, this venue tends to draw lots of families thanks to its location in the popular Mueller neighborhood, its spaciousness, and its upscale look and feel. In addition, as with the other drafthouses mentioned here, there are tons of full-course menu offerings, small bites, and a wide variety of drinks.
Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In
Address: 12419 Lowden Lane, Manchaca, TX 78652
Phone: 512-850-6127
Ticket Pricing: Click here for ticketing details.
Who doesn’t love an urban drive-in? The Blue Starlite is the perfect nighttime activity in Austin. Blue Starlite’s newest, second location resembles the original, except for one crucial detail: This one has a full-scale bar, a playground, and food from famed BBQ joint Stubb’s, in addition to other food trucks. Bring your own picnic or chow down on local fare while you enjoy watching a flick the old-fashioned way.
Did we list all your favorite dine-in movie theaters around Austin? Let us know in the comments below!
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