I waited until I had been to the Alamo theater a few times before writing a review because I wanted to see it across a few different types of movies. I didn’t want bad movies to skew the review. So after this last visit to a blockbuster movie I decided to let it fly.

Separating the review to strictly food doesn’t really seem fair because you really have to tie any restaurant review to the atmosphere, but this is a different beast. The place has a great feel. It is well appointed and greets you with a bar front and center in the lobby. On my first visit I was slightly put off by that because I was looking for a family experience, but not to worry, I was pleasantly surprised that it remained a family rated outing. The theaters have great seats that are comfortable and not crowded like the multiplex experience. Each row of seats has a long, continuous table in front of it. The wait staff travels between rows and picks up orders and delivers food and beverages efficiently and quietly without disturbing the movie experience. All in all a great atmosphere.

The food, well it’s good but don’t skip the meal before the movie. The menu is pretty much bar food plus. The appetizers are good including a favorite of mine that is hard to find around here, fried pickles. We have had several apps and they are all good. We ventured into sandwiches and were underwhelmed. The steak and cheese was pedestrian at best. The real claim to fame, and perhaps the reason the menu smacks of bar food, is the beer and wine selection. It’s a rare experience to have a beer at the theater and this place takes it into the stratosphere with dozens of brews ranging from standard fare to hand-crafted brews. But be prepared to pay the price. I haven’t seen drink prices like this since my last trip to Georgetown. Pitcher prices are calculated on multiple draft prices, and some quick math lead me to some pitchers setting you back twenty-seven bucks! So enjoy but make sure you get a good look at the menu before the lights go down.

All in all the Alamo is a great experience, but as a restaurant, not so much. Great snacks and beverages, but like I said, if your after dinner and a movie, take care of the dinner somewhere else and enjoy a snack and a movie at the Alamo.