Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse
2903 Columbia Pike Arlington, Va.
What’s better than the movie “Wedding Crashers?” Watching it on the big screen and being able to drink a beer at the same time.
That’s right, head to the Columbia Pike neighborhood of Arlington, Va., to the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse, where you can see a movie for only $5.50.
Expect a line at the door. If you head to any of the evening movies you will be carded when purchasing tickets, but my friend with a fake ID (albeit a pretty good one) had no trouble getting in the door.
Once past the front door, make yourself cozy in any of the vinyl reclining chairs. You can move them according to how you want your group to be situated, as there’s no stadium seating here.
As you enter the cinema, there’s just enough time for the waitresses to take all the orders. Be ready, because the movie starts on time and there are no previews.
Drink prices are pretty standard, with pitchers of Bud coming in just under $10 and pitchers of the higher-end beer (Sierra Nevada & Stella) priced at nearly $18. Pints are $3 to $5, and a glass of wine will set you back an average of $6. Wine by the bottle is a better deal (as usual), with prices between $16 to $28.
For a more intimate experience with wine, head over on a Wednesday night, where for the next month there will be wine tasting for $18 (including admission to the movie).
The bar has a living room feel and the crowd is definitely an interactive one (thanks to the beer), but the main advantage to seeing a movie here as opposed to the comfort of my own couch is the fact that I didn’t have to get up every time I wanted another cold beverage.
The bar’s Web site claims the venue is a “historic Arlington landmark” but I couldn’t seem to find any more information on that point. The only thing historic in the place seemed to be the lack of ventilation and the interesting carpet-like oasis d?cor on either wall of the theater. Clearly a holdover from the 1960s, but then again, I think the carpet may have been too.
For a more up-to-date experience, just admire the cold beer you have in front of you or the fellow movie/bar-goers. The Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse also boasts “Football on the Big Screen” Saturdays and Sundays. There’s free entry for all the Redskins and Virginia Tech games. I would definitely contemplate going back to watch a game with a few hundred other rowdy fans.
If you are trying to justify paying for a cab out there, keep in mind that Tuesday nights are two-for-one entry with a coupon conveniently found online.
If you love the movies, pitchers of beer, cheap prices or you’re just looking for something different, the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse is a must.
For more information as well as details on special events and movie times, check out the venue’s Website, at www.arlingtondrafthouse.com.
Bar Belle Rating:
