Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse
Historic 1930s theater offering movies & live shows with in-seat food and drink service. A unique, retro entertainment experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, great talent
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, great talent
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1930s theater offering movies & live shows with in-seat food and drink service. A unique, retro entertainment experience.
"Worn but effective cabaret style set up, good to see classic theater put to good use."
🎯 Book Comedy Tickets Early
Popular comedians sell out fast! Grab your tickets online to guarantee a spot for a hilarious night out.
💺 Comfy Seats, Vintage Feel
Enjoy the spacious, comfortable seating. It's an older venue, so embrace the retro charm!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Comedy Show Experience
Main Theater
Catch hilarious stand-up acts and comedy lounges in a venue that feels intimate and engaging. A top pick for many visitors!
Dinner and a Movie
Auditorium Seating
Enjoy classic films or special screenings with full food and cocktail service right at your seat. A true dine-in theater experience.
Historic Theater Ambiance
Entire Venue
Step back in time in this charming 1930s theater, offering a unique atmosphere distinct from modern multiplexes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vintage Charm
Timing is Key for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Comedy Tickets Early
Popular comedians sell out fast! Grab your tickets online to guarantee a spot for a hilarious night out. 
💺 Comfy Seats, Vintage Feel
Enjoy the spacious, comfortable seating. It's an older venue, so embrace the retro charm!
🍺 Full Bar & Food Service
Order drinks and meals right to your seat for a complete dine-in experience.
🚗 Parking Availability
Look for parking behind the venue near McDonald's. Plenty of food options nearby too!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Comedy Tickets Early
Popular comedians sell out fast! Grab your tickets online to guarantee a spot for a hilarious night out.
💺 Comfy Seats, Vintage Feel
Enjoy the spacious, comfortable seating. It's an older venue, so embrace the retro charm!
🍺 Full Bar & Food Service
Order drinks and meals right to your seat for a complete dine-in experience.
🚗 Parking Availability
Look for parking behind the venue near McDonald's. Plenty of food options nearby too!
✨ Check Event Schedule
Beyond movies, they host podcasts, live shows, and more! Always something new to discover.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse offers a unique vintage movie-going and live event experience with comfortable seating and in-seat food/drink service. While the historic charm is a draw, some areas show their age and food quality can be inconsistent. It's particularly popular for its comedy shows.
"My wife and I came here to see Tony Baker. Definitely an older building in need of repair but the chairs were very comfortable and the set up and layout of the theater provided lots of space and leg room. Food and drinks were very good and the comedy show was hilarious. Tony Baker is a top tier comedian and his host and the other comedians in his line up were great."
Willie Hicks
"I visited the Arlington Cinema and Draft house for the first time to see the comedian D’Lai. He was an awesome headliner and we had a great evening on laughter. Great venue in the heart of downtown Arlington. Check it out!"
Debi Williams
"Worn but effective cabaret style set up, good to see classic theater put to goid use. Understand it's a tough venue for stage performances, as, as an old movie theater, it wasn't constructed with a backstage area."
rjpeltzsteele
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Located in downtown Arlington, VA, it's accessible by public transport. The nearest metro station is likely the Arlington Cemetery or Rosslyn metro, with a short walk or bus ride. Parking is available behind the venue near McDonald's.
Yes, there is parking available out back near the McDonald's. It's a convenient option if you're driving.
The venue is well-served by public transportation in Arlington. Check local bus routes and the Metro system for the most convenient options to reach the downtown Arlington area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through their website or at the box office. For popular comedy shows, booking in advance is highly recommended as they can sell out.
While specific movie screenings might have ratings, the venue itself generally welcomes all ages. However, for comedy shows, check the event details as some may have age restrictions.
While some patrons have noted that tickets weren't always checked on entry, it's always best to have your ticket ready. For specific events, checks may be more stringent.
Tickets are often available at the door, but for popular events like comedy shows, it's safer to buy in advance to avoid disappointment.
🎫 🎬 Onsite Experience
The theater features comfortable, spacious seating with good legroom, reminiscent of a cabaret style. It's an older venue, but the chairs are generally well-regarded.
Absolutely! Waitstaff serve a full menu of food and cocktails directly to your seat, enhancing the dine-in theater experience.
They offer a variety of food and drinks, including cocktails and beers. While some reviews mention the food quality can be average, others praise the drinks and pretzels.
As an older theater, accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the venue. However, the spacious seating might offer some advantages.
The atmosphere is relaxed and old-school, with a vintage charm from its 1930s origins. It's a great place for a casual night out or a lively comedy show.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography during movie screenings is discouraged to avoid disturbing other patrons. However, for live events like comedy shows, taking photos (especially without flash) might be permissible, but always check venue policy or ask staff.
Capture the vintage charm of the lobby or the unique seating arrangement. If attending a comedy show, the stage area can make for dynamic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples on a Date Night
+1🎤 Comedy Enthusiasts
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Dine-In Experience
While the idea is appealing, user reviews suggest the execution can vary. Some find the food and drink service efficient and enjoyable, enhancing their overall visit. Others have noted that the food quality might not always meet expectations, and service can sometimes be disorganized. It's a unique feature that sets it apart from traditional cinemas, offering a different kind of night out.
This blend of cinema and dining is particularly popular for special events and comedy shows, where the lively atmosphere complements the service. It's an aspect that many visitors highlight as a key reason for choosing this venue over others, especially for date nights or group outings.
Comedy at the Drafthouse
+2Many visitors specifically seek out the Drafthouse for its comedy events, praising the quality of the talent and the overall experience. The comfortable seating and the ability to enjoy food and drinks while watching a show add to the appeal. It's a great way to experience live entertainment in a unique, retro environment.
When planning to attend a comedy show, it's crucial to book tickets in advance, as popular comedians often sell out quickly. Checking the venue's schedule regularly will help you stay updated on upcoming performances and ensure you don't miss out on a great night of laughter.
A Glimpse into History
While the historic nature contributes to its unique ambiance, it also means the venue may show signs of age. Some reviews mention that certain areas, including restrooms and furniture, could benefit from updates or renovations. However, many patrons find the comfortable seating and the overall 'worn but effective' charm to be part of its appeal, preserving a piece of cinematic history.
For those interested in experiencing a piece of local history while enjoying a movie or a live performance, the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse offers a memorable outing. It's a place where the past meets present-day entertainment, providing a unique alternative to contemporary entertainment venues.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit