Alamo Drafthouse Cinema takes off at Crystal City with a new 9-screen, aviation-themed hot spot

The popular Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, known for its zero-tolerance policy for people who disrupt the film by talking or texting, is now welcoming film lovers to the movies at its new Crystal City location.

Each Alamo location provides a unique combination of theater and restaurant, showing first-run movies, independent films, and frequent special events and allowing guests to order food and drinks from servers who quietly attend to them throughout the movie. 

Located at 1660 Crystal Drive, the Alamo Drafthouse Crystal City features luxury recliner seating in each of its nine screens including Alamo’s signature The Big Show, a premium large-screen experience with a state-of-the-art 4K Laser projection system that is optimized for the enormous 66’ wide x 28’ tall screen and transformative Dolby Atmos audio technology capable of producing 76,000 watts of amplification distributed through 52 speakers.

Inspired by the theater’s proximity to National Airport, Alamo Drafthouse Crystal City has aviation design elements throughout the lobby and hallways including a surprise homage to the Snakes on a Plane movie at the entrance to The Big Show. The theme takes full flight in the theater’s specialty bar, Departures. 

Departures’ guests will find flight-inspired movie posters and props throughout the space as they enjoy a curated mix of local and national craft beer, wine, and a special drink menu of signature aviation-themed cocktails. It’s the perfect spot for guests to enjoy a pre and/or post-show drink, catch live music, play weekly trivia, and more. 

“After more than five years of looking for the right location and another five-plus years of development, we are happy to be opening the doors to our part of the transformation of Crystal City and National Landing as a whole,” said Anthony Coco and Joseph Edwards, co-owners of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Crystal City. “The theater’s theme, lobby bar Departures, and The Big Show spaces have come together to create something special and unique to this location.  Add on the Alamo Drafthouse’s top-of-the-line audio/visual presentation, unique programming, and unparalleled food and beverage service, and the Crystal City theater will provide an unrivaled out-of-home experience that we can’t wait to deliver to our guests.”

Alamo Drafthouse Crystal City opens just in time to enjoy some Halloween frights and delights on the big screen including Halloween Ends, the final chapter in the Michael Myers saga, and before Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever kicks off the fall and winter movie season in November.

Alamo Drafthouse Crystal City is conveniently located near the Crystal City metro station, and free validated garage parking is available. During the “soft opening” period running through this Sunday, Oct. 30, guests will receive a 25% discount on select food and non-alcoholic beverages while staff trains and gets up to speed. 

Tickets for Alamo Drafthouse Crystal City can be purchased online at drafthouse.com. Alamo also has area locations in DC, Loudoun, and Woodbridge.

Troy Petenbrink

Troy, also known as The Gay Traveler, is a well known travel and food writer. His has been a regular contributor to a variety of outlets including National Geographic, Travel Channel, DCRefined, CBS Local, and Metro Weekly. He also appears on local Washington news outlets as a travel expert.

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