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    Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh

    4.0 (467 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh Photos

    ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA RALEIGH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Happy hour specials
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh

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    5/23/2026-chicken tenders/fries
    Eddie P.

    Ambience: 5 Service: 4.5 Food: 4 Cleanliness: 3 Date/Time: 5/23/2026 3pm Order: Pepperoni pizza ($19.50), unlimited popcorn ($11), chicken tenders/fries ($17), mozzarella sticks ($11.25) Crowd: 3/4 full Haven't been to a movie theater since pre-COVID days so not sure how the theaters are run, but this one certainly was unique. As you approach the storefront, you see the entire front painted in a Star Wars theme (2nd day of Mandalorian and Grogu). As you enter, a Mandalorian-dressed employee(?) was standing near the entrance. The lobby is set up like an old style video rental store combined with a mini restaurant/bar. The line leading up to the check-in counter (you can buy tickets and reserve seating online or purchase at check-in) is lined with video selections and the ceilings had various movie posters hanging from them. On the other side of the video "store" is the dining area for the restaurant. The check-in counter is shared with the food counter, then further down is the wine/beer/drinks counter. As you enter the back to get to the theaters (apparently 15 of them), there is an entire hallway of doors leading to restrooms/urinals. I can't speak to all of them but the one used was definitely not serviced as the paper towel roll was out of the dispeser and standing up on the wet counter so the towels were sucking up water. The theater is small in comparison to most theaters in the pre-COVID era, but had reclining seats with enough legroom to allow servers to walk in front of you when bringing your orders. The recliners recline at both the feet and head but the head doesn't got back as much as you'd expect so seats nearest to the screen (didn't have a choice but to sit up front) will still have you craning your neck to look up. Each seat also has a small (sticky) table with plenty of space to place your order. Then below the table, at armrest level, is a light pointing down to see the QR code for ordering. Plus there's a cupholder big enough to sit a large drink inside. Overall, it was pretty comfortable and didn't feel as crowded as it was which was almost 100% full for the 2nd day of the movie. The food was surprisingly decent but the pizza had burnt edges. The fries were salted well and were thick enough to retain the potato-y taste. The popcorn tasted fresh and was lightly buttered as requested. It comes in a large metal bowl, enough for 2 people. Overall, the experience was a good one, but definitely needs some cleaning of the tables at the recliners and the bathrooms. The food was pricey as you'd expect from a theater, so no change there from pre-COVID :-) I'd recommend it for the comfort of watching a movie on the big screen.

    Samantha R.

    I absolutely love this quirky movie theater. As soon as you walk in it feels like you travel back in time. Full library of rental dvds and vhs. And also a cool selection for purchase. The recliner chairs are new, I do wish they would recline a little bit further back. Super simple QR code ordering, the chicken tenders are delicious, get the ranch!

    James V The Poe T.

    Staff and this theater -- 10/10. Full draft bar, great food and plenty of parking. Inside the theater you will find comic books, records, VHS for sale. So many unique items to browse. A great place for a date or a group night out. Tonight's feature: Dracula -- a love tale. I chose this story as the epigraph to my debut poetry collection, Purple Rose: The Stars Carry Her Name -- Letters from Me to Her. Thirty-three love letters I wrote to a woman living in Raleigh, North Carolina. In this lifetime, the door appears closed. I published them so that one day, if she ever reads them, she would know how deeply she was -- and is still -- loved. So that in the next lifetime, she may find me. Unlike Dracula, I would rather live condemned with her than endure an eternity without her. Movie is 10/10. My absolute favorite theater in the Triangle. -- James V The Poet Author | U.S. Navy Diver | Hopeful Romantic

    Video shopping, games and bar
    Michael M.

    We love the Alamo chain of theaters and bars. Normally we are huge fans of them. However, this location is sub-standard and a bit on the low end. It feels as if it's trying to be hipster but instead it just felt worn down. The seats were not as comfortable, as other locations. The theaters were warm and stuffy. The food wasn't great or comparable to other locations, and the front room was kind of like an inner city community center instead of a trendy bar and entertainment center. If you've never been to other Alamo's you may not realize what you're missing. I hope the Corporate office will take an interest and help this one be all it can be, the potential is there.

    Dining Room.
    Mia G.

    I decided to come back to Alamo for a return visit after my first visit was pretty awful. I appreciated the manager reaching out to me and providing service recovery and taking accountability for their staff following my first experience. My 2nd visit was much better. I didn't see any familiar faces from my first visit, but the staff I encountered this go 'round were much friendlier and more attentive. I received great assistance with my ticket order prior to my arrival and had a great meal and cocktail during my movie. This visit definitely changed my mind about Alamo and I hope to receive this type of service (if not better) every time I visit. I'll be back!

    I really did win when I ordered the Winning the Day!
    Toya T.

    Normally, I love Alamo Drafthouse but this was by far the worst experience I've ever had there. My family was excited to see The Mandalorian and we ordered the themed beverages. But the galactic was gross and so full of chopped wafers that it wasn't a shake anymore, it was a cold, gloppy, straw clogging dessert that the server expected me to enjoy first with a regular soda straw and then with a dirty spoon that was not wrapped in a napkin. I asked for the shake to be removed from my ticket, they did not. I asked to apply birthday Victory reward, they did not. Needless to say, Alamo didn't give a bad word about my birthday or my business.

    Menu
    Ashleigh F.

    I finally got the opportunity to check out the Alamo theater. I ordered my tickets at the front counter but you have an option to purchase tickets online for a fee. The front cashier was not very personable. My server was nice & helpful. He explained that once the movie started if I needed anything to push the button and write any requests on a piece of the provided paper. They have an extensive menu with food and drinks. I ordered popcorn. It tasted good and was served in a large metal bowl. Free refills are available with your popcorn purchase. There is an auto gratuity added to your orders in the theater. The theater was clean and spacious. There are several rules when watching a movie here. There is no talking in the theater, you can't use your phone, and you cannot come in the movie late.

    the inside of the restaurant
    Bobbie C.

    I'll admit I first started going to Alamo Drafthouse because I could have cocktails with my movie but now it's my first choice theater. They have a nice menu although I do miss chicken wings! The drinks are also always good and the service is great. I appreciate the fact that people can't talk and text because it allows for the focus to be on the movie and eliminates distractions. The theater is also always clean and there has always been plenty of parking of when I've gone.

    Spider-Man

    A little rancid of a mildew smell when you first walk in. Lots of beer on tap but not many N/A options on the online menu. The chairs wobble and the foot rest will drop slowly while the movie goes on. Tenders used to be amazing but now flavorless, dry and overcooked. Water tastes weird

    Some decor...it was a large vhs table showing a movie!
    Kim A.

    This is my second review of them. Still absolutely love this spot! I love that they're stricter compared to most theaters about talking and cell phones. And I love that the workers come to you for drinks, popcorn, food so you don't have to miss parts of the movie... I kinda hate the seats though! The foot part does recline but not fully(it's still comfy but if you're used to big theater recliner seats you'll be disappointed), also the back of the chair doesn't recline, and the table part doesn't swivel...I wish it did!

    23% tip is insane
    Chef Cilantro °.

    Pros: Unique franchise. Chicken tenders and fries were excellent but only warm to cold temperature. Cons: The building and every theater smell of mildew bc it's mostly underground and not draining properly. If you have allergies or autoimmune, stay away as black mold isn't far behind. The seat trays are old and the varnish has worn off so they are always sticky. The leg rests are very uncomfortable b/c they are short and only open 45 degrees. Sodas cost $7. High fructose corn syrup now costs more than beer hops or chocolate milk. Let that sink in. Bathrooms are nasty, like a dive bar. 18% gratuity is added which fine for wait staff who have to service a table 5-10 times during a meal. However, it's excessive for cashier/counter service and movie theater staff who only drop off food/drinks. To add insult to injury, they add and additional 5% tip if you don't 'close the check' within 20 minutes of the movie ending. Adding a 23% tip, plus issues listed are exactly why places like this go bankrupt during recessions. I contested the 5% tip with Visa and they refunded it. For better theater experiences, try Paragon Fenton in Cary or Regal in North Hills.

    Janine C.

    The Food is good no complaints there. The service is fast. However when I walked up to present my phone with ticket, the short white gentleman said "what's up" I thought that was not only rude but ghetto. I'm not sure if he said that because I am black. But I didn't take it as cool. I said what's up is not the way you should greet a customer. Always come here for new movies. This was a turn off.

    Things changed before the movie ended and half of what was taken off was imposed back.

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    Loved the atmosphere and seats. It was also nice that they brought food to your seat while watching the movie. Food was pricey though.

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    Page 1 of 12

    Ask the Community - Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh

    How is the parking? A few years ago we were here, but my memory is that parking was sometimes difficult to find

    There's always been a lot of parking when I've been there, and I've been in the afternoon & at night.

    How accessible is the Alamo for handicapped? Are there stairs in the theaters?

    There are ramps in the theatre.

    Does anyone know when the milkshake machine is going to be fixed. It's been months and months and ........ it needs to come back ... soon?

    It's only broken during the late movies.

    Are front row seats ok at the Raleigh location?

    I would say it depends on the movie. A really action packed one would be hard for me in that row. Legs go up in their chairs but back does not recline.

    Non stadium seating? Can you see screen on?

    Great view from every seat, even the front row.

    Can you only order food at your seats or can you grab something to eat in the bar area before the show?

    Both!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh

    The inside of the Drafthouse is cool too because they still rent out VHS tapes and they line the waiting area.

    Mentioned in 27 reviews

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    CMX CinéBistro Waverly Place - Popcorn Trio

    CMX CinéBistro Waverly Place

    3.5(415 reviews)
    10.0 mi

    My Husband and i went to the movies yesterday and had a fabulous experience. Because of school…read morejust starting we were the only ones in the movie. We still sat in the back row and reclined in the chairs and were able to see the screen with no issues. The chairs were FANTASIC, yes they were refreshed, found some old one in the back by the handicapped area, but this time we didn't sit there. I am a big girl and the seats didn't squish me or make me feel uncomfortable in the recliner even with my husband sitting beside me. The attached table fit perfectly. The waiter was very nice and accommodating. We only had popcorn and a drink, both bottomless, but the price of these were typical for concessions at movie theatres. I am sorry, I can't remember the waiters name but he was so nice. The price of the tickets were less than the price we paid two weeks ago at a cineplex for Odessey where I was NOT comfortable.

    Visited the theater to watch a matinee, The Odyssey. We bought five tickets but after looking at…read morethe Yelp reviews, we were skeptical of how the experience would be. We were very happy with the entire experience. The seats were refreshed, the recliners all worked for us, the service was excellent. We only got snacks and cocktails so I can't speak for the food. The menu looked good and we will try it next time. The cocktails were basic, the beer a good pour, the prices were concession prices. Be aware that there is a 19% gratuity added to all checks. I cannot speak for all theaters and seats being refurbished. Some looked more worn than others. The theater itself was large and the picture/sound were excellent. I would definitely return!

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    CMX CinéBistro Waverly Place
    CMX CinéBistro Waverly Place
    CMX CinéBistro Waverly Place - CMX Burger.

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    CMX Burger.

    The Dinner Detective

    The Dinner Detective

    2.1(14 reviews)
    25.7 mi
    $$$

    The only plausible murder in this sham of a "show" was of good taste and believable acting…read more If anyone can be bored to death, then the Dinner Detective is to blame for the crime. Detective Noel chewed the scenery with her soap opera one note delivery born out of community college summer acting programs or a month as an intern at summer stock. Someone tell her the pink hair trend is over and her forty-plus year old self should catch up. Why do they need a 23 minute preamble before the actual "show"begins? For 75$ why did they serve crappy Duncan Hines boxed cake? C'mon. The entree was ok, a saving grace, and the friends at my table were fun and understood how stupid it all was. If you need a particular brand of torture and a reminder of why "dinner theatre" is a lie and an affront to actual quality entertainment- have at it. But I warned you.

    Worst experience EVER!! The Raleigh Dinner Detective "dinner" experience was probaly the worst…read moreexperience I've had since covid. The manager/owner didn't care that there was an issue only gave a "how dare you call and complain" attitude, when all we wanted was a simple apology and confirmation that it would be fixed. This was supposed to be a fun dinner outing, but they ruined the evening!! We booked for a birthday dinner experience and checked in only to find out that they "miscounted" the seats and did not have a place for us to sit. SERIOUSLY, THIS IS A DINNER EXPERIENCE! How do you not have enough seats??? They had to bring out a separate table to seat us, which meant we would not get the FULL EXPERIENCE. There were no actors at the table, no QR codes, no clues under the chair. When speaking with the manager/owner on the phone, she was aggressive and rude. The manager claimed that it was a "human" mistake and that we had to have more "grace" while they fixed it. Then she said we should leave as we weren't the "right kind of people" because we didnt have enough grace. As customers we tried and wanted to have a fun experience and were so disappointed that we did not get that experience. To further complete the disastrous experience, the food was not as promised when we booked...the "chocolate mousse cake" was basic dry yellow cake with chocolate frosting. The host tried, but the whole experience was lacking. I would definitely not suggest this experience if you want to be entertained and have a decent meal because even with reservation you might not get a seat!

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    The Dinner Detective
    The Dinner Detective
    The Dinner Detective

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    Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh - movietheaters - Updated September 2026

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