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    Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh

    4.1 (461 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh Photos

    ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA RALEIGH ATMOSPHERE

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

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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.

    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

    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.

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

    Restaurants pay credit card processing fees because accepting credit cards is considered part of the cost of doing business. Not the responsibility of the customer. After I asked for it to be taken off the manager stated he would give me a $10 discount. But things changed shortly after. It was clean and customer service is great. My mood was ruined with the added fees.

    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.

    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!

    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.

    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!

    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.

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    4 months ago

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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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    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

    CMX CinéBistro Waverly Place

    3.5
    (410 reviews)
    10.0 mi

    It's always a good thing when you can see a good movie and enjoy good food. I always have an…read moreamazing time at this theater. The staff is always so helpful ensuring that you are taken care of. The seating is so comfortable and the food is delicious. I also enjoy the fact that they offer unlimited popcorn..yummy!

    DO NOT GO HERE. Arguably the worst cinema experience of my life. The theaters are in horrible…read moredisrepair with the seats literally falling apart. Peeling leather. Broken features. The lack of a call button or service app ending up making our experience even worse. We ordered one soda and one beer and AN HOUR into the movie everyone else in our row had been served full meals and I was forced to leave the movie to go find my server. I would have let it go but this place makes you PRE-PAY and PRE-TIP for what ends up being horrible service. At the service window I found my server and let him know it had been an hour and he said "we are trying to get drinks out" This was followed by snide comments from another server from within the stand. I'm sorry but if I don't have my order one hour into a two hour movie you have completely failed and shouldn't be marketing yourself as a food-based cinema experience. To make matters worse my seat was completely broken. No recline. I would have brought this up if I had seen my waiter at all in the first hour. Finally, for me the worst part of my experience is that they had glitching and stuttering on playback multiple times in the first and second reel. The one thing they should be flawless at is projecting a movie and they can't even do that correctly. I will NEVER be back to this theater. This is why theatrical attendance is down. This is why movies are dying. People can have a better experience at home. Congratulations on contributing to the death of the theater experience.

    Photos
    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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    FOUNDATION

    FOUNDATION

    4.4
    (332 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    This is a whiskey lover's dream and one of Raleigh's most unique drinking destinations. It's quite…read moreliterally underground as it's in a basement. With little signage the space feels like a natural speakeasy. It's unpolished enough to feel a little sleazy, yet polished enough to never feel dirty. In other words, it has character, and plenty of it. The bartenders were fantastic: knowledgeable, talented, and happy to chat about the spirits behind the bar. Whether you're a serious whiskey enthusiast or just looking for a well-made cocktail, you're in good hands. Being open later than most Raleigh bars makes Foundation one of the city's go-to late-night options, but that shouldn't overshadow what it really is........a great bar at any hour. The atmosphere, the drinks, and the people behind the bar make this a place worth seeking out whether it's your first stop of the evening or your last.

    Updating my review: Initially I really liked this bar however I went again on a Friday night and…read morehad a different experience to where I may not return. It was me and one other person and it took about 15 minutes for our waiter to come to our table to take our order or even speak to us (shockingly this same waiter took a couples order sitting at the table next to us even though they arrived way later). We understood that it was slightly busy since it's a Friday night however it would've been better to at least take our order or bring us water in the meantime while also letting us know we had to wait that long. I grew very impatient and ultimately wanted to leave the establishment altogether at this point. Once we got our drinks (I ordered The Middle Child) they were both way too strong to even take a sip. As a cocktail bar, the drinks shouldn't taste like straight rubbing alcohol. I couldn't even finish my drink because it tasted so bad.

    Photos
    South side
    South side
    Foundation old fashioned
    Foundation old fashioned
    Bar

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    Bar

    Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Raleigh - movietheaters - Updated July 2026

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