Alamo Drafthouse in Kalamazoo: Unique Experience for Movie Lovers
Have you ever been to the movies and experienced the unpleasantry of another patron texting or talking during the entire movie. Perhaps they’re yelling out what parts they thought needed commentary or telling the closest person what movie each star has been in. If you don’t like this part of the movie going experience, perhaps you should pay a visit to Alamo Drafthouse in Kalamazoo, a movie theater created by movie lovers, for movie lovers.
In 2013, the 10 screen Alamo Drafthouse replaced the former Rave Cityplace. This is the only Drafthouse located in the state of Michigan. Alamo has become famous well known for its strict policies. The theaters have no texting or talking during movie, with second offense leading to ejection from the theater.
Another item that keeps the movie theater different is its policy on children. All Drafthouse theaters have a strict no children under 6 policy. Children aged 6 to 18 must be accompanied by an adult in almost all showings. For those of you reading this post that are part of our family friendly crowd, you should know that this theater might make a great date night place with limited distractions. It also has a weekly event to help parents get some time out. On Tuesday afternoons, Drafthouse Kalamazoo has “Baby Day” shows, which feature the lights being partially on and the sound lowered. These baby friendly events are a great way for parents to get out of the house without having to find a babysitter.
Patrons of movies at the theater can also get food and drinks sent right to their seat. Order cards allow the interaction between customer and server to not interrupt the movie or break the no talking policy. A quick browse through of the menu shows pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and plenty of appetizers. A bottomless order of popcorn is listed with a $6 price point. Of course, at Alamo Drafthouse, you can just write down your refill order on a card and hold it up, instead of missing a key point of the movie.
Perhaps another reason people, especially those over 21, will enjoy Alamo Drafthouse Kalamazoo is their alcoholic beverage selection. A fine range of Michigan’s bets craft brews can be found with brands like Arcadia, Atwater, Bell’s, Founder’s, Saugatuck Brewing, Dark Horse, and Short’s. Adult Shakes also offer a great range of beverages to sip on during a movie. Adult Shakes include Irish Coffee Shake, Atwater Vanilla Java Porter Shake, and New Holland The Poet Oatmeal Stout Shake.
Sometimes Drafthouse holds events that combo their love for movies and food together. An example of this was the recent Groundhog Day showing that also offered food inspired by the movie. The theater chain regularly has special events that aim at movie fans’ eyes and stomachs. Back in December, the chain announced a complete Middle East Saga Fest, that would air all six Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, complete with nine courses of food. Each movie theater has different events, with some taking place across all locations.
Upcoming events for the Kalamazoo Drafthouse location include:
- February 11: Moulin Rouge Sing Along
- February 14: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
- February 15: Gone With the Wind
- February 16: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Current ticket prices for Drafthouse Kalamazoo are:
- Adults after 6PM: $9.25
- Adults before 6PM: $7.25
- College Students (with ID): $6.75
- 3D Showings after 6PM: $12.25
- 3D Showings before 6PM: $10.25
Drafthouse has received plenty of awards and accolades, including being called the best theater ever by Time magazine. With 1000s of movie theaters to choose from, this one sets itself apart by catering to true movie fans and offering a great food menu that goes above and beyond your generic popcorn and box candy.
For a limited time, guests can find Alamo Drafthouse Kalamazoo on Groupon, where normal $9.25 tickets can be purchased for $5 each. This would of course exclude special events, but be great for anyone who wants to give the movie theater a test run or try out a new movie theater.
