The Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse is a unique combination of a full restaurant located inside a screening theater. Here, customers can enjoy a full restaurant and bar menu, complete with tableside service, while relaxing in oversized, lounge-style chairs.
The “Drafthouse” replaced the Arlington Theater or “Old Arlington” as it was affectionately known in 1985. The building itself is over 90 years old. Tucked behind the large movie screen, you can find the original theater stage equipped with lighting, storage, and a green room.
This theater has had a rich history of entertaining D.C. and Virginia residents with great movies and local, live entertainment. According to the owners, if you look back over the last 70+ years and picked your most favorite movies, it is likely they have been featured here. Even better, the Drafthouse in 2016 expanded to launch “Drafthouse Comedy,” a unique comedy arts theater featuring everything from local standup to Comedy Giants like Carlos Mencia and Chris Kattan
The very first thing you’ll read – in bright yellow – on the Drafthouse restaurant web page is to “ARRIVE EARLY AND ORDER EARLY.” That’s because you, your date, and the other more than 270 guests the Drafhouse accommodates will want to taste every section of the expertly-curated menu.
Start with appetizers like the Bavarian Pretzels with Spicy Queso, or the oversized Drafhouse Breadsticks dripping with cheese, pomodoro sauce, and marinara on the side. For your entree, you can’t go wrong with the hearty Asian Chicken or Beet salads, or the California Dreamin’ Flatbread, bursting with flavor thanks to its spicy pesto, grilled chicken, and artichoke hearts. Carnivores will love the BBQ Bacon Burger or the Buffalo Chicken Wrap, while vegetarian and vegan guests will appreciate the Spicy Veggie Burger – also available as a wrap – and the optional gluten-free Cauliflower Crust for vegan flatbreads.
Wash your delicious food down with Drafthouse signature drinks like the Pulp Fiction cocktail with grape vodka, casis, Sprite, and Blue Curacao; or the Sex & The City Martini, with cosmo citrus vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and fresh lime. Watching your favorite sports team? Drafthouse has you covered with pitchers, bombers, and tallboy cans of seasonal and local draft beers including Devil’s Backbone, Flying Dog, and DC Brau – and also a full wine list for a lighter refreshment.
You don’t even have to take our word for it — just ask one of the dozens of Yelp reviewers, like Louise:
“I’m usually not at all a fan of “bar/Bavarian-style pretzels” as they are typically too doughy and flavorless – but the pretzels are AMAZING. Flavorful, buttery, fluffy – they taste like larger versions of Auntie Anne’s pretzels. YUM.”
Wow! The Drafthouse’s reviews are almost as glowing as ours!
According to Owner Tim Clark, it’s the comedy that makes the Drafthouse truly special — from the national headlining acts to the local artists. Tim, who is partial to the seasonal and local draft beers at the theater, says his goal is to create a casual, relaxing environment where people can take a break from the stress of their day while enjoying the convenience of a full-service kitchen and bar at their seat.
So whether you need a good laugh, a date night, or a friends’ night out, come join us at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse – click here to plan your visit!
Want to live in an Arlington neighborhood just steps away from spots like this? Contact The Keri Shull Team at 703-952-7653 or [email protected]! We can’t wait to help you buy your next home!
