One of my favorite ways to cap off a long weekend or unwind on a cold, rainy day is a night at the movies. Most nights this means a trip to Alamo Drafthouse, but I recently cheated on my failsafe way to spend a Sunday night with downtown’s Violet Crown Theatre. As predicted by its 2nd Street District location and dramatic signage, Violet Crown is a glamorous, well-heeled cousin to the horn rimmed glasses and ironic t-shirt clad Alamo Drafthouse. The four screen theatre offers viewings of independent, art house, international, and small budget films. The best part of Violet Crown is reserved seating at no extra cost. The theatres are small and well planned; each row is elevated and spaced so there is not a bad seat in the house. The first row of seats features lazy boy lounge chairs and highly recommended if available. Unlike Drafthouse there is no in-theatre service. Instead, movie goers are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time to ensure ample time to order food and beverages. After picking up tickets, visitors relax in the comfortable lounge area until seating for the movie begins a few minutes before showtime. Service is a bit rushed, presumably to prevent any delays in getting to the movie on time. The main menu consists of small plate platters, pizzas, and hot dogs. Additionally, there is a snack bar for movie fare such as popcorn, ICEES, and candy. A thin crusted pepperoni pizza proved slightly too greasy, especially on top of soft crust. A hummus and pita bread snack plate was more successful. Freshly popped popcorn comes with unlimited refills, but an off putting butter taste detracted us from taking advantage of another round. An order of cakeballs was wonderfully decadent, with preference for the orange chai flavor. Once movie seating announced, guests can carry any snacks and drinks into the cool, clean theatre. Each plush leather seat is adorned with fold out tray tables for food and drink. It took a bit of maneuvering to get situated since the trays are almost too small to squeeze plates and drinks on top and after finishing, we were left again with a predicament with what to do with leftover dishes. Any additional eats can be ordered during the movie, and guests will be given a pager so they can return to the movie instead of waiting outside. However, narrow rows and stairs positioned on the opposite side of the exit makes it tad awkward and distracting to continuously enter and exit. Just one more reason to take advantage of first row seating on a future visit!
Violet Crown Cinema. 434 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701. 512.495.9600.
Located on the notoriously hard to park corner of 2nd and San Antonio, Violet Crown graciously offers validated parking in the neighboring Amli garage.
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