Alamo Drafthouse
Categories: Cinema, Restaurants [Edit]
Neighborhood: Downtown320 E 6th St
Austin, TX 78701 (512) 476-1320
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: No
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner, Late Night
- Alcohol: Full Bar
135 Reviews for Alamo Drafthouse
I know people who love Alamo b/c sometimes alcohol & movies are the best combo ever -- I like the idea of good food & movies at the same time. Mostly, I think the food at Alamo (any alamo, not just this one) is really so-so, so I get disappointed every time -- like the one time I tried their Green Chile Mac -- man, kraft is so much better.
BUT -- their fish tacos are awesome. Seriously good. And I do love how they have ciders.
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Movies are my favorite thing ever and the Alamo is therefore the center of the universe to me. Seriously. Master Pancake theater. Great events with directors, film writers and actors. Air Sex contests. All this and beer and decent food.
Why would we ever leave the Alamo?
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Dear Alamo,
We've been through quite a bit. I visited you with a number of dates over the last decade. I almost feel like you are a part of my dating life, in an omniscient sort of way. Thanks for chaperoning.
Let's review some of our more lively dates which might also be dull dates with lively movies.
The Bourne Identity and Supremacy - I don't remember much about my date (yes, it was the same one), I was too engrossed in watching Jason Bourne kill people with household objects like pens and the back of his hand. Oh Jason, I heart you. I love it when you kill people with writing utensils.
The Simpsons Movie - I went with an uber geeky boyfriend who looked just like Flanders. He dressed as Flanders, complete with mustache. I was Maud - all pink, curled hair, and I even wore a neck brace and walking cast for a more dramatic effect. "Hi diddly ho!"
Spiderman 2 and 3 - I visited you with my sister opening night. It was a total sausage party, and neither my sister nor I were unhappy with that. During one of the scary scenes, she screamed. The guys next to us offered us some beer and giggled. And this is why I love Alamo. We don't just go to the movies. We go to the movies with other die hard fans who yell and scream while drunk.
Snakes on a Plane - Who doesn't love it when Samuel L. Jackson says "Enough is enough! I have had it with these motherf******snakes on this mother******* plane!"? I loved it. I did not love my movie date. Remember when I squirmed when he tried to touch my thigh? Thank you Alamo employee for coming by to break the awkward situation. Thank you. Thank you.
21 - I went with a post doc in a math field because I thought I'd have fun with another math nerd. He was nice. But no sparks. That's weird. I thought it was the best of both worlds. Nerdy men, nerdy movie. At least Alamo was there to entertain me. Once again, I owe you one.
Terror Thursdays - I used to go on a regular basis with another grad student before you moved to the 6th street location. He was probably the least geeky of all the dates, but probably the most embarrassing. I'm not one to be easily embarrassed, but this guy snorted loudly and slapped his thighs when he laughed. When he laughed, the entire theater laughed at him. I pretended to be friends with the people next to us. Please don't let me be associated with this big dork. This is also when I saw the previews for the Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai. If you haven't seen this Japanese flick and love porn with politics, watch it. It's awesome. You can borrow my copy.
Airsex - Alamo, I know it seems odd that I always plan on coming to AirSex alone, but I always wind up talking to some random person about the art of sex. I go to Airsex as part of my research program, that's my excuse anyways. Last time I went, I got one of the cushy couch seats upstairs with a bunch of the Airsex contestants. F***tastic and I became good friends up there, in the most innocent way possible. Airsex, try it with beer. It's good for you.
Alamo Downtown, I love you. You showed me some awesome flicks. You made for some great first dates, and made the bad ones a little less awkward. You have beer. You have decent food. You are the only way to watch a movie. I'm sorry I cheated on you with the Dark Knight at the IMAX. Please forgive me. I'm going to see you again during Fantastic Fest. We can make amends there.
XOXOXO,
Your Weird Austinite
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When is the last time you've gone to a see a movie at noon, gotten to order your choice of a dozen beers on draft and actually had someone bring it to you? Probably the last time you were at the Alamo. Plus, a menu? And the food is actually pretty good.
This place is the best movie theatre on earth. The Mayan in Denver is the second best movie theatre on earth.
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This is the 2nd Alamo Drafthouse I've been to, also to watch Master Pancake (woohoo!). The theater is arranged staggered upward, like an auditorium, for better sound quality. Still, the queue system kinda sucked, and the theater smelled kinda musty. Bathrooms were a lot more visible this time around, but also more crowded. All in all the reception area just felt narrower, which is not a good thing in my opinion. The food I ordered--a salad with beef--came out cold, plus eating in the dark? Not my favorite thing to do. However, my boyfriend's dad got a Guiness shake, with actual Guiness, which I hear was delicious. All in all, I still prefer the South Austin location more, still.
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Okay.
I WILL NOT go see a movie unless it's playing at the Alamo.
That's it.
That's all.
Thanks for stoppin by.
First, the trailers are great. They have fun stuff on there before the shows. And there are fun commercials for their own inventive events, etc. before the previews begin. I discovered this is supremely important when I went to go see a movie somewhere else and was attacked with 15 minute commercials for Coke and Mc donald's and all kinds of other crap. That's why I'm at the movies! All I want to see is stuff about OTHER movies! That's the only commercials you're allowed!
Food is decent. Constant Gardener sammich, Chicken fingers (No gravy, sub XXX sauce, add chipotle mayo..when I'm feeling really bad), Wild at Artichoke Hearts pizza, and Green Chile Mac and Cheese (ask for more green chile) are all tasty, and can be made even better with slight alterations and the addition of copious amounts of Chipotle Mayo.
My new healthy kick, though, has me stuck on the Asian Chicken Salad. It's damn good, and I just ask for an extra side of dressing to make sure I have it saturated enough. It's got a little kick, but I like it that way!
Beer? good. I get the Drafthouse Amber usually.
Wine? I go cheap for the whites. Sometimes get red, but mainly with my GF there. I get so many spicy things, I need something to cut the burninating.
Oh, and this place has liquor now! Ritas are okay. Scotch is good. They can't screw that up!
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I'd been trying to avoid the Alamo Ritz for a bit now, mainly due to the parking situation and the proximity to Idiot Fest and Boozeocricy that is 6th street after dark.
Those obvious irritants aside, the lady and I had a fantastic time at Master Pancake Theater's mocking of "Catwoman". I rarely laugh so hard I tear up, but those crazy fellas had me practically snorting with laughter. It's the only way to see that movie...ever. At least that's what they say in Male Academia. (Hurr hurr...I used a joke no one will get because they weren't there...priceless.) I won't go too much into it if you haven't seen the movie, but I'll say this...whoever wrote that made her into some kind of spider-monkey-cat-thing that bears only a vague resemblance to the real cat woman. Hilarity ensues.
The service was good, beer cold and fresh, and despite the added bizarreness of some of the patrons (Yo, Creepy dude! Lotsssss of empty seats in the theater...why you gotta sit right next to my lady?) that could only come from 6th st, it was a good time and we'll be going back.
Special note:
Don't use the outside ATM. It's been tampered with and rigged to jam your card in the slot likely to later be retrieved by a thief. Go Go bank knowledge!
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Ok, I know I've reviewed the Drafthouse before; but The Ritz is a whole 'nother self gratifying good time. I say this because I recently watched the "Air Sex World Championships." Watching the most hammered people walk on stage to their favorite "let's make some bad decisions" music and practicing their form, makes me want to stand in front of a mirror in an effort to be more provacative. People playing all the parts of an orgy or groups going up in teams, made this night one of the most hilarious experiences of my life...a couple of Tito's and soda helped a little too. BTW, that song they play for the montage at the beginning is called "Feel the Love" by Cut/Copy. I f***in' love that song!
Whoever brings this to Los Angeles is going to be filthy rich because Alamo Drafthouse is the smartest idea since joint Pizza Huts and Taco Bells. Today, I watched Batman and ate a hamburger. Ketchup surrounded my lips and I looked just like the joker. It was such a perfect, beautiful thing. Lots of beer, reasonable prices (for movie tickets AND food!), and really cute employees. Hells yes.
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It's a great time with friends.
However, the food is maybe average at best and so not worth the price.
Their popcorn is the BEST.
Suggestion:
Eat your meal someplace else, then come here for drinks and popcorn and a fun time had by all!
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Finally went to the Drafthouse last night and caught the Wesley Willis documentary "Joy Ride." The experience here well thought out and flawlessly executed. There is a strong curatorial sense in the films they choose and the events that are put together and the food and service was fantastic.
I wish we had a Drafthouse out in Long Beach but, alas, that keeps me looking forward to the next time I am in Austin.
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The alamo is always a fun place. As others have said the fun is okay, nothing to get too excited about. I love the popcorn with extra butter and the ice cream and warm cookies are too die for.
I also feel they get extra points, for not allowing children in the movies at all times, as this issue can ruin a good show.
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I will watch any movie (except Man on Fire), if I can get a glass of wine and some fried mozzarella. The food is decent and the prices are not inflated to "movie theater" pricing. For the same price as soda, popcorn and candy at regular theater, we can actually have a meal here.
On my last trip in, I caught the Sex and the City movie, and I have to admit, when I was walking up the stairs, I almost snuck into the Spaceballs quote-a-long instead.
Bonus points for the Justin Timberlake sing-a-long.
The Alamo is the only way to see a movie.
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The drafthouse was and still is the best place to get liquored up in Austin. So much fun and Weird Wednesdays and Terror Thursdays are free, which leaves you with more money to get the drafthouse ale( so good) or the $5 milkshake. Not all the food on the menu is good , but the desserts , coffee, and liquor I recommend.
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The prices are good but the fact that you can watch a movie with out some one bringing in a toddler that makes noise through the entire movie. The Master Pancake movie spoofs are great and well worth the price of admission.
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This is an update for the Ritz location since my previous review was for the original location on Colorado St. (R.I.P.).
I love the new location. I was lucky enough to get a ticket to the opening night celebration where we watched a sneak preview of No Country for Old Men and then followed by a crazy Japanese monster movie. On the same night, I went to the restroom and after doing my business I looked at the next urinal over and saw none other than Quentin Tarantino peeing right next to me! How many movie theaters does that happen in? Awesomeness... ok maybe I'm weird for getting excited about that but who cares?!
I am sad that the original location shut down, but I think that this new Alamo does a great job of picking up where the last one left off. I can't imagine my life without the Alamo Drafthouse.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/16/2006
Combining my two favorite things (movies & beer) is perhaps the most brilliant thing to come out of… Read more »
Alamo Drafthouse was totally fun. We watched Sex in the City while sipping our cold, refreshing hoegardens. I was worried that the noise from people eating and servers passing by would ruin it, but it didn't at all. I highly recommend it if you're looking to kill a couple hours while in Austin.
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Obviously, the Alamo isn't exactly a top secret Austin hangout. It's deserving of its reputation for many reasons, but topping my list: The 20 Beer Chili is the best chili in the world. I've refrained on several occasions from calling the theater to ask if I can just get an order to go without seeing a movie.
Sure, the films and events are cool, and the rest of the menu is great to good. But the chili? OMG. It's a majestic symphony of flavors; perfectly spicy and peppered with tender chunks of steak. I'm going to have to take their word on the 20 Beer claim, but after vacuuming out a bowl, I am invariably drunk with pleasure.
It's so delicious that you might not notice the crappiness of the film you're watching. It took seven bowls to get me through Southland Tales.
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BEST THEATER in America. The Lakecreek theater is lagging behind and has raised their prices but its still about 20 million times better than going to a big chain theater. I LOVE ALAMO!!!!!!!!!!!
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Beer
NO CHILDREN!!!
Sing a longs
I can't patronize a normal theatre anymore.
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The food is delicious and if you can go to one of their dinner and movie themed events EVEN BETTER!!! The food is kind of expensive for what you're getting. I like the spinach salad with vinegar dressing and $5 milkshake (really overpriced)!
The Alamo is pure Austin, as I have known the city. The food isn't great, but I really don't care. I like eating food and watching movies in air conditioning. And I especially like coming early and seeing what oddities they uncovered for previews.
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I love everything about this place. If you're anything like me, you wish that asshole on his cell phone halfway through the movie would spontaneously combust, but since they never do- this place threatens physical abuse if you talk or have your cell on. i've seen them remove people and i LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
and knocking a couple of cold ones back while you're there ain't too bad either.
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A movie theater that serves food and booze. Why are these not all across America? Show up early for screenings. You'll get a great seat and they show funny/interesting/kitschy videos beforehand that are related to the feature. I would go here more often if I could afford it.
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The Alamo Drafthouse is definitely my favorite spot to catch a flick. I enjoy getting to the theater early for a movie in order to catch the pre-previews, which take on the theme of the movie that is about to be watched. These previews are hilarious, gross, and sometimes head-shakingly bad, but always charming - making the drafthouse experience that much better.
The food is surprisingly great. I've tried an assortment of the pizzas, the chicken fingers, chili, burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, pasta bowls, and everything else bad for my health. Also, the five dollar milkshake is most pleasing to me, and yes it is worth the $5 - it's that good, no lies. That and the cookies are like scooby snacks. I go through the roof with all that delicious goodness.
All in all, if you haven't been acquainted with the Alamo Drafthouse at least once, you're missing out. I am now unable to go to a regular theater. Check it out, good fellows!
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I experienced my Sex and the City Saturday at this Alamo Drafthouse yesterday.
Women showed up 1.5 hours before the viewing of each show. It was a bit cramped in the waiting line, to say the least, but once we entered it was the perfect, comfy movie viewing experience.
I'm always appreciative of the option to wine and dine while viewing a film, without the responsibility of doing the dishes afterward.
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I'm pretty sure you can't be considered a real Austin Yelper until you review the original Alamo. It's in the Terms of Service, go look it up.
The new location has two screens instead of just one, so there's twice the madness to choose from. I do miss the old location a little, but I have to admit, the Ritz is so glitzy with all those blinkenlights.
Some of the stuff they do here...it's like they have a window into my head and they know exactly what I want to see.
.....
GET OUT OF MY HEAD!
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Took my best friend from out of town to catch the 10:15pm showing of Sex and the City on Friday Night and it was awesome. The line wasn't too long, we found seats and ordered warm chocolate chip cookies and amy's vanilla ice cream for dessert. It was perfect! We walked out the door and enjoyed 6th street! The only bummer was parking which cost us $5 in a lot around the corner. Totally worth it though considering the tickets only cost $8.50. (They are $11 back home...)
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Their Midnight Espresso Shakes are delicious! Other than that...the food is decent, but not worth the price
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Overall, the Alamo Drafthouse is as good as it gets for movies. While the food is mostly average, the rest of the experience more than makes up for it.
Pros:
1. Kids have limited access to the movies. Normally, kids six and up need a parent or guardian, and no one under six allowed, although there are exceptions for certain movies.
2. They will ask ask noisy or rude customers to leave if they are disturbing other customers. Seriously, they will.
2. Alcohol
3. Real food, not just standard movie fare, although they still do have popcorn.
4. Sorry, but I have to mention the no noisy kids and adults one more time. This is probably the main reason I'm willing to pay a little more for a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse.
5. Movie events. Master Pancake Theater, special showings with the actors or director, Terror Thursdays, Rolling Roadshows, etc.
Cons:
There's really only one con and it's not a very big one. In fact, if you compare it to other theaters, this is a very large plus. But as a comparison to other restaurants, the food is just ok. There are a few items that they do well, but others are just average. Personally, I like the hot wings, the Poultrygeist Pizza (basil pesto pizza with grilled chicken, black olives, tomatoes, and a four cheese blend), and the Steak Sandwich. The popcorn is pretty good too.
This review of the food DOES NOT include the Food and Film Events, as the menu is customized to match the movie and there are usually guest chefs involved with each event.
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There are many, many wonderful things I could say about the Drafthouse, but I'm gonna focus this review on the wonderfulness that is renting out the balcony.
A lot of people might not know that the Ritz location has 2 VIP balcony boxes that you can rent out for $110 a show. And I'm almost loathe to even tell people because they are SO FREAKING AWESOME that I almost want to keep them all to myself!
We went here last night for the Queen Singalong and rented the balcony--it was fantastic. We went in and were brought up the secret special back staircase to our lovely box. It can hold up to six people, and you sit on big comfy leather couches. You get your own personal server for the evening, and there was a complimentary bottle of champagne waiting upon our arrival. The chef even sent out free appetizers for us, it was a yummy foccacia bread type thing with shrimp and garlic for each of us.
All night we were treated like rock stars. The MC made a point to announce that we were celebrating and had the whole crowd cheer for us. Plus there was plenty of room to get up and dance if the mood so struck you--which it of course did :-)
The only thing that's a little awkward is that they don't have tables up there to put your drinks/food on, they have little tv-tray like things. But, it was awesome, we had a great time, and I totally want to gather up friends to do this again soon. If you have 6 people, it breaks down to $18 a person to rent it out, and considering a lot of shows are $12 a ticket anyways, and considering all the extra perks you get, it's TOTALLY worth it.
I will definitely be back to the balcony soon!
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Of course Alamo Drafthouse is awesome. It is one of the things I love about Austin. I enjoy a glass or two of wine and an appetizer along with the movie. More gluttonous types can totally pig out on any number of things as they belch between sips of beer from a pitcher. I adore the hummus plate. It is served with fresh carrots and celery and pita slices.
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This was my first time visiting since it move from the old location. My whole experience was a great one since I went to see Master Pancake theater-Planet of the Apes. I only got experience the small theater which feel very cozy. I don't have any complain. The food and drink arrived on time, the waitress was always checking on the large group of 8 .
Master Pancake always put a great show, specially with this movie. I think, it was fantastic how they end the movie. I will definitely go back. Just remember to purchase tickets on-line and get there at least 30 minutes early before the show.
as preview reviewer say, the old place is nostalgic but the time has come for you to grow new roots at new location. You always make me feel as kid as the time when I saw my his first movie in black and white in another country.
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Allow me to preface, every movie I have watched in a theater in the last 5 years has been at the Alamo. Ok... I think this place has it's ups and downs. To the core, I love it, but there are some superficial things I have a problem with.
First off, this is a GREAT 'first date' kind of place. It's not too serious, not too engaging (depending on the movie of course, but there is also beer and food and we'll get to that in a second) and you don't have to talk to each other too much, if that is your sort of thing (I prefer bar first date.) And the bill usually comes out to like $40~ for 2 people, so it's not that expensive (dinner + movive for 2 = $40? great deal. If you find that expensive, this is probably why you aren't getting laid as much as you'd like. :) )
So the food and beer, great right? Yeah! I love it, but honestly, I have learned that constantly leaning over to eat my burger or not spill that jalapeno popper on me or that nacho cheese makes it hard to focus on the movie. And that is why I have seen movies there that I don't even remember (that and the bucket of beers...) and I enjoy watching them later on dvd. That can be an up or down for you.
Those are just the facts, I personally love it. The food quality is not amazing, but I'll be honest, I have a soft spot in my heart for some of the items on that menu: blue cheese burger, jalapeno poppers and their queso + chili con carne... damn I am getting hungry.
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Since I have never known anyone to not like Alamo, I will tell you my favorite things from Alamo:
1) SANGRIA pitchers-one of my favorite things in all of Austin
2) Cheese Fries
3) Godfather pizza
4) That I can still use my UT id there
5) They have excellent rules about not allowing children at night/teens without parents/etc. I appreciate this SO much as a teacher. Does that make me sound evil? Probably does to others, but you don't go out to look at spreadsheets and run numbers while you drink on Saturdays, business people! :-)
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I used to go to the Draft House all the time when my boyfriend worked there and we could get in for free. Now it is pretty expensive to pay 17.50 for two tickets and then for food as well.
It is a good place to go to see movies if you don;t want to be bothered by all the little kids that are usually in regular movie theaters. The Alamo only lets adults in so little kids talking and acting like idiots aren't there.
I went to the Alamo recently to see Iron Man and I ordered some food. The food was not as good as I remembered it.
Why do they let children into regular theaters unattended anyway?
They drive me nuts.
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I rarely see movies antwhere else now!!!! Rolling Roadshow is the way to go.
Has anyone ever received a warning for being loud or issued one? the recent warning about being loud with the girl who says "you're crazy" has the best song on it - THe Knock On Effect by Noel Gallagher, Mike D and UNKLE.
The only problem I have with the alamo is that they serve food that is hard to eat in the dark. like nachos. plus i got the chicken chipotle nachos and there were like 4 chips with a bunch of stuff on em. this was during indiana jones.
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You cannot go wrong with this place! Drinking and movie minus kids? Awesome idea! Good food too.....I love that they have Godfathers' pizza and that you can get hummus at a movie. Yum. I love how this doesn't turn into a 'teenagers get it on' place too. For once I don't have to sit through a free-porno at the movie theater.
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I go to Alamo downtown and on South Lamar. The food is pricey but it is generally good. I had one bad experience with people talking through Clockwork Orange ( the sacrilege!!!) but that does not generally happen. The pizza is great for a movie theater/restaurant. The queso covered fries are excellent! The sound system downtown and south are great. I did not like the Anderson Lane location-poor sound and food was not as good as the other locations.
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