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    Drive-In El Rancho

    4.1 (112 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:30 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Drive-In El Rancho Photos

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    Mark F.

    Who woulda thought that going to the drive-in in Reno in the winter time would be a good idea? Well with a hankering to see a movie, and a little bit of COVID spiking around here, we decided to check it out. The great news is that during the winter, the first showtime is at 5:30 pm, which is far better than the late summer shows. It was 60 degrees when we arrived and only 55 by the end of the movie. We brought a puffy blanket to cover up for the chill. There were four cars at our showing on the third screen tonight, so hardly a crowd, making getting in and out a breeze. The sound via FM radio turned out mostly good. The sound levels were all over the place during the previews and ads, but then stabilized for the feature. In a few places the sound was over amped, causing some fuzziness. As we drove out, we realized we could still hear the closing credits music several blocks away. As others have mentioned, this is not a perfect viewing experience, at least on screen three. There was a lot of street traffic outside the fence and an airplane landing every few minutes. We just turned the volume up. The flip side is that being in your own car it was perfectly fine to heckle the actors or make other commentary to your date.

    Enjoying a night out with our girls!
    Norah H.

    What do you do on a hot summer night in Reno/Sparks? Go to the Drive-In!!! If you haven't been to a Drive-In in a while, no more speaker hanging from your window! The sound comes through your radio. Word of warning, if you see a double feature be sure to rev your engine between movies. There is always at least one car that has a dead battery after the movie. A few cars had blue-tooth speakers which they had outside which benefitted us. I turned our radio off since the sound of their speakers was great! We bring popcorn, candy and sodas from home and stop at Jack-in-the-Box, which is around the corner, for dinner. Our granddaughters, 5 & 8, get a kick out of coming here. They wear their PJs which makes putting them to bed easier. Such a family-friendly outing. The cost of the movie was a total of $18.50 ( 2 adults 8.25 ea), child - $2 (5-11), 5 and under free. https://www.westwinddi.com/locations/el-rancho?date=06/14/2022

    Concession / bathroom area
    Kylee F.

    This was a nice little date night spot! Wasn't your typical everyday scene. Movie tickets were 8.25 which is perfect if you're trying to budget with a family. Kids ages 5 and under are free and kids 5-11 is $2! What a steal Would return for a summer night movie spot !

    Kathe B.

    I have always been a fan of the drive in, and remember coming with my parents when I was a kid. Now, I get to bring my kiddos for upgraded sound thru your car stereo and digital quality pictures. Nothing says warm summer nights to me like sitting outside with snacks and concessions (and don't forget to bring bug spray this close to Paradise Pond!) with the kids! Just FYI, if you want an uninterrupted movie experience, this is NOT for you! You will see lights and hear road traffic from side streets. This is the place to come for inexpensive movies, a retro fun experience and to soak up those warm summer nights. Pro tip, of course you can bring in your own snacks and drinks, but their concession stand is great, and the people there deserve hazard pay for still being friendly while scooping popcorn in that 110 degree building with a smile! Plus, your ice cream would have melted by now, so just treat yourself at their concession stand! Double features are the same price as a single if you can stay up that late, and they run a family night promo on Tuesdays, so avoid the weekend crowd and go midweek!

    Soooo EXCITED!!
    Lynda B.

    What to do on a weekend night...hmmm how about go to the Drive-In Movies to see a show?! Take the kids, grab some friends or go on a date for a FUN night out! PERFECT way to see a movie in the comfort of your vehicle or laying in the back of the truck or out the back end of the car in a pile of pillows and blankets with popcorn, candy and something to sip on. Comedy/Romcom, Action, Thriller, Kids, Horror, Drama or Mystery movie take your pick of a Double Feature for just $8.00 per person and Kids (5 to 11 years old) $2.00 and under 5 FREE anddd if you want a really GREAT deal check out Tuesday Family FUN Night for $5.50 per person and Kids (5 to 11 yo) $2 and under 5 still FREE. Snack Bar has all the yummilicious goodies that you LOVE at the theater: Movie Theather Buttered Popcorn, Ice Cream, Soda, Candy and Candy Bars, Pretzel and Nachos with Nacho Cheese, Pizza, Hot Dogs with all the fixins. The snack bar is clean and the staff is helpful and friendly taking cash or credit. Love love how easy it is to see your movie just as simple as it was when we were kids pull into the drive-in, pay admission for the number of people in your vehicle, get your receipt, they tell you which number/screen you will be seeing your movie / double feature choice for the night along with tuning in to the appropriate channel on your FM dial on your radio for listening to the movie. Then you pick your parking spot to enjoy the feature films, cuddle up with your kids, friends, family or date and have a FUN night while noshing on your snacks and drinks in the comfort of your vehicle.

    Screen #4. Full moon rising in the bottom left!
    Sara C.

    This place has been one of my favorite summer date-night spots for years. And thankfully that didn't need to change during the pandemic! As an avid movie-goer, this summer has been different because... well... the theatres are closed and no new movies are being released. Thankfully, El Rancho is open, and taking proper precautions to ensure the safety of their customers. Although the movies are not new, you can re-watch an old favorite, or perhaps even an old movie that you never got around to watching before. That's what me and my fiance did! The movies start at 8:45pm and they start letting people into the parking lot at 8:15pm. Get there a little early to beat the long line of cars waiting to get in! They read you their COVID safety rules when you purchase your tickets. Right now, the rules basically consist of: 1. Stay in your vehicle 2. One person can use the bathroom at a time (wear a mask) 3. Concessions are open (wear a mask) 4. Cars to park at least 8ft away from each other 5. Do not intermingle with other groups of people (other cars) even if you know them. That all seemed fair to me, so we agreed, bought our tickets for $7.75 each, and enjoyed our takeout dinner from an outside restaurant while watching a "new to us" movie underneath the warm, summer, Reno sky. It almost felt... dare I say... NORMAL! Concession prices are also reasonable. I can't watch a movie here without buying a MASSIVE tub of cheap, salty popcorn. Can't wait to come back before the end of summer!

    Aleigh B.

    Last night was date night so we went to the drive in! The drive in, in my opinion, is so fun! You get to lay in the comfort of your own car. My fiancé and I set up blankets and pillows in the trunk of the car. We brought our own food (we brought our dinner) and drinks in. It's definitely a good way to save some money. The movie was good and the parking lot was packed with cars. Even though there were so many cars, it was quiet and a great time. They have a concession stand where you can buy snacks and drinks. Dogs aren't allowed. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed as well. Everyone was being respectful. It is also super cheap. It costs us $14 because it was a Tuesday and they are discounted but they are usually $8.25 which is still cheaper than most movie theaters. Tickets are per person, not by car. The movie showtimes are late obviously because it has to be dark out which is a bummer because it becomes a late night but worth it. The only thing that bothers me is the screen quality but that's what you get for going to the drive in so it's no big deal. Highly recommend:)

    Lot 4
    Rachel S.

    Great outing activity during these times! Before you buy your ticket, they'll read off the covid safety rules. I would usually go to the West Wind Drive-In in Sacramento, so it was cool discovering that this one is under the same name/chain in Reno. The exit signs are confusing when leaving the drive-in lot. We ended up driving around the perimeter of the lot -- Just do your best following the exit signs lol. Also, note that they do not offer jumping your car if your car battery dies. Though I'm sure they offered that before covid.

    Nichole R.

    Oh the drive in, what is there to say about this magical place? We've been coming to the el rancho drive in since our kids were babies, and I have fond memories of my parents taking us here too. The prices are pretty incredible for what you get, if you're up for a double feature you can check out 2 movies, and on Tuesday it's half price for adults. The sound and picture is much better quality than a few years ago, it's a much welcomed change.

    Drive Inn
    LaRena F.

    KERPOW! BAM! "Holy Smokes Batman, we've gone back in time." "No Robin it's the drive-in movie theater" There are no time machines and sadly no Batman. But you can still get that nostalgic feeling by going to the Drive-In movies. Hmm! I am going to age myself. I remember seeing the original "Star Wars" at the Drive-In movies in the 1970's. That was in Idaho. Sadly the Drive-In in Idaho is closed. I don't believe there are many Drive-In Movie businesses open anymore. However, we are blessed with one in Sparks. I have been going to this one for over 20 years. Originally there was a small playground like equipment with a slide and swings. The equipment was removed years ago. In the old days, you used to have to put a speaker on the window of your car. There are no more speakers. Nowadays they will tell you which channel to set your car radio to and then the sound of the movie will be heard on your car stereo and speakers. Or you can bring some chairs and sit in front of your car and bring a portable stereo. Restrooms are available and a cute little snack shop. It reminds me of the old drive-in intermission ad "Let's all go to the snack bar and get ourselves a treat." The snack bar has candy, popcorn, hamburgers, hot dogs and lots of other items. It's a great place to go with family and friends. You can go with a big group and park close to one another. It feels like a party. Bring a blanket for the kids to sit on. Our drive-in offers 4 different movies and they are all double features. Movies do not play until dusk. If you stay for the second movie it may not get out until 1 or 2 am. Tuesday nights is Family night kids 11 and under are $1.50 and kids 12 - adults are $5.50. Be sure to get there early for the best spots on Tuesday nights and weekend nights as there is often a huge line. This is a popular venue in Sparks, NV. If you have never been what's keeping you? Experience what your grandparents and parents experienced. Rather then Back to the Future go Back to the Past.

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    1 month ago

    Great time with our two under two! Food was okay! Workers were nice and polite. Definitely coming back to see other movies!

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    7 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Two movies your own goodies and the movie through your stereo system. Not many of these left in the Country.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    This something nostalgic type thing really fun to come with family and enjoy a night from the normal routine

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    2 years ago

    We love going to the Drive In. Winter or Summer. El Rancho has been here forever and our family LOVES IT!

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    3 years ago

    Love this place so much! They always have the best movies and the best place for a date night

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Drive-In El Rancho

    When will the snack bar reopen after being closed due to covid?

    It was open when I was there yesterday.

    Are they open on Thursday's (I'm not sure if the hours have changed due to the virus)?

    Yes, we are open 7-days a week!

    Do they take cards to get in or is it cash only?? I know the concession takes cards.

    They accept cash or cards to get in.

    How do I check which movies are playing?

    www.westwinddi.com

    View All 5 Questions

    Review Highlights - Drive-In El Rancho

    For post number ONE HUNDRED I would like to give my recommendation to the El Rancho Drive in!

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Century Park Lane 16 - DBox seats

    Century Park Lane 16

    3.2(152 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    This was my first visit back here since their remodel. I was impressed with what they have done in…read morethis neighborhood. My high-school friends and I would frequent this location as teenagers. The front got a major facelift, but the lobby and concessions stand were as I remembered it years ago. The parking lot in the front is no longer available and the lot in the back is still the same awkward design it was years ago. My kids giggled that my stories of this area were two decades old. Writing that out makes me feel old. Lol The kid checking us out at concessions barely acknowledged us and kept stocking candy near us while we stood there waiting to pay, so we could get to our movie. My kids and I came here to catch, The devil wears Prada 2 matinee yesterday. I watched the original 20 years ago in the Century theater riverside. We enjoyed the movie, the new seats felt more narrow than we're used to, but it was nice to recline our seats here. My kids enjoyed their snacks, I wish they sold a protein shake or a healthier alternatives since they sell Fairlife chocolate milk here. I just had my $7 smart microplastics. The restrooms and trash bins could use some T.L.C. Besides the minor set back with your cashier, we enjoyed our time here.

    This review is for the Togo popcorn. Sometimes after a movie we get the Togo bag with extra…read more"butter" packets. It's always fresh and warm. Friendly people, and a fantastic value of popcorn for money. We eat on it for days. If you haven't tried getting it to go do it! Movie theaters are movie theaters so nothing overly special, but that's what makes it great!

    Photos
    Century Park Lane 16 - Inside the theater room

    Inside the theater room

    Century Park Lane 16 - The new Cinemark Parklane facade

    The new Cinemark Parklane facade

    Century Park Lane 16 - Half of a bag

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    Half of a bag

    Grand Sierra Resort - View of Grand Sierra Resort from over the Truckee River in Spring

    Grand Sierra Resort

    2.9(4.5k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    This place is so cool and not cool at the same time…read more.. Here's the bad stuff... 1. Super construction going on and the parking lots are a mess, you don't know to go right or left and I got lost finding entrances even after 3 days.really dirty too. 2. The dirt doesn't stop there. Our first room we were given was so smokey I mean burning eyes smokey. There was a box fan sitting outside the room so I think they tried to air it out but it was like someone burned a cigar in there and just closed the door. 3. After going thru a room swap we were given another room. Fine but there was a dirty rag left in the bathroom counter with hairs all over it. Not a huge deal but still, come on right? 4. The late check out. Went to the front desk night before to make sure late check out was ok since we were at an event that morning. No problem they said you got until 4 with an additional fee. Great right? Nope since our room was a room that was attached to a suite they needed us out before that. Just come on again! 5. The service is just rude everywhere. I mean everyone you encounter! The Rim restaurant guy host in a suit..., I'm convinced was high as a kite. Don't believe me, go there and talk to him, holy! The security desk, rude and unhelpful. Anyone you call on the phone from the room, rude. I'm not expecting Disney customer service, but come on man! Someone teach these guys some customer service skills. So the good.... The resort is really cool. Bowling video games, nice casino, everything to spend a fun weekend. We may even come back just to do the pool and stuff to do there. To wrap it up... Lower your expectations. Your not going to get the cleanest room. Most certainly you will be treated rudely. It's a place that could be so epic but falls short due to just taking short cuts in the customer service, organization and just plain care about your whole experience factor. P.S. you will receive at least 5 text messages telling you about how great their spa is.

    Playing Dragon Link the other day here and got a fire orb hold n spin bonus, it was $8?!?! Never…read moreknew a fire orb hold n spin bonus could be so low, must be a record. Then doing $1.25 bets on 5c denom got a fire orb hold n spin bonus and only got $17, Thats unusually low for that bet and possibly another record low, thats what you should be getting doing $0.25 or penny bets. They need to re program or re tune the machines or something. Rigged

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    Grand Sierra Resort - Vista King Room at Grand Sierra Resort

    Vista King Room at Grand Sierra Resort

    Grand Sierra Resort - Sierra Deluxe Two Queen Room at Grand Sierra Resort

    Sierra Deluxe Two Queen Room at Grand Sierra Resort

    Grand Sierra Resort - Spa pool at Grand Sierra Resort

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    Spa pool at Grand Sierra Resort

    White Rabbit Theater and Lounge - The Crystal Ball

    White Rabbit Theater and Lounge

    4.7(71 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    A wonderful magic show inside the Grand Sierra Hotel & Casino…read more I was looking for something to do without leaving the hotel for a major conference. I saw that they were advertising this show...and I like a good magic show. It did not disappoint. The sleight of hand and on-stage demonstrations were incredible. I was still banging my head of how they did it or maybe it was the cocktail at the bar that was playing tricks on my mind. As a guest of the hotel, I had a 20% coupon and promptly used it at the ticket office, though I think I should have picked my seat better. Nonetheless, I was in the second row and I was able to get a good look of the magic up close. If you arrive early, you can hang out for Happy Hour, they had some unique drinks including the local standby beers and cocktails...and mocktails for those attending the all-ages show. I recommend seeing this show on a Friday or Saturday night if you want a bit more rambunctious, racy show.

    Last Friday night we went to the White Rabbit Theater. We got there 3 minutes before happy hour…read moreended so we got 2 specialty drinks for $20 instead of $18 each. I wish I had ordered two. After happy hour ended a bud light and high noon was $18. I can't believe they turned the old movie theater into a magic show theater. I sat there thinking about all the movies I saw at the Hotel and the first time I had a drink in a movie theater so long ago, 1989. It was fun in the bar prior to the doors opening they have a magical experience for adults and kids to set the mood for the evening. Tracy the bartender was awesome! She also works at Blitz during the day. She has the kindest soul and such a people person! It was like I had known her for years. They have a box office where you can purchase tickets. Very hard to hear the gal! They definitely need a microphone to speak to each other. If you think you're going to save a few extra dollars on those service fees - you may have to think twice, just purchase on line. It's much easier. Also, they have a snack bar with fresh popped popcorn $9 -$13 and huge pretzels $14. Chase Hasty and his wife have traveled around the world to over 25 countries sharing their magical talent and ballet dancing skills. My favorite part of the show was when Chase brought out a locked box and Hoisted the box with a rope up to the ceiling and told this guy to watch the box. Later in the show they opened the box, it was a pretty impressive trick!!! One not to be forgotten!! It's a small production but well thought out with couple extra dancers and costumes changes. I love that Chase, picks people out of the audience to help with the show. Maddox was a return kid that had been practicing his magic and Chase let him perform in front of the audience and what is that called "That's Magic!!!" It's nice the performers will met you afterwards in the hallway to have pictures and ask questions. It's a great family night or you can come to the later show at 9pm for a little more risky nocturnal show. I'll have to save that one for another time!

    Photos
    White Rabbit Theater and Lounge - 2/9/26 FYI. My seat.

    2/9/26 FYI. My seat.

    White Rabbit Theater and Lounge - Smoke & Mirrors

    Smoke & Mirrors

    White Rabbit Theater and Lounge

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    Drive-In El Rancho - driveintheater - Updated May 2026

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