I had heard of this place from a work friend. Being a huge fan of Alamo Drafthouse, I was skeptical. Could another first-run movie theater/restaurant exist in Austin? Cowboys and Aliens awaited to take the test
Short answer: Yes! This place effin rocks. 40 something beers on tap (A huge chunk of which come from our great State). The girlie liked that she could recognize the wines on the wine list, and they didn't seem to have a bad selection, either.
As you're walking in, there's a huge vacant spot off to the left, which, upon inquiry I learned, is going to house the big part of the brewery. Are you kidding me? This place is brewing its own beer?!?!?! Already a fan.
Upon entrance, the lobby is clean and huge, with a gianormous bar/cocktail area for you to enjoy a beer before, or after, your movie, flanked by the 2nd half of the brewery (!!). Some decorations couldn't hurt, but it was clean, so I can't be too picky. The teenagers at the Box Office were all sorts of happy to be there. They were smiling, and jumping at the chance to answer any questions that we had. We paid $20 for the tickets ($10 each), which still hurts, but isn't out of the norm. It's only $0.50 more than Cinemark and you get to drink beer and stuff your face during the movie! They explained the seating process, which seems a lot like Southwest Airlines: seating in groups, which is assigned according to when you purchase you tickets. (Translation: The earlier you by your tickets, the earlier group you'll get.)
The theater itself... oh my gatos! Stadium style seating with pleather chairs and a HUGE SCREEN!! I mean, this thing must be 50 feet big! Wall to wall (literally) and floor to ceiling. Yowza. The tables are what sold me: they slide out so I was able to keep the queso I ordered from dripping all over my jeans and keep my New Belgium Le Terroir (!!!) near me at all times. There are little call buttons at each seat so you can summon a server at your whimsy. However, , the cleanliness of the theaters (my shoes weren't stuck to cement, if you know what I mean) was a huge plus. They're mostly carpet, except for under the chairs and tables, which are cemented, probably to make it easier to keep clean.
Our server was "Johnnie on the spot". Water refills came quickly and often, my 3rd beer was out before they did last call, food was quick (and hot!). The only bad part: verbally communicating with a server during the film. Maybe some sort of pad of paper where one could write down their order, then call the server over via button to pick it up would be nice. Try the Little Italy Pizza. it's way better than the carnivore pizza from their friendly local competition.
The presentation itself was pretty impressive. The sound was perfect, the screen (see above), the projection was crisp and clear. The preshow entertainment was catchy, even a little weird.
All-in-all, Flix is a definite high-spot in Round Rock. Alamo's too far of a drive to get shitty service and lackluster food. I think I'll make the shorter trip, and get a better everything. read more