My husband and I love this place. Always great films coming through. The seats are a huge deal, they are great, super comfortable and a bit oversized which I love. The food and bar is great here too. Anything from Topo to pizza. Such a great spot read more

Have you ever been sitting in economy class on an airplane with a busted a/c whilst stuck on the tarmac for two hours and thought to yourself, "I'd really love to experience a sensation like this again"? Then do I have the theater for you! It's expensive, it's cramped, it's hot, it's stuffy, there's no leg room, the seats are wildly uncomfortable, people arrive late and talk and text at inappropriate times, if the theater next to you is showing a movie with any bass sounds at all you can hear it clearly, and you begin and end your journey in a room featuring a lounge with overpriced food and beverages. The only difference between seeing a movie here and air travel is that you can keep your shoes on and the parking is free. My husband and I left here feeling like we needed a stiff drink and chiropractic adjustments. When is the South Lamar Drafthouse going to be up and running again? read more

Oh man! I love Violet Crown Cinema!! I love the small theaters and the comfy chairs. I love the bar and all it's glory. And I especially love the unique sodas at the self serve soda fountain. This place makes me happy and proud to live in Austin. I haven't tried the food, but that is next on my list of Violet Crown visits. Oh and assigned seating? A +++ in my opinion. read more

I liked the idea of preordering your tickets and seats from their website, as well as the complimentary valet or self-parking--particularly since I hit traffic on the way downtown and the movie had already started. The seats were very comfortable and I liked the eclectic variety of movies they offer. Can't comment on the food or drink, maybe I'll try that next time. Enjoyed my time there, will definitely be back! read more

This theatre was pretty cool, and will be really cool after they surpass their soft opening and figure it all out., but a great addition to Austin. Great location right next to Moody Theatre on 2nd st., free parking in garage, which is a beautiful thing in Austin. Sweet bar and lounge area. It had a kind of "ship" feeling with the horizontal teak(ish) wood adorning the walls and porthole-esque mirrors along the wall. This is what I envision anyway, probably totally crazy. Since I'm from the ocean it seemed nice. They have a full bar, movie snacks, (popcorn had way too much salt on it if any from Violet is reading this!) and I think some bar hot food as well, but we didn't order. But you can bring your Real Ale or Live Oak brews (on tap) into the theatre, order two, because I couldn't escape. There's only one staircase (in my theatre). Seats are very comfortable (until the fat guys break them in), a first class tray pulls out from the armrest. Very intimate theatre seating, small (40-50 seats?), but super cozy. Although it was about 55 degrees in there. Bring bearskin. They are screening DVD and not film, and if that's supposed to help picture quality, something went wrong because every 15 minutes there would be a hiccup in transmission and the picture would go bonkers for a bit. Definitely go support indie film at the Violet Crown! read more

If you would enjoy a refreshing film watching experience, then here is the place for you. Intimate and tucked away on 2nd street, this rare gem of a theater is one of the best kept secrets in Austin. We watched the Amy Winehouse film and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Great staff and service. read more

Best place to catch indie films in Austin! Definitely not iPic, but nicest theatre downtown! Get there early for appetizers and drinks before you head in the theatre or you can take them in. There's not as much space to relax, eat and watch the movie as other dine in theaters but the location can't be beat! read more

Loved the spartan elegance. None of the personality-plus servers, punny movie posters or hilarious shorts that make the Alamo Draft House an event. The Violet Crown serves good food, offers free refills on the popcorn and lets you reserve a seat. The decore is simple and understated. What you notice in the end is the movie. Nicely done. read more

Thank you so much for Baby's Day Out Tuesdays! Such a pleasure. I hope to attend every one and love being out without any worry as to how my baby might be bothering someone. Parking validated too...mwah! read more

This is how movies should be experienced. Elegant, comfortable, great menu and attentive staff. Not at all a competitor of Alamo-- love those guys to death. This is a different experience altogether though. Clean, classic, wonderful. read more

I am so frustrated that Violet Crown sells itself as an alternative to Alamo Drafthouse, and yet they say nothing and do nothing about people talking during the movie. There's a mild admonition at the end of the previews to "report a disturbance" but that doesn't convey to people "DO NOT TALK." I just came from "Carol," a movie where the sound is a big part of the experience, and two old people behind me talked through the whole movie (they can't whisper), which ruined it for me. They literally sounded like they were watching a sit-com at home. I didn't want to get up and miss part of the movie in order to report them so I suffered through it. UGH. I wish VC would be more forceful about insisting that people keep their traps shut. read more

Changing my previous 4 to a 5. Violet Crown responded to me immediately regarding talking in the theater. They do have a policy, they said if people are bothering you to let a manager know and they will take care of it, so thank you Violet Crown! My new favorite theater. Dear Violet Crown, Love your cushy leather seats and leg room. Love your small theater size. Love that I can reserve seats online and don't have to show up 30 minutes early and feel obligated to order crappy food. Love your cute little school desk tables. Love your location. BUT you must institute a no talking/testing policy. Most people in the theater were properly silent but movie was ruined by the nonstop chatter of 2 ladies in front of us. They had no response to my shushing:) Seriously people if you want to comment on the entire movie stay home and wait for it to come out on Netflix. Couldn't the nice usher who tells us where to sit also monitor the movie and tell people to be quiet or go home? There should at least be an announcement. I would check the good for kids box below but it depends....are your kids well behaved?? read more

Alamo is fun especially for a night out with friends but Violet Crown is perfect for a date. Parking is easy, Food is fantastic. And they will fight for the great small films that I love to see on a bigger screen. After the show, its great to walk around 2nd street and see the ambiance of the lower downtown scene. Can't say enough good things about this place. This is Austin's best cinema. read more

When I heard about this theater, I was certain I was never going to go because of all the parking issues downtown. When I found out the parking was free and right next to the entrance, I thought I would give it a try. I'm so glad I did. I love this theater. It is my favorite place to go and escape the world. I love the energy of the place and how I feel when I sit in those overly comfy chairs. It is so clean. I feel like I am in a quiet safe haven from the world once the theater goes dark. I know a lot of people compare it to the Alamo. It isn't the Alamo and I don't get that they ever wanted to be. The Alamo is a completely different concept. The feeling of the theater and the experience are not supposed to be the same. This is an intimate setting with four small auditoriums. In fact, it feels more like a large home theater rather than a movie theater. It is so intimate in fact that I keep thinking I want to turn around and talk to my neighbor. I mean after all, we are sharing the same experience. I love being able to order reserved seats on line so I know ahead of time exactly where I am going to be sitting. Certainly no worry that it will be sold out when I get there. My partner and I make this a regular date night. It's true quality time yet quite romantic. The restaurant is also comfortable and has an intimate feel. It is not overly causal nor is it formal. I like eating with real silverware and plates. While I like the concept of the Alamo, I actually like being able to see my food when I am eating.. When the movie is about to start they call it from the lobby area so everyone can be seated at once. We weren't quite finished eating last time but the left over's were no problem, we just took them with us and finished eating in the theater. I have liked everything that we have ordered here. What I like most is that the food is upscale and innovative. I have a very special diet and have no problem finding menu items I can eat here. The salad is perfect, super fresh, and totally guilt free. Being somewhat of a tea "snob", my favorite drink is the different iced tea selections. Better yet, the tea is bottomless and self-serve right outside the auditorium doors. Lastly, what I love most are the films. It's the only theater in town that plays my kind of movies. I can drive by any other theater and view all ten films on the marquee and still see nothing I want to see. Every time I see what is showing at the Violet Crown, I can't decide what I want to do that day. I mean it never ends up being just between two films. In the end, I have decide between four great ones, I kinda hate that but it really is the kind of problem I want to have.. read more

My friend and I decided to see a movie for happy hour on Monday. This was the best idea we had in a while. They offer free garage parking, just remember to get your ticket validated. I love that you can choose your seat but I'm not sure there is a bad seat in the house. The bar has a pretty decent happy hour and the staff was all really nice. The only downside was the lack of cup holders. I'm looking forward to the next time! read more

Went to see Before Midnight at the Violet Crown. Don't get me wrong, I love the Alamo, but WOW, this is a great place. The seats are really comfy (especially the first row)! It was nice to sit back and pop my feet up on the ottoman. The popcorn was yummy with real butter and free refills for cokes. Very cool. I was a bit cold, though, so next time I'll bring a sweater. I'll definitely be back ... and soon! Oh yeah, they'll validate your parking in the garage, too. read more

This was our first time here, no one greeted us, if it wasnt for the footnote on the menu i woudl have waited to order inside because no one explained everything, beer and food are over prices and food is sub par. very small theaters. the person next to me kept accidentaly touching me. read more

I really wanted to love this place. The concept is great as I love independent /foreign films, and the idea of enjoying a tasty beverage & snack while watching a movie is really appealing. I went in with high expectations after reading all of the other Yelp reviews. The parking situation was great, as it was convenient and free. However, as soon as we walked in there was a really awkward vibe. The place was almost entirely empty (we went in the evening) and had a strange hotel lobby sort of vibe. The staff was a bit awkward, as if it were everyone's first day of work. They seemed more interested in socializing with each other in hushed voices than with helping the small number of patrons. We ordered some drinks and food to take into the theater, which seemed like a great idea; however the plates we were served were huge - definitely not "portable" - and getting our food & drinks into the theater was no easy task. Once we found our (tiny) seats, and after my wine almost slipped off my tray, it was impossible to fit our plates and drinks onto the small fold out tray. Luckily (as I mentioned before) the place was a ghost town, so we were able to balance some of it on another seat's tray and put our empty plates on the floor once we were finished. I knew there wasn't going to be service in the theater, and in theory I didn't mind as I sometimes find it a little distracting at the Alamo Drafthouse, but due to the size of the fold out trays someone really needed to come by and bus empty plates. I can't imagine how uncomfortable it must be when the theater is crowded. The drinks were pretty good. We tried the ginger caipirinha and had a couple glasses of wine. I don't recommend the house red, though. The food was a bit spotty as we loved the pork tapas, but the hot dog was not so great, the fries were just ok (not as crispy as I like), and the pizza was small, greasy, and lacked flavor. In the end, I was really just craving a pizza from the Alamo, the service from the Alamo, the vibe from the Alamo.. etc. read more

OMG how can anyone enjoy this theatre? The seats feel like im in a small automobile. My home living room TV is larger then their screen. The fact that I couldn't receive a refund really ticks me off. I walked into the movie, left and requested a refund before the previews even started. The manager is terrible. He took his jolly old time getting us the movie passes that I didnt even want anyway. read more

Nine dollars seems a bit steep for a matinee, and I agree it lacks the local charm of the Alamo. Violet Crown is very clean, new and set up for an older (or Yuppie) crowd with a full bar. My girlfriend and I went to see the 5 p.m. showing of Midnight in Paris on June 22nd. The first few minutes were missed by the entire audience due to a video SNAFU. It's a boutique movie house that fits in Austin's 2nd St./Warehouse District new look. Violet Crown is not easy to find on the street. Alamo has a much easier vibe. Buyer beware! read more

This theater is the TITS! Yah yah it's an extra $2 for a ticket but totalllllly worth it. The seats are roomy and comfortable and cushioned (usually I spend a good 30 minutes of a movie shifting around because they are so uncomfortable in other theaters). The screen is really crisp and the graphics are great, also better than any regular movie theater I've been to. Parking is free in the garage if you get the ticket validated. There is also more leg room so you don't have to do the Dane Cook shuffle if you have to leave the theater for some reason. I can't wait to come back! read more

Last time we went here the service was much better. Still like Alamo and iPic a little more but it is cool to have this place as an option.

One of the most amazing theaters I have ever been to. Really I have never seen anything like it, not in NYC, not anywhere. They have a unique selection of films, all of which you can be assured will be great movies. They also have a sexy/chic bar/cafe where you can get food and/or drinks before the movie (you can also bring your food and drinks with you into the theater). Make sure to purchase tickets before hand as it is all reserved seating. Free parking in the AMLI garage and free valet on 2nd street. read more

Comfy leather seats, full bar, assigned seating, great international films. What more could you ask for?

This theater has an edgy and local/cool boutique vibe with a service staff to match. Def. my choice for a film when in Austin. I was lucky to get a front row recliner seat and totally recommend it. The bartenders are excellent and draft beer + drink list won't let you down. This is the best movie experience I have had. Looking forward to seeing another film here soon. read more

Honestly great movies here, all around cool place to go for movies except if you expect nice people behind the counter. One lady in particular was exceptionally rude. It was my first time here and the lady at the concession stand was honestly a brat when asked about the validation ticket. She was 20 something and that interaction makes me never want to return. It's a cool place and you'd expect them to have cool people. COME ON Violet Crown step it up. read more

My favorite place to see a movie! Great drinks although the food selection is minimal the quality is amazing. It's easy to park in the bi level garage next door and they validate. Very good service and the only place to see more artsy movies and foreign films. I am so glad they are here in Austin and we have a choice in theaters with drinks. Oh yeah, they are a full bar not just beer and that is wonderful for those of us allergic to hops. read more

Just another reason to love the movie scene in Austin. Violet Crown is a gem and offers many films you can't find anywhere else. We especially enjoyed seeing a documentary and the shorts that were nominated for Oscars this year, along with a fantastic foreign film. Comfy seating throughout but if you can snag a front row seat, you also get an ottaman! Parking is easy and the menu and bar offers good variety to enjoy more than just the usual popcorn and soft drink. Skip the metroplex and all the big budget Hollywood fare and enjoy a unique experience and a less-widely distributed film. A mecca for cinephiles. read more

I was not impressed with how they handled their free screenings. The soda was very expensive, even for free refills. The chairs were extremely comfortable though. After talking w a friend realized they are not in charge of when the seats are opened up. Next time will try their food. read more

I've only been here once, but service was excellent, food was good (only had the spring rolls) and the theater was comfortable. I also like that they play a lot of limited release films and they validate for free parking. I'd definitely return. read more

Still love this place, but taking one star away because they don't get mainstream movies. Yeah yeah yeah, all those artsy indie movies are cool and all, but I wish VCC could get the blockbusters also. I have wanted to go back to VCC several times but just couldn't find a movie I wanted to watch so had to go to Alamo or Regal. You are losing business VCC! read more

yes. violet crown is like artisanal cinema. it's hard not to feel like a saudi prince, seated in a leather armchair on the front row, eating your hot dog, or cake ball, or junior mint, drinking a cocktail or a Topo, or a little snifter of highly potent craft beer, and watching humans speak and do things for your amusement on a giant screen. it's a good life. and there is free parking. and there is a delightful second floor terrace. the only drag is that you HAVE to plan ahead. if you just pop in with the hope of grabbing a seat or two, there won't be any available showings for hours because the entire city has already bought tickets online. read more

Love choosing my own seat from the comfort of my home!! No waiting in line like Drafthouse....and love the ottomans in the front row. I can actually eat with my food in front of my face, and not a foot away at a bar, very nice!! Pd parking, what more can you ask for?? read more

By far my favorite movie theater in town. Has parking, food, and a full bar. Absolutely love this place

Love this place! Classy quiet and beautiful. Perfect place for hard to find movies.

Awesome intimate place to watch my Independent movies. The staff is awesome, knowledgable & helpful. Genuine. I love that parking is validated & the staff at ticketing & at the concessions seem to enjoy being there! One star less bc my boyfriend & I last watched Frances Ha & had a not so great experience with a lady server. She wasn't awful, but she seemed elsewhere & it showed. I'm not one to expect someone friendly (that's a plus), but I was having trouble just ordering & obtaining water refills. It's not a restaurant, but a small bar with food & it wasn't busy.. So hate to take a star for that reason, but it was also my birthday. But I still love this theater & will be back! read more

Great theater, awesome location. Parking a little hard to figure out for a first timer. Snacks pretty good and varied, but to my astonishment served in ... styrofoam. With the hip crowd they are catering to, this is quite a turn-off. Will go there again, but won't be ordering food. read more

I like this place! The movies that are selected for showing are the best in town and the food is high quality with some healthy options. I like to eat before I go in the theater as it can be tight, but the lounge is comfortable so I am more than happy to do this! read more

I think this place is a great, smaller, quiet, and cozy alternative to Alamo Drafthouse. The seats are reserved, parking is free, and while the food may not be as diverse as Alamo, the drinks are way better and stronger and I like the atmosphere and feel of this place. I don't have anything bad to say about it at all and that says a lot coming from me! :) read more

Violet Crown deserves credit for getting Alamo to do assigned seating. Remember the days when you had to queue up 30-45 minutes before a show, only to still run the risk of ending up on the front row? Countless emails did nothing until Violet Crown came along and showed them how to do it. I'm still a huge fan of Alamo, but I will always be slightly partial to Violet Crown for this reason. It's also just a really great place to see a movie. And if you're not in the mood for their food, you're in the middle of tons of restaurants when you leave read more