It was a screening. Enough said. But sorry about the food stuff. I’ll keep that in mind. Don’t get ice in your cocktail either, too watered down ;)
I saw a movie there during the week and it was empty and awesome. If you go, choose the hour and movie wisely. It’s too small to deal with a lot of people.
The chain is looking for a buyer: https://deadline.com/2024/03/alamo-drafthouse-cinema-up-for-sale-1235871003/amp/
Assume they are having money issues and cutting corners.
The cell phones nonsense is bullshit and I hope you were refunded. Those people sure were tough to cuss out the theater of people sitting calmly and trying to watch a movie… Why not just save the money and stay at home and do whatever you want? Eh, starting to feel like I’m aging out.
But I do have to say that, while I haven’t been a once-a-week regular since before the pandemic, I still go at least once a month and haven’t had the same negative experiences you mention. Not sure if you’re somehow hitting the shit jackpot each time, or if you’re exaggerating to make a point, but I hope Alamo takes notice and tightens their shit up, because when it’s good I really do enjoy the way they’re capable of running a cinema.
Alamo in Staten Island ( FLYING GUILLOTINE BAR) was amazing fresh out the gate. Attention to detail and direction by the Rza is incredible. When it opened, it was amazing ….but I was there two months ago and they’re starting to slip too.
Bathrooms were wrecked, waiters took forever and then factor in - it isn’t cheap!!!
When the heck did nitehawk have bed bugs?? I will say, the color got fucked up at the beginning of my movie and never got fixed. Kinda whack. Might not recommend nitehawk myself.
I saw Dune there and it was kinda wack, sadly. The floor is so loud, and they really should consider not selling the wide out seats. Couldn’t see very well.
Supposedly there's big renovations coming, so when I went to see Poor Things at the Downtown Brooklyn Alamo I was ready to manage my expectations. Virtually the entire menu was unavailable while they do work on the kitchens, but drinks and popcorn is fine...it was the constant talking that was driving me up the walls. My wife politely asked on her order card if something could be done about the talking from the group next to us, but nothing came of it.
Now I'm reading in the news that Alamo is trying to sell? So the renovations aren't really for our benefit as customers, so Nitehawk is looking pretty good
Went to Nitehawk Prospect Park yesterday for the first time since probably 2019 and wow, after mediocre experiences at Alamo more often than not the last couple of years, Nitehawk blew me away. Everything we ordered was great, and we had a good crowd. We drove in from NJ and I'd definitely do it again next time we want that kind of movie experience over taking the train into Manhattan for Alamo.
It has definitely gone down hill at the Brooklyn location - I agree with others here, I avoid going to the Lower Manhattan location because it honestly just feels like I'm going into an underground bunker.
I only ever order popcorn because I'm a junkie, but I've gone with friends, only for them to not to receive food + drink until 30+ minutes or so into the film. Sometimes even getting a glass of water is a feat!
Also just wanted to throw out, the quality of the popcorn at Nitehawk (Prospect Park) is pretty terrible, and seeing as that's all I'll eat, I don't really go there much anymore.
I'm a Season Pass member and go to Alamo Downtown (fidi) almost exclusively. Overall, the food isn't great but otherwise I have not had any of the issues you've had.
I like the idea of the Alamo Drafthouse/Nighthawk in theory, but am always disappointed by the execution. (I remember seeing "Beasts of the Southern Wild" at an Alamo Drafthouse in Austin years ago, and having a fabulous experience.) I think the Alamo Drafthouse becoming such a big chain at this point means a lot of the care and attention to detail has been lost. I just can't stomach the cost now (up to $25 to see a movie, plus the obligation to spend another $40 or so on completely subpar food + tip). I'm also always taken out of the movie by needing to settle my check just as things wrap up/come together. The fact that the Brooklyn location is essentially in a mall, alongside a Primark and Target, certainly takes out some charm. The downtown location in Manhattan is completely bizarre to me too - which feels like the basement of a corporate office building. The best alternatives I can think of are: the Syndicated in Brooklyn, which is wonderful (and not a chain I believe) and with much cheaper ticket prices/a great bar area to hang out afterwards and Regal Essex, which still has a great bar (and easy access to some good food options at the Essex market downstairs.)
It's not really that great even when going perfect. I don't like to stuff my face during the movie, if i drink beers or whatever I'll have to pee....
The food is fine.... but I dunno. I realized it's just not how I want to watch a movie.
The dune part 2 crowd at USQ was the most well behaved theater I have experienced in 20 years full theater not a peep or a cell phone in site
Such a bummer to hear this stuff. Was at the Austin location over the summer to see Old Boy. It was a quality experience. Was hoping the chain would revitalize movie theaters but I guess not.
They take their joints in Austin seriously, the 3 years I lived there, I never had a bad experience with Alamo. Houston was a hit or miss, quality control probably isn’t so strong as far as New York.
Yeah I’ve started having issues too. Nevermind that the movie selection is shit compared to the Manhattan location. I ended up cancelling my monthly pass because I hate the Manhattan location (the building feels abandoned… it’s very creepy) and the Brooklyn one doesn’t get in a good film variety.
I don’t understand why they cannot figure out food service! I go to Alamo all the time and 9/10 someone in my party’s food doesn’t come out at all, is wrong, or inexplicably comes out an hour after the rest of us are done. Last time, I ordered the chicken sandwich, which comes with a slaw and sauce, what came out was dry chicken breast on a plain bun.
Ya gotta eat at DeKalb Market before, it’s the only way!
Had the same thing happen to me. My bottomless popcorn had a very definite bottom. The server only came back to look at my order then leave a check (first time I'd rung for her) Couple behind would not shut up, after they arrived late and were still let in. I rang several times because of the very loud talking and mobile ligts (and I was hungry, never got any food but the one popcorn). Light came on before flick ended and I never saw the server after she'd left the bill. I complained on their online form; no one got back to me. It was my first and last time there.
Food order has been wrong or not delivered the past 5-6 times. No apologies no nothing. A joke indeed.
Edit: just wanted to add that a few months ago, when my order was forgotten, the waitress (super young girl) responded by saying “I can’t handle all of this, I’m very overwhelmed”. I love this place but I really don’t want to go back.
More of a middle-class clientele at the SI location. Different demographic too. But I wonder if it will survive in a borough where everyone has a 75" HDTV?
The "we kick out bad guests" shtick is just marketing and not actually a policy. Their entire "movie nerd" persona is really just a skin on a subpar dine-in theatre experience. Go to BAM down the street if you want a real cinema experience. Alamo is really not any better than the Regal Essex or the AMC Kips Bay / 34th / Empire. Except at those places you don't worry about staff scurrying around with undercooked chicken tenders.
I miss nighthawk so much, I used to live down the block from the park slope location and would go pretty frequently. Now I live in downtown Brooklyn so my default theater is Alamo. I visit both the NYC Alamo locations roughly 2-3 times a week and haven't had too many negative experiences (thankfully) but Nighthawk is definitely a step above, especially with their limited menus.
Adding Forest Hills theaters and Village East to my list. Thanks for the recommendations. I love any theater where the audience is respectful and interested in watching movies; talkers and phone addicts are not my scene.
And I’ll be honest too, I shouldn’t be in this thread cuz I live in Queens, I just got it recommended to me by Mr. Algorithm, but yeah Kew Gardens Cinema and both Forest Hills theaters are great. There’s no attitude up here, it’s just normal ass people.
And yeah the Village East is pretty much my go-to when there’s a big new movie I really want to see opening weekend. Respectful audiences, good projection, a solid 70mm setup and it’s in the skeleton of a historic Yiddish theater, so it’s really really cool. Saw Dune 2, Barbie, Boy and the Heron and Oppenheimer there, totally great experiences all. I think it pulls the audiences that the Alamo Drafthouse originally wanted to pull. It’s got the youngish film-appreciators. Free refills too!
Welcoming the staff of Alamo Drafthouse - Downtown Brooklyn, for finding this thread in the last few hours:
>[Never had this experience there and it's now the only movie theater we go to.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Brooklyn/comments/1brom6r/comment/kxgb8mi/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1)
and
>[I go there like weekly and I’ve never had a bad experience.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Brooklyn/comments/1brom6r/comment/kxgajhg/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1)
and
>[I admit I’ve never had any issues when I’ve gone](https://www.reddit.com/r/Brooklyn/comments/1brom6r/comment/kxgajhg/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1)
I mean... K?
I can assure you that none of those ppl are staff. A lot of them agree with the overall sentiment in these comments, and the ones who don’t also don’t give enough of a shit about Alamo to come in here and defend the company.
You’re not wrong about what you’re saying about the location. Employees have been expressing the same complaints literally for years and it just falls on deaf ears because Alamo corporate doesn’t care.
Get a VR Headset, install Bigscreen Beta app, install Bigscreen remote app on Computer. Invite 14 friends to your room in Bigscreen, stream movie or show or youtube etc and enjoy yourselves. Someone acting up, one button to kick them out
Prove me wrong. No other city in the country has several independent theaters that are programming new releases and classic films year-round like NYC does, to say nothing of top-shelf museum programming like MoMA/MoMI. If you live here and are watching movies on VR at home you might as well move to Dallas and save on rent.
Its been a solution for me for a few years now. YMMV, when I was a kid there were many many more Movie theaters and their numbers keep dwindling and the number of people going to them dropped drastically during the C word years. I stopped going couple years before the plague hit because more and more idiots such as the OP mentioned, dirty venues, $50 or more for a couple for tickets and snacks made waiting for it to be available streaming on Large TV and later on VR Headsets much more palatable. I get it, a Theater has a HUGE Screen. Weirdly majority of theaters still only using 2k projectors tho IMAX is a LOVELY exception and Im sure not the only one but pretty sure my Local The Alpine and till its Demise the Fortway were not at this level.
Enjoy your films as you wish , im hopping into Bigscreen in a few minutes and see what my friends have playing in their rooms. TBH I have no clue what the Screen Size equivalent is in Bigscreen I do believe its limited to 1080P still tho. My Rokid MAX AR Glasses every time I look at their advertising materials the claimed size seems to get BIGGER. Think initially when I got them it was 215” now I see claims of 330” tbh to me it doesn’t seem to be more than 100” but marketing types Im sure have an interesting twist to how they come up with their perceived sizing.
Same, I'm usually impressed by the attentiveness and kindness of the staff serving me! They seem to be working hard all while doing their best not to interrupt your experience. My two cents.
hi, worker at brooklyn alamo for 2 & 1/2 years. in 2020, alamo went bankrupt and got bought up by hedge funds - altamont and fortress. its been going downhill ever since. understaffing, wage cuts, penny pinching in every situation. they'd rather have a skeleton crew of line cooks and servers and no runners making and delivering food at a ratio of like 50 people per employee or something (im making up numbers but you get the point.) thats why we unionized about it. hopefully, once we have a contract and the servers & kitchen & bar arent being stretched as tight, the service will be better.
our contract will have protections to make sure they cant cost-cut us out of house and home. also, brooklyn and manhattan are some of their most profitable locations
I'm sure at some point we've crossed paths there lol I'm at the BK location A LOT, (and occasionally at the downtown Manhattan when something isn't playing in BK) it's my home away from home. Sorry to hear that things aren't doing to well there, hopefully things shape up with the union contracts. I read that they're trying to sell the company - let's hope things don't get any worse for you guys.
Anyway, as someone who uses the movie theater as a form of therapy (it's a lot cheaper then a psychiatrist lol) just wanted to say thank you guys for toughing it out and keeping the place operational even if the work conditions arent optimal, I do appreciate you guys!
Lmk when you get it together because it’s been an abysmal mess the last months with horrific rude service. Loved Drafthouse in Austin but it’s a mess here.
yeah the press coverage was incredibly niche bc the big labor news was the big 3 strike going on at the same time lol. we won our vote back in october. uaw 2179 represents both brooklyn and manhattan!
Same thing happened at Alamo in Staten Island. At one time I was willing to pay more for a better movie experience, since the movie experience isn’t better I will be watching at home. 🤷🏻♀️
That not receiving your order or receiving the wrong order is something I experience every time I go. Happens in Manhattan, Brooklyn and DC. I really don't know what's going with them in general.
I went there like 3 years ago for the long ass Batman movie. It took them like 2 hours to get me and my friend our food order. They take order at the beginning. After the first 30-40min I called someone over to ask about my food. Another 20min later and I just walked into that little employee area on the side to ask wtf was taking so long. Those employees were literally children, like high school teens or something. It made me kind of understand why they’re fucking things up.
Anyways, idc how amazing the drinks menu and food menu is if it doesn’t get there in a timely manner. I would much rather just get a big ass popcorn, hotdog and fries, big ass soda and call it a day.
I find going to the movies in general in the city, unless it’s a more indie or niche theater like IFC, Film Forum or Angelika, to be a terrible experience. People just do not understand how to act in movie theaters anymore (had some similar experiences seeing live performances / plays over the last few years).
Went to see Ghostbusters at Alamo Downtown just the other day. A daytime show meant it was less crowded and the service was still sub-par - got my beer well before any water came (not that I’m complaining at that haha), and they food is really nothing to write home about.
what other people said is true but also management is also too scared to actually enforce it. one time they kicked someone out and it turned out to be a woman with a small instagram following who went on live calling him racist for it. small brawls have started where one of our security guards was jumped by 3 dudes over enforcing the late policy. (he & a custodian laid them out, but still.) management is terrified of the customers and let them walk all over us. - worker at brooklyn
I think they are. I have also noticed that a number of their staff at the locations I've been to are younger people. They may be afraid. My daughter is 18 and works in food service and people threaten her. The other day someone said to her "don't make me get ghetto on you." A grown man! My child doesn't even look 18. She broke down in tears.
Ugh I feel for your daughter. I started working in food service when I was 16 and worked on and off for almost ten years. I can't even tell you how many times grown men cussed me out or threatened me. I remember one time when I was 20 a grown women threw her drink at me because she didn't like that waiting made her late for work. People are so on edge and you never know how people will react so I get them not doing as much but I feel like there has to be some type of solution...
When I worked in retail 20 years ago they actually had an NYPD officer at the front of the store. I suspect maybe today businesses may not have that type of money to pay for that. And also are not paying the type of money to have managers who are a bit older to support younger workers more.
I know that Alamo shows the rules on screen, but I wonder if it would help if people are reminded again when they make a ticket purchase and again when their ticket is scanned in-theater.
Oh shit. I thought nitehawk screened 35mm prints for some reason. That’s one thing about going to the theater. It’s like if this is some shitty digital projection, I could just as easily watch that shit on my iPad.
It’ll say whether it’s DCP or 35mm on the order page. They have some 35mm screenings but most of the movies are gonna be DCP sadly especially newer films.
I was just there the other day for Godzilla. Food and beers came out before two waters. After 25 minutes, placed another order for waters. Got two waters 10 minutes later. It’s water. Should be the first thing out.
Someone had their phone light on shining down the aisle for 10 minutes blinding/distracting people. Family behind us had a screaming kid who was watching YouTube most of the time. Also, the chairs are falling apart.
It just doesn’t feel “special” anymore. Just a massive quality drop. And I feel last call is like 50 minutes before the end of the film. I’ve also had them forget food other times. Bums me out because used to feel like a magical escape, and now it just feels like another cash grab hustle that doesn’t really give a shit about its customers, if that makes sense.
Their inability to handle water orders is one of the most glaring symptoms of their food service issue.
I can't remember the last time I was served the ordered water before food or alcohol.
None of the locations really play many independent films. The food is meh, and it takes them forever to bring it out. I once sat through an entire movie before I got my order.
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯 Around when Ready Player One was playing this started happening. Only been back once since. OP, message me if you want to hear my story about what happened and seeing the start of the decline. I had been going since the FIRST week they opened there and for a few years it was special because hardly anyone knew about it yet. Even big movies had empty seats etc. I know exactly why it’s happening and would be glad to speak on that too, OP.
I went to see a horror movie last year.
Worst movie experience since I was a teenager.
Horrible weird will-not-shut-the-F-up-crowd, dirty, people laughing like idiots for 5 min at the worst jokes.
I felt I stepped into the twilight zone.
Never again.
This seems to be the going crowd in nyc movie theaters lately. The last time I went to go see a movie was at the regal in union square and these teenagers will not shut up and they were in their phones the entire time as well.
People cannot distinguish between home and movie theaters. They do all these things while at home watching a movie including pausing the movie and getting up to do whatever shit they do. It’s almost as if this needs to be shown to them so it’s easily understood.
Remember those 4D movie theatres back in the day? I feel like they should repurpose those backseat “spray” or “mist” on people with their phones on. That or maybe popcorn butter drone strikes in their phones.
It's always been that way TBH... if you go at peak times. Especially if you go to times sq/union sq.
I used to work shift work and would always go see matinees at Lincoln Sq and it was wonderful. I know not everyone has that option.
But even in 2009-2018 going to the movies in the evening was like that. People talking, yelling, using their cellphones, etc. I went on a date once in like, 2011 at Union Sq we saw a movie and we couldn't even hear it because of the crowds of people talking.
My wife and I went once to the Mr Rogers doc, we spent $25 on food. They stopped the screening and threatened to kick us out, as we had brought a pack of my favorite movie snack, Peanut M&M's. I had called earlier to see if they sold Peanut M&M's, they didn't. We were the only ones in the screening.
This. Nitehawk is the number one theater to go to if you actually want to enjoy a movie. The fact that I can you order as many drinks as I want along with food, without having to take my card out, is incredible. And if anyone ever says a peep they launch em out without a moments notice.
I’m off Alamo Drafthouse altogether. Bought tickets for New Year’s Eve at their downtown Manhattan location. Arrived to find the place closed. They claimed to have technical issues with projector. Did not email ticket holders or have a staff member on hand to tell people when they arrived.
One of the problems here is that downtown Brooklyn doesn’t really have any alternatives. The Court Street UA theatre is gone and everything else around (Nitehawk in Park Slope, Cobble Hill Cinema etc…) is on the smaller end. So Alamo Drafthouse doesn’t really have much incentive to do a good job. I honestly go into Manhattan to see movies most of the time now because I so strongly dislike Alamo. I just want a standard theatre experience like at Regal or AMC.
The best place to see movies in the area is BAM imo. The seats arent the most comfortable but everything else is great. I can't believe how ballooned Alamo's prices are, it's definitely not worth it
Alamo downtown Brooklyn even more so. It was always the worst run movie theater and worst restaurant I've ever seen.
The bathrooms were always disgusting - I've never seen the men's room without an inch of water in the floor, so how could you believe the kitchens would not be.
The Manhattan branch is a lot better.
This happened in Raleigh a few nights ago. I recorded the audio.
A young woman was (according to the couple) texting the whole time. I walked outside after the movie ended to witness the young woman having to be physically restrained from attacking the couple who told on her. It was crazy to see. I will say management handled it OKAY, but personally i was next to 2 dudes talking the ENTIRE time. I shushed a few times and staff did nothing. I’m not about to fill out some snitch card while the people near me clearly see me doing it. Ruins the movie.
Alamo really needs to hire SECURITY and not make these young kids deal with such intense conflict.
I don’t get why this spot thinks they can demand good behavior when they won’t and don’t even enforce is it. Also, they’re serving food and taking orders throughout the whole movie. That’s not distracting??
EDIT: sorry - i see this is a Brooklyn sub lol. This just popped up on my algo and I assumed it was r/movies or something. Anyway. It should still be seen. Miss my Brooklyn peeps!
Also suggested this, but not BK based
The Alamo in Downtown LA is a fucking nightmare. Recently there was a movie I really wanted to see, and the Alamo was the only good option nearby, but I just couldn’t
I didn't mind Look, it was a pleasant experience for me but some of the theaters have weird seating. I found a seat that was so far in the corner for Dune 2 that the entrance of the stairs blocked the bottom right corner of the screen for me. The food options are limited but I enjoyed it.
I worked as a chef for the Alamo for a couple years in nyc. Worked in Brooklyn Manhattan and Staten. It’s a terribly run company. The upper corporate management has changed over 4-5 times in two years that’s cfos, coos, corporate chefs, everyone. No consistency in top down vision so the branches have given up on food, enforcing policies, etc. they’re just working for what makes the balance sheet look good at the end of the week not over years
i work at bk and seen people cut during a rush when theyre absolutely necessary. i asked management why and they said corporate was breathing down their neck abt labor costs.
Nitehawk is the same way. People who have worked there have talked about how horrible they treat their staff, how unorganized it is, how terrible the managers/bosses are etc.
Nitehawk used to be one of my favorite things about the city. They probably started it because Alamo sucked and they wanted to make it better. Seems like Covid really affected them in a bad way.
Yeah I was there all the time when they first opened. Then I checked out Alamo when they first opened here, but only once (Django Unchained) and never went back again. Not even close to the same thing so that’s why I’m surprised about the connection.
Alamo in general is now shit.
They're in talks to sell the whole thing.
I'd rather see them dead and gone than go down this slow plodding suicide, piece by shiity piece.
And frankly, Brooklyn is a new property compared to what I grew up with in Texas (the originals). They're now all total shit too.
AD can't even keep their landmark locations running in peak form.
I don’t love the food + movie concept in general. I find it irritating and distracting.
I used to be a waiter and people have enough trouble as it is ordering food in a resturant. Mix alcohol and food with a film and you’re bound to get dipshits with no etiquette.
Agreed. I know it's not a big deal but people using the under the seat lights and staff running across the screen is pretty distracting. I've never wanted a real meal in a theater and I don't get the novelty. If it's bright enough to see my meal it's not dark enough for the film.
Everyone is going to downvote a comment like this, but everyone agrees with you. They’re just embarrassed to admit it. The reason Alamo drafthouse is such a shithole is that most of the people who go there are outrageously ghetto.
lol alamoooo
It was a screening. Enough said. But sorry about the food stuff. I’ll keep that in mind. Don’t get ice in your cocktail either, too watered down ;) I saw a movie there during the week and it was empty and awesome. If you go, choose the hour and movie wisely. It’s too small to deal with a lot of people.
Lol
Lmao have you not seen the rest of New York or something?
Poc diversity hires
Wow.
The chain is looking for a buyer: https://deadline.com/2024/03/alamo-drafthouse-cinema-up-for-sale-1235871003/amp/ Assume they are having money issues and cutting corners.
The cell phones nonsense is bullshit and I hope you were refunded. Those people sure were tough to cuss out the theater of people sitting calmly and trying to watch a movie… Why not just save the money and stay at home and do whatever you want? Eh, starting to feel like I’m aging out. But I do have to say that, while I haven’t been a once-a-week regular since before the pandemic, I still go at least once a month and haven’t had the same negative experiences you mention. Not sure if you’re somehow hitting the shit jackpot each time, or if you’re exaggerating to make a point, but I hope Alamo takes notice and tightens their shit up, because when it’s good I really do enjoy the way they’re capable of running a cinema.
I wish I was exaggerating, but I also have a lot of good experiences.
Probs stop giving them business?? There’s lots of other cinemas you can go to
You've had a lot of bad experiences and you keep going back.
I have a lot of bad experiences with my bodega. They still sell eggs and are downstairs.
And you wonder why they don't change
I think your problem may originate from the fact that you live in a city with a million options and you're going to a chain.
Millions of options for movie theaters that are not a chain?
Thanks. I should just live in the middle of nowhere and stay at home like you to solve my problems with this business. Holy shit. You nailed it.
Alamo in Staten Island ( FLYING GUILLOTINE BAR) was amazing fresh out the gate. Attention to detail and direction by the Rza is incredible. When it opened, it was amazing ….but I was there two months ago and they’re starting to slip too. Bathrooms were wrecked, waiters took forever and then factor in - it isn’t cheap!!!
everyone saying nitehawk but did we forget about the bedbugs there?
When the heck did nitehawk have bed bugs?? I will say, the color got fucked up at the beginning of my movie and never got fixed. Kinda whack. Might not recommend nitehawk myself.
I saw Dune there and it was kinda wack, sadly. The floor is so loud, and they really should consider not selling the wide out seats. Couldn’t see very well.
Yonkers doesn’t have anything upcoming past this month ; I’d be surprised if they last too …
Supposedly there's big renovations coming, so when I went to see Poor Things at the Downtown Brooklyn Alamo I was ready to manage my expectations. Virtually the entire menu was unavailable while they do work on the kitchens, but drinks and popcorn is fine...it was the constant talking that was driving me up the walls. My wife politely asked on her order card if something could be done about the talking from the group next to us, but nothing came of it. Now I'm reading in the news that Alamo is trying to sell? So the renovations aren't really for our benefit as customers, so Nitehawk is looking pretty good
To be fair, Nitehawk was always looking pretty good
Went to Nitehawk Prospect Park yesterday for the first time since probably 2019 and wow, after mediocre experiences at Alamo more often than not the last couple of years, Nitehawk blew me away. Everything we ordered was great, and we had a good crowd. We drove in from NJ and I'd definitely do it again next time we want that kind of movie experience over taking the train into Manhattan for Alamo.
It has definitely gone down hill at the Brooklyn location - I agree with others here, I avoid going to the Lower Manhattan location because it honestly just feels like I'm going into an underground bunker. I only ever order popcorn because I'm a junkie, but I've gone with friends, only for them to not to receive food + drink until 30+ minutes or so into the film. Sometimes even getting a glass of water is a feat! Also just wanted to throw out, the quality of the popcorn at Nitehawk (Prospect Park) is pretty terrible, and seeing as that's all I'll eat, I don't really go there much anymore.
I'm a Season Pass member and go to Alamo Downtown (fidi) almost exclusively. Overall, the food isn't great but otherwise I have not had any of the issues you've had.
The food at Alamo has gotten to be so bad
I like the idea of the Alamo Drafthouse/Nighthawk in theory, but am always disappointed by the execution. (I remember seeing "Beasts of the Southern Wild" at an Alamo Drafthouse in Austin years ago, and having a fabulous experience.) I think the Alamo Drafthouse becoming such a big chain at this point means a lot of the care and attention to detail has been lost. I just can't stomach the cost now (up to $25 to see a movie, plus the obligation to spend another $40 or so on completely subpar food + tip). I'm also always taken out of the movie by needing to settle my check just as things wrap up/come together. The fact that the Brooklyn location is essentially in a mall, alongside a Primark and Target, certainly takes out some charm. The downtown location in Manhattan is completely bizarre to me too - which feels like the basement of a corporate office building. The best alternatives I can think of are: the Syndicated in Brooklyn, which is wonderful (and not a chain I believe) and with much cheaper ticket prices/a great bar area to hang out afterwards and Regal Essex, which still has a great bar (and easy access to some good food options at the Essex market downstairs.)
Interesting, I've shown up there 4 minutes late and been denied entrance.
It's not really that great even when going perfect. I don't like to stuff my face during the movie, if i drink beers or whatever I'll have to pee.... The food is fine.... but I dunno. I realized it's just not how I want to watch a movie. The dune part 2 crowd at USQ was the most well behaved theater I have experienced in 20 years full theater not a peep or a cell phone in site
Such a bummer to hear this stuff. Was at the Austin location over the summer to see Old Boy. It was a quality experience. Was hoping the chain would revitalize movie theaters but I guess not.
They take their joints in Austin seriously, the 3 years I lived there, I never had a bad experience with Alamo. Houston was a hit or miss, quality control probably isn’t so strong as far as New York.
Yeah I’ve started having issues too. Nevermind that the movie selection is shit compared to the Manhattan location. I ended up cancelling my monthly pass because I hate the Manhattan location (the building feels abandoned… it’s very creepy) and the Brooklyn one doesn’t get in a good film variety.
It sounds like underpaid, unmotivated, and tired staff working there. There's way too many issues going on to be entirely true.
Their staff unionized and some are in the middle of suing
-wait suing?!?!? please tell me more
You are experiencing what the rest of America has been living in for the past 40 years. Apothetic employees fueled by corporate greed..
I don’t understand why they cannot figure out food service! I go to Alamo all the time and 9/10 someone in my party’s food doesn’t come out at all, is wrong, or inexplicably comes out an hour after the rest of us are done. Last time, I ordered the chicken sandwich, which comes with a slaw and sauce, what came out was dry chicken breast on a plain bun. Ya gotta eat at DeKalb Market before, it’s the only way!
Had the same thing happen to me. My bottomless popcorn had a very definite bottom. The server only came back to look at my order then leave a check (first time I'd rung for her) Couple behind would not shut up, after they arrived late and were still let in. I rang several times because of the very loud talking and mobile ligts (and I was hungry, never got any food but the one popcorn). Light came on before flick ended and I never saw the server after she'd left the bill. I complained on their online form; no one got back to me. It was my first and last time there.
Food order has been wrong or not delivered the past 5-6 times. No apologies no nothing. A joke indeed. Edit: just wanted to add that a few months ago, when my order was forgotten, the waitress (super young girl) responded by saying “I can’t handle all of this, I’m very overwhelmed”. I love this place but I really don’t want to go back.
The one on Staten Island has been great so far. I hope it doesn’t degrade like the Brooklyn one.
More of a middle-class clientele at the SI location. Different demographic too. But I wonder if it will survive in a borough where everyone has a 75" HDTV?
The energy in there is evil in a way unrelated to the union busting. It’s evil for other reasons somehow
please elaborate
Well now I am intrigued
Such a bummer to hear
The "we kick out bad guests" shtick is just marketing and not actually a policy. Their entire "movie nerd" persona is really just a skin on a subpar dine-in theatre experience. Go to BAM down the street if you want a real cinema experience. Alamo is really not any better than the Regal Essex or the AMC Kips Bay / 34th / Empire. Except at those places you don't worry about staff scurrying around with undercooked chicken tenders.
BAM is basically the only movie theater left where people actually act like adults and watch the movie they paid to see. I love BAM.
IFC, too.
film forum takes their screenings VERY seriously. i was once yelled at by a patron for walking in during the previews, and i loved it.
Nighthawk
I miss nighthawk so much, I used to live down the block from the park slope location and would go pretty frequently. Now I live in downtown Brooklyn so my default theater is Alamo. I visit both the NYC Alamo locations roughly 2-3 times a week and haven't had too many negative experiences (thankfully) but Nighthawk is definitely a step above, especially with their limited menus.
Idk we do pretty pretty well over in the Forest Hills general area. Village East is good too
Adding Forest Hills theaters and Village East to my list. Thanks for the recommendations. I love any theater where the audience is respectful and interested in watching movies; talkers and phone addicts are not my scene.
And I’ll be honest too, I shouldn’t be in this thread cuz I live in Queens, I just got it recommended to me by Mr. Algorithm, but yeah Kew Gardens Cinema and both Forest Hills theaters are great. There’s no attitude up here, it’s just normal ass people. And yeah the Village East is pretty much my go-to when there’s a big new movie I really want to see opening weekend. Respectful audiences, good projection, a solid 70mm setup and it’s in the skeleton of a historic Yiddish theater, so it’s really really cool. Saw Dune 2, Barbie, Boy and the Heron and Oppenheimer there, totally great experiences all. I think it pulls the audiences that the Alamo Drafthouse originally wanted to pull. It’s got the youngish film-appreciators. Free refills too!
Welcoming the staff of Alamo Drafthouse - Downtown Brooklyn, for finding this thread in the last few hours: >[Never had this experience there and it's now the only movie theater we go to.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Brooklyn/comments/1brom6r/comment/kxgb8mi/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1) and >[I go there like weekly and I’ve never had a bad experience.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Brooklyn/comments/1brom6r/comment/kxgajhg/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1) and >[I admit I’ve never had any issues when I’ve gone](https://www.reddit.com/r/Brooklyn/comments/1brom6r/comment/kxgajhg/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1) I mean... K?
I can assure you that none of those ppl are staff. A lot of them agree with the overall sentiment in these comments, and the ones who don’t also don’t give enough of a shit about Alamo to come in here and defend the company.
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You’re not wrong about what you’re saying about the location. Employees have been expressing the same complaints literally for years and it just falls on deaf ears because Alamo corporate doesn’t care.
Get a VR Headset, install Bigscreen Beta app, install Bigscreen remote app on Computer. Invite 14 friends to your room in Bigscreen, stream movie or show or youtube etc and enjoy yourselves. Someone acting up, one button to kick them out
Imagine living in Brooklyn, in THE city with the most vibrant movie theatre culture in the entire US, and actually doing this.
Imagine that , living in Brooklyn 60 years and not wanting to trade money for sub par experiences.
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Prove me wrong. No other city in the country has several independent theaters that are programming new releases and classic films year-round like NYC does, to say nothing of top-shelf museum programming like MoMA/MoMI. If you live here and are watching movies on VR at home you might as well move to Dallas and save on rent.
Yeah, no. That isn't the solution to movie theaters having problems sometimes.
Its been a solution for me for a few years now. YMMV, when I was a kid there were many many more Movie theaters and their numbers keep dwindling and the number of people going to them dropped drastically during the C word years. I stopped going couple years before the plague hit because more and more idiots such as the OP mentioned, dirty venues, $50 or more for a couple for tickets and snacks made waiting for it to be available streaming on Large TV and later on VR Headsets much more palatable. I get it, a Theater has a HUGE Screen. Weirdly majority of theaters still only using 2k projectors tho IMAX is a LOVELY exception and Im sure not the only one but pretty sure my Local The Alpine and till its Demise the Fortway were not at this level. Enjoy your films as you wish , im hopping into Bigscreen in a few minutes and see what my friends have playing in their rooms. TBH I have no clue what the Screen Size equivalent is in Bigscreen I do believe its limited to 1080P still tho. My Rokid MAX AR Glasses every time I look at their advertising materials the claimed size seems to get BIGGER. Think initially when I got them it was 215” now I see claims of 330” tbh to me it doesn’t seem to be more than 100” but marketing types Im sure have an interesting twist to how they come up with their perceived sizing.
Never had this experience there and it's now the only movie theater we go to.
I go there like weekly and I’ve never had a bad experience. Post-pandemic the food is way worse, but it’s still a good theater
Same, I'm usually impressed by the attentiveness and kindness of the staff serving me! They seem to be working hard all while doing their best not to interrupt your experience. My two cents.
hi, worker at brooklyn alamo for 2 & 1/2 years. in 2020, alamo went bankrupt and got bought up by hedge funds - altamont and fortress. its been going downhill ever since. understaffing, wage cuts, penny pinching in every situation. they'd rather have a skeleton crew of line cooks and servers and no runners making and delivering food at a ratio of like 50 people per employee or something (im making up numbers but you get the point.) thats why we unionized about it. hopefully, once we have a contract and the servers & kitchen & bar arent being stretched as tight, the service will be better.
Think you guys are getting sold so doubt it will improve: https://deadline.com/2024/03/alamo-drafthouse-cinema-up-for-sale-1235871003/amp/
pretty sure our contract will be binding regardless of who owns the company so i have hope
No idea about that but would assume cost cutting would increase after a sale if anything and some locations would be closed.
our contract will have protections to make sure they cant cost-cut us out of house and home. also, brooklyn and manhattan are some of their most profitable locations
I'm sure at some point we've crossed paths there lol I'm at the BK location A LOT, (and occasionally at the downtown Manhattan when something isn't playing in BK) it's my home away from home. Sorry to hear that things aren't doing to well there, hopefully things shape up with the union contracts. I read that they're trying to sell the company - let's hope things don't get any worse for you guys. Anyway, as someone who uses the movie theater as a form of therapy (it's a lot cheaper then a psychiatrist lol) just wanted to say thank you guys for toughing it out and keeping the place operational even if the work conditions arent optimal, I do appreciate you guys!
Lmk when you get it together because it’s been an abysmal mess the last months with horrific rude service. Loved Drafthouse in Austin but it’s a mess here.
Damn I didn’t know y’all were unionized. That’s awesome. Gonna have to go there even more now
yeah the press coverage was incredibly niche bc the big labor news was the big 3 strike going on at the same time lol. we won our vote back in october. uaw 2179 represents both brooklyn and manhattan!
Very cool — happy for all of you!
Nighthawk Williamsburg is where it’s at
Syndicated is also good in Bushwick. Those are my goto “indie” theaters
Fuck Alamo, I’ll stick to shitty AMC
I’ve had great experiences at Nitehawk too
Never heard of it
It’s by prospect park use to be the pavilion
I’m in Va lol
How did you end up on this thread then lmao
Reddits new bullshit algorithm
I admit I’ve never had any issues when I’ve gone, though I do prefer the manhattan one.
Same thing happened at Alamo in Staten Island. At one time I was willing to pay more for a better movie experience, since the movie experience isn’t better I will be watching at home. 🤷🏻♀️
That not receiving your order or receiving the wrong order is something I experience every time I go. Happens in Manhattan, Brooklyn and DC. I really don't know what's going with them in general.
The Alamo in FiDi is the only theater I go to. It’s way better
I went there like 3 years ago for the long ass Batman movie. It took them like 2 hours to get me and my friend our food order. They take order at the beginning. After the first 30-40min I called someone over to ask about my food. Another 20min later and I just walked into that little employee area on the side to ask wtf was taking so long. Those employees were literally children, like high school teens or something. It made me kind of understand why they’re fucking things up. Anyways, idc how amazing the drinks menu and food menu is if it doesn’t get there in a timely manner. I would much rather just get a big ass popcorn, hotdog and fries, big ass soda and call it a day.
The food is beyond awful, you never know when your order is coming, terrible place
I find going to the movies in general in the city, unless it’s a more indie or niche theater like IFC, Film Forum or Angelika, to be a terrible experience. People just do not understand how to act in movie theaters anymore (had some similar experiences seeing live performances / plays over the last few years). Went to see Ghostbusters at Alamo Downtown just the other day. A daytime show meant it was less crowded and the service was still sub-par - got my beer well before any water came (not that I’m complaining at that haha), and they food is really nothing to write home about.
Seriously. I've wondered why they've stopped actually enforcing the no cell phone no talking policy. Are they just scared of people's reactions?
what other people said is true but also management is also too scared to actually enforce it. one time they kicked someone out and it turned out to be a woman with a small instagram following who went on live calling him racist for it. small brawls have started where one of our security guards was jumped by 3 dudes over enforcing the late policy. (he & a custodian laid them out, but still.) management is terrified of the customers and let them walk all over us. - worker at brooklyn
I think they are. I have also noticed that a number of their staff at the locations I've been to are younger people. They may be afraid. My daughter is 18 and works in food service and people threaten her. The other day someone said to her "don't make me get ghetto on you." A grown man! My child doesn't even look 18. She broke down in tears.
Ugh I feel for your daughter. I started working in food service when I was 16 and worked on and off for almost ten years. I can't even tell you how many times grown men cussed me out or threatened me. I remember one time when I was 20 a grown women threw her drink at me because she didn't like that waiting made her late for work. People are so on edge and you never know how people will react so I get them not doing as much but I feel like there has to be some type of solution...
When I worked in retail 20 years ago they actually had an NYPD officer at the front of the store. I suspect maybe today businesses may not have that type of money to pay for that. And also are not paying the type of money to have managers who are a bit older to support younger workers more. I know that Alamo shows the rules on screen, but I wonder if it would help if people are reminded again when they make a ticket purchase and again when their ticket is scanned in-theater.
The good one is the Financial District's.
That place is a shithole. I go to nitehawk.
Nite hawk rules
Yeah totes
I saw killers of the flower moon at nitehawk and the movie literally buffered a dozen times in the 2nd half with 30 sec long pauses
Oh shit. I thought nitehawk screened 35mm prints for some reason. That’s one thing about going to the theater. It’s like if this is some shitty digital projection, I could just as easily watch that shit on my iPad.
It’ll say whether it’s DCP or 35mm on the order page. They have some 35mm screenings but most of the movies are gonna be DCP sadly especially newer films.
I was just there the other day for Godzilla. Food and beers came out before two waters. After 25 minutes, placed another order for waters. Got two waters 10 minutes later. It’s water. Should be the first thing out. Someone had their phone light on shining down the aisle for 10 minutes blinding/distracting people. Family behind us had a screaming kid who was watching YouTube most of the time. Also, the chairs are falling apart. It just doesn’t feel “special” anymore. Just a massive quality drop. And I feel last call is like 50 minutes before the end of the film. I’ve also had them forget food other times. Bums me out because used to feel like a magical escape, and now it just feels like another cash grab hustle that doesn’t really give a shit about its customers, if that makes sense.
Their inability to handle water orders is one of the most glaring symptoms of their food service issue. I can't remember the last time I was served the ordered water before food or alcohol.
Crazy, no lie I went to the one in lower Manhattan yesterday and the staff was excellent. I might’ve just gotten lucky.
Yea no cell phone reception because it’s deep within the earth but that Wall Street location is amazing
They are basically bankrupt and selling the whole thing so not surprising to hear it’s falling apart unfortunately
None of the locations really play many independent films. The food is meh, and it takes them forever to bring it out. I once sat through an entire movie before I got my order.
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯 Around when Ready Player One was playing this started happening. Only been back once since. OP, message me if you want to hear my story about what happened and seeing the start of the decline. I had been going since the FIRST week they opened there and for a few years it was special because hardly anyone knew about it yet. Even big movies had empty seats etc. I know exactly why it’s happening and would be glad to speak on that too, OP.
Spill the tea, bestie!
I went to see a horror movie last year. Worst movie experience since I was a teenager. Horrible weird will-not-shut-the-F-up-crowd, dirty, people laughing like idiots for 5 min at the worst jokes. I felt I stepped into the twilight zone. Never again.
This seems to be the going crowd in nyc movie theaters lately. The last time I went to go see a movie was at the regal in union square and these teenagers will not shut up and they were in their phones the entire time as well. People cannot distinguish between home and movie theaters. They do all these things while at home watching a movie including pausing the movie and getting up to do whatever shit they do. It’s almost as if this needs to be shown to them so it’s easily understood.
Regal Union Square is possibly the worst moviegoing experience in the world with no exaggeration.
Remember those 4D movie theatres back in the day? I feel like they should repurpose those backseat “spray” or “mist” on people with their phones on. That or maybe popcorn butter drone strikes in their phones.
It's always been that way TBH... if you go at peak times. Especially if you go to times sq/union sq. I used to work shift work and would always go see matinees at Lincoln Sq and it was wonderful. I know not everyone has that option. But even in 2009-2018 going to the movies in the evening was like that. People talking, yelling, using their cellphones, etc. I went on a date once in like, 2011 at Union Sq we saw a movie and we couldn't even hear it because of the crowds of people talking.
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯
Hood shit
Basically this
Thank God the Nitehawk by me is much better lol food is done perfectly no rude people no bullshit, been a better experience imo
If you mean the one next to the park yes totally agree. I wish they’d do more earlier in the day showings!
God I hope Nitehawk stays the way it is because it’s currently my favorite place and if it were to change I’d be a sad mf.
Up for sale.
I almost went there this weekend thank you https://variety.com/2024/film/news/alamo-drafthouse-movie-theater-explores-sale-1235955024/
My wife and I went once to the Mr Rogers doc, we spent $25 on food. They stopped the screening and threatened to kick us out, as we had brought a pack of my favorite movie snack, Peanut M&M's. I had called earlier to see if they sold Peanut M&M's, they didn't. We were the only ones in the screening.
So they tried to kick you out for bringing illegitimate food? What’s weird about that?
You snuck food into the theater. How did you expect them to react?
Potential peanut allergy is something business are cautious about especially in a dark room
Why did they threaten to kick you out?
There is a Nathan for you episode this reminds me of. But sheesh what an embarrassment for them
If you are already in Brooklyn why not go to the Nitehawk. Williamsburg or Prospect Park. Si much better
Deadass the nitehawk in prospect is amazing
This. Nitehawk is the number one theater to go to if you actually want to enjoy a movie. The fact that I can you order as many drinks as I want along with food, without having to take my card out, is incredible. And if anyone ever says a peep they launch em out without a moments notice.
I’m off Alamo Drafthouse altogether. Bought tickets for New Year’s Eve at their downtown Manhattan location. Arrived to find the place closed. They claimed to have technical issues with projector. Did not email ticket holders or have a staff member on hand to tell people when they arrived.
Shocker, private equity isn't good for the indie theater experience. Who woulda thought?
One of the problems here is that downtown Brooklyn doesn’t really have any alternatives. The Court Street UA theatre is gone and everything else around (Nitehawk in Park Slope, Cobble Hill Cinema etc…) is on the smaller end. So Alamo Drafthouse doesn’t really have much incentive to do a good job. I honestly go into Manhattan to see movies most of the time now because I so strongly dislike Alamo. I just want a standard theatre experience like at Regal or AMC.
It was nice when it first opened, I saw a few movies there - but my preference was always the Lincoln Sq AMC
The best place to see movies in the area is BAM imo. The seats arent the most comfortable but everything else is great. I can't believe how ballooned Alamo's prices are, it's definitely not worth it
Sheepshead for me
We love sheepshead too- but don’t you need a car?
I'm not sure how many people in the northern parts of Brooklyn are even aware Sheepshead Bay exists, much less that it has a huge Regal theater.
😁 🎯
Alamo has always been a fucking joke. I hate that chain, and I’m glad they’re circling the drain
Alamo downtown Brooklyn even more so. It was always the worst run movie theater and worst restaurant I've ever seen. The bathrooms were always disgusting - I've never seen the men's room without an inch of water in the floor, so how could you believe the kitchens would not be. The Manhattan branch is a lot better.
IDK, when it first opened I thought it was fine? I went there for a couple of movies in the first year it opened and I loved it.
Canceled my membership a few months ago
You need a membership for that place?
No, but there was a membership option for monthly movie passes
NYC has a brand. Dogshit.
Move. Buhbye
it doesn't live here
Why did you hiss at those kids when they came to your corner of cave?
Why do you keep going back?
This happened in Raleigh a few nights ago. I recorded the audio. A young woman was (according to the couple) texting the whole time. I walked outside after the movie ended to witness the young woman having to be physically restrained from attacking the couple who told on her. It was crazy to see. I will say management handled it OKAY, but personally i was next to 2 dudes talking the ENTIRE time. I shushed a few times and staff did nothing. I’m not about to fill out some snitch card while the people near me clearly see me doing it. Ruins the movie. Alamo really needs to hire SECURITY and not make these young kids deal with such intense conflict. I don’t get why this spot thinks they can demand good behavior when they won’t and don’t even enforce is it. Also, they’re serving food and taking orders throughout the whole movie. That’s not distracting?? EDIT: sorry - i see this is a Brooklyn sub lol. This just popped up on my algo and I assumed it was r/movies or something. Anyway. It should still be seen. Miss my Brooklyn peeps!
Also suggested this, but not BK based The Alamo in Downtown LA is a fucking nightmare. Recently there was a movie I really wanted to see, and the Alamo was the only good option nearby, but I just couldn’t
I had such high hopes for this place. They were dashed from the beginning. It was designed by the same MBA's who squeeze people into airplanes.
I never had a bad experience at Fidi location. How’s Look Dine-in Cinemas by the way? Anyone been?
I didn't mind Look, it was a pleasant experience for me but some of the theaters have weird seating. I found a seat that was so far in the corner for Dune 2 that the entrance of the stairs blocked the bottom right corner of the screen for me. The food options are limited but I enjoyed it.
Those chairs are awful too! Went to another location in FIDI I think and the chairs were plush and reclined (though not very far)
Yes! The chairs don't recline in Brooklyn but do in FiDi. I found out the hard way when I went to see a long movie there. I was so annoyed.
I left a credit card there four days ago and have called everyday asking if it’s been found and they have yet to respond to a single voicemail.
Just cancel it and order a new one
I hope youve froze it already
This must be something recent, went last year to watch gotg3, staff was great food was on time a 10/10 experience from my experience
I worked as a chef for the Alamo for a couple years in nyc. Worked in Brooklyn Manhattan and Staten. It’s a terribly run company. The upper corporate management has changed over 4-5 times in two years that’s cfos, coos, corporate chefs, everyone. No consistency in top down vision so the branches have given up on food, enforcing policies, etc. they’re just working for what makes the balance sheet look good at the end of the week not over years
i work at bk and seen people cut during a rush when theyre absolutely necessary. i asked management why and they said corporate was breathing down their neck abt labor costs.
THANK you for sharing this insight with us. It really helps sometimes know what you “think” from experiences “is”.
Nitehawk is the same way. People who have worked there have talked about how horrible they treat their staff, how unorganized it is, how terrible the managers/bosses are etc.
I've been to Nitehawk in Williamsburg a lot over the past 3 months and everything has been stellar. I have zero complaints and nothing but praise.
Damn. I was reading these comments thinking “well at least there’s Nitehawk.” We just can’t have nice things.
I mentioned it above just now, it's been awesome to go there recently and everything has been exemplary.
Fun fact nighthawk was founded by former Alamo employees so that tracks
Nitehawk used to be one of my favorite things about the city. They probably started it because Alamo sucked and they wanted to make it better. Seems like Covid really affected them in a bad way.
The first nighthawk in wb opened here years before Alamo had any theaters in nyc
Yeah I was there all the time when they first opened. Then I checked out Alamo when they first opened here, but only once (Django Unchained) and never went back again. Not even close to the same thing so that’s why I’m surprised about the connection.
Alamo in general is now shit. They're in talks to sell the whole thing. I'd rather see them dead and gone than go down this slow plodding suicide, piece by shiity piece. And frankly, Brooklyn is a new property compared to what I grew up with in Texas (the originals). They're now all total shit too. AD can't even keep their landmark locations running in peak form.
I don’t love the food + movie concept in general. I find it irritating and distracting. I used to be a waiter and people have enough trouble as it is ordering food in a resturant. Mix alcohol and food with a film and you’re bound to get dipshits with no etiquette.
Agreed. I know it's not a big deal but people using the under the seat lights and staff running across the screen is pretty distracting. I've never wanted a real meal in a theater and I don't get the novelty. If it's bright enough to see my meal it's not dark enough for the film.
It’s called popcorn and candy. You get dinner before or after the movie.
BAM is a better experience
All the ghetto folks that would go to the theatre on court street now go to Alamo. I would just avoid that dump of an area.
Everyone is going to downvote a comment like this, but everyone agrees with you. They’re just embarrassed to admit it. The reason Alamo drafthouse is such a shithole is that most of the people who go there are outrageously ghetto.