Enjoy your next movie with a side of comfort food and craft beer at Alamo Drafthouse in Stonebridge!
If 32 craft beers on tap aren't enough of a reason to go, the newest movie theater in Woodbridge, VA, boasts cozy recliner seating, a full restaurant, and a well-stocked bar. Even if you've just come from a meal, the endless popcorn and decadent desserts are indulgent options for a snack. Anchored in the center of the Stonebridge shopping plaza, Alamo Drafthouse is located just off of I-95 and convenient for visitors from north and south alike.
WHERE: 15200 Potomac Town Place Suite 100 in Woodbridge, VA
PARKING: Free surface lot
The Concept
During our last visit, I got to sit down with Executive Chef Nick Pacio and his right-hand sous chef Jennifer Dykhuis to discuss the ideas behind the Alamo Drafthouse.
According to Chef Jennifer, "Ninety-eight percent of the dishes are made from scratch. Everything is fresh; we bring in produce daily to make sure everything is as fresh as can be. We change the menu every six months or so to keep a variety for all of the people returning." When was the last time you could say that about the food at your local movie theater?
"Thirty-two craft beers on tap... and the food is great because we make everything in-house. Everything from our dressings, our aioli, our steaks, fresh produce cut every day. That's what sold me; this is a scratch kitchen," explained Chef Nick.
In addition to the high-quality food turned out on the regular menu, the kitchen does themed menus to match seasons or particular movies. When asked about how the new concepts come about, Chef Jennifer replied, "We'll have special menus and specialty drinks. For the whole month of October, we have three different dishes as a Halloween takeover, two drinks, and two shakes." For a few more weeks, you can enjoy a Brussels Sprouts Freakout, Monster Hash, and Trick or Treat Cookies. Wash it all down with a Pumpkin King Cheesecake Shake, the Golden Ghost, or Passion's Phantom. For a full description of each special item, click here.
Courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse
The Food
We went for a simple menu for dinner: two sandwiches, the spicy Buffalo wings as a starter, and a cookie shake to share for dessert. The fried egg BLT is unbelievably satisfying with a perfectly cooked egg over easy, crisp bacon, and a silky aioli to top the baby kale and tomato. It comes with a heap of crisp fries to share, as well as a pickle spear. The Fancypants Burger is smothered with Cabernet-caramelized onion jam, Brie, and truffle aioli. From the very first bite, it tastes like a luxurious version of a burger you'd make at home if you'd just gone grocery shopping at Whole Foods. In lieu of a dessert, we savored a velvety cookie-laden shake that topped off the delicious meal. The full menu can be viewed here.
Photo by Sarina Petrocelly
The Experience
If you're ordering your dinner in the theater (we ate out on the patio before the movie), menus are located under your tabletop. You write your order on a small slip of paper and set it vertically in a holder so your passing server can see it. If you swipe a credit card, you've essentially started a tab and will receive a final bill before the end of the movie. If you elect to pay in cash, you settle up around the same time, well before the end credits. Service is quick and friendly, but somehow unobtrusive once the trailers start. Settle into your uber-comfy recliner and enjoy the show knowing you won't have to do dishes after dinner.
The Alamo Drafthouse would be a great location for a date, night out with the girls, or even a family outing. Make sure to try it next time you're in the neighborhood!
Visit the Alamo Drafthouse website for more information, including full menus and special events.
Have you been to the Alamo Drafthouse? What's your favorite dish or drink? Let us know in the comments below!
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