Entertainment · Arlington Heights

Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse

4 · 108 reviews
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Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse is a neighborhood entertainment venue that combines first-run movies with a full bar and kitchen. Located on Columbia Pike in Arlington Heights, this single-screen theater features comfortable seating and tables, allowing guests to order food and drinks during the show. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and appetizers, along with a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. The atmosphere is casual and social, with a focus on providing a fun night out rather than a traditional silent cinema experience. In addition to movies, the venue hosts comedy shows, trivia nights, and special events. Its retro vibe and community feel make it a popular spot for locals looking for an alternative to multiplexes. The theater is easily accessible by bus from the Pentagon City metro station.

Don't miss

  • Watch a movie while enjoying food and drinks at your seat
  • Attend a live comedy show or trivia night
  • Try the draft beer selection and signature cocktails
  • Order from a menu of pub-style favorites like burgers and nachos
  • Experience a historic single-screen theater

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse

You can visit on your own (paid entry, purchase tickets online or at the box office. shows often sell out, so book ahead). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.

Good for

BusinessCouplesSolo travelFamilyFriends getaway

How travelers rate it

5 star
27
4 star
49
3 star
26
2 star
5
1 star
1

Know before you go

  • You must be 21+ to enter after 9 PM; photo ID required.
  • Food and drink orders are taken at your seat; service is included in the ticket price.
  • Tickets can be purchased online; print or show on your phone.
  • Parking is free but limited; consider rideshare or public transit.

A bit of history

The building originally operated as a traditional movie theater before being converted into a draft house concept in the early 2000s. It has since become a staple of the Columbia Pike corridor, adapting to changing entertainment trends while retaining its historic single-screen charm.

Common questions

Can I just come for drinks without seeing a movie?

The venue primarily operates during shows; you need a ticket to enter.

What is the minimum age to attend?

All ages are welcome for earlier shows, but after 9 PM it's 21+.

Is there a dress code?

No, casual attire is fine.

Can I reserve a specific seat?

Seating is first-come, first-served; arrive early for best selection.

Do they show only new releases?

They show a mix of new releases, classics, and cult films; check the schedule.

Is food served throughout the movie?

Yes, you can order before and during the film.

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