Kids Theaters Open
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema New Mission
4.7(4,566)4.7 out of 5 stars, 4566 reviews San Francisco, CA
About Alamo Drafthouse Cinema New Mission
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema New Mission offers a unique movie-going experience in a beautifully restored historic San Francisco landmark building from 1907. It stands out with specialty programming like 'Baby Day' showings (for parents with infants), 'Family Friendly screenings,' themed movie parties, and a full bar/dining menu available for in-theater service. However, this unique experience comes with very strict policies, high prices for concessions, and reports of inconsistent customer service, including potential discrimination.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Parents with infants looking for a cinema experience tailored to their needs ('Baby Day').Families seeking a 'Family Friendly screening' with age-appropriate films.Moviegoers who appreciate a historic, restored venue.Individuals interested in unique, themed movie parties and special screenings.Parents who enjoy having cocktails at a bar before their movie.
Why families love it
- Beautifully restored historic venue, designated a San Francisco Landmark building (original 1920s proscenium, 55ft wide screen in main auditorium).
- Offers 'Family Friendly screenings' specifically catering to families.
- Features 'Baby Day' showings, ideal for parents with infants who need a more flexible environment.
- Plays a mix of older films and current releases, alongside fun movie parties with themed menus and props.
- Provides a bar for adults to relax and unwind before the movie.
- Membership program with attractive perks is available.
Insider tips
- **Arrive significantly early:** Due to the strict 'no late entry' policy, ensure you are in your seat before previews begin to avoid being denied entry and losing your ticket.
- **Budget for concessions:** Be prepared for high prices on food and drinks if you plan to order anything (e.g., $14 popcorn, $24 burger).
- **Consider the in-theater service:** Be aware that waitstaff will be moving through the aisles during the movie, which some find disruptive.
- **Check specific programming:** Look for 'Baby Day' or 'Family Friendly screenings' for age-appropriate viewing experiences.
- **Manage expectations for staff interactions:** Be aware that some patrons have reported negative or discriminatory experiences with staff, while others praise them.
Good to know before you go
- If you are prone to being late, as entry will be denied without refund after previews start.
- If you are on a tight budget for movie snacks and drinks, as prices are very high.
- If you are easily distracted by movement in the theater, as waitstaff provide in-seat service during the film.
- If you are sensitive to potentially inconsistent or discriminatory customer service.
- If you expect a traditional, quiet movie experience without any in-theater service interruptions.
- Crowds
- One review mentions 'tac vest security' for a 'late matinee for Sinners,' suggesting crowd management can be a factor for certain screenings.
- Value
- Ticket prices are not explicitly mentioned, but in-theater food and drinks are described as 'EXPENSIVE.' Examples: beer at least $8, popcorn around $14, wine at least $13, burger a whopping $24. There is no refund or credit if you are late, making the value for money poor if you miss the film. Compared to alternatives, these concession prices are considered high.
- Food
- Full menu of food and drinks (including cocktails, beer, wine) available for purchase.
- Accessibility
- The building is a restored historic landmark (1907, with 1916 additions and 1932 Art Deco transformation).
- Safety
- One review mentions 'tac vest security' present for a specific late matinee film, but no general safety features or specific measures for children's safety are mentioned in the reviews.
What parents say
"A great venue as long as you aren't Black. I've never seen tac vest security at this venue but they decided the late matinee for Sinners required extra security. Strike one. I've been here many times, though often in the evening so it may just be that your daytime staff is bigoted. My partner and I got in early because we really liked the cocktails in your bar. This time it noticeably felt like the bartender was avoiding eye contact with me or the one other Black person in the bar. This changed when the bartender noticed my white boyfriend. At that point he took our orders, proceeded to give "
a week ago
"This is my favorite movie theater of all time and holds a special place in my heart. I have never had a bad experience here. The Food and drinks are always great. The Staff is wonderful, attentive, and fellow movie lovers. This theater is beautiful on the inside and the bar is a great way to relax and unwind before your movie. I love supporting this theater because it plays older films as well as current and has fun things like movie parties with themed menus and props, Special theme days like Terror Tuesdays and Weird Wednesday, Family Friendly screenings, theory 101, "baby day" showings and "
2 weeks ago
"I question the reality of the five star reviews here. It seems impossible. Anyway, as many have mentioned, this place has really stupid policies, such as not allowing anyone in the theater after the previews and not offering any refund or credit if you're late by one minute. They say they offer credit, but it's so limited that is almost unusable, so basically, you don't get credit. Then, they refer you to their corporate partner Fandango if you have a complaint. Moreover, it is super corporate, like entering a regal cinema, and plays mainly average mainstream films. So, it's not anything speci"
2 weeks ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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