Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Valley Fair

Robin M 11 months ago

This was my first time visiting and was a little concerned due to the poor reviews. I actually had no problems at all. Booking tickets online was easy (a little pricier perhaps than buying at the desk). The cinema is located in a very nice mall, there is parking but it’s a zoo so I elected to come by rideshare. The actual entrance is upper level. It was pretty impressived walking through the foyer and past all the quirky arcade machines etc. I liked the style of the place. There is a bar on the floor above but did not get a chance to get there on this visit. The movie theater was really clean and well laid out. Some folks were sitting in our “chosen” seats but they moved - I thought that was weird as it’s assigned seating. Anyway, we did not order any food or drinks since had come from dinner already. The movie was presented will in Dolby Atmos - good sound stage and a large screen. The restrooms were clean. All staff interactions were good. Overall I had a great experience (but did not order any food). Would definitely consider coming back as I really like watching movies on a big screen in high quality which this was. The food/bar, for me, are a distraction but it’s good there’s that option. My only concern would be for disabled folks, there were a lot of stairs in the theater hall.

Robert Miller a month ago

First time going here. Quick summary: expensive food, decently comfortable seats, solid projection and sound, loved that the pre movie stuff was all custom for the movie rather that commercial crap. Now more detail: given the quality of the food it was akin to standard bar food. There was some decent flavor, but not for that price. That said, the prices are on par with most theater prices. For the seats, they are just okay. I much prefer the seats at Regal which really put you in the perfect relaxed position for viewing with good foot rest. Projection and sound were solid. If I can nitpick, the sound was a little too loud at times and hurt my ears telling me they need to manage those decibels a bit better. The pre-movie content was excellent. Not a single complaint. Please keep doing that, we already paid for the experience, we don't need commercials like the main stream theaters.

Gav G 11 months ago

Ignore the one-star reviews that don't understand how to go to movie theaters. Don't arrive late to an Alamo Drafthouse, and it's a dine-in theater like most others. Their policies have been in place for decades. The Valley Fair location was still under soft opening, but the employees were kind and the food was it's usual above-average quality. The Godzilla theming is on point, and I can't wait until the promised Godzilla head statues arrive. Seating is comfortable, and I will never get enough of the custom pre-roll footage put together for each movie. It's great to have another Drafthouse in the Bay Area. Looking forward to everything it brings!

Tyler Yeager 6 months ago

Normally we go to the New Mission Alamo but, do to limited show times, we made the hour drive to Valley Fair. Initially, we were quite excited as we had seen images of the new remodel and who doesn’t love kaiju themes. So let’s hit the good. 1: the seat was comfy. 2: they honored a coupon from New Mission 3: again, kaiju theme and merch. Come buy a Godzilla shirt. Now the bad and it’s enough that I won’t readily make the trip back to this location. 1: They were doing this new QR code mobile ordering that just wasn’t working? One in my party was unable to load the QR, another couldn’t get payments to process (I recognize these may be personal/user issues not specific to the venue). That being said, even when we defaulted to the traditional button and paper method, it was like they didn’t work. Many times workers would overlook us and we’d have to wave our orders in the air to get their attention. 2: orders came incomplete and in bizarre orders. Example: a friend ordered easily 20 kinutes before me. Her food took nearly two hours to appear and only did after waving down a worker to ask. My order was missing a coke. I asked the worker if I could get my soda right as another worker was bringing a cup and he made the comment “see what happens when we practice a little patience?” Wasn’t even my drink order and I had to ask 3 more times including a paper order to get my one drink. Another in my party didn’t even get her drink. 3: the food quality was.. lacking. I requested on the mobile ordering extra crispy tenders. What I got was quite soggy and lukewarm. Another in my party requested extra chicken in her salad and got maybe two pieces of chicken total. Now, it was a clean venue and the screen/seating were nice. But paying this much for this kind of experience really just doesn’t sound appealing.

Heather 11 months ago

Newly remodeled theater themed around Godzilla. We didn't see a movie here, but instead went upstairs and had a drink at the bar. Great drinks! Nice atmosphere. Felt like a great date spot. Would love to come again another time for a movie. They offer in theater meals and the food looked good. I tried one of their spiked mint chocolate milkshake and it was delicious.