When the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Staten Island opened its doors in summer 2022, it brought something entirely new to the borough. Taking over a chunk of what locals remember as the old Kmart space at 2636 Hylan Boulevard, this theater has quickly become a cultural landmark in our southernmost borough.
What Makes This Location Special
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Staten Island boasts nine screens equipped with sharp 4K laser projectors – the kind that make every frame pop, whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster or a grainy cult classic from the ’70s.
Experience Cinema Reimagined
Staten Island’s Ultimate Movie Destination
What sets this place apart is The Flying Guillotine, their kung fu-themed bar. This isn’t some half-hearted themed space – we’re talking genuine martial arts movie memorabilia covering the walls, with pieces rotating in and out regularly. The bartenders mix drinks named after classic kung fu flicks, and they know their stuff. Try the Five Venoms Sour – it’s become a local favorite.
Food and Entertainment Experience
The food here deserves its own review. Under the kitchen team’s watch, the menu goes way beyond popcorn and candy. Their pizzas come out with perfectly crispy crusts, and the burgers actually taste like real beef – a miracle for theater food. Everything gets delivered right to your seat, and somehow the servers never break your movie focus.
Beyond new releases, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Staten Island runs a solid repertory schedule. Terror Tuesday packs the house with horror fans, while Weird Wednesday brings out Staten Island’s dedicated cult movie crowd. They’re not afraid to run indie films alongside major releases, and their special events often feature restored prints or rare screenings you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Find Your Way to
Getting there is straightforward. Catch the S78 bus, which stops right outside, or drive and use the free parking lot. Just get there early – you’ll want time to check out the bar and get your food order in before showtime.
The theater uses a reserved seating system, so you can book your exact spot online. Their Alamo Victory membership is worth considering if you’re planning to visit often – it includes birthday perks and points for every purchase. Since opening, this place has become more than just a movie theater. They host local filmmakers, run educational programs during school breaks, and partner with Staten Island’s film community for special events.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Staten Island Screening Hours
Hours vary based on the day’s screenings, but they typically open about 30 minutes before the first show. One tip: arrive early for evening shows, especially on weekends. The bar scene gets lively, and you’ll want time to settle in.
Day | Theater Hours | Bar Hours | Special Programs |
---|---|---|---|
Monday | 2PM – 11PM | 4PM – 12AM | Industry Night (All Day) |
Tuesday | 2PM – 11PM | 4PM – 12AM | Terror Tuesday (9:30PM) |
Wednesday | 2PM – 11PM | 4PM – 12AM | Weird Wednesday (9:30PM) |
Thursday | 2PM – 11PM | 4PM – 12AM | Throwback Thursday (7PM) |
Friday | 12PM – 1AM | 2PM – 2AM | Late Night Screenings (11:45PM) |
Saturday | 11AM – 1AM | 12PM – 2AM | Brunch Screenings (11:30AM) |
Sunday | 11AM – 11PM | 12PM – 12AM | Kids Camp (11AM)* |
*Kids Camp screenings run during school breaks and select weekends
This isn’t just another multiplex – it’s a genuine film lover’s paradise that happens to serve great food and drinks. For Staten Islanders, it’s a long-overdue addition to the borough’s entertainment scene. For the rest of us, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best spots in New York require a little journey to reach.
Check their website for current showtimes and events – they update the schedule weekly, and special screenings tend to sell out fast. Next time someone tells you there’s nothing worth crossing the bridge for, point them toward this place. Just don’t blame me when they stop going to regular theaters altogether.
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