STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — If you’re looking for a warm, memorable and effortlessly joyful way to celebrate the holidays — or any special occasion — allow me to share a little secret that turned out to be the hit of our season: hosting a private party at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on Staten Island.
Recently, my family pulled off a surprise milestone-birthday celebration for my husband at Alamo. It was instantly a hit, from the moment I invited my small circle of nearest and dearest, and the buzz only heightened as the date approached.
We were a cozy group of almost two dozen, but the Alamo private theater seats up to 37 guests — roomy enough for a crowd, yet intimate enough to feel like your very own living room, just with much better sound and reclining seats.
And the best part? It was completely private. No outsiders drifting in, no shared space, no distractions. For those three hours, that theater was ours alone.
We could whisper during the movie, occasionally check important texts — no piercing glares or obnoxious throat-clearing from nearby Karens; only a steady stream of movie-theater food and beverages.
From the moment we stepped inside, the Alamo staff made everything hassle-free. They started taking food and drink orders immediately, and throughout the entire movie they were wonderfully attentive — quietly refilling unlimited popcorn and sodas, delivering snacks, and even acting as our unofficial photographers, happily taking group photos without missing a beat.
Recently, my family pulled off a surprise milestone-birthday celebration for my husband— a private party at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on Staten Island. Everyone had a blast! (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)
Because it was a surprise, my daughters were allowed to arrive early to decorate, and the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating.
They taped up decades’ worth of photos — finishing the NYC Marathon, family vacations, our kids’ college graduations earlier this year, the surprise proposal of our oldest daughter last year — each one a small chapter in my husband’s life.
Balloons, a birthday cake and a few extra treats rounded out the setup, though the Alamo’s menu offerings were more than enough to satisfy everyone.
Our guests had full freedom to order anything they wanted, once seated in Alamo’s super-comfy seats that reclined and embraced you like a giant cloud pillow: specialty cocktails, sodas, spicy popcorn, pepperoni pizza, chicken Caesar salad, candy, cheese-laden nachos, key lime pie jars — the classics and then some.
My kids chose “Wicked for Good” because, as any well-seasoned girl dad will tell you, sometimes the movie chooses you.
My husband took it in stride, grinning ear to ear, as did all our guests, and for about three hours, we felt like VIPs without any of the fuss.
After the credits rolled, the staff brought out coffee service and we gathered for cake and the obligatory singing and candles. It was then, as we lingered, not wanting to leave, that some of our guests marveled at the idea.
“Why haven’t we ever done this before?”
“How did you think of this?”
“I’m planning one next!”
Hopefully, we started a trend — and we’ll be going to another screening soon.
Recently, my family pulled off a surprise milestone-birthday celebration for my husband— a private party at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on Staten Island. Everyone had a blast! (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)
What struck me most was how personal and easy the entire experience felt. No stress, no rushing, no logistics to juggle. Just family, friends, laughter and good food in a space that felt special and completely ours.
So if you’re planning a holiday gathering, a birthday, an anniversary or simply need an excuse to get your favorite people together, consider booking a private screening at the Alamo Drafthouse.
We made great memories and a stack of the photos we pulled down from the Alamo walls at the end of the night, that will soon be bound at Staples as a souvenir book.
Guests feasted on treats from the Alamo Drafthouse menu throughout the movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on Staten Island. Everyone had a blast! (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)About Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is located at 2636 Hylan Boulevard. This location can be reached by car, bus, or ferry from Brooklyn, and by car from New Jersey.
The theater is conveniently located in The Boulevard shopping plaza, which includes more than 1,500 free parking spaces available for Alamo Drafthouse guests.
For info on private parties, click here.
Guests feasted on treats from the Alamo Drafthouse menu throughout the movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on Staten Island. Everyone had a blast! (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos) Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)
Guests feasted on treats — like this white broccoli pie — from the Alamo Drafthouse menu throughout the movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on Staten Island. Everyone had a blast! (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)