Going out to the movies these days is not that pleasant an experience any more. 

First of all, tickets are priced sky high -- $10 for an 1.5-2 hour movie that more times than not is mediocre is just too much.  When you add in the inevitable soda and popcorn, a night for two at the movie theater can run close to $40.  No longer a cheap date! 

Secondly, now that everyone from teenagers to grandparents carry their cellphones everywhere they go, you can often end up seated next to someone who feels the need to talk loudly to their friends over the phone during the middle of the movie.  I was actually at the movies last year when this happened and the whole theater started yelling at this cell phone etiquette offender who was finally escorted out of the theater to loud cheers and applause!

Third, even with stadium seating, cup holders, etc., theaters are often subpar regarding cleanliness and you can often find gum or other stickiness on the floor or seats.

For these reasons, my wife and I enjoy our subscription to Netflix -- one of G-d and man's greatest creations.  We can sit at home, make our own popcorn in our hot air popper, relax on the couch, pause the film for a bathroom break, and never have to leave to spend hours at Blockbuster waiting in line on a Saturday night to get a rental.  We love it.

For those who live in or visit Northern Virginia, there is a great alternative to the normal night at the movies: 

THE ARLINGTON CINEMA 'N' DRAFTHOUSE 

This historic 1930s art deco theater has been renovated into a unique restaurant and theater which offers a fun alternative to the giant multiplexes that dot our area.

Located on the corner of Columbia Pike and Walter Reed Drive at 2903 Columbia Pike, this landmark building offers comfortable leather chairs and tables.  The most unique thing about this theater is that you don't have to wait on long lines for food and snacks.  They have a full-service waitstaff who takes your orders and delivers your food and drink to your table.

Best of all you can order pitchers of beer, glasses of wine, or your favorite cocktail!  IDs checked at the door... 

Admission is only $5.50 for movies and while they are not first run showings, they do get these films relatively quickly after they finish the first run, sometimes while the movies are still playing at the major theaters.   

In addition to movies, the Cinema 'N' Drafthouse also hosts live comedy nights, family events, sporting events on their big screen, live music and other events.  Click here for their current schedule of events.

The food is not bad, but if you are in the mood for something different, you can always try Bangkok 54 just a few doors down -- one of the best Thai restaurants in Arlington.

If you are looking for something different and fun to do instead of an ordinary night at the movies, think about the Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse where you can watch a movie, get a few laughs, have a meal, and share a good pitcher of beer.