Alamo Slaughter Lane Opening in Early 2012

This could be your new favorite place

The Alamo Drafthouse is expanding to the cinematically under-served southern reaches of Austin with the opening of its newest location, Alamo Slaughter Lane, early in 2012. The details released thus far are pretty exciting, making it a sure bet that film (and tequila) lovers from all over town will be venturing down to check it out.

They started from scratch with this building (which will be situated at Slaughter and MoPac) and it's still in the rough stages of construction, but the ambitious and awesome-sounding plans state that Alamo Slaughter Lane will be an eight-screen theater with seating for over 800. In addition to being outfitted with top-notch AV equipment and pleasing screen-size-to-room ratios, layout choices will somehow eliminate the typically disappointing first row experience. One of the auditoriums will also be a "micro-cinema" offering a large screen but just 34 seats -- this space will be available for private parties as well as ultra niche films.

Foodies and cocktail lovers have reason to look forward to this venue as well, as it will feature a separate cocktail lounge primarily specializing in tequila drinks. The 400 Rabbits (named after the Aztec gods of intoxication) will be a standalone bar with a patio and seating for 130+ that's also part of the theater, and it will be overseen by award-winning Beverage Director Bill Norris.

Plentiful bike racks and an R&D food lab where patrons can try brand new and experimental menu items are also part of the plan, as is a full calendar of tastings, food pairings and typically Alamo-ish special screenings, we're sure.

An opening date has yet to be firmly set, but we'll certainly keep you updated as news of the theater continues to be revealed. You can also keep an eye on the building's progress on the Alamo Drafthouse blog.