Alamo Drafthouse Mueller and Barrel O’ Fun Bar Debut in March

The highly anticipated Alamo Drafthouse Mueller and its attached carnival-inspired bar and event space Barrel O’ Fun will debut on Thursday, March 9, and tickets are on sale now. Located at 1911 Aldrich Street, the Central East Austin spot will be the homegrown movie theater chain's sixth Austin location and will focus on kid, family, and youth programming, alongside the curated selection of Hollywood and independent cinema offerings the brand is known for.

The theater will offer a unique twist on the chain’s food and drink menu with both new items like chilaquiles and a grilled jerk chicken sandwich and Alamo Drafthouse staples such as its popular Brussels Sprouts, Smoked Bacon and Goat Cheese Pizza.

Last December the theater revealed details on its attached carnival-inspired event space and bar, Barrel O’ Fun. Daytime hours will be family focused featuring working carnival games. After hours the space becomes a bar (the “r-e-l” letters on the sign will actually dim revealing “Bar O’ Fun”). The carnival games fold into the ceiling to reveal a curated selection of spirits and craft beers, with an emphasis on barrel-aged offerings (get it, barrel-aged?) and craft cocktails. There is also a rotating local tap wall for the theater and the bar featuring more than 30 draft beers. Ryan Hollowell (most recently the opening bar manager for Lonesome Dove) has been appointed the bar manager while the theater’s beverage director is Bill Norris. The Barrel O’ Fun will offer G-rated old-fashioned soda fountain classics too.

Barrel O’ Fun will also have its own carnival-inspired menu, including kid-friendly dishes like hand-battered corn pups and mac and cheese, alongside adult-focused dishes such as cedar-planked pork belly.

Expect entertainment during happy hour and most weekday evenings at Barrel O’ Fun including DJ sets, live bands, Geeks Who Drink, and more. Most live music shows in the space will be all-ages. There will also be a selection of special events for families featuring hands-on creative activities during the early evening and weekends.

Mueller boasts six auditoriums of various sizes featuring partially reclining seats with individual tables. Total capacity of all theaters is approximately 600 people. Family-friendly programming kicks off with an upcoming Beauty and The Beast Family Party. The theater also teased upcoming featured attractions such such as Logan, The Red Turtle, and Get Out.

Staff training days begin Friday, March 3, offering an opportunity for discounted food and non-alcoholic drinks while the staff trains in the new space. The first shows on March 3 and 4 are offered exclusively to the theater’s highest-level Victory members. Tickets are on sale now.

And fear not, there is free (four-hour) validated parking, so no need to rush.

• Alamo Drafthouse Mueller [Official]
• Barrel O' Fun [Official]
• Alamo Drafthouse Austin [Facebook]
• Alamo Drafthouse Austin [Twitter]