Multi-plex offerings of commercial fare are a dime a dozen in SA, or anyplace else for that matter. But when you need an indie film fix, only a few places in town will satisfy. San Antonio is luckier than most cities — some of our depots for film fanatics offer serious food and drink, too.
McNay Art Museum’s Get Reel
This spring the series focuses on early film from the 1920s and ’30s, such as Fritz Lang’s sci-fi masterwork Metropolis and surrealist classic Le Chien Andalou by Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dali. Screenings held some Thursday nights at McNay Chiego Lecture Hall. Free of charge for members and $5 for everyone else. 6000 N New Braunfels, (210) 824-5368, mcnayart.org
Friendly Spot Ice House
A great, as in huge, bar with Mexican food of the interior, famous crab cakes, and an extensive beer list. Movies and the game on the big screen. Film schedule varies, sometimes partnered with Slab Cinema. The Spot is open until midnight, and it’s kid and pet friendly, too. 943 S Alamo, (210) 224-2337, thefriendlyspot.com
Santikos Bijou at Crossroads
The Bijou is San Antonio’s dependable home for independent, foreign, and art-house films. Documentaries and animation join live action and showings of short films. Beer and wine are available, along with food ranging from cheese steaks to tiramisu. Thursday is Free Movie Night at the Bijou through April, check online for other offers. 4522 Fredericksburg, (210) 496-2221, santikos.com/bijou.html
Slab Cinema
Named after the concrete wall on which the first public-domain films were projected in 2004, Slab Cinema got a boost from the city in ’08 and moved to HemisFair Park, adding big outdoor movie screens and popular fare. Movies by Moonlight is a free series that will resume with warm weather; screenings also held at Pearl Brewery and other spots. Slabcinema.com, (210) 212-9373.