Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In

It’s a great little venue. The screen is great, picture easy to see and sound is great. I haven’t been to a drive in and at least 10 years or more. This is a great treat. I had forgotten how much fun that it was. This used to be the only way we went to the movies when I was a child. Great nostalgia. We enjoyed ourselves tremendously. Only negative was the popcorn was a bit too salty but that was minor. Give this place a try. Be careful though and look at the start time for your movie not times write other places. 8:00 is not correct.

An urban drive-​in is a great idea. We got there early and got a good place next to one of the speakers. It’s a very «Austin» place, and those places are quickly becoming all too rare in this town. The David Bowie tribute was a spectacular way to send off our great legend… or at lease, it might have been.
Staff at the front gate were condescending when we told them it was our first time. Not at all welcoming. Concessions were great except they were out of some things, which is a little weird considering we were some of the first people there that night. Must applaud the low concessions prices, though.
The David Bowie tribute (first showing) was showing Labyrinth and The Hunger with a music video tribute at the beginning. It was going great until the group beside us became very intoxicated; they talked in loud voices to the point where we could hear them over the stereo system in the car. We turned the speakers up to drown them out, but the people behind us had turned their car backwards to watch from the hatchback, and they were not as fortunate as us. This group ruined the music video tribute and used the flashes on their phones to take pictures through Labyrinth; talked loudly to each other (at least five of them stumbling and slurring their speech and clearly intoxicated in public); they got up and reeled drunkenly in front of the screen on the lawn (trying to dance to «As The World Falls Down» is pretty hard when the ground won’t stay still), which was distracting and rude. We would not have been able to leave before The Hunger if that group had not already driven off several groups behind us. No staff ever came to speak to them despite the fact that there were several staff members walking the grounds. You could smell the liquor as you walked by them. I doubt staff didn’t know how drunk and disorderly they were.
I don’t think it is acceptable to be allowed to be that drunk at a tribute show. It ruined the entire experience, and they should not have been allowed to bring that much alcohol into the drive-​in. There should be a limit on how much alcohol you can bring in, or at least on what kind. I won’t tell anyone they can’t drink at a movie, but I don’t think some standards would be that hard to enforce. Despite the fact that the show was sold out, there were not that many large cars in the back. That group was very easy to spot. Vigilance on the part of staff is not just part of the job; it’s the right thing to do. Everyone in those two cars was drunk when they were there; I can only imagine how intoxicated they were when they drove away, in their cars, with open containers and children sleeping in the back seat. That kind of intoxication is a huge liability that could have been prevented by responsible staff and an alcohol limit.
All an all an excellent night could have been had. My sister spent a lot of money to see that show. Fortunately, with so many people leaving early to get away from the drunk people, we were able to leave without inconvenience.
To be driven off after a terrible experience when we were there to pay tribute and homage to the world’s greatest artist is unacceptable and I very much doubt we’ll be making this same mistake again.

This is a fun place to go for a date night or the entire family. Despite some notable disappointments but overall we liked it and will be back.
Pros: Retro, quirky theme, campy movies, concessions available or bring your own and a few LoneStars or Shiners in a cooler if you like. The two Portajohns were clean and handwashing stations available.
Cons: Concessions staff somewhat disinterested, no carhops available despite being advertised, may not want the kiddos to smell the marijuana smoke wafting from a nearby vehicle like we did.

This is one of my favorite places in Austin. The staff is always amazing. They’re so helpful, and so nice. I love the throw back speakers. It’s always the got to date spot for my boyfriend and I. Last week I threw a surprise birthday party for him there, and he loved it. Can’t say enough awesome things about this place.

This was such an awesome experience! Tickets were easy to acquire online, prices were totally affordable for a drive-​in, and the BYO food + drink ability is great! Some people here are complaining about the concession prices but 1. have they been to a real movie theatre in this century (?!?), 2. with BYO possibility, it’s not your only food option, 3. it probably pays for part of the payroll, so oh well! Staff were super awesome, and will definitely return!

The sun was setting under an amazing orange and purple sky. A huge, surreal rainbow appeared. As I poured myself a drink, I casually looked over at my girlfriend. The smile on her face said everything I needed to know. This was a good place, to spend a good evening.
I will admit, and I have, that last night I was not in the mood to go anywhere. See anyone. Do anything. Yet, I did. And I am grateful. This place takes me back to north Texas. My dad’s ’57 Chevy. Sub par concession stand food. Playing catch in the parking lot with my little brother till the movie started. I am hooked. This is how you get me to come back to your establishent. make it easy. Make it simple. And do it right.
I’ve seen The Goonies thousands of times. I will remember this time, most vividly.

How fun is this place?
I went with my guy to see the Clash of the Titans and River Gwangi double feature during Fantasy Fest. As another reviewer mentioned, there is not a ton of signage leading to the drive-​in so keep your eyes peeled (we almost missed it).
I did have an expired Groupon, and was able to use that credit so it was only $ 7 for us to watch in our car for a double feature :) The one star deduction I have is for price, I think its a bit pricey for a car at full price. In the future, I’ll just bring a blanket or chairs if I dont have a coupon.
That said, the staff we interacted with were very cool. It’s a nice secluded little venue that made me feel like we were not in the city anymore. Sound was good… we opted to use the old-​timey speakers in the car window and our own radio and had no issues. We went on a Tuesday night so it was was not crowded and we got great parking. No comment on concessions (I know they at least have popcorn) since we packed a cooler full of snacks.
Another drive in bonus: no sneaking contraband snacks in my purse!

I usually don’t write reviews but had such a good time I had to. This was my first time going to Blue starlite. And I have to say, I’m impressed. It wasn’t really that hard to find just don’t expect huge signs guiding you to the lot. SUPER friendly and helpful staff. They show you where to park and everything.
We went and saw a double feature, had East Side Pies deliver right to our car and there was a karaōke contest before the films and I saw 2 people get 2 free trips back to Blue starlight just for participating! They even had this amazing Harry Potter «butter beer».
The only reason it didn’t get 5 stars is the high food prices at concession for honestly not great food and high ticket prices if you bring a car. Also we showed up and a package we reserved and paid for wasn’t showing up but luckily saved our tickets on phone and the guy was cool as hell about it. I recommend you save all your tickets and bring them just in case.

Blue Starlite was such a wonderful oasis such a low time.
I moved to Austin completely sight-​unseen and KNEW there had to be something else out there other than awesome food. Because my waistline was starting to see the effects of the unlimited supply of breakfast tacos, lunch tacos, $ 2 Tuesday tacos, snack tacos, dessert tacos. If you cut me open, I’d bleed tacos.
Austin’s great. Don’t get me wrong. I love the epicurean adventures I set forth in Austin. But sometimes, you just need to do something other than stuff your face and sip $ 11 cocktails.
So, in swoops Blue Starlite. As Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest groupie, (if that’s actually a thing) I saw they were playing a double feature one evening. Non negotiable, I was going.
The theatre is tucked away off of Mueller and though I’ve been here a handful of times, I almost miss the turn in every time. I feel like this may be part of the charm. A treasure off of the beaten path.
Blue Starlite’s staff has always been courteous and helpful. You can tell they totally buy into the urban, trendiness of this unique spot.
They always have such awesome selections. Just over the Christmas holiday, we gathered up my friends for my birthday and cuddled in the bed of my friend’s truck with cheese, beer, homemade popcorn and a little bit of Die Hard. Anyone who doesn’t believe Die Hard is a fantabulous Christmas movie can go kick rocks.
If I could make a recommendation, don’t expect to cozy up during one of their summer showings. We all know Texas heat is borderline offensive and it doesn’t ease up along with the setting sun. So, imagine. You’ve got your car off, windows down and Janet Leigh cruising down the west coast highway on the big screen during Psycho and all you can do is wipe the sweat off your brow. Not because this is the intense part of Psycho where she is running away with the money in the rain, but because there is no air flow. It can get a little miserable in the summer time watching movies at the drive in.
Pack a travel fan and post it on your dash, perhaps.
Other than that, I highly recommend this place.
You can actually reserve it for a private event, which is kind of sort of amazing and the best present anyone could give me (hint, hint).

If you haven’t already done so, you should go to the very-​cool-​but-​difficult-​to-​find Blue Starlite. And that kind of says it all.
Among the pluses, I would rate the insanely cheap tickets for the pedestrian/​bike area ($ 5 for what’s usually a double feature? Really?), the great selection of vintage horror (e.g. the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Shining) and camp horror (Army of Darkness, Monster Squad) during October, and a nice mix of classic family (Labyrinth, Princess Bride) and grownup stuff the rest of the time. The bring-​your-​own policy for food and booze is fantastic for your grad-​student-​or-​working-​stiff wallet. You can also park outside the viewing area and pay the walk-​in price, which is amazingly convenient and accommodating of them.
As for the screen, it’s a giant inflatable with good viewing quality on which you get to watch vintage drive-​in era commercials and original theatrical trailers before and after movies. The only bummer here is that the sound can be marginal at the periphery of the pedestrian area.
The staff are friendly and knowledgeable (it’s a small, probably owner-​operated outfit), although the unusual ticket purchasing procedures (everyone buys a general admission ticket and then vehicles are extra) along with frequent Groupon users mean that the one person manning the ticket line can get backed up while explaining things to confused drivers, delaying entries and holding up the start time. It’s a minor annoyance, but one that seems like it could easily be rectified.
On the downside, the place is difficult to find, and if they can ever afford to, they really need to put in an electric sign on a pole to guide people there from 51^st St. The lot itself is not lit at all, so pedestrians and cyclists are essentially wandering through 200 yards of inky blackness on the way to and from the screening area. Some reflector lights might go a long way. The port-​o-​potties could probably use more regular servicing (pee-​yew!).
Also, I know a concessions truck can’t please everyone, but a veggie dog option instead of just meat would make me buy your not-​entirely-​cheap offerings, Blue Starlite. Just sayin’. I’ll even let you now when we’re coming so that you can stock up.
Misc info: pedestrians should bring insect repellant – it gets buggy.

Note: Seasonal closing is from July 27 until August 29.
I found out they were showing 2001: A Space Odyssey on their last night before closing down for the season so I grabbed my puppy, a blanket and pillow and said lets go enjoy ourselves with a long trippy movie. It is not hard to find at all arriving from I-​35. You will need to go East on 51^st all the way to the water tower. Turn right before the tower itself and follow the signs. The price is a little steep if you are going alone. or with your dog, but the experience was awesome. It was $ 20 for a car and that is good for 2 people if I am not mistaken. $ 5 per additional person after that. Their website is really good at explaining the current fees and feature presentations.
The last time I had gone to a drive in was in my hometown in South Texas when I was probably 5. It felt so cool to park my truck in reverse, lower the tailgate and make myself comfy with some beverages I brought from home. You just turn your radio to FM 94.1 and set the volume. The screen is big enough that you really don’t feel like you are missing out if you are towards the last lines of vehicles. I opted to have my truck with the other vehicles rather than pay only $ 10 for parking towards the side and then using the area in front of the screen whether on lawn chairs or a blanket. They are pretty cool about letting you move your vehicle around a bit until you get an unobstructed view. I didn’t partake in their snacks or drinks since I brought my own and that is a great thing about a drive-​in. Bring whatever you like. Some have complained about the stuff sold there, but that is their own fault for wanting to treat it like a regular theater that serves you everything. Bring it. The HEB is like 2 minutes away. They even have a great café with hot food there. No need to cry about what this place offers or doesn’t offer. I did need a cup and although they had no ice they could offer, they happily gave me a cup. There are 2 port a potties there that people can use. One for men and one for women. Fairly clean if you ask me. All in all, I had a great time, even with the crazy Kubric film I chose to go watch. :) I can’t wait for them to reopen again in a couple of months. I shall make them a regular spot.
Oh, and if you run out of juice while leaving your radio on, they will give you a boost. Gotta love that!

Dear Frank,
You are the Master of all masters of drive in parking ! Thank you for positioning each car so that no matter the space, everyone could see the full screen. Thank you also for pushing the car with a dead battery out of the drive in, jumping it so not disturb the Breakfast Club. Thought it may be a little too warm but the breeze was perfect– Master Frank, did you have something to do with this, too? Austin’s lucky to have this movie revival!
Best,
Just another 80s movie fan

Expensive.
Abysmal signage directing you towards the lot.
Expensive.
Not very attractive grounds.
Expensive.
Honestly…not worth it.
But in full disclosure… I have been spoiled by an AMAZING drive-​In-​theatre in Ennis, TX… that, makes any competition impossible.
But I really am not that impressed by the parking situation, the exorbitant prices, and the mediocre food options.
Meh — not really worth it in my book.

I always lamented that Drive-​in theaters went out of style when I got a driver’s license. While Blue Starlight is not what I envisioned (because, really-it’s hard to replace 50’s cars with modern cars in my mind’s eye), it’s still a great time. The couple times I’ve been we used the in-​car radio options, and the sound was perfect-​in fact, I recommend this way because behind the screen is a field which in the summer has lots of mosquitos. (Also not something I envisioned from faux nostalgia)
The concessions are kinda eh, but it’s not a bad way to go if you want to have the experience. The fact that they don’t care if you bring your own food more than makes up for this.
Last year we rented the theater for a friend’s surprise birthday. It was a fantastic time, a and the staff were amazingly accommodating for a private event. If you have the means, I recommend it.

I came here for a Lexus winter event to watch «A Christmas Story.» To get there, if you’re entering a gated strip of warehouses then you’re in the right place. Keep driving and you’ll see a huge blow up screen. The staff will direct you on where to park.
I personally love outdoor movie theaters and being able to watch old classic movies is rare nowadays. There is a radio fm channel to tune in for the audio. Some people prefer to sit outside of their cars (they have a front area with tables/​chairs). The food stand just sells pre-​packaged snacks, so feel free to bring your own food. If you need to use the restroom, there are porta potties in the back.
Advice: Start your car every now and then for a minute to keep your battery from dying. If your car headlights automatically turn on when you start the car, please don’t leave your car on throughout the entire movie… for other people’s sake.

.awesome!!! A fantastic place for a date. I brought my boyfriend here to see Alien and Aliens double feature. This place has concessions and restrooms (porta-​potty style). The movie screen is cool, huge, and in the middle of a big field.
Also, funny story: we were waiting outside a locked gate at the entrance for a really really long time. It was about 15 minutes before the movie. My date said he would just crawl under the fence and see what’s going on… So he did. :) The staff didn’t realize the gate was locked and said they had unlocked it hours ago and someone else must have locked it back up. They then let us and the long line of cars behind us inside. Everyone complimented him on his bad-​assery (cause he saved the day, of course) and we got free starbursts!
Now back to the review– I would definitely recommend this place! And they have a groupon right now for walk-​in tickets and you can get a car slot upgrade off the website. :D

Got to check out Starlite’s new digs last weekend at a private charity event. That’s how I fight cancer, btw, by going to the drive in and/​or shooting big guns, thanks to the fundraising genius of Karen B. It’s a tough fight, but I’m up to it. And, while I loved the feeling of having the drive in all to myself, I woulda liked to have seen more folks out there fighting cancer… not mentioning names but cougheveryonereadingthisbutMelissaAandHeatherFcough…
Guilt trip aside, I’m on the fence about this new place. It’s difficult to find first off. The actual address will lead you into the Austin Movie Studios lot but you gotta go a bit farther east on 51^st and turn in right before the water tower. There are fancy handmade poster signs to lead the way.
Second, as Melissa A said upon arrival, it’s like «surface of the moon» desolate. Just a massive concrete parking lot with an inflatable screen popping up like the monolith in «2001 Space Odyssey». It’s fairly desolate, esp with a small crowd, ahem. I don’t know if it was because this was a smaller private event, but the other location had some funky cute vintage airline seats and airplane/​truck kiddie seats (not to mention actual indoor bathrooms). This one has nothing but the old time speakers and on this evening one food truck and another Starlite concession truck. I would love to see this place with more food trucks and fun decoration. These days, anybody can put up an inflatable screen. They do it at the pools, parks and trailers around town. I don’t see how Blue Starlite can compete without some Austin weird and some food.
On the up side, I had a great time here. We had us a gorgeous sunset, unencumbered by trees and buildings, and a nice light breeze followed by a full moon, filling me with good feelings of nostalgia and the desire to get nekkid, but maybe that’s just me. A breeze and full moon always has that affect on me… add wine and… maybe I was a werewolf in another life.
I’ll have to return here on a «regular» nite to see if it’s any different, or better yet, rent it out for a private clothing optional viewing… maybe of The Howling. Anybody got more cancer to fight???

I’ve been here a couple times and the drive-​in experience is really nice. It’s different from a normal movie but that’s nice. Last time we brought our own pizza and drinks and ice cream which was a lot of fun.
The biggest downside of the drive in is that we had to bring our own food because the concession stand has so much wasted potential. We’re in a city full of food trailers making really awesome food in small spaces but they only manage to fit a microwave in their trailer. For example, they have pre-​packaged soft pretzels (warmed in the microwave) and nachos (with a sealed plastic cup of cheese, also warmed in the microwave). That’s really tragic, if you ask me. I would love to buy some awesome, fattening, super unhealthy home made goodies from a food truck but as long as they’re just reheating frozen food from Costco I’ll have to keep bringing my own.

This is so much fun! I went to Blue Starlite when it used to be on the east side and yesterday was the first time I went to the new location on 51^st. My friends and I missed it because the sign for it was ITTYY BITTYY but we found it and all was good! We went to the independence day showing of well. Independence Day! It was pretty crowded but we still had an awesome view of the screen. Definitely arrive at least 35 minutes before the show in case you have to wait in a long car line. When it’s busy, it takes awhile to park. Soo much funn sitting out the back of my Jeep. I saw tons of families and groups of people in their 20s and 30s.
I love that it’s BYOB so you don’t have to worry about spending a ton of money. going to the movie with a group of friends or I imagine, a family of 4, can be expensive! They do have a cute trailer that provides popcorn and hamburgers and hot dogs.
It was the perfect atmosphere for the 4^th of July. we even got perfect viewings of all the firework festivities going on DT!
can’t wait to do it again!

I remember when I was knee high to a corgi puppy going to a drive-​in movie with my parents in the ‘80s (this was like, decades before any Twilight movies were made), but the details are fuzzy. For the life of me I can’t remember what we watched, how many fights I got into with my siblings, or how bad my father’s flatulence made me want to run into the darkness of night. Did I have a good time? No idea… my brain is old and slow at this stage in life, so I had to create new memories here at Blue Starlight.
In yet another example of why I love this city, some bootstrappers decided to revive this form of enjoyment from yesteryear for all to enjoy. Located at the old airport in the middle of nowhere, you’ll find some blue twinkling lights, a trailer that doubles as a concession stand, and a blow up screen that looks as though it was purchased on Sky Mall. Hey, it does the trick. For my particular screening, the movie of choice was Night Of The Living Dead. Instead of the pull-​up speakers that you’d traditionally place inside your car, you’re prompted to tune into a radio station (94.1fm), and you can hear the movie through your own car’s speakers. Awesome.
Overall, a super cool, nostalgic experience. It’s a bit pricey for two people ($ 35), but it comes with Raisonettes and a bag of buttery popcorn… so I suppose it’s no more expensive than going to an actual theater these days.