Screening independent films and serving craft cocktails in a converted parking garage on Second Street, Violet Crown Cinema aims to fill a unique niche in the Austin community, management staff said.

For the past five years, Violet Crown has provided a space for local residents and film buffs to view and discuss independent, documentary, international and studio films while sampling a rotating artisanal food, beer, wine and cocktail menu.

The Austin-based movie theater added two out-of-state locations during the past year but still holds to its original mission of providing a curated film experience specific to the community in which it operates, said Mark Stowe, Violet Crown’s food and beverage director and former general manager.

“There wasn’t really a downtown theater [in Austin] showing arthouse or independent movies that weren’t campy or niche films,” Stowe said. “From the get-go it was designed to be this small, efficiently run, elevated movie experience.”

With four screens and 183 seats, the intimate screening rooms feature a section of reclining chairs and small stages where filmmakers can give presentations or entertain questions from moviegoers.

In addition to a carefully selected film schedule, the venue offers draft beer, cocktails named in honor of various movies and characters, an expanding menu with vegan and gluten-free options, and a lounge where guests can gather to discuss film theory or chat with a bartender about the latest independent title, Stowe said.

“We have a staff that is very supportive of what we do and what we offer. So they engage the customers in conversations about the films, especially if you’re sitting in our bar,” Violet Crown Programmer David Gil said. “They love to talk about movies, and they pretty much see anything that comes out anywhere.”

“You get some pretty hardcore film nerd conversations going on after the shows let out,” Stowe added. “Which is, I think, why we’re all here.”

Stowe said there are no immediate plans to expand Violet Crown beyond its current three locations, but said any evolution of the company will be in the interest of the communities it serves.

“We’re expanding and we’re a chain of sorts now, but it feels like every [Violet Crown location] is the first one; nothing has been cookie-cutter.”

Food and Beverage Director Mark Stowe said Violet Crown provides an intimate moviegoing experience.[/caption]

Menu favorites

Avocado Spring Roll: spinach, cilantro, vermicelli, shredded carrots, cucumbers; served with housemade peanut sauce and sriracha ($8)

Brussels sprouts: lightly fried sprouts with garlic, red onion and apple cider vinegar reduction sauce ($8)

Violet Crown features four film screening rooms in a converted parking garage. The Second Street movie theater shows independent, documentary, international and studio films.[/caption]

Coming soon

“Sing Street” opens April 29 A boy growing up in Dublin during the 1980s escapes his strained family life by starting a band and moving to London.

“A Bigger Splash” opening TBD The vacation of a famous rock star and a filmmaker is disrupted by the unexpected visit of an old friend and his daughter.