Cinema goes the distance with providing film fans with a full-service menu of munchies, beer and wine selections.

by Contributor

In Short
Think of it as the ultimate way to veg out. In a theater that resembles a house rather than a 12-screen megaplex, movie-goers cozy up on comfy couches and roll-away chairs to catch a first-run flick on the big screen for a fun cinematic experience. As the city's only alternative non-profit cinema, the venue campions the idea that "Film is Art" and runs a variety of special events along with showcasing classic and independent films. There's no obligation to order, but there is also an eclectic menu and a modest beer and wine list.

02/10/05

Relaxing and Distinct

by mattt87

Independant films and a craving for something different is your reason to go to the Enzian Theater. Munch on some light food, sip a glass of wine, and open your mind to films you most likely will not see anywhere else.

If you want food and wine delivered to you while lounging in comfortable seating--while watching a movie on the big screen... you're going to have to deal with servers walking through.

Luckily, these aren't action movies, folks, and the stories unfolding on the screen in front of you will keep you captivated far more than an occasional head bobbing through the audience.

Compared to a mega-plex, I've never yet heard a screaming child, or an audience member talking on a phone or AT the screen here.

• Pros: Rarer Films, Comfy Seating, Table Service
• Cons: arrive early, parking limited, few show times

01/10/05

So cool!

by elplastico

I went solely to see a movie that wasn't playing up here in St. Augustine or Jacksonville.

The couch my friend and I sat at was comfortable, food was good (eating a BBQ sandwich during a movie was a silly idea - drippy, and I had a coffee table, rather than a regular table - several tables, though), the dessert was excellent. Our server was very sweet, and we talked with her about the movies she was looking forward to and about the chef before the film. Both my friend and I had a great time, and I came back two days later with more friends. If you're worried about not having people in the way, get there early, at least a half hour before the show so you can get a good pick to see. I would suggest a couch, they're down in front, but you're totally unobstructed.

• Pros: atmosphere, food, staff

12/03/02

Horrible!

by RushmoreYankee68

I don't understand why people order pizza, sandwiches, etc during the movies. All that noises, interruptions, distractions, etc. I ordered one drink & the waiter interrupted me to gather my money during the climax of the movie. Waiters kept going back & forth during the entire movie. Irritating! What is the whole point of going to the movies if you spend most of the time ordering, eating, paying the check, etc? Plus all the distractions from others. When the door opened, people ran like greedy kids to get their tables since non-members couldn't reserve the table in advance. Like a private club - that means attitude & pretentiousness. Too bad, a small independent film theater gives the multi-plexes a much better name.

• Pros: Film selections
• Cons: Distractions, Noises, Horrible seating

06/13/02

Enzian Sucks it Big

by ppancreas

The seating is horrid: heads in the way everywhere. The food is overpriced and the popcorn was stale. Some movies are great, but most are just class B. Parking is a nightmare becaues there is never enough spots. Only go if you're looking for something different. Different it is, but great it's not.

• Pros: fountain, air conditioning
• Cons: expensive, no parking, bad movies

05/29/02

NY, LA, San Fran: Meet Enzian!

by danbray

The Enzian deserves to be compared to the better alternative movie houses in the country, due to its careful selection of independant films and that it's home to the 8th ranked film festival in the world. A much needed and hip improvement, the new tables and club chairs throughout are quite comfortable. A well-rounded menu of sandwhiches, light bites and pasta dishes along w/ beer and wine. I go about 3-5 times a month, and the only gripe is that some of the servers are consistently rude and loud, which is distracting while trying to watch a movie.

• Pros: multi-level seating, club chairs & tables, great food selection
• Cons: loud-talking servers, slow food service, at times rude service