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Enzian Theater
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- No
33 reviews for Enzian Theater
This place is awesome!
You want to see a classic or independent film...go to Enzian! You want a nice, peaceful beer outside...go to Enzian! You want to check out a movie on the big screen in the park...count on Enzian!
I have been seeing movies at this awesome JEM of a place for the past 3 years. For anyone who loves great movies in an intimate setting, this is your place! They have couches, tables, comfy chairs and they serve you! Their food is awesome and they have a FULL bar! The pricing is great for the entertainment.
Recently they added an outside bar called "Eden Bar" and let me tell you what a phenomenal addition this has been. If you want to catch a drink or have dinner before the movie, this is perfect! They have garden seating along with bar seating. Their servers are awesome and so friendly!
Their food is tasty and they also carry CIDER which is my favorite since I don't like beer!! Not many places accommodate for this!
They are AMAZING hosts of the Florida Film Festival and also host Orlando Magic watch parties outside for the finals...SO FUN!
I would recommend everyone try out the Enzian at least once. It's my go-to movie place as well as sunday chill area ;o)
Dinner and a movie. Enzian Theater serves up a classic combination in a not-so traditional way.
Admittedly, I had a lot of questions when driving out to Maitland for dinner and a movie at the Enzian Theater.
How can I enjoy a movie while servers roam the theater? What will seating be like? How can we all see the screen if the room is composed of a bunch of tables? The movies are not first-run films. Will the movie be any good?
The fact is, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and can't wait to return.
Upon arrival (half an hour early), I spoke briefly with the young boy sitting at the ticket window. I told him we had our tickets already (bought them online). His response was polite, but not very clear for someone who had never been to the Enzian. He said, "Wait there (pointed to a closed door) and they will open the doors in about ten minutes."
Turns out, those closed doors lead to another set of doors (the doors that were previously referenced) where ticket holders get in line to claim their seats. I quickly learned this is important. If the theater is full, you'll appreciate first dibs at selecting a seat, table or sofa.
The theater itself is breathtaking... in two ways.
First, it's a beautiful theater with red, cushioned sofas and the feel of nostalgia. I immediately felt the age and was overwhelmed with the respect a theater like this deserves. I had a great appreciation for the team of folks that kept this theater alive.
Second, the smell took my breath away. Though smoking is no longer allowed in the theater, the days of smoking to pass the time has left its mark with a stale smell that has permeated the walls, the seats, the wood and fabric. If you're sensitive to the smell of cigarettes, don't let this deter you. As soon as food orders begin making their way to the kitchen, the smells of popcorn and dinner quickly take over while the stale smell of cigarettes disappears.
My guest and I chose a short cocktail table with two cushioned arm chairs on the third level. On the second level were more tables similar to ours seating two to six people. The first level, closest to the movie screen, featured red, cushioned sofas that looked terribly inviting and, had we not planned to have dinner, we might have partook. Behind us were traditional theater seats.
Because of the levels and the limited seating, every view of the screen is a great view.
Shortly after we took our seats, servers began roaming the theater taking food and drink orders. We started with popcorn, a must for any movie in my opinion. We were pleasantly surprised the theater offers an array of adult beverages, including one of my favorites - hard cider. My guest ordered the Ribeye Sandwich for dinner which proved to be an outstanding selection. I ordered the Jive Chicken Sandwich and, unfortunately, I would not recommend this one. It was severely seasoned with a rather odd mix of flavors and an abundance of what I think was rosemary. I wound up sharing the Ribeye Sandwich with my guest (still feel bad about that, but when he tasted my chicken, he insisted).
The servers were unobtrusive during the movie, an expertise I appreciated. In fact, I missed when the cookies even arrived. Suddenly, they were just there in front of me. Surprise!
Finally, the movie. I must commend the person who selects films that will show at the Enzian. I have never seen a foreign film with subtitles in a theater (versus at home on DVD), but I was thoroughly moved by the film and brought to tears, along with most of the theater patrons, at several points in the evening.
So yes, I found the drive to Enzian (about 30 minutes for my area of town), was definitely worth it and I would recommend it to anyone. Since seating is limited, purchase your tickets through the Enzian website and arrive early enough to get in line at those doors.
A Pro:
Movies are often selections from film festivals and you'll get to see them as they're intended to be viewed versus at home amongst distractions.
A Con:
The best route for me was toll roads that cost about $4.00 each way.
A Secret:
Order the warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. A MUST! Worth the price of admission, so to speak.
Don't let any elephants in while I'm away (ask, I'll explain).
--Doris
I have been to countless Independent theaters across the U.S. and I find the Enzian to be at the bottom of my go-to places. During my stay in Orlando I found myself going to the regal cinemas far more often to get my dose of Inde films. Regal plays smart as they are getting more involved with low budget releases. As for the theater itself, it is pleasant on the outside and fairly pathetic on the inside. The screen size is typical and the audio quality is sufficient, but the seating is discombobulated. I don't particularly enjoy sit-down and eat sandwiches and salad type of theaters and this further solidified my hatred for them. The tables and seats are crammed right next to each other. The waitress feels the need to hunch over and take meal orders right in front of me. It is best to make your way to the very back where nobody sits unless the theater sells out. I go there if, and only if, a film I want to watch can't be found anywhere in the state of Florida - which I will note how late this theater acquires new releases. I suppose people have no choice but to settle on this theater as it does resemble a unique art house - but that is all it has going for it.
I have been to this type of theatre before but Enzian executed this very well. The space is beautiful and I wish we had time for a drink at the Eden Bar before the movie. Instead, we found a plush couch inside and decided to order a pitcher of beer and a pizza. Both came fairly quickly and the pizza was by no means gourmet but I was still happy to be served pizza and beer while watching the movie!
I will definitely come back here next time I'm in the area.
Really nice experience, went there a couple of months ago. Very confortable seats, the waitress was very friendly, i order a bottle of wine it was really nice, the food wasn't that pleasant, i acutually couldn't finish my sandwich it was really bad...
Awesome place, my food was bad, but my friend had a pizza and she said it was good.
I'll go there again.
If anywhere in Orlando reminds me of San Francisco it is this place. FINALLY, a place that is up to par with the culture and 'to-do's of San Francisco! (can you tell I'm a bit of a San Fran snob, sorry) Come early, enjoy the drink specials at the outdoor bar before heading into the theatre.
Order your entire meal as soon as the server gets to you, as it takes a while for the food, but no worries, you will be so engrossed in the flick that you won't even realize you have been waiting. Be sure to get the Wonton Nachos. The best part is that they have a lot of 'healthy' food and tasty eats as well. Full bar outside, pretty good wine list inside.
I give this place my vote for awesome first date place!
This place is pretty cool. So many theaters have become big corporate behemoths that only show whatever will bring in the most people. Nice to see a theater showing other great movies as well. But lets get something straight from the get-go, Alamo Drafthouse this is not. Oh it wants to be. It would never admit it for it's far too pretentious, but you know it crys itself to sleep at night wishing it was as cool as the almighty Drafthouse chain.
That said, I dig the place. I think I would have liked it even more if I hadn't just a few days prior, been to an Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX. My only real complaint is that to get a good seat, you need to be a member and call ahead. You might get lucky and score a good seat if they aren't already reserved and you get there way early, but if it's a popular movie you're seeing, one that is only getting shown once, the type of showing that makes this theater so valuable, then you really do need to be a member and that's not cheap.
If you are a member than you've got it made. They have good food and drink, everyone is friendly, and if you want to get hammered there's even a bar outside that looked quite nice. I didn't have time to sit and enjoy the warm evening and partake of some fine beverage but I'm going to make sure to allow some extra minutes next time.
Enzian also does movies in the park, film festivals, and God knows what else. Lots of cool stuff so check out their site or you'll miss out.
Ok...straight off...I've never really liked this place. It has always been too big for it's incredibly trendy britches. However, I do always try if I am in town to make it to their animation festivals and every so often they have a good documentary or something I will wander in to see. The food is decent but nothing you can't get at most pubs around town for a bit less money. Over all, this place survives because it's only vague competition is a more family friendly beer and a movie type place over in Winter Park.
Nothing to go out of the way for but every so often they will surprise you.
Awesome plantation-style building converted into an independent, non-profit(?) movie draft house. I love the plethora or trees hovering over and around this plot of land.
This is one of the few places where you can drink a beer or glass of wine, and enjoy some pretty good actual FOOD while watching an independent movie.
The menu items rotate/get swapped out on a regular basis. They would typically serve small pizzas, hummus plates, burgers, and lot's of appetizers.
Seating is very comfortable (padded, swivel chairs), and the tables you sit at are staggered, so most anywhere you are will give you a good view of the screen.
You can become a member ($$) which gives you rights to special screenings and the ability to reserve tables ahead of the crowd.
I would like to see more screens, so there isn't just one movie playing. But the building is cool enough that I let that slide...
The Enzian Theater combines two of my favorite things: fancy/independent films and glorious food. Oh, and I guess having a glass of wine or two to top the night off doesn't hurt, either. The first time I visited the Enzian was to see "Little Miss Sunshine" (this was before it's wider release, and Enzian was the only place around that had it).
The Enzian is not too pricey, and has some tasty flatbreads, among other things. They also feature a great selection of beer and wine. But what makes the Enzian Theater truly great is the films that are shown on it's screen. You just don't get these movies in theaters around Orlando. Generally you have to wait until it comes out on video, but the Enzian notices the great flicks as they are released. If you are a movie fan or just looking for a great date night, visit the Enzian.
I love this theatre.
With lots of different viewing options, it's a great place to go see that foreign or festival film you heard about but can't find anywhere else.
The only downside is the audience. Some people can't handle the relaxed seating and atmosphere. Noise sometimes ensues.
P.S.
Their food and drink is a little expensive.
I've always appreciated this little indie theater in my hood. It's a great alternative to the Winter Park Village "teen hangout" Regal Cinemas (although, no complaints about WP Village on Tuesdays as they give free popcorn for us Regal club card holder people). Anyways, the last time I was at the Enzian I was introducing my little sis to the theater. We had a wonderful time seeing the Wednesday afternoon matinee of Miss Petigrew Lives for a Day. We showed up a little late, and I think that it was the first week the movie came out, so we were stuck in the back. No biggie though. The server still came over to see if we wanted anything. We were absolutely starving so we ordered chicken nachos. Great stuff, but I swear the prices went up! Great selection of beers too. I believe that I was able to order an Alagash White at the time (bottle).
The Enzian also offers a Student Discount and watching a movie here is definitely cheaper than WP Village. You don't have to fight for parking here (where as parking SUCKS at the WP Village on any given night or weekend).
Anyways, this is a fantastic place to go with your friends or your honey for a bottle of wine, organic food (new items on the menu), beers or chicken nachos.
Oh, and to watch a movie : )
One of my favorite theaters in Orlando. I took my parents to see La Vie En Rose, and it was one of the few places that my parents and I both enjoy. The best time to go is during the Gay Orlando Film Festival, where you meet some fantastic people and they play some of the best movies.
It takes awhile for the food to come once you order it but it's delicious and well worth the wait once it comes.
This would be a great place for a date. You get the dinner and the movie all on one bill!! Nice atmosphere to get to know a new significant other and enjoy some good food.
I really like the idea of a dine-in theater. Enzian pulls it off pretty well, making the dinner experience and movie experience pretty seamless. If you're looking for an interesting date idea or just a fun night out, this is the way to go.
My only complaints: they only have one choice for the movie, and it's usually something I've never heard of, and the seats can be a little uncomfortable if the movie is especially long.
Just the fact that it's a unique concept is worth 3 stars in itself. Add to that the indie flicks that they show and the delicious food that they serve and you've got yourself a complete dinner-and-a-movie experience.
It might get a little distracting having people constantly walking around to take orders, serve, make sure everything's okay, take payments, etc., but you get used to it and as long as you don't let it get to you, you'll have a blast.
Sitting in the back of the theater can get a little troublesome and you might end up having to sit on the back of your chair instead because of all the heads in front of you blocking the screen. So just be careful of that.
For food, I've only tried their pizza and sorbet, and both extremely delicious. They recently added a bar just outside the theater and it's a good place to just hang out before or after a movie.
I love the Enzian for its support of films as art. It's a nonprofit, its the home of many festivals including the Florida Film Festival.
You can get dinner with your film, which is cool. Except that they serve during the film, which can be distracting.
But in the end, they are supporting independent cinema in a creative and kinda classy way. Often its the only outlet in the area where you can find some great, cutting-edge films.
One of Jamlando's best kept secrets. But it appears all of these yelpsters have let the cat out of the bag. :) Great movies. Best place to see any indie film worth watching. I've seen City of God, American Splendor, A very long engagement, and mirror mask here, just to give you a taste of its flava. Its best known for combining its great movies with great food and drink selection. You can down some Stellas or Black and Tans or have glass of wine or two. Which ever you prefer. Don't forget to come back when the film festival is in town.
The best theater in the Orlando area.
There are so many great things about the Enzian, that I don't even know where to begin. There's the amazing choices of films. There's the delicious cookies, cakes, appetizers, pizzas, and sandwiches. There's the selections of beers and wine. There's the beautiful decor, and the comfy pink couches. Most of all there's the feeling of community.
Every month they usually have at least one classic movie that only costs $5 to see. This is my favorite time to go.
I've been here twice: once to see Little Miss Sunshine and another time to see American Splendor. It's a great well-hidden Orlando treasure. I especially love the ability to eat during the movie. The typical movie theatre food you get anywhere is overpriced and they don't have any fitting food. The Enzian provides you with classy drinks and a meal to enjoy your movie with. The architecture is very nice and I love the interior. It feels very old school. This is a great place and I highly recommend it.
It's unfortunate that the Enzian only has one screen... that's part of the charm and fun of it, that you have to wait in anticipation for that indie movie you've been reading about for the last four months is FINALLY on the ONE SCREEN in the Orlando area who'll actually dare to play it. All the same, it'd be great if there was more of a choice, or perhaps, if some movies didn't have but a 7 day run because there's such a push to be able to screen the NEXT cool indie flick.
At any rate, the choices in films is discerning, and going to the Enzian is always a rather nice treat. The food's great, and the novelty of drinking and eating during a movie, outweighs the occasional annoyance of the waitstaff being perhaps too loud.
Unique, lovely cinema.
Food is actually quite good. Popcorn, nachos, burgers, salads... all delish.
I don't like waitresses clanging around during the movie - but honestly, they do a good enough job of staying quiet that I hardly mind. Plus - with copious pitchers of beer ... I mind even less.
The Enzian has its pros and its cons, but overall it carves out its own special niche in Orlando movie-going.
Beyond offering films that no corporate movie theatre chain would dare show, the Enzian offers food and drink service during each show. The prices are no more than what you would pay at another movie theatre (for movie tickets) or a casual restaurant (food). Also, the theatre is charming, and if you're outgoing enough, you could easily meet someone new at each viewing who is passionate about great film.
Things that stink: I don't know if the Enzian gets "rights" to certain movies, but there will be many indie films that don't make it to nearby Regal Winter Park Village because they are on the Enzian schedule, like, six weeks from now. Also, the food isn't all that great (sorry, other Yelpers), and since this theatre is the epicenter of the Florida Film Festival, there's a good chance you won't be able to get tickets to a show because it is smaller than the stadium-style theatres we're used to today.
Overall, though, the Enzian's charm and mission as a non-profit organization keep me going back week after week.
Enzian Theatre is located on South Orlando Avenue in Maitland across from Buca di Beppo and First Watch.
The Enzian is the Independent Cinema in greater Orlando, as it screens the best of foreign and independent films that no other theater would dare to screen.
It offers food and drinks which you can comfortably enjoy whilst sitting on couches and chairs. The place has a great vibe to it and makes an excellent setting for a first date, especially if you want to show the more cultured side of you.
I love coming to this place to catch good foreign films which you will rarely find playing anywhere else.
The theater offers membership which comes with its priveleges. It is also home to the Florida Film Festival and other similar festivals.
Three stars because the idea is one whose time has come, but is not yet realized across the US... otherwise, it would be a two-star place to eat and perhaps a two-star place to drink. The fact that they show a movie while you drink and nibble on nachos at tables is the extra star. As a movie theater, ehh... you'd probably have a better time in someone's living room.
-C
My favorite Orlando indie theater! Awesome food, decent beer selection (for Florida) and always great films! I saw Science of Sleep here for the first time... so many good memories.
If you're looking for a unique night out, why not combine two of the most common nights out-dinner and a movie- at the Enzian dinner theater. If you're a lover of foreign and indie films, this is definitely a place you should check out. I've been there a number of times, mostly for foreign films with subtitles (made sure to bring my glasses so I could see) and have thoroughly enjoyed each experience. The menu consists of small bites including cheeses and fruits, salads, pizza, sandwiches, coffees and teas, all sure to satisfy your appetite while you sit back, relax (preferably on one of their comfy couches toward the front of the theater) and enjoy the show. I truly recommend the Enzian for a great experience.
Four stars for something beyond formulaic in Orlando. This is a movie theatre combined with a restaurant--order some decent grub or a glass of wine or two and sit back in club chairs, sofas, or at a table to watch an indie movie. Very few places to catch movies like this in this part of the country, and perhaps none at all like this place. Not really serious gourmet food and the service process can be loud and intrusive, but it beats listening to people talk on cell phones in your normal multiplex. It would get five stars if the food were a tad better, they allowed for a seating before the show, perhaps with shorts & cartoons where most people could order, and if you could reserve a seat.
Everyone loves the Enzian, especially if you're into Indie flicks. I saw La Vie En Rose at this theater and loved it. Hearing the french and reading the subtitles just seemed to match the uniqueness of drinking wine and snacking while watching a movie. Plus, everyone sits in comfy swivel chairs and at tables instead of rows of fold-out seats. Definitely great for a movie night with a welcome twist!
I have been to countless Independent theaters across the U.S. and I find the Enzian to be at the bottom of my go-to places. During my stay in Orlando I found myself going to the regal cinemas far more often to get my dose of Inde films. Regal plays smart as they are getting more involved with low budget releases. As for the theater itself, it is pleasant on the outside and fairly pathetic on the inside. The screen size is typical and the audio quality is sufficient, but the seating is discombobulated. I don't particularly enjoy sit-down and eat sandwiches and salad type of theaters and this further solidified my hatred for them. The tables and seats are crammed right next to each other. The waitress feels the need to hunch over and take meal orders right in front of me. It is best to make your way to the very back where nobody sits unless the theater sells out. I go there if, and only if, a film I want to watch can't be found anywhere in the state of Florida - which I will note how late this theater acquires new releases. I suppose people have no choice but to settle on this theater as it does resemble a unique art house - but that is all it has going for it.
I LOVE the Enzian. My sisters and I are huge fans and go quite frequently. I think there is a lot of opportunity and potential for their food menu to be great. You can see the intended creativity. Have to admit I have travel quite a bit and been exposed to a lot of cultures and foods and always looked forward to the simple nachos that they used to have at Enzian. In an effort to be more creative they introduced nachos I simply can not eat. The only thing of much interest is the pizza with potatoes. I even sent an email to the chef at Enzian with feedback and never received the courtesy of a response. So much for being customer focused!
I was in Orlando for a few days on a business trip and was looking for something fun to do in the evening during the week and came across the Enzian Theater. The concept of a movie theater/restaurant is nothing new; in fact there is a similar theater less than two miles from my house in Colorado. I think what makes the Enzian Theater different is that it's not a "dollar theater" playing movies that have left the main stream theaters but aren't on DVD yet and their food doesn't taste like a heat-and-eat from the grocery store's frozen section. First off, I really like their location and the feel of the theater. It's off street surrounded with trees and bushes and a huge fountain on the deck so once you're there, you don't even see the street and feel like you've far away. The theater looks like an old Victorian home so it doesn't feel commercial which really adds to the experience. Everyone working there was super friendly and interested in you having a good time. I got there about 10 minutes before the show started, so had just enough time to order some dinner and tea before the lights went out. I loved that the tea was loose tea served in a French press, enough for two cups. I ordered the veggie burger, which was really, really good. I don't get that the price range for this place has been rated $31-60 per person here on Yelp. You'd have to order a TON of food to spend $30 for one person even including the movie ticket. The wait staff was very quiet during the movie and although I did notice them, it didn't detract too much from the movie. The only thing I can complain about was the seating. The chairs look really comfortable, but the depth and the angle of the chair back made it difficult to get comfortable and I actually had a back ache by the time the movie was over. I was there to see Persopolis, a great story (educational too) with a graphic novel feel about an Iranian girl growing up and discovering who she is. If you get a chance, go see Persopolis at the Enzian.
