The theatre itself is fine and is a nice place to watch an independent film - the seats are comfortable and it's nice to not have to sit through commercials (they only show one trailer and no corporate ads). But when we asked for a cup of tap water at the concession stand, the staff person wouldn't give us one, when we asked why, he said they "have a strict inventory for paper cups." I responded that it is the cheapest policy I've ever heard of. He proceeded to joke about our request for tap water. Unfortunately, their lack of customer service is what we will remember about the theatre.
Now operated by a new, non-profit contractor under the auspices of Princeton University, this two-screen cinema now presents a hybrid of independent and foreign cinema, mainstream cinema with an artsier blend, and curated classics. The lobby and concessions (including good fresh popcorn) are much improved. A welcome change!
Name a "something special" local movie theatre - hard, isn't it? Perfectly satisfactory run of movies, but nothing extraordinary.
great prices, cozy and old-fashioned. they always have a fun, different film playing rather than just the mainstream. it's not fancy, but is clean and gets the job done.
This is the opposite of a multiplex theatre. It is small, only a couple of features are playing at any time. And these are the best new films available. Good coffee from a local roaster is available. The crowd is quiet and respectful, a mix of students from the university and older people. It feels almost like going to a play.
If you are downtown Princeton, for example, at the University, you can walk to the Garden Theatre. By today's standards, its a small town theatre having only two screens.
So enjoyed seeing Gone Girl at the Princeton Garden Theater. Loved the feeling of "community" with the others in the audience before and during the movie. None of the fancy bells & whistles of the giant, impersonal multiplexes but who needs those anyway! And, they have GREAT POPCORN with REAL BUTTER!!
Quaint...convenient. No off-street parking but there are plenty of side streets and several lots in Princeton...
This place has a history. The history starts with the building next to it "Bainbridge House". The old doctor who lived there when "Washington came to town" days, would invite the traveling productions to stop and stay in his home. The price, of course was to put on the play that night. Hence the name of the theater became the "Garden". It was a perfect location to build a movie theater later. So when you enter the little theater on the corner of Nassau street, enjoy the history as well.
Always love going to this theatre. It shows first run movies as well as indies. Seating is stadium, but seats could use updating. Plenty of parking nearby and concession prices are quite reasonable.