Bridgewater Commons — Attraction in Bridgewater Township

Commons 7 opened in 2010 with its new fork and screen format. The first thing anyone should know is the bill can get high very quickly. There are still ways to keep it reasonable. [1st. to get a ticket and not have them automatically charge you non-refundable credits to use to purchase food, you must purchase your ticket from the person at the customer service desk, not the automated kiosk. You must specify you want the tickets only and not the experience. Don't worry, you can still order from the server, the point is that you're not locked into spending a minimum on their food. Stay firm, as they may some line to guilt you for buying only the ticket.] They may have changed this since first opening, I have not tried to use the automated ticket booth since the last time I went there was only one working, and there was a line to use it. 2nd many menu items either have cheese, are a fried foods, or are dessert. Even the salads come with fried chicken, not grilled. This may cause you to feel weighed down. You may also not feel full after eating in the dark, as you don't see the food go in your mouth. 3rd. the classic items like popcorn don't seem to be listed on every menu, but they're there, and can still be ordered. I have only seen popcorn served as one size on a plate, but this could change too. 4th the rewards program is no longer free, you need to buy a subscription to join the program. It's not worth it if you see less than 5 movies a year. 5th to keep it cheap understand the price increases at noon and at 4pm - try to go when the tickets cost less. Friday - Sunday have a different pricing setup than the weekdays. However, in going early, you will have more kids in the theater, if you don't want to see a show with kids they have a policy: no kids in R movies after 6pm. 6th This theater is not for a group outing, due to the large seats it will be hard to talk to anyone except the person directly next to you. 7th The food tray slides out over your lap, however some theater seem to have poor lighting for the food, some may even have the little food lights washing out some of the bottom of the screen. Make sure to report this to your server and the manager if you see this. Personally, I always cover my chair's light with the menu or my jacket. 8th If you don't order food, be prepared it is likely you'll be smelling food from the person next to you and hearing their cutlery. 9th We once used the button to call the server, and had to wait over 19 minutes to get service. I once had a rewards program coupon for a free popcorn and didn't get it until 40 minutes through the movie, even though the coupon was given when we sat down 10 min before the show started. It was served salted and without butter topping... very dry. This was also the first time we saw the server after she checked our tickets. The seats are nice and big, so if you're a large person, this may be the location for you. If your a mother taking her kids to a show, such plush things like the seats may be wasted on kids who don't care. But, then perhaps you're a mom who needs a martini or bloody mary break while the kids watch a show. They have a full bar and wait staff if that interests you. I've enjoyed the times I've gone there. I have said these things so everyone can go enjoy themselves without getting certain disappointments. Lastly, I did send my comment about the menu limitations to AMC corp., their response was - so what should we put on it? I could tell them, but then why do they staff chef's, not the ones who cook the food, but corporate chefs who get big money to plan menus. Still, I will say here a lot could be done with some simple changes like grilled instead of fried, and vinaigrette or extra virgin olive oil instead of heavy cheese sauce. (It is worth noting they do offer a side salad instead of fries for a slight up charge.) But in the end, with all the restaurant options in the area now, I have no problem waiting till after the...

I'm totally surprised I'm the first to review my childhood mall where I literally spent so much time over 30y. Whether as a teenager or a young adult living locally still or a moved out (to 65mi away) adult visiting my folks, this mall has evolved through all the eras of my life, the economy, and retailer's customers' tastes. The wide range of food, retail, services, and community needs served here (primarily events such as holidays and the popular morning walk program) are

During COVID, in my 2 visits here since its start, there is an eerie profound silence and inactivity which reminds me of so many YouTubes of waning malls though I note the Commons is far from waning and hopefully only temporarily suffering. It almost feels like the majority of people are staff and workers here tending to a mostly quiet day which incurs emotions from wistfulness to nostalgia to worry to elation at the spaciousness. The reliable NJ Transit bus to/from NYC PABT sits there forlorn and driverless as usual which takes more poetic merit now-a-days. The parking lots where so many energetic families, especially mothers on weekdays, formerly unloaded kids are now exceedingly available. The mall security guard in his/her usual Ford Escape is more bored and lonely than ever. The doors which have seen so many generations pass are now cleaner than ever as they sit too quietly. It's a very emotional experience to behold.

Going through, I've recently visited the Apple Store mostly and they've one of the longest lines (due to appointment only and capacity restrictions and higher demand on remote work hardware) of any store. I wrote their review up separately. The foot traffic is very light, primarily folks quickly making their way to their needed deeds only without wandering and loitering, but the spaciousness is more concerning than enjoyable. After such focused, worried time inside, I have to wonder what has happened to life so preciously enjoyed in these spaces for so many decades.

I am so happy to see their retail mix adapt to the current era where there is more urgent care, ad-hoc healthcare, online-affiliated retail (experiential over distribution), services (telecom and such), branding retail (Lego store being an early entrant), etc. I remember when I first moved away almost a decade ago, the Commons made radical significant edits to their retail mix away from the classic staid tenants and emphasized a new wave of such retail which pays off especially today when demand is so precious.

The interior is the historic classic Commons style of light grey tone tile and thin steel ecoutrements, much a precursor to so many Simon-managed properties (Simon took over some 2 decades ago, early in their US mega-expansion), and I'm happy they've maintained it so well as to look still new amazingly after 30y. Salud to all the designers, maintenance staff, and admin who make this happen thanklessly.

In closing, it's a superb mall, come and have a great time, support our local businesses for many are locally owned franchises on which many depend despite flagged as major...

Bridgewater Commons is a premier shopping destination in Central New Jersey, offering a diverse mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Conveniently located at 400 Commons Way in Bridgewater, this three-level, fully enclosed mall has been serving the community since its opening in 1988. 

Retail Experience:

With over 150 stores, Bridgewater Commons caters to a wide range of shopping preferences. Anchored by Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, the mall features popular retailers such as Apple, Lululemon, Uniqlo, and Sephora . The variety of stores ensures that shoppers can find everything from high-end fashion to everyday essentials. 

Dining and Entertainment:

The mall’s dining options are equally impressive. The food court offers a selection of quick bites, while sit-down restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and California Pizza Kitchen provide full-service dining experiences. For entertainment, the AMC dine-in theater allows guests to enjoy the latest movies with the convenience of in-seat dining. 

The Village at Bridgewater Commons:

Adjacent to the main mall is The Village at Bridgewater Commons, an open-air lifestyle center that complements the indoor shopping experience. This area includes additional dining options, boutique shops, and services, enhancing the overall appeal of the complex . 

Recent Developments:

In recent years, Bridgewater Commons has undergone significant changes to adapt to the evolving retail landscape. The mall was acquired by Pacific Retail Capital Partners in 2023, with plans to revitalize the property into a vibrant mixed-use destination . New additions like the Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão, which opened in June 2024, reflect the mall’s commitment to offering diverse experiences . 

Accessibility and Amenities:

Bridgewater Commons is easily accessible via major highways and offers ample parking, including a three-story garage. Public transportation options are available through NJ Transit bus routes 65 and 114 . The mall maintains a clean and welcoming environment, with friendly staff and well-maintained facilities .  

Conclusion:

Bridgewater Commons continues to be a cornerstone of shopping and entertainment in Central New Jersey. Its blend of traditional retail, diverse dining options, and modern amenities make it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. As the mall evolves to meet contemporary demands, it remains a testament to enduring quality and...