Enzian Theater — Attraction in Maitland

Looks like I originally reviewed Enzian about eight years ago. I've been coming several times a years since then, so I reckon it's time for a review update. Really, though, I don't have much to update. I still love it with the same enthusiasm that I did back then, if not more.

The food is about the same. That's my only gripe with the place. It's been the same exact menu for many, many years. I would like to see something different, but honestly, the food is so good, it's not necessary, though. They have the 2nd best chicken tenders in town, the best black bean burger I've had in town, and some of the best layered nachos I have ever seen.

So yea, food still banging.

The service is still top notch. They have added a new communication system that involved flipping up or down signs on your table to signal that you need assistance. This is greatly appreciated, so you can get a server's attention without making a loud ruckus in the middle of a movie.

As for the ambiance, this is something that I'm very glad hasn't changed much after all these years. The dark, intimate vibes they put on are so nice and calming. There isn't a bad seat in the house. And they actually just replaced their already comfortable chairs with even More comfortable chairs. I could sit there all day long.

And sometimes, I do. One habit I've picked up is attending the Florida Film Festival with the Film Lover pass, so I can watch all movies possible when I'm not at work. I love the FFF. Don't get me wrong, I'm down for a good Mission Impossible movie with explosions and copious violence, but I also hunger for foreign films, short films, documentaries, and the FFF satisfies that hunger over a week-long bender that is full of those aforementioned chicken tenders.

So overall, if you just happen to be reading this, and have never been to Enzian, you have to check it out. The food is top notch, the movies are top notch, and you will come...

EDIT: Returned to the Enzian 3 months after this review for a showing of Inland Empire. The kitchen is still loud as can be, opening right up to the auditorium. Even when the kitchen door is closed, staff in there is noisy enough to be a distraction.

ORIGINAL: I brought my girlfriend for our anniversary to the 35 mm showing of "Love & Basketball" on 2/22, and quite frankly, the experience sucked.

First and foremost, it seems as though the Enzian has no policy against talking during the film. There was a pair of obviously plastered ladies at a table in the middle of the theater, and they talked at regular conversation volume during the entirety of the 124-minute runtime. They were asked several times to keep it down, and no one on staff said or did anything about it. I’ve seen multiple films at the Enzian, and one of the ladies appears to be a regular. At a few showings now, smack in the middle of the theater, she is consistently loud, obnoxious, and disruptive. Staff has never done anything about it.

Additionally, the sound and picture quality were not good. For the entire film, there was a black bar at the bottom of the screen, and the top of the projection was off-screen and on the curtains above. The sound was echoing egregiously at several points as well.

Lastly, the kitchen door opening directly into the auditorium is as distracting as can be. Flashes of light and hectic kitchen noises during quiet, dramatic scenes is another mood-killer.

I’m a film geek and I love seeing movies on the big screen, but the Enzian experience has been a discouraging one. I was planning on attending the 3/6 showing of Cronenberg’s “Crash”, but I suppose I’ll take that ticket money and use it to buy the Criterion Collection DVD. Can’t have another first-viewing of a classic film ruined by a distracting...

I went to see Nosferatu (2024) for the third time with my girlfriend and decided to watch it at the Enzian, as I’d been meaning to check this place out for a while. I’d seen TikTok videos about how cool it was, but it wasn’t until we walked up that the Enzian truly revealed how impressive it is from the entrance.

The inside was stunning, with large, lit-up posters showcasing upcoming movies and the film playing that night. As soon as we arrived, someone at the door kindly asked for our name, and we were in! What amazed us was the variety and number of seating options. Honestly, when I first heard about tables in a theater, I was hesitant, but they also had regular movie-style seats, couches, and tables. We chose a couch very close to the screen, and I’ve never been more comfortable watching a film.

I was initially skeptical about the food, but when we ordered, it arrived quickly and was incredibly fresh. We specifically ordered the chicken and fries, along with the artichoke and spinach dip, which we devoured before the movie even began.

To my surprise, the only trailers shown were for movies playing at the Enzian, which I absolutely loved. I’m not a fan of trailers and usually arrive late to avoid them, but here, I’ll always make sure to come early to snag a good seat.

Apologies for the lengthy write-up, but I had to share just how incredible my first experience was. The food was amazing, the seats were incredibly comfortable, and the service was quick and unobtrusive across the board. I cannot recommend this place enough—bonus points for showing films in 35mm and more!

I will be becoming a...