AMC DINE-IN Essex Green 9 — Attraction in West Orange

I have been to this movie theater now twice in the last year and I have no desire to go back. I went last night to see the movie Abigail with my friend who is visiting NJ for the first time. The person who was working the bar, his name tag read “Sean”, must have been just filling in for the actual bartender because it was very clear he did not want to be bothered. Let me start by saying that I tend bar part time for a hotel. So I understand what it means to work behind the bar and the customer service expected. I ordered an 8 oz glass of Sauv Blanc. I started drinking it there at the bar as we had about 30 minutes to spare before our movie started. I bought the remaining of my drink with me. After previews and just as the movie started I decided now would be the ideal time to get one more glass of wine so that I could watch the movie uninterrupted. I went to get a second glass of wine and “Sean” said to me, “You really enjoyed that one, huh?” To which I responded “yes”. Then he said, “Well you only get 3 and I can’t serve you anymore.” I just looked at him in disbelief, not sure why he felt the particular need to comment on me enjoying my first glass of wine and what he was insinuating by tying it to basically cutting me off at 3. I told him, “I’m good with just the second, thanks”. As a bartender, when you see a guest is intoxicated, it is your responsibility for their safety and your own, to cut them off and offer them water. It is not your responsibility to police a person socially enjoying a glass of wine or TWO when watching a movie. You offer bar service for a reason. “Sean” went through the motions enough-asked everyone for their ID, made them pay first, and fulfilled drinks. He was never outright rude, but unfriendly and passive aggressive …like if a guest approached the bar not directly in his line of vision, he would act as though he was unaware of their presence. My friend and I were the only two at the bar, and as a bartender, you are always aware of guests who approach your bar. It is your job. I observed his interactions with other guest who occasionally came up and his answers were short and it was clear he was discouraging any type of conversation or socializing with him. It was just not at all what one would expect from a person working at a bar. Given his general annoyance with guests coming to get a drink, it seemed as if this behavior was intentional to make guests feel uncomfortable and therefore unlikely to get a drink or get one and not come back. Or maybe something in his personal beliefs makes him against alcohol consumption….either way, he does not have the attitude or professionalism to serve as...

I am so disappointed and upset that I had to delete my previous 5 star review. What is really going on at this movie theater ? So I walked into the theater yesterday to be told they no longer serve the small size popcorn as it was temporary....I was ok with that ...then I was told they no longer serve popcorn and drinks to be purchased at the front you will have to go to the machines and purchase it . I was shaking my head already as it defeats the purpose of a DINE IN MOVIE THEATER ....I asked why all the changes ---- front desk employee told me upper management is cutting back and slowly trying to replace them with the machines ( SARCASTICALLY) So I go over the machine to purchase my popcorn and drinks. First machine OUT OF SERVICE...S o I moved to another machine....guess what OUT OF SERVICE too. I got really upset and frustrated and asked an employee...these machines were not here 2 weeks ago so why if newly installed they are not maintained and working up to par. So he tried to help me purchase my items which was nice as him because literally my blood pressure started to rise . I cone to the DINE IN theater for comfort snd an experience...mnot to rag along my food and popcorn to my chair or else I'll go to the regular theaters . It defeats the purpose of being a DINE IN theater even if you're trying to cut back and save money . Then I was told by an employee customers were complaining as why they also installed the machine. Who really was complaining. I call rubbish on this and am highly disappointed in these new upper management systems. There are no interpersonal connection again with staff . If you're trying to save money MAKE IT MAKE SENSE as loyal customers like myself will no longer return. This new system ruined my mood the entire Sunday into my movie ....I didn't even bother to order my deluxe meals I usually order to support the business as I was so upset and appalled by the changes. Management this is not it and you need to reevaluate yoir upgrades and see how it really benefits the customers who really are putting money into the business. Trying to save a few dollars when you're going to end up losing more than that . You failed me as my favorite spot to go to movies and will eventually find another DINE in Theater where I feel comfortable and can get my food served to me rather hustling at the machines which...

I went to this theater last night (7/8) to see Black Widow. First, no more table service. You have to order at the bar any food and beverages and they are brought to your seat. No problem, its covid, things change. We ordered our food and drinks at 8:45 and went to our seats, the movie started at 9pm.

When I sat in my seat (Auditorium 4 Seat G3), the automatic recliner was broken. When you opened it there was no way to stop it. It would go to the fully reclined position then make a tick tick tick jolting movement until you pressed the reverse button, then it would automatically close. If you toggled the buttons back and forth sometimes it would magically stop. It also made a really loud squeaking noise once halfway reclined. Again, things happen and I was unlucky.

At 9:30 our food came out just as the previews ended. At 9:45, both of our drinks were empty so I walked out to the bar area and was stopped by the manager who said, "the food and beverage area is closed". Mind you two people were still at the counter ordering. I knew it was 945 and understood the bar would be closing so asked if I could purchase a soda or water bottle. He then stated "as I said the food and beverage area is closed". I asked if I could just be given a glass of water. He said "no its closed."

At this point I was annoyed. I told him about my chair and he said he could give me movie passes, I told him all I really wanted was a glass of water. He finally gave me a glass of water. When I came back to my seat, 20 min later at 10:05 servers were still bringing beverages to the couple in seats G5/G6.

On top of all this it was extremely hot it the theater the whole time. It felt like the air conditioning was off or broken. In the past this theater was always chilly, I even had a small blanket in my purse. The couples on both sides of us were complaining about the heat.

We spent $31.96 on the tickets and over $70.00 on the food not including the tip. We haven't been to the theater in a while because of Covid. Previously we went all the time, being premiere stub holders. I will seriously consider coming to this theater in the future particularly since streaming is available. Its unfortunate its one of the few Dine Ins in the area...