I love the State Theatre. The art deco style is beautiful and gives the place a personality you really don't see much anymore. The marquee on State Street is one of those sights that makes Ann Arbor. I appreciate the mix of old movies they show. It makes the theater feel alive instead of just another multiplex playing the same few blockbusters. The different theater sizes are nice too and the whole place feels very convenient, comfortable, and community-oriented. read more

OK, time to show some serious appreciation to our local indie movie theatres! In a time when so many are closing we're profoundly lucky to have them here in Ann Arbor (alongside the Michigan Theatre) and I admittedly have taken having them here for granted. No more! We've committed to going to see more flicks here. Just tonight we went to see The Phoenician Scheme and had the best time. Pros: * Convenience! It's right downtown and close to so many places where you can grab a quick bite before a movie (we opted for NYPD for pizza tonight). * Really good popcorn! And much less expensive compared to big multiplexes. Today we got a large popcorn and pop combo for a cool $11! It's a bit smaller in size than the bigger guys but the quality is great (very satisfying) and they use real butter, y'all! * Tickets are also not terribly expensive comparatively and, though they only offer a few films at a time, you can see things here they don't screen anywhere else in the area. Especially now that so many theatres have closed (RIP Main Art). State Theatre is a destination! Sure, they don't have the big recliner chairs, and I do admit I miss those, but there's something really special about that old school movie experience. Every time I come here I feel like a teenager again coming here to see Run Lola Run with my friends. It's a special place and I hope it continues on for more years to come. I'll do my part to make it so! read more

What was once a 1940s Grand Theater has evolved but still survives. Though many changes have occurred the State Theater remains a landmark. Through the years it has housed one grand theater to being boxed into 4 smaller theaters. It used to house an Urban Outfitters where a Target now stands. It is the best and last surviving Art House Theater in a 60 plus radius. I've seen many a great film or documentary. read more

What a fun place. Located right next to campus it shows current movies, multiple of them. An old building but a modern enough theater. We had a great experience. Buy your tickets online and scan when you get there. read more

The State Theatre - Concession stand - Cinema Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Historic needs to never be demolished Good choice in showings. Good staff and whole lot of fun thank u read more

I don't have too much to say, as I've only seen one film here, but the theatre itself is gorgeous. Despite the many stairs and escalator, it's still ADA friendly with multiple elevators. Please make sure if you are ADA, you come early because you'll have to change elevators after you go to the box office for your ticket. read more

The State Theatre - Sitting area in the upstairs lobby. The theatre serves alcohol so this is a place to chill before or after a show. - Cinema Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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A fun old school theater that had some interesting art films you can't see everywhere else. Where else can you see a movie and shop at Target downstairs? read more

Cute, smaller theater great for movie nights! They do great monthly ticket bundles where for a set price you get a certain number of tickets per month and can use them to see any movie. read more

The State Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

The State Theatre isn't as ornate but also not as stuffy looking as it's gorgeous sister showing the silver screen down the block, The Michigan Theater. It'd be nice if they could get all the neon letters burning brightly on its marquee as it sure gives the place a fun and funky look. Also funky, but in not a good way, is the Target store taking up most of the ground floor that patrons enter right under said marquee. Kinda seems like a sacrilege to me. The entrance to the State Theatre itself is off to the side with the "box office" sharing space with the concessions and all 4 auditoriums up a flight of stairs. The great C. Howard Crane must be rolling in his grave. Concessions have the same reasonable rates as the Michigan and they sell beer, wine and mixed drinks, too. Forgot to mention that in my review of the Michigan as it's an afterthought to me as a non-drinker but if a little buzz helps you through a moving picture they got you covered in downtown Ann Arbor's movie theaters. Decor is a combo of classic art deco and retro modern movieplex that reminds me of the old Cinemark at Universal Mall - a lot of purples and muted versions of the bright 80s colors they used to have there. Not my favorite but it is kind of fun. I love the Michigan Theater but it's decor is very top hat and monocle wearing looking stuff. Much more unpretentious vibes at the State. The smaller auditoriums are way less epic but give the place more versatility, too. The last couple films I've seen here have been animated- an anime version of the silent film classic Metropolis and a 90s anime called Ocean Waves. Can't see either playing in the main theater at the Michigan and the little theater at the way back kind of makes stuff seem like an also ran. Here movies like that are right up in the mix, maybe even getting extra asses in seats on a day when both Barbie and Oppenheimer sold out - with at least Barbie and I think maybe Oppenheimer also showing at the Michigan! Barbenheimer mania has gripped Ann Arbor in summer 2023! (Should be a fun Remember When for future Yelp readers stumbling across this in 5 years or more.) Seats are super comfy with cup holders that you won't find down the block on Liberty street. Funny how much I can positively contrast the State against the Michigan when that's five stars and this is four. It's the Target effect bringing this place down, but not too much. I'd far prefer seeing a movie here than in a suburban AMC, MJR or Emagine. Even with fighting traffic and having to park in a structure. I'm not sure if I ever made it to this theater before the much ballyhooed renovations a few years back but it doesn't lack in creature comforts. A solid four stars. On a personal note, I'm taking an intermission from Yelp for awhile. I've gone pretty hard this year, enough so I should already have that elite badge for the next annum all sewn up. Gonna focus on other stuff for awhile. I'll see ya when I see ya. read more

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What a great space to enjoy a movie or live performance. Even the silent movies have a live organ player. Excellent

4 years later and time to update this review! The renovations are beautiful, and I attended a few Cinetopia Film Festival movies there this weekend. Holy smokes, there is now leg room! The old seats were awful - my taller (6'0+) male friends had to drape their legs over the seats because there was no leg room. Although the new seats are not recliners, there is plenty of leg room and they are quite comfortable. I saw 2 or 3 movies here this weekend and there's really not a bad seat in any of the theaters. I liked how the lobby was mostly kept the same, just updated, and they even have some art deco carpet as a throwback. Bathrooms have been much improved as well, and have nice lighting. The layout of the new State is a little confusing - theater 1 is on the first floor, near concessions, but you still have to go up some stairs. Theaters 2, 3, and 4 are on the opposite side. There is an escalator and also an elevator for those that can't do stairs or who don't want to, also. Overall, I'm super pleased with the renovations and would definitely go back again to see a movie. read more

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The State Theater reopened in December of 2017 after a months-long, multi-million dollar renovation. If you were in the State before the renovation and swore you would never come back because the seats were uncomfortable and the sound quality was bad, then you need to come back to the State. There is now an elevator, stadium seating with comfy chairs, 4 theaters, and beautiful new decor that recreates much of the original Art Deco design. Seating is now reserved seating. The State and Michigan show a great variety of films and this renovation means you can view them in a beautiful space. read more

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Beautiful and renovated theatre! Because the weather has been super cold and not as pleasant, my boyfriend and I have been on a mission to go to random movie theatres in the area. It's been a lot of fun finding different (mostly independent) theatres and then finding what we love about them! Ann Arbor is one of our favorite places to explore together so naturally he loved that I decided to plan a date night here! First off ... The marquee is GORGEOUS at night. It is well lit and you definitely see it from blocks away. Something about a marquee just gives off a magical feel to me and I somehow feel like I'm in a whole different city. The new additions to the State Theatre were so refreshing to see! You can now pick your seats and buy your tickets in advance (these are not luxury recliners!) Nonetheless the seats are comfy, you can lift your arm rests, and you can enjoy dinner without worrying about getting a ticket. We saw Star Wars in what the employees told us was the smallest theatre. The theatre had stadium seating. We picked seats closer to the top row, which was also close to the door. It really wasn't an issue, until people showed up late and couldn't find their seats. Foot room was slightly limited, but it wasn't a real issue going forward. The theatre was cozy and comfy! Sound was fantastic and the picture was quite clear. The real shining stars was the customer service. Every employee was completely helpful in directing us where everything was. It was our first time here and we managed to feel right at home with everyone! Medium pops were around $4.25 but refills were free and you could fill up your cup yourself. There was a few candy options and while I didn't try any popcorn, it did smell delicious! Jasper was the concessionist and he was joking around with us. I loved the movie selections at this theatre and I truly cannot wait to come back again soon! read more

The State Theatre - Another beautiful marquee - Cinema Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

The theater is ok, and it is in a great location. Unfortunately they don't value their customers. I always bring some tea from a local place outside into the theater, but this last time the kids at the entrance didn't let me pass with my tea, and they didn't show me any rules or policy that this wasn't allowed. The argument that I was told is that by bringing my tea I was not supporting the theater. I think that by coming to the theater I am supporting them. My tea was harmless and didn't represent any major loss to the theater, I was about to buy some popcorn, but after that experience I decided not to buy anything, and after the treatmen I received, probably because I'm a foreginer, I will never go back to this theater. I'm really disapointed that they didn't show me the policies and rules in a polite manner, and they never offered an apology for their bad management and handling of customer. read more

I have nostalgia coming out my ears (eyes?) for rickety art house cinemas run by kids in their early 20s who discuss every detail of every film while slinging your popcorn and beverages. I don't mind the squeaky chairs and the wear and tear of years gone by (we're way past the golden age, here, people). I think what's got me feeling abysmal about the State is the last few films I've seen here have been digital projection - which makes me think that they don't want to dole out the $$ for union projectionists to handle emulsion film (though these days, everything is platter anyway, right?). I just can't handle the lack of good sound and the not-quite-black box around the cropped image. I don't need the frills of reclining plush seats. I don't need my feet to glide on unsticky floors. I don't need an organ and fancy architecture. What I do need is my film image to be lush and non-digital, and the sound to be immersive and surrounding. And so, for these reasons, I'm gonna work my tuchus off to try and make it to the showings that are at the Michigan, before they get handed down, raggedly, to the State. read more

After a long line in the snow we were the one of the last people to find a seat for the Princess Mononoke show. First we are grateful that we made it in time, because many didn't. I'm not sure how buying the tickets in advance works here (if at all). It was cozy (2 screens I think) and they had concessions. There is a stage in front of the screen, which is awkward to sit against, but you take what you can get. Definitely will go here again, as well as Michigan theater on Liberty. read more

I've come to prefer attending films here over the nearby Michigan Theater for the fact that the State seems to have greater character and offbeat charm than its more prestigious neighbor. Can't beat the location nestled right into the heart of Ann Arbor, and they keep up to date with current film offerings, focusing on the alternative/art-house crowd. If a film is a hit, they'll keep it around -- American Hustle and Blue Jasmine each played here for nearly three months, and Philomena has been off and on here for about the same time. It's true that the theatre is older and the legroom/screen dimensions are not ideal, and initially I felt annoyed by that, but now I feel it adds to the uniqueness of the experience. Though be prepared for that! What would REALLY be nice is if the theatre owners bought out Urban Outfitters downstairs and restored the whole building to its former grandeur, as it's currently a sad case of commercialism overtaking art, where the theatre is shoved upstairs while the retail space downstairs so obviously used to be a large grand screen - and is still somewhat intact to be able to go back to that immersive experience.... someday??!! In the meantime, I hope that the State continues to thrive. It's certainly not perfect but it is a great and key component of downtown Ann Arbor, with an outright iconic and beautiful marquee inviting patrons in at all times of the day. read more

Their selection of movies is great. The midnight movies (cult movies) are good. During "The Room" they let us throw spoons at the screen. The seats are small and crowded. read more

I like it coz it's in town I like it coz they select the best movies Their chairs are not very comfortable but feels classic and has history read more

The State Theatre - The experimenter - Cinema Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Since remodeling the theatre today was my first visit. It is so nice and comfy. There are four theaters, I believe, and they're not huge so it's very cozy. It was a really hot day in Ann Arbor today and I knew it would be super cool inside the theatre. (And it was and if you get cold easily and it's summertime bring a sweater or blanket). All of the employees were extremely kind and friendly which I don't find at most theaters. A daily movie is only 7.00 and they have some summer specials going on as well. Check them out-you won't be disappointed. Btw, they are very handicapped equipped. read more

Interesting historically. The marquee is stunning, as is the outside of the building. As their website says: "Built in 1942, the State Theater was the last commercial building to be completed in Ann Arbor after the start of World War II. " BUT there's a little problem. No one wants to run a theater that seats practically everyone in town who's seeing a movie on a given night -- people just have too many other options. So they took away the main floor, leaving only a balcony viewing area with HORRIBLE sightlines. So it's better to just enjoy it from outside, and try to see the films (organized by the Michigan Theater nonprofit org) elsewhere. Too bad. read more

The State Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

When going to see a movie there are two places to choose either the Michigan theater or the State Theatre and I'm talking about on the planet read more

The State Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Here's the thing -- everyone moans about the uncomfortable seats, but they really aren't that bad. If you have a bad back, are very tall, or have a medical condition that makes you sensitive to not-the-best seats, I can totally sympathize. I've been right there with ya, and in your case, you're probably not going to dig the seats. For a lot of people, though, the seats are totally just fine. The same level of restoration or renovation hasn't gone into the State as into the Michigan because they are very, very different animals. And, since they are right down the street from each other, I'm thankful that they are quite so distinct. The State is your place to see a midnight movie, to experience a sometimes rowdy crowd, to not feel too bad if you accidentally get spooked at a horror movie and spill some popcorn on the floor. Their programming has always been at least good to great, but lately seems to be getting better and better. I saw Black Dynamite there last weekend (one night only!), and it was absolutely the perfect place to see a movie like that at midnight. I'm grateful for the State, I'm in love with its salty, buttery popcorn, and I'm glad it's not pristine. That's just a part of its charm. read more

Damn you State Theater. Everytime I leave your confines I swear 'Never again.' Then you play some awesome, eclectic movie that forces me back into your inhospitable domain. You see, the state is a movie house from a bygone era. This makes it beautiful and me nostalgic for the place I saw flicks as a kid. It unfortunately also means that the seats were designed for people who averaged 5'4" 130lbs. I always feel like I've contracted scoliosis upon leaving. The screens are also five hundred yards away, have a giant 'stage' in front of them that reflects the movie being shown, and the sound from the adjacent theater can usually be heard anytime something blows up or the music swells. So if you're a cinephile in Ann Arbor with eclectic tastes, you won't be able to avoid the State. Just know that the experience you're going to have when you're forced to patronize it is going to be non-THX certified. That and your back will be one giant monkey fist. Thankfully its right near several bars, so a quick fix is not far... read more

I recently checked this theatre out because it was one of the few theatres in the state playing The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus. I expected an obnoxious experience (I am getting to the age where crowds of teenagers and college students make me hesitate, plus hipsters always make me think twice about showing up somewhere), but I was pleasantly surprised! The crowd was fine and it was an enjoyable experience. That'll learn me to judge too quickly. PROS - delicious popcorn (very, very rare at indie theatres) - great flicks - seats that aren't really uncomfortable (unless you're sitting at the seats against the wall, which have no backs - boy is that weird) CONS - cash only (really? when you charge $7-$9 a ticket? in a busy town? where nobody expects you to put money into how the establishment looks? and you have a handful of people working at once? in 2010? puhleeze) - somewhat obnoxious parking situation, but that's true for all of downtown Ann Arbor - the screen is awkwardly off-center, making the right side of the auditorium experience serious angle-neck - if I was a few inches taller, the seats would have been pretty uncomfortable - I saw about a quarter inch of dust in the corner of one of the frequently-used stairs. Yikes. Clean much? read more

Nostalgia and great flicks... those trump comfort anyday. I've read through a couple of reviews on the State Theatre, and after having gone there for a really good movie the other day (Slumdog Millionaire), I thought I'd drop my requisite 2-cents. Now, there have been a number of comments regarding the fit of the seats, mentioning that they're not quite as comfortable as the lounge-chairs out in the multiplexes found east, west and south of the city. Well, consider that a small price to pay to be able to WALK around downtown and then choose to go see a movie. And, who knows... maybe with more walking, we'll all fit more comfortably in these seats. For the rest of you, who are willing to sacrifice a bit on the creature comforts for an hour or so, go see a flick here. Nothing like being able to walk downtown a bit before and after the movie. And the movies, for those who focus on that type of thing, are VERY good. 'Nuff said. read more

State Theatre always plays some of the latest and best indie flicks out there. Great location (though parking is annoying) and I appreciate close proximity to bookstores and cafes to burn time waiting for the flick of your choice. That being said, we never go to State because my 6'4" husband can't fit in the seats. Sorry Eric B, that's nothing a treadmill is going to fix. When you have to splay your legs in all directions for over two hours, that can't be comfortable... I'm a measly 5'3" and the seats don't bother me, but for the love of my husband I just wait until those films come out on dvd so we can Netflix them. We opt for the Michigan Theatre always because it's much more comfortable. For those vertically amazin' folks, go somewhere else. For everyone else, enjoy those indie flicks and nostalgic midnight oldies! read more

I don't come to State Theater for the experience. The seats aren't great, the walkway is unlit, the aisles are narrow, and it's honestly a failed uncomfortable experience when they're packed. What I do come here for, however, is the movies I wouldn't be able to see anywhere else. I come here because their popcorn is seriously fantastic, and maybe I want to watch some oldies or indies after having dinner nearby. My very first (and only, so far) experience at State Theater was for the premier of the movie Dear Black People. The theater was PACKED. My partner and I ended up sitting way in the back, which is an ideal location in a more modern theater, but the stadium seating isn't exactly as expected and my legs were uncomfortable sitting in the narrow aisle-ways. I'm only 5'6", and my 5'10" partner sat mostly with their legs in the walkway as we were lucky(?) enough to get a seat on the end. With people next to me on either side, there wasn't much room to move around. Having bought concessions, I was disappointed to find no cup holders (which I wouldn't have cared about at all had the seat next to me been empty), and I had to stack my coat, purse, and beverage in my lap during the movie. If it sounds like it, I want to clarify that my experience wasn't terrible! I think I'll avoid premiers and popular films in the future so I don't feel so closed in, and maybe I'll get a bottled beverage next time. I do definitely have plans to come back in the near future for my oldies and indies fix. read more

Student tickets for $8... that's more expensive than regular theaters. I guess my feeling of this place is that I've experienced better (the seats are so crowded and uncomfortable), but the concessions stand is surprisingly cheap compared to what I pay at Rave or Quality 16. And I do love me some movie popcorn. read more

This is the type of theater where the movies and the popcorn are sooo good and artfully done that the facility and fixtures don't even matter. For $10 per ticket, you get what you pay for. That said, I'm so glad that this theater exists because it shows the movies that are too devastating, too rich, too thought-provoking to be shown elsewhere AND all right within central campus. This theater embodies the progressive, left wing, nostalgically optimistic ethos of the University of Michigan of yesteryear, and I love them for it. I would give them a 4 for being a solid theater, but I'm going to try to game the system and give then a 5 because the selection and price can't be beat, and I want to see their ratings increase for good measure. read more

Definitely an Ann Arbor staple and worth visiting, especially for a midnight showing. You don't have to bring cash anymore! It's a cool place to see. However, don't go here for the ultimate comfortable theater experience or to see a movie that you're really excited for. The seats are VERY close together; I'm 5'6" and had little knee room, and the guy in front of me touched my leg at least twice. They are also very old and creaky, so you hear people moving around in them for the whole movie, and you feel like those people are practically on top of you. Not all that pleasant. But again, it's very "Ann Arbor" and I wouldn't want it to disappear. read more

Ann Arbor has a few really nice stand-alone theaters with much more character than the average movie megaplex, and this is one of them. In addition to the atmosphere, they also play a variety of independent and offbeat movies. I enjoyed seeing "The Man Who Wasn't There" with friends a few years ago. A couple of downsides: like many downtown businesses, parking can be an issue depending on what day and time you go. Also, the seating is a bit cramped. I am under 5'4", and I felt it was a tight fit. My friend who was six feet tall really had to fold himself into his chair. That extra leg room is one of the few things the modern cineplex has going for it. read more

I only come to the State when they have movies I REALLY want to see (aka, indie flicks, international films, or the random midnight movies). For the prices they charge, you'd think they would upgrade the freaking seats or renovate or SOMETHING. I'm not very tall, and I feel like I need to put my legs over the seats in front of me to be comfortable. The theaters are insanely cramped. I get that it's old and historic and yada yada, but that doesn't mean people need to be insanely uncomfortable the whole time they're there. I DO like that they show a lot of limited release and international flicks, as well as the random midnights! read more

Nice place to catch a movie for a good price! I went here with some friends the other night to see the midnight showing of The Shining. The movie was $7 and I hear normally student tickets are around $8 so definitely affordable. They actually had pretty good popcorn too, advertised with "Real Butter"... One of the downsides of this theatre is the limited amount of leg room. Our group sat in a row without seats in front of us so we were lucky, but others were complaining. They also left some of the lights on during the movie. I don't know if that is normal or not, but it was a bit annoying. Overall, this is a fun place to watch a movie, just grab a seat without a row in front!! read more

I can't give this place less than four stars even though I am really, really uncomfortable in these seats when I watch a movie ESPECIALLY (and watch out for this) if I am sitting in an aisle seat that has a light on it. They can burn you. Stay away. The place needs a lot of work that it's not going to get, and for some it's part of the charm. However, they play a selection of the great must-see independents, as well as nostalgic midnight features in the likes of "Fight Club" or "Clerks". Sometimes they'll play what was playing last week at Michigan Theater, or they'll bust out with something that is exclusive to them for this area. However, if a movie is playing here that I want to see, I will bite it and go see it here because in the end, everything is fine anyway. read more

The State Theater has one thing going for it: midnight movies. Midnight movies are exactly what they sound like. Maybe fifteen or twenty nights (Fri/Sat) each year, the State does a midnight screening of an old fav or a cult classic. These are FUN! The theater is usually packed and a little rowdy, and we've seen some really quirky stuff here. You can also see "Rocky Horror Picture Show" here. Other than that, oof, this place is a mess. The theaters are unusual shapes and sizes, due to this being a chopped up space. This means that the screens are small and it's hard to get a good, central seat. Speaking of the seats, they are REALLY uncomfortable. Finally, the couple times my friends have gotten popcorn, it's been stale. And I want to say they don't accept credit cards. Not sure, though. read more

The state theater continues to bravely screen independent and offbeat movies, despite the decision by a previous landlord that turned most of the actual theater into an Urban Outfitters store. Although the building itself has been substantially disfigured. The theater that remains upstairs, in what used to be the balcony area, continues to show important works, despite the challenges presented by a facility that isn't configured well for showing films. Nevertheless, the screens are a boon to the Ann Arbor film community, which hosts one of the oldest and best film festivals in the country. And which has opportunities to see quite a few independent and classic films on the big screen, because of the number of venues still operating downtown. read more

Haiku # 50 Obscure Indie films Funhouse, tilt-a-whirl screenings Hispter to a T What you need to know before seeing a movie at the State Theatre: 1. It's a sibling screener with the Michigan Theatre (they are one and share films--often they open at the Michigan and then come over here) 2. The layout of the theater is crazy. This is because the existing theatre is actually the old balcony portion of a theatre from long, long ago. As such, you have to walk up bizarre stairs to get to the screening level, and then walk up more awkward stairs to get into the actual theaters, which are all set seats-to-screen at disconcerting funhouse angles. Yes, this is very strange, and no, it's not just you. 3. The movies they show here are pretty cool. They get a good number of alternative films (to match their often alternative-looking staff offering you popcorn, candy, and pop--all standard theater goodies). 4. They do fun series/special events like midnight showings of old films and cult classics (Rocky Horror Picture Show anyone?). So come on in and enjoy (and don't forget to whip at your Michigan Theater Membership at the ticket counter for a discount!) read more

This place is awesome !! Perfect location at the top of E.Liberty and State street, its super close to where i live problem is you typically end up paying cash here, you also have to walk up a flight of steep steps to get to the theater areas - so if you are handicapped i dont think this is the spot for you its great that they have staduim seating!! and they play the best quality films! each week or so they have a special midnight viewing - so fun!! classic movies typically, like my most fav Clueless !! the seats are a lil tiny, can't really sit in them comfortably, especially if you a bit over weight, and you have to sit pretty straight up. your butt may be numb after the 2 hr movie. if its close to the show time, they sell the tickets upstairs right along with the popcorn and other candy snacks ! typical selection of goodies here. read more

Ended up there last night with a friend to watch a movie. OMG how amazing is this place - feels royal! And the staff were so friendly! My friend had a bag of left over food from dinner and they themselves offered to keep it in the fridge for us. I couldve sat there without a movie - I mean its such a treat for the senses - felt like I had time-traveled into the past and was looking at this place in all its glory! read more