If there was an option for no star, I'd gave Northern Lights that rating.
About two months ago, my fiance and I came to Northern Lights to see Django, because I'm a Jamie Foxx and Quentin Tarantino fan! Plus, we missed Django in a Regal theatre. Excited that it'd be our first experience at Northern Lights to have "dinner" with a $3 movie, we decided to go there.
While getting our movie tickets, the ticket cashier told us that they have 34 seats available. We're like "great!" While my fiance was in line ordering our food, it was my job to locate seats for us. People also coming to see the same show scattered outside the 1-door for entry, like a group of puppies waiting for their snacks. As soon as the door opened, people started aggressively pushing their way in (I'm not a pusher, because I just think it's plain rude!). Thinking to myself: what is everyone's rush, the ticket cashier just told us that there's approximately 34 seats available?! As soon as I got in, I saw why people were rushing in- there were no seats! There was one vacant seat in between some people, but it was either reserved or people just refused to move down, because they wanted an extra seat between them and another person.
Finally, I was able to locate two seat, but it was without a table. All the other seats came with a table for food! ARGH! After placing our food order, my fiance came in and helped ask people, who weren't saving seats to move one seat over, in hope that people would be considerate and kind, but of course- they continued to refuse! Terribly frustrated, we decided to ask the theatre management if we can either get some support or get a table for the two vacant seats, so we can eat. This is a really old theatre, as you can tell why they are playing older-run movies; therefore, the seats aren't comfortable to eat our food off of our laps nor will we eat our food off of the theatre floor! Absolutely absurd!
In conclusion, the theatre manager was unsupportive of any of our request. We asked for a refund and walked out. Northern Lights staff seemed very unsympathetic and unsupportive of our poor experience in their facility. Additionally, the ticket cashier must not know how to count and track the number of seats available!
Unless you want to push your way in, like you're in kindergarten, I DO NOT RECOMMEND coming to this place!!! I'd advise you all to save your money and time, and cook at home or get take outs and just rent a movie from Red Box. It'd be a WAY BETTER experience without the hassle of other people's inconsideration.
P.S.
My fiance sent Northern Lights an email in regards to our experience and he received a generic "we're sorry" email. BOO!
I love being able to watch a movie for $3!  When you come here for the first time don't don't have too high of expectations.  This theater does serve food  so you can have diner or dessert while watching the movie.  The movies they play here are not new releases.  They are usually the movies that just stopped playing at the big theaters in town.  That works for me since I generally don't want to pay $10 to go watch a two hour movie.  When you walk into the place it does look a little trashy, but what can you expect when you are only paying $3 to get in.  I'm not sure how good the food is because I have a food allergy and can't eat there.  A plus for a lot of people is that they have a bar where you can get drinks at the later shows and also kids are not allowed into those shows. Â
It's nothing fancy, but if you want a fun night out that isn't going to drain your bank account dry then check this place out.
For what it is...this place is great.
The food isn't that good.
The floors can be sticky at times and one time I broke a seat by just sitting in it.
Wine is poured into plastic cups (you can order 2 at a time, or consolidate the two into one plastic pint glass).
Great place to catch a buzz and a movie.
Love this place. I wish they were popular enough to afford more screens and showing times. Maybe a bigger selection of movies.
Either way, improvements or not, its a GREAT place, inexpensive, decent food, serves beer and wine, and has a pretty good Mexican restaurant next door (Order the Consuela ;) Ha!
Look, if you are looking for one of those "fancy" movie theaters with the great seats and 20.00 popcorn you better just keep driving. Â For the rest of you who actually go to the theater to watch a movie, grab a bite to eat, and want to still be able to afford gas to make it home..Northern Lights is for you! Â Movie tickets are $3.00 each, a large "best popcorn out there" is around $4.00, can't exactly remember the price. Â You have tables in front of the seats to eat lunch or dinner - menu is pretty good. Â There is also a bar and you can get drinks at the late movie times, and at those late times, no kids are allowed!
It is not fancy, but seriously I took my daughter to a matinee at one theater and got her a small popcorn and drink and it cost over $25.00! Â Here my husband, my daughter, and I go and it's less than that with a large popcorn and three drinks. Â You need to at least give this place a shot! Â I love it!!
Northern lights is in a bad area in Salem. The ticket prices are cheap and you are going to get shady people there. They don't take credit cards in the building, only cash. You can buy the ticket outside with a credit card you can't use it inside. The movies are the one that are about to come out on DVD. They do UFC nights which is pretty cool to see on the big screen. The theaters aren't that dark; they keep the light higher so you can see your food. Â
The menu is large and the food is really good. The plates are good size, you get more then you paid for. They also have beer and wine. They only let you drink in the 21 and over movie times.
Overall this place isn't that bad. If you are looking for a cheap date; this is your place to go. Just remember to bring cash!
P.S There is a Cinnabar downtown but is pricey.
My favorite place for going to the movies. The food is pretty good, but we usually eat first before going. That's because my wife and I like to order the chocolate chip cookie sundae... It's a chocolate chip cookie (shocking) baked in a dish, with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and sliced almonds on top. Yummy!
Seating accommodations are quite roomy. They took what was originally a full-blown theater, removed every other row of seats and replaced them with tables. The result is plenty of table space and plenty of leg room for us tall folks. The screen is pretty nice and the sound is good too.
Of course, if you want all the fancy schmancy latest techno features, you'll have to pay the outrageous ticket prices at a stuffy theater across town. But that's not what Northern Lights is about -- it's about watching a good movie and enjoying good food in a comfortable atmosphere for an excellent, family-friendly price.
Oh, and if you want to watch a later movie, leave the kids at home. Can you have a beer while watching a movie at the AMC? Yeah, I didn't think so.
The thing is with Northern Lights Theatre Pub, is its hella cheap! Got no money and we're bored... We know what we're doing, Their food is terrific! (I got the nachos!) Large portions (delivered to where ever you choose to sit in the theater) Kinda small quarters... lines can get large and therefore crowds become close-knit. Not a fan of crowds, but I love this place.
The movies are in transition (past theater and almost out to rent) But shown in a relaxed extremely casual setting. The only thing I would poss change is a few of the recliners in back were extremely banged up by customers. Either remove or get more heavy duty... looks tacky. Doesn't get me down enough tho, just a side-note. :) My 5 year old loves this place!
Also after a certain time its adults only. Serves beer, sometimes has UFC fights on.... and other fun events.
This is a great theatre! Â I love that they are local and independent! Â I was sad when there wasn't a theatre in South Salem anymore so when this opened up we flocked to it. Â The food is yummy, and has vegetarian options. Â I love the quesadillas, sundaes, and the new Trio coffee. Â You can't beat the movie prices especially with the weekday 2 for 1 coupons. Â They would be 5 stars if they had more convenient schedules for families, and more events. Â I really enjoyed the Monster Movie Marathon, and would love something like that for the kids. Â My kids' favorite part is the main theatre that has a couch in the front, they always race for it!
Review Source:First, you can't beat a $3 movie ticket, especially in this economy! Second, you can't beat a movie theatre that serves you food and alcohol while you watch a flick.
Third, it's more adult-oriented (although they do have earlier "family" showings).
I appreciate that NT shows second-run movies, because I rarely get to see all the movies I want to while they're playing in theatres...or I'd rather not always pay $10+ for a movie ticket. So, NT offers its patrons the opportunity to catch flicks one perhaps missed in the regular first-run theatres.
Food is a bit hit or miss to me. My fiance had a burrito last time we were here, and said it tasted like cardboard. I, on the other hand, had a slice of pizza and it was just fine. Popcorn is also good, and the desserts they offer look and sound scrumptous - they'll even bring them to you half way through the movie after you're done with your "main course."
My complaints: not always enough/later showtimes, could use better alcohol selection, and sometimes movies don't start on time (previous movie goes over on time or whatever, causing the next showing to be delayed).
VERY KOOL ! Â Best $3 movie theater in the state ! Â Sitting at a table with food & drink, is nearly like being in your own livingroom. Â WAY nicer than the "get your money" multiplexers. Movies are not 1st run, but who cares? Â It's much more affordable and the pizza is scumptious. Â Dynomite concept. Â (There are special movie times for children when alcohol is not served --yippee for us adults) Â I wish there were more of these in other states & towns :)
Review Source:"Great place for dinner and a movie!" These folks were the first in the area to put this novel concept into practice. What they have done is take an existing movie theater, remove every other row of seats and install tables. Lots of leg room. They serve beer and wine and a menu of Pizza, sandwiches and wraps. You can enjoy a reasonably good meal, a beverage and a movie in much more comfort than the pack-'em-in multi-plexes afford. The movies are not first run, but the ticket is less than half what you would normally pay.
Review Source:Northern Lights is a good place to see second-run movies. Â Here are a few things that would make it great: more convenient scheduling--as it is it's pretty cockamamie. Â It's pretty hard to align a family schedule with a movie. Â I don't see why teenage kids can't go to all films. Â Kids can go to restaurants where alcohol is served, why not Northern Lights? Â The food is actually pretty OK, I have no complaints, really...I mean it's not super tasty, and if you like 7-11 burritos then you won't mind the wraps here.
Review Source:Cheap movies and very reasonably priced food all in one, this place was a great business idea on someone's part. The theaters are a little uncomfortable and sometimes the food can take a little while. The guy working the register didn't believe my ID was real b/c it was from CA and he didn't know what it was supposed to look like...he suggested I get an OR one, I told him I'm a student and will not be living in OR past graduation, he said I could still get one...he then quizzed me on every detail on the card but let it pass (I wasn't even buying alcohol but you have to be 21 for some movies).
Review Source:$3 movies, multiple theaters, and good food?  I'm glad to know that McMenamin's doesn't have a stranglehold on the Movie & Restaurant concept.  I also like that there's multiple screens, and the staff were friendly and quick.  Probably my only complaint is that they don't serve pitchers of beer  - just pint glasses.
Review Source:Great place to see a movie. Cheap- only $3.00 a ticket- plus good beer on tap and good (though sometimes a little bland) food.
I love this place for days when we are feeling the need for a date but don't have a ton of money to spend!
Also a great place to take kids during the under 21 showings.
Given the sometimes limited nightlife options in Salem Northen Lights is the ideal solution to how to have fun in the evening. Â Go on a date, or as a group of friends.
There are 4 theaters (I think) and they mostly show movies that just left the main movie theaters, and admissions if less than half that price ($3.50?? $3.75 maybe)...in other words, its so cheap I don't remeber the exact sting to my wallet.
But the best part is the food & drink!! Â You can order beer, popcorn, quesadillas, cheese fries, sandwichs, salads, etc....anything your heart desires really! Â The beer is tasty and most of its on tap. Â So bring your date or your friends and enjoy a good time (way more interesting, fun and cheap than the typical movie theater).
Probably one of the few good ideas that have come about since drive-through movies where the BYOB rule still applies. Â The crowds have never been that bad, but a majority of the audience has been young 20 somethings in a very small theatre that shows indepedent to semi-mainstream movies. Â Northern Lights is a good alternative from the usual theater blah and an opportunity to combine the best of both worlds in one setting.
Review Source:
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