March 10, 2013 at 5:16 PM

When most people go to the movies, they usually have a similar monotonous experience.

They buy their movie tickets at the booth, purchase popcorn and other sweet snacks at the concession stand, and then they move to their seat in the dark theater.

The movie theater that I visited in Collegeville, known as Movie Tavern, puts a twist on the classic visit to the movies.

It may seem strange, but to me this was the highlight of my spring break. The franchise, which is based in Texas, pegs itself as a theater where customers can not only enjoy a film, but can also order a full restaurant style meal while doing so.

From the moment you enter the cream-colored building it becomes clear exactly where you are. The view of a full scale bar just a few feet away from the ticket booth is striking.

If someone had never visited the place before they might guess by the name that Movie Tavern is a small independent theater with a homestyle feel. But they would be mistaken after they view the large rectangular sign at the entrance.

At this bar people can actually sit down and enjoy a beer and a glass of wine while viewing a sports game on one of two flat screen televisions.

The whole setting is mesmerizing. It seems more like an actual restaurant instead of a movie theater. But you are soon reminded where you actually are once you step into your designated movie theater.

But even this seemingly mundane event is different. Upon giving the ticket holder your ticket, you are given a menu which resembles the cuisine that someone would order at TGI Friday's.

Movie goers then reach their seats, which are a sort of black, comfortable chair in a slightly cold room complete with cup holders, a partial desk, and a large red button. That button is basically a service button that will dispatch a waitress to your beckoning at any time before and during the film showing. These amenities are very convenient, but can set a little distracting if too many people are ordering while the film is showing.

Movie Tavern really does give people a chance to discover a whole new type of movie experience. And as the only franchise theater on the Northeast, this particular outing is like no other in the area.

But be warned, these movie tickets sell out fast, and most people actually order online instead of the booth. It may be a bit pricey, and the movie that I actually watched might have been lackluster, but as they say in their slogan, “movies never tasted so good!”