It’s Friday night and once again after nearly six months, some New Jerseyans were able to go out to dinner and take in a movie.

Movie theaters and indoor dining have restarted following a pause caused by COVID-19. But there are some restrictions such as limited capacity, social distancing and masks.

Outside Bunny’s Restaurant on South Orange Avenue in South Orange, there’s always been outdoor dining. But now customers can eat inside and actually belly-up to the bar.

“It’s like I’m a rookie. I have no idea. It’s a little different, it’s fun. It’s nice to be back,” says customer Bob.

Bunny’s is owned by Leslie Pogany. Before the pandemic, Bunny’s could fit 200 customers inside. But now only 50 people can go in.

“We are trying to accommodate everybody,” she says. “If comfortable with indoor dining, we are here. If outdoor, we have that.”

Right behind Bunny’s is a Bow-Tie Cinemas, which was only showing three movies – “Unhinged,” “New Mutants,” and “Tenent.”

“Got the tickets, got here and got my popcorn, soda. Watched the movie, it was fabulous,” says patron Carrie Jackson.

“Not that many people in there. The movie was great,” says Chris Adams.

The couple says that they were joined by only one other person in the theater to see “Unhinged” but the audiences were growing as the night went on.

Movies are often seen as an escape from reality, which may be what some people need after six months in the pandemic.

“The last six months was horrific. Now it’s a little bit better, but I’m also frightened it’s going to get worse before it gets better,” says Victoria Calle of South Orange.

A return to some of New Jersey’s normal Friday-night habits may be what the state needs right now.