Reading some of the other reviews, I think it's pretty harsh to leave a bad review based solely on service during a pandemic. This place is huge, and I can imagine they may not have as many people on shift because every restaurant is just slower than expected right now. With that said, I've been here about 10 times and have had good interactions with staff every time.I really appreciate that they are trying to offer a variety of safe options to people--the fire pits, the picnic tables, the patio, the new sheds, etc.Things that would improve the feels for me:- the music. Obviously this is a very personal preference thing, but I am always very confused by the genre switching. One minute I'm vibin to throwback R&B and the next I'm being blasted with Yacht Rock or pop country.- different plating for sandwiches and burgers, maybe? The Philly is so good, but with a salad or fries on the wooden plate, it kinda falls all over the table.- smaller portion of Brussels sprouts app. Forreaal, I do not think even 4 Dwayne Johnsones could consume all those sprouts, but they are damn good.I'm rootin for y'all to become my neighborhood bar!
Lenny Kovalick
Drinks good. Food very mediocre. Frozen chicken tender sandwich with frozen fries very disappointing. Good atmosphere but food not great. Sort of a weird setup. Space has so much potential but just wasted a bit.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Anne Hartley
I looked for a special venue to celebrate my husband's 70th birthday and 10-year recovery from a brain tumor. Honeysuckle at Lakewood - covered patio with access to inside bar service and outdoor space - could not have been more perfect. We had about 50 in our party.The personalized planning and communication with both Svetlana and Sandy were thoughtful and timely. We selected food from their catering menu which included hors d'oeuvre platters plus 2-protein buffet dinner and sides with an iced-tea station. I brought birthday cakes and other dessert. Sandy and I worked together to arrange the furniture that was best for the occasion.We received compliments on the food that it was rare to have such tasty food for a large crowd; the bar service was perfect; and the special attention to make sure we had what we needed added that special touch.My husband commented the next day and several time since how perfect it was! And we received similar comments from our guests.We really appreciate all of the hard work and attention to detail by the entire Honeysuckle team to make it a very successful and special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marielena Daley
Online Photos and website don't represent the menu. How do you screw up French fries? Unfortunately, the food was generally bad. Fatty brisket, cold Soggy and cold fries, store bought, flavorless guacamole, chips and salsa. Good service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 3
Leo T.
Sad this place has gone downhill. Service has always been slow, but the food WAS good. Unfortunately I can no longer say the food was good, it's mediocre at best. The outdoor area is wonderful, although beware of panhandlers, they are agressive and even approached children playing within the restaurant's confined space. I know Honeysuckle can't do much about those types of people in the area, so as a reminder parents need to protect their children.
Shalamar Lawrence
Outstanding service. I was able to place an order after the grill closed. I ordered the brussel sprouts (To Die for !) As well as a grilled chicken chef salad put together from the house salad with chicken add on. No disappointment there either for me. The settings are perfect for a variety of atmospheres ranging from cordial to formal and easily able to accommodate large parties as well as secluded huts for small private occasions or dinner for one. For me it's one of my new favorite places to go as I'm also looking to start hosting the Durham chapter of Bigger Pockets there. I highly recommend. This place can only be described as an experience as it is much more than just an eatery or a bar!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Deep Fried Brussels Sprouts
Hannah Kiger
I never write a review but I felt like I needed to say something so hopefully the ownership takes action. We came at prime time on a Saturday evening and the place was deserted which should have been a red flag. When we went to order they were out of just about everything - several beers, bread, many menu items. Staff was very friendly and helpful and we didn't have to wait long for food to come out. I'd say all our food was fine - nothing special. The area was great for kids and we were enjoying ourselves until the sun went down ...... and out came the rats. Rats everywhere - we probably spotted at least 10. I'm assuming it's because the property backs up to a large commercial dumpster but the rats were bold enough to run all across the patio under chairs and tables. Could be a cute spot but we had to leave because they were literally everywhere.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
Adrienne Spinner
I booked The Honeysuckle at Lakewood for my husband's 40th Birthday surprise party, and we couldn't be happier with the experience! Svetlana was responsive and helpful during the planning, and my friend who helped with set-up said that Sandy and the Honeysuckle staff were super helpful and prepared. Justin was very surprised when we arrived, and our guests had a ball. The signature drink was delicious, and everyone was friendly and personable with us. I even appreciate the staff's patience with my kiddos, who took full advantage of limited parental supervision. The food was delicious, and we were able to pack up all of the extra to take to Durham Mission. We will definitely make Honeysuckle a regular stop when we're in Durham!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cathleen Demant
We brought a huge group and forgot to give them a heads up. They did an insanely good job getting us everything we ordered in a timely matter. Thank you!!
Erica Bryant
The food was acceptable, but the overall experience was marred by subpar service. The queue should have progressed more swiftly. There seemed to be a lack of urgency, necessitating an improved bartender. Whether new, dispirited, or inexperienced, the bartender's demeanor dampened the atmosphere for my group and other patrons. Patience was tested, and the overall customer experience was undeniably impacted.
It's a bummer: Honeysuckle *used* to be good.Nowadays, the outdoor seating is still great, and the cabanas are especially cool. It's also nice that the cabanas give you an outdoor seating option even when it's raining.But the rest is a letdown. The food, the service, and the prices are exactly what you'd expect from a TGI Fridays in an airport.
Melissa O'Daine Johnson
Great atmosphere will definitely return. They also have theme nights during the week how fun.
Victoria Nojd
Great place to come and relax! Friendly staff and great environment! Has dancing, painting class, and kid's crafts! Also have some local made items!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tyler
Great drinks and food. Incredible atmosphere and place to hangout! Wonderful date night spot.
Emily B.
The Honeysuckle at Lakewood is a large red and white barn at the edge of the parking lot for a decrepit shopping mall. Because of this, the overall look of the exterior and the ambiance of the outdoor seating area are both odd, especially when very few people are there, as there were on the night we went. In hindsight, this was a sign ("Go elsewhere!") that we missed. The Honeysuckle menu is very limited -- especially so for vegetarians and those needing gluten-free options (a salad with shrimp or chicken added is literally the only choice for the latter). When we went at 6:30 pm on a Sunday, they were out of both french fries and veggie burgers. Now that I see that they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, their being out of these basics on Sunday night makes sense -- but it does not excuse it at all. I ordered the grilled-shrimp quesadillas only to discover that the shrimp was not, in fact, grilled, but sautéed in oil; the result was the quesadillas lacked flavor and were extremely oily (sautéeing oil + melty cheese = too much oil). There was not even flavorful salsa to salvage them; they came accompanied with only sour cream. No one in our party of six said anything positive about their main course. The oven-roasted Brussels sprouts were the single bright-spot food item of our visit. What a shame. The staff were so few that we had to wait a long time for our food (no apologies were offered), and the orders of the second family in our party came out 10 minutes after the first. Beyond these problems, there were general signs of neglect around the dining area: the large trash can had no liner and the water cooler nearest the outside seating was not refilled (despite it being 90 degrees out). A very disappointing experience. We will not be returning.
Reading some of the other reviews, I think it's pretty harsh to leave a bad review based solely on service during a pandemic. This place is huge, and I can imagine they may not have as many people on shift because every restaurant is just slower than expected right now. With that said, I've been here about 10 times and have had good interactions with staff every time.I really appreciate that they are trying to offer a variety of safe options to people--the fire pits, the picnic tables, the patio, the new sheds, etc.Things that would improve the feels for me:- the music. Obviously this is a very personal preference thing, but I am always very confused by the genre switching. One minute I'm vibin to throwback R&B and the next I'm being blasted with Yacht Rock or pop country.- different plating for sandwiches and burgers, maybe? The Philly is so good, but with a salad or fries on the wooden plate, it kinda falls all over the table.- smaller portion of Brussels sprouts app. Forreaal, I do not think even 4 Dwayne Johnsones could consume all those sprouts, but they are damn good.I'm rootin for y'all to become my neighborhood bar!
Drinks good. Food very mediocre. Frozen chicken tender sandwich with frozen fries very disappointing. Good atmosphere but food not great. Sort of a weird setup. Space has so much potential but just wasted a bit.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
I looked for a special venue to celebrate my husband's 70th birthday and 10-year recovery from a brain tumor. Honeysuckle at Lakewood - covered patio with access to inside bar service and outdoor space - could not have been more perfect. We had about 50 in our party.The personalized planning and communication with both Svetlana and Sandy were thoughtful and timely. We selected food from their catering menu which included hors d'oeuvre platters plus 2-protein buffet dinner and sides with an iced-tea station. I brought birthday cakes and other dessert. Sandy and I worked together to arrange the furniture that was best for the occasion.We received compliments on the food that it was rare to have such tasty food for a large crowd; the bar service was perfect; and the special attention to make sure we had what we needed added that special touch.My husband commented the next day and several time since how perfect it was! And we received similar comments from our guests.We really appreciate all of the hard work and attention to detail by the entire Honeysuckle team to make it a very successful and special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Online Photos and website don't represent the menu. How do you screw up French fries? Unfortunately, the food was generally bad. Fatty brisket, cold Soggy and cold fries, store bought, flavorless guacamole, chips and salsa. Good service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 3
Sad this place has gone downhill. Service has always been slow, but the food WAS good. Unfortunately I can no longer say the food was good, it's mediocre at best. The outdoor area is wonderful, although beware of panhandlers, they are agressive and even approached children playing within the restaurant's confined space. I know Honeysuckle can't do much about those types of people in the area, so as a reminder parents need to protect their children.
Outstanding service. I was able to place an order after the grill closed. I ordered the brussel sprouts (To Die for !) As well as a grilled chicken chef salad put together from the house salad with chicken add on. No disappointment there either for me. The settings are perfect for a variety of atmospheres ranging from cordial to formal and easily able to accommodate large parties as well as secluded huts for small private occasions or dinner for one. For me it's one of my new favorite places to go as I'm also looking to start hosting the Durham chapter of Bigger Pockets there. I highly recommend. This place can only be described as an experience as it is much more than just an eatery or a bar!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Deep Fried Brussels Sprouts
I never write a review but I felt like I needed to say something so hopefully the ownership takes action. We came at prime time on a Saturday evening and the place was deserted which should have been a red flag. When we went to order they were out of just about everything - several beers, bread, many menu items. Staff was very friendly and helpful and we didn't have to wait long for food to come out. I'd say all our food was fine - nothing special. The area was great for kids and we were enjoying ourselves until the sun went down ...... and out came the rats. Rats everywhere - we probably spotted at least 10. I'm assuming it's because the property backs up to a large commercial dumpster but the rats were bold enough to run all across the patio under chairs and tables. Could be a cute spot but we had to leave because they were literally everywhere.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
I booked The Honeysuckle at Lakewood for my husband's 40th Birthday surprise party, and we couldn't be happier with the experience! Svetlana was responsive and helpful during the planning, and my friend who helped with set-up said that Sandy and the Honeysuckle staff were super helpful and prepared. Justin was very surprised when we arrived, and our guests had a ball. The signature drink was delicious, and everyone was friendly and personable with us. I even appreciate the staff's patience with my kiddos, who took full advantage of limited parental supervision. The food was delicious, and we were able to pack up all of the extra to take to Durham Mission. We will definitely make Honeysuckle a regular stop when we're in Durham!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We brought a huge group and forgot to give them a heads up. They did an insanely good job getting us everything we ordered in a timely matter. Thank you!!
The food was acceptable, but the overall experience was marred by subpar service. The queue should have progressed more swiftly. There seemed to be a lack of urgency, necessitating an improved bartender. Whether new, dispirited, or inexperienced, the bartender's demeanor dampened the atmosphere for my group and other patrons. Patience was tested, and the overall customer experience was undeniably impacted.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
It's a bummer: Honeysuckle *used* to be good.Nowadays, the outdoor seating is still great, and the cabanas are especially cool. It's also nice that the cabanas give you an outdoor seating option even when it's raining.But the rest is a letdown. The food, the service, and the prices are exactly what you'd expect from a TGI Fridays in an airport.
Great atmosphere will definitely return. They also have theme nights during the week how fun.
Great place to come and relax! Friendly staff and great environment! Has dancing, painting class, and kid's crafts! Also have some local made items!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great drinks and food. Incredible atmosphere and place to hangout! Wonderful date night spot.
The Honeysuckle at Lakewood is a large red and white barn at the edge of the parking lot for a decrepit shopping mall. Because of this, the overall look of the exterior and the ambiance of the outdoor seating area are both odd, especially when very few people are there, as there were on the night we went. In hindsight, this was a sign ("Go elsewhere!") that we missed. The Honeysuckle menu is very limited -- especially so for vegetarians and those needing gluten-free options (a salad with shrimp or chicken added is literally the only choice for the latter). When we went at 6:30 pm on a Sunday, they were out of both french fries and veggie burgers. Now that I see that they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, their being out of these basics on Sunday night makes sense -- but it does not excuse it at all. I ordered the grilled-shrimp quesadillas only to discover that the shrimp was not, in fact, grilled, but sautéed in oil; the result was the quesadillas lacked flavor and were extremely oily (sautéeing oil + melty cheese = too much oil). There was not even flavorful salsa to salvage them; they came accompanied with only sour cream. No one in our party of six said anything positive about their main course. The oven-roasted Brussels sprouts were the single bright-spot food item of our visit. What a shame. The staff were so few that we had to wait a long time for our food (no apologies were offered), and the orders of the second family in our party came out 10 minutes after the first. Beyond these problems, there were general signs of neglect around the dining area: the large trash can had no liner and the water cooler nearest the outside seating was not refilled (despite it being 90 degrees out). A very disappointing experience. We will not be returning.