Wakefield Tavern

Went for lunch with my wife. She had the club sandwich on rye bread with chips. She loved the sandwich, it was huge, the chips seemed a little old. My fish was ok but very crispy. Our server John was excellent made sure we had all we needed. Overall it’s hit or miss here.

Stopped in here for dinner a couple weekends ago and it was a fantastic experience. My waitress was super attentive, but gave me time to finish eating without trying to rush me out to get someone else in the seat. Got the house queso and salsa for an app, they were pretty damn good. I couldn't tell if the chips were made in house or not, but they were good regardless! I got the Southwestern Quesadilla for my meal and that was also fantastic! It had a ton of flavor and was super filling. I will absolutely be coming back here! House queso & Salsa - 7.8/10 Southwestern Quesadilla - 8.5/10

Overall Rating: 3.9/10 This restaurant's visually appealing tavern-style atmosphere contrasts starkly with the subpar service and food quality experienced during the visit. Atmosphere: 6.1/10 The setting is genuinely tavern-like, complete with a full, legitimate-looking tent and bar area that adds character to the space. Service: 3.9/10 Service delays were significant, with over five minutes waiting for water and similar delays for food, impacting the overall dining experience. The lack of attentiveness continued throughout the meal, affecting the ability to enjoy the dishes as intended, such as not having ketchup available for fries. The charge is done by the sever at the table without giving a print out which may not show transparency. Food: Cowboy Skillet: 4.9/10 While specific details of the seasoning are forgotten, the presentation on a skillet initially suggested a promising dish. However, it was served cold, significantly detracting from what could have been a flavorful experience. Kids Cheese Burger Meal: 3.3/10 The presentation of the kids' burger was lackluster, with a disproportion between the bun and the meat. A more balanced proportion could potentially improve both the appearance and the eating experience. Cheese Pizza: 3.4/10 The pizza suffered from an underwhelming undercarriage and crust, reminiscent of lower-quality frozen pizza, which marred the overall taste and left a bad aftertaste. Value: 4.1/10 Priced at $47 for two entrees and a kids' meal without drinks, the value perceived was low. Improvements in service speed, food warmth, and culinary quality, especially the pizza, could justify the cost better.

My mother and I went out to dinner here and we had a fabulous experience! The food was fresh and crisp (mom got a Caesar salad with salmon and said it was the best she’s ever had! I had the buffalo chicken wrap with house made chips). Our server, Jess was very helpful and friendly and we really enjoyed her service! I love that the food is local when possible and everything was made in house. I also really enjoyed the mocktail menu! Highly recommend and we will return!

My daughter & I are here a week ago. Our server, Jess, was absolutely terrific: attentive in every way; personable, knowledgeable, friendly accommodating. The Atlantic Salmon Caesar salad (my “go to” at restaurants) was the best I’ve ever eaten anywhere! The salmon came out hot off the grill, cooked to perfection. The romaine lettuce was fresh, crisp, & very green. Homemade croutons were to die for. The homemade ranch dressing was delightful in flavor. I want the owner to open a tavern like this in Raleigh (but in MY zip code)!

I want to like this place as a local neighborhood joint but it’s hit or really miss. I ordered the salmon and it was quite dry and was very bland, only had a single dry lemon wedge for flavor, which seems crazy for $23. Not even salt and pepper on the table. Service was really slow, my partner had just about finished his meal by the time our waitress came back and I could ask for some sauce. It wasn’t great either. Waited 30 min to be seated even though there were open tables, maybe they were reserved or under staffed because they stayed empty through our meal. This was our second time and I don’t know that I’d go back.

Solid tavern atmosphere. Menu offers broad range of choices and food is plentiful and good. Prices are very reasonable. Nice covered outdoor patio. Staff is pleasant but a bit overwhelmed on busy nights - be patient - they try very hard to be sure you are happy.

It is popular and sometimes crowded like our Sunday visit. Food selection is very good, a nice array of burgers, sandwiches, and more fancy dishes. Wait staff are courteous and professional. We dine here 2 or 3 times each month solo and with friends.

Yum! Burgers are delish, tender and flavorful. Fries are amazing! Patty melt is totally worth a try. Really great fries and more of them than either of us could finish. If I could eat here every week, I would. It's a little loud but the food helps you overlook that. Attentive, friendly waitstaff. Our server, Jessie, was just amazing... courteous, friendly, so sweeeet. She had us smiling. I brought my friend for her birthday. I've been here many times since discovering it in 2018 but she never had been. It's now her new go-to as well as mine.

3.5-4 stars! We were able to easily make a reservation for four people when we wanted to watch a sporting event together. They had some surrounding TVs. Their menu and drink selection was plentiful - the Bull City Apple Cider was amazing! We ordered the soft pretzels and chicken pizza. Everything we ordered was pretty average and yummy but nothing to write home about. Very lovely and timely staff, clean environment, easy parking - but I wouldn't rush to return, nothing special.

A group of us came here for dinner before going to see the Charlie Brown musical. Despite being early, it was still very crowded and difficult to get in and out of one small door with people trying to come in while others are trying to exit. There's plenty of parking because it's in a large strip mall. We had a reservation so we were seated quickly. The huge menu was already on the table which was helpful. They have appetizers, salads, sandwiches, soup, tacos, wings,burgers and some entree dishes. A lot to choose from. The noise level is very loud so it was hard to have a conversation with anyone except those who were seated right next to me. I had the fish and chips with fries and a tiny cup of coleslaw. The fish was a good size and a decent portion ( there's an option of 2 or 3 pieces). It was cooked nicely but really lacked flavor. I tried by adding a ton of malt vinegar but still was just missing some flavor in the breading . Good fries and lots of them. Tiny coleslaw was ok. Tea was good and not overly sweet. My friends had the shrimp dinner, the Monte Cristo sandwich and a chicken wrap. The shrimp were " good but very salty". The Monte cristo was good and the best thing about the chicken wrap was the chicken. They have a special marinade for the chicken that's different. Prices were reasonable except for the tea. I would only return if in a group and would request outdoor seating in hopes it would be quieter.

Monte Crisco is worth the visit here. The special was also yummy. Croissant with turkey bacon and avocado.

This was our first trip here. Atmosphere was that of a typical tavern. Hostess was friendly and we were able to be seated promptly on a Saturday night (party of 2). Appeared clean and our waiter was attentive and helpful. Drinks were really good, probably the star of our experience. We ordered the hot Carmel Apple and a blackberry bourbon drink. Both were delicious. I loved the option of getting my caramel apple hot because it was super cold outside. Food was okay for bar food. We started with the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls. They had a nice crunch and were very tasteful. Unsure if they are made in house or from frozen so I guess that's good! I ordered the blackened burger as it comes, well done. It came out a little more pink than I like but I ate it as is. I enjoyed the flavor of the pico and queso on the burger. My husband ordered the chicken pot pie. He was not impressed, he said it was very salty and he did not care for the topping.

Really down to earth space. Staff was friendly and efficient. The food was good- nicely done and tasted very good. A good spot for a meal that won't kill your bank account.

Great spot! We had lunch there last weekend and sat at the bar. The bartender was super friendly and we enjoyed the chatter of the bar. I ordered the buffalo chicken wrap and homemade chips. It was delicious! Solid staple when in Raleigh.

I recently found a new love for Wakefield Tavern. My first experience there wasn't great but I do give businesses a second chance and I'm glad I did. My husband has been begging to go back and so I budged, thankfully! Both visits, I ordered the fish and chips and though the coleslaw isn't the best, the fish is always fresh and delicious. However, I need to remember to order what my husband orders because it's phenomenal. The Tavern Pasta is seriously SO GOOD. Do get the Totchos as your appetizer because those are pretty bangin'. Adult drinks are really good but they're not super strong. Service was great our last visit and our waitress was super quick with everything. I'm glad I gave this place a second chance because now I'm obsessed with the pasta.

We went there for the first time today during lunch. The food, atmosphere and service were all fantastic! i ordered the Habanero wings which were delicious and cooked perfectly. Wife ordered shrimp quesadilla which was packed with nice size shrimp and equally delicious! We will absolutely be returning- highly recommend Andy

Sure wish this place was closer to my home. Everything eaten has always been so good. Plus the servers are exceptional. Pub food on a noisy but lively environment.

I have enjoyed eating at Wakefield Tavern on occasion, but today's lunch makes me reconsider visiting again. Ordered the Reuben. What a mess, thick hunks of dried tasteless corned beef sloppily overhanging the bread. Too tough to eat. Complaining to our server served no purpose, tho she asked what was my complaint to tell the kitchen. No response from the kitchen, manager, server...just the bill. Disappointing in today's costly food market. Won't be back.

Pleasantly surprised. Nice thick juicy burger. We both had the black jack burger medium well with fries. I was very satisfied with the burger tenderness and overall quality of meat, just great. Waiter said they get their meat from the Angus Barn. Mmmm that explains the great quality meat. Very friendly waiter, food came out fast, great selection of unique drinks, clean place- I don't know why this place isn't rated higher. People would rather eat junk from fast food I suppose.

I don't eat burgers often. Like once a year maybe. But the last two times I've had a hankering, I got a Swiss cheese and sautéed onions and mushrooms burger at Wakefield Tavern. With a side of sweet potato fries. It's hit the spot both times.

Great food and great service. The club sandwich was great as was this Mac and cheese. Good beer selection

The atmosphere and server were pleasant. The problem was with the food. I ordered shrimp and grits. It was so salty I could hardly eat more than a quarter of it. I had high hopes for this place, but I'm physically uncomfortable from the amount of salt in my meal.

Was looking for a good spot close to home to eat and saw this spot. Was not impressed at all. The pasta and shrimp dish I was severed was greasy with absolutely no flavor. The carrot cake had nothing resembling it to be a carrot cake. It was more of a spice cake. Best part about the place was the service. The hostess was very kind. Not sure if I'm up to trying it again.

Why charge your guest a credit card processing fee even before we present we're paying with a credit card. You should never charge your guest for your credit card processing fees!

Food is ok nothing to write home about but the problem is the extra fees they charge. Ordered a dip. They sent out a small serving of chips. When I asked for more they charged me for them without me knowing. Then they charge an "operation fee". All in it was $10 in fees on top of the bill. I had no idea about any of this because the waiter did a handheld electronic bill POS and I couldn't see the bill until I asked for it to be printed out. Beware high fees for just ok food. Not worth it. Won't be back.

I will preface this review by saying we used to love Wakefield Tavern. The apps, quesadillas, burgers, sammies were always good. Yesterday we ordered shrimp nachos and Philly steak eggrolls. The eggrolls used to be large and filled with what could at least pass as steak. During our visit yesterday, the eggroll had shrank in size considerably and the meat was more like beef gruel...something you might serve maximum security prisoners. The queso was a whole other issue. The taste was not horrible but it was like someone added a whole bunch of flour to the previous day's runny queso and it ended up with a jello consistency. The queso on the nachos was the same way. There was actually a few more shrimp on the nachos than I would have expected. As we paid the bill we noticed a 3% service charge which was not mentioned previously by the waitstaff. I support Wake Forest restaurants regularly and will not be coming back to Wakefield Tavern again. Over the Falls has not provided a service charge nor changed the overall composition of items I have enjoyed there for years. Prices have risen but quality remains at least the same. I wish I could say the same for Wakefield Tavern.

Good food. Great service Quick to get the food out. Garlic fries were awesome as well as the burger

Excellent place for food and a cold beer. Friendly staff and a great place to watch sports. I will come back for sure.

Came here for lunch today with my wife and we were both pleasantly surprised. We were seated right away. It was fairly loud inside so we took a seat outside. The food and drinks both arrived soon after we ordered. We started with their chorizo dip with pita chips, which really hit the spot. I was a big fan of their Tavern Pasta with shrimp and an even bigger fan of their Painkiller cocktail. Honestly there were at least a dozen things on the menu that I'd be interested in trying. Everything we tried was extremely salty so maybe be careful if you have sodium issues, but it sure tasted great.

It was our first time and we will go back. We went in for Sunday Funday. I ordered the spicy pork quesadilla. It was SPICY. I wouldn't order it again. I don't feel it was well put together and the flavor profile was ALL spice. The tortilla was overcooked. The chicken tenders were average. We saw burgers and wish we would have gone that route. The service was good. The seating is a little odd in the one corner but it wasn't too crowded so no bad. Plenty of TVs to watch the sports!

Good food, good staff. Prices are a little on the high side. Atmosphere is a bit loud.

Went on a late Saturday afternoon and had the patio to ourselves. Loved the quietness & the nice breeze from the outdoor fans. Enjoyed my blood orange cider and the burger was incredibly juicy & tasty!

Came in for dinner Saturday night and was not disappointed. Great food and service and an awesome duo for live music! Will definitely be back.

Wakefield Tavern has never disappointed me. I've been going to Wakefield Tavern since they opened in my neighborhood almost 12 years ago. They've always been that consistently delicious restaurant for whatever I'm craving. I believe at this point I've tried 85% of the menu, and only because it's hard not to go with my favorites, every time. Tonight we ordered takeout, which we have been doing since the pandemic started in 2020. I do believe we've eaten inside twice in the last 2 years and felt totally safe and comfortable. I'd literally trust the amazing owner with my life!! They have perfected the takeout process so much so that it makes it hard for me to get dressed to sit inside, but you definitely should experience the dine In experience. I had the oh so delectable Tavern Nachos with Chicken, no jalapeños (you can pick from Chicken, Shrimp, Spicy Pork or Ground beef and can't go wrong with either choice. And it comes in 2 sizes). As always, they hit the spot and I left no chip untouched. My daughter had another one of our favorites, the Tavern Pasta w/ Shrimp ( you can pick from Chicken, Shrimp or Steak). Man oh man, I can never not have a bite of whatever someone else is having because I literally love everything they make. Don't let me get started on their dessert, oh and Sunday Brunch. We had takeout, but dining at The Wakefield Tavern is a treat for sure. Pre-pandemic at some point we were there at least twice a month, if not more. Our favorite server knew our orders we were there so much. The staff is always super friendly and very efficient. They have great indoor and outdoor seating and the bar area has tables as well. There's plenty of TVs to catch whatever sport that you're into. Make your tummy and your tastebuds happy and dine at Wakefield Tavern this soon!!!

This has been my go to place for many years, but it's going be a long time before I come back. I went out to lunch with some friends yesterday to celebrate one's recovery who has been sick for many months. She ordered a patty melt and received a cheeseburger between two unheated slices of rye bread. When she politely pointed that out, the manager came over and started arguing with her that that was a patty melt. I literally showed him on Google that a patty melt was grilled and had grilled onions in it. He was extremely rude and very reluctantly, took it back and asked if she wanted something else. By the time her replacement order showed up everyone else had finished eating. He told us that he had comped her patty, melt in that he didn't charge for it, but he still charged her for the Philly steak. A friend of ours nicely picked up the bill and had to talk with him about the concept of comping someone's meal. Not once did he apologize both for the order or for the delay. In fact, he argued with all of us. Anyway, I used to go there at least a couple times a month, but that's not going to happen anymore. What a shame because it used to be a wonderful place.

Food was very good - great fish and chips. Service was wonderful! We will definitely return

Always a great time at Wakefield Tavern! We've been delving into their Burger menu and really enjoying the different offerings. My favorite is The Goat! Everyone in our family looks forward to either going to the restaurant or grabbing takeout. The service is always great, friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is warm, upbeat and family friendly.

Consistent good food and variety Outdoor seating Recommend, family and friends try it

I liked the place. The food was much better than some of the reviews would lead you to believe. Our server was fantastic which means a ton. So we'll be back!

Everything is awesome here, great food, staff, owners!! Very inviting atmosphere, bar and dining are split even has an eclectic outdoor dining!

Unfortunately had an extremely bad experience here. I've come here several times because it was convenient to my home, but I have to warn ladies who attend this bar that if you are taken advantage of, the bartenders and owners will not stand up for you! I had a man purchase me several drinks and pour me more wine than I expected... the bartender, Olivia, kept serving the wine and allowing it. I went to the bathroom where the man followed me and took advantage of me. Shortly after I decided to drive home. I was never told I was "cut off" because how could I be? I wasn't the one buying. I returned one day to get a salad after I worked out and I was told that I would not be served there anymore. Since then, the man who I was with that night of the incident has been back several times without an issue. I called to speak the the manager over the matter and they passed me off to the bartender who was there that evening who was just completely rude and discriminating toward me over the man I was with. I won't be going back. this is not a place where a woman can go out safely In north Raleigh.

The food is good. The service is sometimes iffy. They do not like if you have a large group of people. We have tried to go there with two families, 10 people, and they refused to see us.

The food was not as fresh as I expected. Service was slow and I waited a long time too ok get the appetizers that I ordered!

Great food, great service and great drinks! Went there with our child who has allergies and they were very helpful and accommodating! Will definitely go back!

Great food and service with plenty of tvs to watch sporting events. I recommend the chili too

We love Wakefield tavern! The food is always delicious, the service is consistently great, and the atmosphere is always upbeat. We bring our kids so it's definitely family friendly. My reason for only 4 stars is that since we are a larger family, we are often put in the huge corner booth that has missing filling in the cushions, so you are sinking into the wooden base and it's really not comfortable.

Really good food, the burger is one of the best. Very nice staff, they know the menu and we're very friendly. I will make it a point to go back.

Ate here last week for lunch. If you call yourself a tavern- you better be able to make Reuben sandwich- nope- bread all soggy, no color whatsoever on the bread, looked liked they put unbuttered bread on a not so hot griddle. Tater tots? Nope can't make those either and that's a hard one to screw up since they come frozen in a bag- how to cook them wrong? Drop them in a fryer that's not hot enough so they absorb grease and taste disgusting. Home made chips? I don't think they were homemade- looked like frozen to me-- pro tip- after you fry them- try putting some salt on them- it would help. Please set some standards.

Have had the opportunity to dine here a couple times now and can highly recommend all aspects of the establishment. Lots of great food options so there's something for everyone (including gluten free substitutions), full bar and awesome beer selection with lots of local taps/cans. Everyone is always so pleasant and friendly and are able to provide educated suggestions, when asked. They have TVs for games and live music weekly. We sit at the bar mostly but there's plenty of tables inside and outside for dining.

The several times I've eaten here I have never walked away disappointed. There is a lot to say for a consistent local eatery.

The food was great, the ambience was pretty good, and the service was OK. I got the breakfast burger and my wife got the California burger. She said it was one of the best burgers she has ever had--I'm not sure it's that high for me, but it was definitely good. I loved the tater tots and the sweet potato waffle fries. The service was just a little slow (we ordered a salad to start, and we had been done with our salad for about five minutes before they even took the rest of our order). But maybe it was a busy night. Overall, a great place, and I would go back.

Great quality bar food. Friendly service. Good wine choices especially for a sports bar.

I've had the pleasure to eat at some of the very best restaurants in Paris, London, Barcelona, New York, Chicago, Hong Kong, Colombo and many more. Wakefield Tavern can hold their with any restaurant in the world. The food is excellent every time, the quality is consistent over the years (I've eaten here for 9+ years) and hot from the kitchen. The selection of wines, liquors and beer is excellent and only exceeded by the professional and friendly bartenders and servers. Our server today, Allie Kat, was a delight to speak with and most helpful with suggestions from the menu for the Sunday brunch. "The Tavern", as we call it, is our favorite go-to place after church. Anthony and Staff, thank you for all you do.

Food, service, and drinks are all amazing every time we go! So lucky to have such a great local restaurant nearby.

Delicious lunch today! We had the yummy spinach artichoke dip and hands down it was the BEST spinach artichoke dip we've ever had! Not sure if the chef adds a little beer to it but it definitely had a slight taste of beer and it was SO GOOD! We both ordered salads and they were so good as well! Chef salad with chicken for hubby and house salad with chicken for me. Very generous sizes, enough that we brought most of both home. Side order of homemade chips and they were very good. Our server was wonderful and we had a really lovely meal here. So glad we decided to come back again. Will definitely be back for more of that awesome dip!

Enjoyed a family celebration here for a high school graduation. The staff was so accommodating and the variety of the menu really provides so many options - great appetizer options and food choices and the food is good. Great service too. Thanks everyone. The majority of the attendees enjoyed their choices but my wife and I had food that was way over seasoned - the polenta cakes and shrimp were very salty, so salty she didn't finish half and my Tavern Steak Sub was the same except for it was pepper.....the sub could have used a little more meat as well but the pepper was really too much. Our server noted a new person in the kitchen but we'll come back and check out again!!