I have been to the spot several time in various guises. It's a great location. This iteration seems like the best for the area: it's very family friendly, with tons of games and playground area for the younger set. I came at 5:45 on a Monday (because no other places are open on Mondays!), and was one of maybe four me. In the place. The rest were moms with one or two (or more!) kids, some waiting for dad to join them after work. I ate in a covered patio that in a few months will be too hot to endure. But tonight, mid-March, it's a sunny delight. I ordered a smashburger and a Kingstown Negroni. Drae stirred my drink and out the order in, and it arrived with fries just minutes later. Juicy double patty burger, caramelized onions, cheese, salt & pepper fries. Fresh and very tasty. WiFi was fast, music was smooth but subdued. (Think Sade and Barry White dueling. Wish I wasn't alone!) Kids were everywhere, but very well-behaved and in explore mode, which I find adorable! There are outside areas covered in open or tarps, clear flexi-glass walled off areas, and true "indoor" places you can watch TV in. Everything from Top Gear to REN & Stimpy. A great way to spend an early dinner/very late lunch. read more

Lakewood Social - Smashburger and fries, with a Kingston Negroni in the background. - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

A decent spot, but caters more towards the crowd that wants to drink while their kids run around. Lakewood Social is a nice casual spot with a decent drink and food menu that really caters to the day drinking millennial crowd with kids. It's kind of a bug and feature. They have the order from your table QR code set up where you can get drinks and food served to you either inside or out. The service is always quick and prompt. This place is great on a nice day. It's not somewhere I would typically seek out myself unless with friends (with kids) or hosting a small party (where there might be friends (with kids) attending. read more

Lakewood Social - Mocktail time! - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Enjoyed my first time grabbing a bite at Lakewood Social! I got the smash burger which came with 2 patties, cheese, lettuce, pickles and onions on a brioche bun. Overall tasty and the patties are cooked well done as advertised but even with that heads up it was a bit too charred for my taste. Highly recommend splitting a starter of fries with a friend (bigger bang for your buck) which comes with ketchup and aioli or getting a side of fries for yourself! They were super crispy and you can also get them curry-seasoned though I actually preferred the regular fries which were already delicious. They also had a nice selection of drafts. You order at the front and it's self-seating. Staff were friendly and our food was prepared quickly and brought out to us. A casual spot combining brews and solid food. Family friendly and there were many kids around. Plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors! read more

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My partner and I couldn't pick so we split and both were really good! Just cute and cozy vibe with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. They have some board games available to play. They have merch for sale and some wine selections. Looks like a great place to relax with friends and family. Definitely a kid and pet friendly place. Not the most parking but you can park in the Lakewood shopping center too. They have a lot of gluten free options. They have a non profit partner of the month and give back to the community and charity. Go support them! read more

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I came out this evening to support the chosen nonprofit of the month; Durham Crisis Response Center! There was quite a line at the bar when I walked in but it moved along pretty efficiently with friendly service. The set up was nicely done where tables had been reserved and there was space for DCRC to display resources and an art project were attendees could decorate jeans in observation of sexual assault awareness month. I made the decision to order food inland ended up getting the broccoli grilled cheese sandwich and loved it! The food was reasonably priced and I loved that part of their sales were going back to a local nonprofit! Thanks for a great experience! read more

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I came to check out Lakewood social on a Sunday afternoon. There were a decent amount of people dining here but not overly packed. The restaurant is spacious with indoor & outdoor seating. There were multiple vendors at the business this particular day. The restaurant also sells wine and other merchandise. Upon entering the business you can place your order at the bar or at your table with a QR code. I placed my order at the bar. While I waited for my food I got a cup of self serve water from an area near the bar. My only complaint is that the water wasn't cold and there was no ice dispenser in this area. My food was brought out in a timely manner. I got the chicken doner kabob wrap with curry fries. The fries were served hot and were good. My wrap was filled with pickled vegetables & chicken with a garlic sauce and tasted good. The wrap was nice portion size that allowed me to take leftovers home. There isn't table service but an employee brought a box to my table after I asked about one & took my tray after I finished my meal. read more

Lakewood Social - You look great today! - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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What a lovely spot! We heard about Lakewood Social and the online pics looked great so we decided to try it out. It surpassed expectations. Its spacious and has indoor and outdoor seating. We ordered the doner kebab wrap and the smash burger. Both were chefs kiss. Simple menu but both tasted delicious- along with the fries. Also, you won't go thirsty...ample beer choices, wine and other drinks. I had a pale ale that was just what I was looking for. Lakewood Social has a laid back vibe with attentive staff. read more

Lakewood Social - Doner Kebab wrap sandwich - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Wasn't sure I would like this place based on some reviews I read but they were totally false. Plenty of seating when we walked in on a Wednesday evening so we chose a corner table. Ordering was from a QR code on the table and I had read reviews that it was difficult to navigate and impossible to make substitutions. This was totally false. I liked that all the drafts were easily accessible with prices and descriptions. It was super easy to modify sandwiches as well. You could choose to leave off any ingredient, substitute bread or make it a bowl or add ingredients. I ordered the chicken kebab in a bowl. It was a generous portion of food and the curry fries on the side were fabulous. Another review stated condiments were hard to find. Not so. There was a big shelf near the bar of condiments and serve yourself water. Husband and I were debating on another beer and the half pour option made our decision easy. Any beer was available as a half pour for $3 less. Service was great. -- each round of drinks or food came out quickly and employees were friendly. My only disappointment was that they were out of the vegan carrot sandwich. It sounded interesting and delicious! read more

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A great spot for families! This place is perfect for bringing the whole family. It has a spacious outdoor area where kids can run around freely, plus an indoor play space stocked with toys to keep them entertained. The children's menu offers a good variety of options, and both the food and service are solid overall. The only downside was the cocktails--some were underwhelming and didn't quite meet expectations. read more

Lakewood Social - Whipped Ricotta and Curry Fries - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

First time checking Lakewood Socal out and it won't be our last! It has a great atmosphere, amazing food, and wide selection of beers. Ordering was easy. Love that it is dog friendly, which is always a plus for dog lovers! They were able to put the State game on the TV for me - so great food, good beer selection, and a Wolfpack game made it my happy place! So much so, that I almost forgot to get a picture of the food & well it was too late for the beer, ha! read more

Lakewood Social - Smashburger & fries...my wife also shared with me the Chicken Doner Kebab wrap! - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

How much do I love Lakewood Social? Let me count the ways... 1. Great food at reasonable prices. They have outstanding sandwiches (the breakfast sandwich and grilled cheese are excellent!), solid salads (I desperately miss their Caesar salad, which was perhaps my favorite salad in the Triangle), and tasty starters (love the aioli with their perfectly cooked fries, ricotta is also great!). Don't sleep on their chicken tenders, either. 2. Excellent drinks (and they change them up!). You can never go wrong with their margaritas, and I love that they always have some sort of tiki-themed cocktail on the menu. They also have great mocktails (especially the pink peppercorn Paloma). They have an excellent selection of wines by the bottle, as well, which you can take home or drink there ($8 corkage, which is truly a steal). 3. Family friendly. I love going here with or without kids. With kids, I sit outside so kids can run around (supervised) and play with the toys generously provided by Lakewood. Without kids, I sit inside near the bar for a still lively but less kid-focused experience. 4. Wonderful staff. From the owner Joel who is always around to each server or bartender, everyone has been super helpful and friendly (to adults and kids!). 5. Plenty of seating and no need for reservations. This is a great spot for a spontaneous group get together! 6. Order at your table or at the bar. I personally love QR code ordering (especially with a group), but for those that don't, you can easily order with a person at the bar. 7. Gives back to the community! They feature a local nonprofit every month in addition to partnering with local groups on in-restaurant activities. I've seen them offer space for gatherings, host fairs, and spotlight artwork from local groups. Always a fan of folks that give back! I'm sure there's more I'm leaving out, but Lakewood Social is definitely 5 stars in my book. read more

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Nice place with lots of indoor/outdoor seating. Lots of drink options and a decent amount of food to order. I attended for a work function so food was preordered. I had a chicken salad sandwich and potato salad and both were really good. Ordered a soda from the table with a qr code and it came out quickly. read more

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Always a great spot with a chill atmosphere! I love their fries and we had some appetizers during this recent visit. The French onion dip & whipped ricotta were super tasty! I had the pepperoncini Caesar salad for dinner and it was a huge portion and really good! read more

Lakewood Social - Broccoli cheese melt & fries - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Found this gem for a delightful pit stop on our way up to Virginia. You take a Pic of the QRcode and order from your seat. I had the bacon jam smashburger and Arugula salad, my partner had the 3 cheese grilled cheese. We shared fried and chicken tenders. The amber beer was also on point. We will definitely be back. read more

Hoping this one finally makes it in this location that has seen so much turnover!! We have been here a handful of times since it opened. It has such a family friendly environment with a big outdoor area and a toy corner. I always get the same meal while here-the broccoli grilled cheese. It is very good! My husband has repeatedly gotten the fried chicken sandwich but then realizes once he gets it that it's mostly dark meat, which he does not enjoy. Oh well, one day he will remember to try something else! Our kids enjoy the reasonably priced kids meals each time. We love ordering from our table with the QR codes and getting our food out fairly quickly. Overall, great place to visit on a nice spring or summer night! read more

My friend and I spontaneously decided to come here on a Sunday afternoon. We sat inside, but there was plenty of outdoor seating available too. We decided to split a cider and some fries and I thought they were both fairly priced. We were some of the few people there and were able to get some studying done since it was pretty quiet, but I imagine it's a different vibe on a Friday/Saturday night. read more

Lakewood Social - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Over the years, this location has seen several businesses come and go, and this is the latest incarnation. We had a discount from a local dining club and stopped in for dinner on a Saturday night. It was not too crowded. Some families were playing outside and they had various basketball games on the TVs inside. We got a ginger apple cider non-alcoholic drink and a beer, a grilled veggie sandwich and side salad, and a tuna sandwich with a side of soup. You place your order at the counter and they will give you a numbered sign and bring the food to your table (we sat inside). Food was tasty and well-priced. We usually eat at another restaurant in this area but would consider coming back here. read more

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Here 2 in the afternoon with my dog. Fantastic ambiance as I wait for my mom to finish a doctors appointment at duke. The bar tender brought my dog a chicken tender with her water bowl. The sweetest thing ever. I couldn't ask for a more chill spot to enjoy whipped ricotta and an old fashion. read more

Lakewood Social - Pup enjoying a chicken tender - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Nice setting here, but I don't understand the hype. Definitely a great place for the family. The cocktails are good, but the food? Ricotta was the best thing we had there other than the cocktails. Also a very nice wine list. The sandwiches are just okay. I am admitting that I am a sandwich snob, but a sandwich is a simple thing but execution is imperative! Looking at the description the sandwiches look great, but full execution is lack luster. I was hungry and only ate half of mine and my partner did about the same. The arugula salad could have used a little more of something. Simply adding olive oil and basic seasoning would have gone a long way. Also there was good fresh arugula on top of some wilting and withered arugula leaves. Also the service was decent but just had a bit of a weird vibe there . Obviously a family run vibe going on and very family friendly at the same time. I don't love it and you can't hate it. But I wanna love it more read more

love coming here on Mondays for their $5 amaro special and have been making my way through their menu and i've been impressed by everything i've tried! i think about their pepperoncini caesar salad on the daily, and their vegetable panini and greek salad are also 10/10. the cherry on top is their lovely staff who make every guest feel at home :) read more

Good food. We met friends here for a gathering and liked the food and beverages. Nice indoor area, though dark.

Very casual atmosphere. Unique menu items. We enjoyed experimenting with cool flavor combos. Will definitely be returning.

Just have to follow up to say I had my birthday party at the Lakewood Social and it was such a lovely time! I had communicated in advance with Chef Joel, asking if we needed to reserve space or give them a heads up, and also asking if we could bring in an outside cake- he was prompt with his responses and so gracious! We had a lovely time, especially enjoying the mocktails and fries! Our event had about 20 people and there was plenty of space for us. I especially loved how everyone could handle their own tab from the QR codes. Thanks for a wonderful birthday celebration, Lakewood Social! read more

I've enjoyed Lakewood Social several times this year, a good place for casual gatherings. read more

Lakewood Social - Turkey Reuben - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

100000/10 Customer service Beverages Apps Food Marinated olives were amazing Whipped ricotta was perfect Burgers, BLT and grilled cheese were so refreshing The curry fries are a must try This was such a light, filling and unique meal. We will be returning to try one of everything!! read more

Lakewood Social - Bars Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Food is great. Managers are rude they don't greet customers much they pick and choose who to speak to and service is mid now they don't have much help nomore. read more

This is a super cool space. It's very large and there are a lot of areas to hang out. This is a great space for a large group get together. Food was good overall, nothing groundbreaking but it was tasty. They are very dog friendly! There's a large enclosed patio and dogs are allowed on it. Excited to see what they do with this space read more

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Absolutely LOVE this spot A+ for Everything What a pleasant surprise Great food service,drinks read more

Last evening was our second visit here meeting my brother for food and drinks. We all enjoyed it both times. Good drinks and good decent food. The service was really good both times as well. Bartenders and servers were very nice and attentive. We also brought our dog here both times. We sat in the outside covered area and they brought her water. We would go back. read more

I come here with my son like once a month. Food is great, prices great, kid friendly. I like it!!! Workers are very nice too! Love it.

Great food, great atmosphere, and great service. Wide selection of drinks. Definitely recommend.

Great food, great outdoor space.... Must order via the QR code at your table. Dogs welcome. Lots of kid space

I enjoy coming here. I think they have the best chicken sandwich in Durham. I enjoy the casual atmosphere and the drinks.

Chill spot great for family and kids. Kids seem to be gone by 7 so drinks with friends in the evening are always chill during the week. Indoor and outdoor seating, along with a heated and cooled covered patio. Although it is a counter service model restaurant, staff are always happy to help answer questions and to grab additional sauces or togo boxes. Will be back for the steak sandwich and chicken tenders again! read more

We enjoyed Lakewood social! Anole space both for indoor and outdoor seating. Service was quick and attentive. QR code ordering so you don't have to wait to order at the bar. A good kids menu is available. The smash burgers are really good here and the chicken kabob bowl was good but there was a hefty amount of lettuce relative to other ingredients. The sauces with the kabob were very good! Great atmosphere and good for large groups as there was an adult gathering and children's birthday happening simultaneously still allowing for lots of seating space for other patrons. read more

This place had great, reasonably priced food. Kebab was so tasty and good portion size. Burrata app was really good, but the bread could've been slightly crispier. Breakfast sandwich was pretty good. Sat on the porch which had AC during Summer which was nice. Didn't get any drinks read more

Great space for being outside and enjoying friends. The food is great and varied. They have stuff for burger lovers and for vegetarians. They even have gluten free bread! The service was spot on and very friendly. Lots of drink options make it even better! We will be making this at least a bit-weekly destination. To the staff and mgrs- keep it up! You have a great business model that will make everyone come again and again! read more

I have to start off by saying that I waited a few weeks to post this so I would not post while angry. We recently tried Lakewood Social for take out. As a gluten-free person I was so excited to have a good sandwich. We ordered three sandwiches, and extra sides (roughly $60). The sandwiches were good and the sides were good - except that they were missing two of the sides that we paid extra for. The person who helped us with getting the to-go order was super friendly. I liked the food and I loved the gluten-free options, so we figured we would rectify the mistake of the missing sides by ordering again the next evening and letting them know they owed us a side of fries and a side arugula salad. We were out running errands, so we decided we would stop in to order our meal and sit for a couple of minutes while it was being prepared. We ordered from a much less friendly bartender and added a refreshing juice drink to enjoy while waiting (another $60+). We sat at a close table to the bar - and displayed our order number so it could be seen. After about 10 minutes somebody from the kitchen walked a bag of food out to the bartender who took our order. I looked at the bartender and made eye contact. No acknowledgment that it was our order. After 20 minutes went by - and no one came to get the food that was just sitting there - I walked up to the bar to put my empty glass on the bar, and again nodded and smiled at the bartender. I was becoming aware of how long it was taking and how few people were in the establishment at the time. After another 15 or so minutes - my daughter walked up to the bartender and asked if our order was almost done. He seemed confused at first and then said - or here it is. It was the bag that sat there for 37 minutes after it was prepared. Are you fricking kidding me? Sandwiches that sit for 37 minutes? For 60 dollars? No apologies- no oooopsies- just - here you go - please enjoy your expensive soggy sandwiches. - SPEECHLESS - Just WoW! read more

This place is amazing! I've tried many items on the menu and have liked them all. Great beer selection too and friendly staff! Don't sleep on this one if you're looking for good eats and a casual space. The outside area is awesome too. read more

I liked the place. Any place dog friendly gets my vote. Also kid friendly with the big play area outside the heated patio. The whipped ricotta spread was great. Nice bread with it. The downside: the arugula salad and kimchi cheese sandwich were way too salty. Nice flavor overwhelmed by the salt. Also the ordering is done from the table via phone app, which is fine, but the service was just a person delivering food with no interaction. I'd rather get up and walk to the counter to get my food. 3.5. read more