Honest John's

[chuck90199]

Heard a rumor that Honest John's opens tomorrow, May 25th. Can this be true?

[Phanatic Luvr]

What is Honest John's?

[JGVillages]

New Pub Restaurant in Lake Sumter Landing where the old "Friday's" was located.

[Sandtrap328]

I am anxious to see what Honest John's will be like. They had better have excellent prices on their beers and bar foods in order to compete with Cody's and with RJ Gators. Both of those places offer great prices as well as having the views of Lake Sumter. Honest John's does not have much of a view.

[Kahuna32162]

Here we go, not even open yet and a list of possible complaints!

[golf2140]

I am anxious to see what Honest John's will be like. They had better have excellent prices on their beers and bar foods in order to compete with Cody's and with RJ Gators. Both of those places offer great prices as well as having the views of Lake Sumter. Honest John's does not have much of a view.

Just don't go !!!!!!

[Chi-Town]

Hey, the sign on their building says Whisky and Provisions.. What more do you want?

[NYGUY]

I don't need a view or cheap beer, just give me good food (I did not say cheap food) and service!!

[applesoffh]

I don't need a view or cheap beer, just give me good food (I did not say cheap food) and service!!

Yup! Not looking for anything but a really decent meal and good drinks. I'm with you, NYGUY. I'm a GAL from NY!

[Uberschaf]

I could use a traven if it smells like cigars and whiskey.

[Uberschaf]

/////

[rustyp]

Heard a rumor that Honest John's opens tomorrow, May 25th. Can this be true?

Can anyone confirm if they open today?

[Madelaine Amee]

I am anxious to see what Honest John's will be like. They had better have excellent prices on their beers and bar foods in order to compete with Cody's and with RJ Gators. Both of those places offer great prices as well as having the views of Lake Sumter. Honest John's does not have much of a view.

Was there anything really so unpleasant about Sandtrap's post that several of you had to jump in and pound him into the sand? The way I read it was "the other restaurants in Sumter Landing have great prices and views, so they have some competition before they open" .................

Sandtrap has been a valued contributor on this chat line for a long time, and responding to him in that manner is why so many of the really excellent posters have gone away. Cut him some slack and reread his post with an open mind and then have a good day!

[skip0358]

Can anyone confirm if they open today?

No I can't and was told by someone working their it would be Thursday. Go figure.

[Jaggy]

A place were everyone knows your name !!! "NORM" !!

[Sandtrap328]

Was there anything really so unpleasant about Sandtrap's post that several of you had to jump in and pound him into the sand? The way I read it was "the other restaurants in Sumter Landing have great prices and views, so they have some competition before they open" .................

Sandtrap has been a valued contributor on this chat line for a long time, and responding to him in that manner is why so many of the really excellent posters have gone away. Cut him some slack and reread his post with an open mind and then have a good day!

Thank you very much for your kind words, Madelaine.

I enjoy going to new restaurants and watering holes in The Villages whenever one pops open. Definitely, I will try Honest John's with an open mind. As I said in my previous post, they will have to have some sort of hook to get a good following.

Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend and salutes all those who made this country the best of all.

[asianthree]

Hoping for good food and great service. :beer3:

[Madelaine Amee]

But, we still don't know when it is opening ................. I would love to see a real Tavern in SL makes for a nice mix of restaurants.

[simpkinp]

Back when it was Friday's, I enjoyed sitting on the back patio and looking at the folks walking across the bridge. I like it a lot. A little bit away from the bustle of the square and not a lot of smokers. Sure hope it will still be that way. There is almost no place to sit out and enjoy the nice weather and have fresh air instead of icky smoke.

[Madelaine Amee]

Back when it was Friday's, I enjoyed sitting on the back patio and looking at the folks walking across the bridge. I like it a lot. A little bit away from the bustle of the square and not a lot of smokers. Sure hope it will still be that way. There is almost no place to sit out and enjoy the nice weather and have fresh air instead of icky smoke.

Me too ....................

[gatherer47]

the standard answer on here when anyone registers a concern about anything "don't go" this is why many posters have told me they no longer post anything here-and I expect to be "ripped" for mentioning that-have a good holiday everyone

[Villager Joyce]

But, we still don't know when it is opening ................. I would love to see a real Tavern in SL makes for a nice mix of restaurants.

Somebody needs to get in their golf cart and go see. I can't because I refuse to leave TOTV for more than 15 minutes because I might miss something:pepper2: Never mind, that was another thread.

[maryanna630]

I agree and consequently some of the really informative posters no longer express their opinion here....sad.

[bagboy]

Back to Honest Johns, we drove by today at 4 pm. There were lights on over the tables by the window and several people were leaving with to go boxes. Without any now open signs or flags, my thought is either a soft opening is occurring or they are serving various members of the local business community as a good will gesture. This info doesn't confirm that they are open for business, but it sure looks as if they are very close. We are looking forward to giving it a try when they do open.

[sunnyatlast]

Back when it was Friday's, I enjoyed sitting on the back patio and looking at the folks walking across the bridge. I like it a lot. A little bit away from the bustle of the square and not a lot of smokers. Sure hope it will still be that way. There is almost no place to sit out and enjoy the nice weather and have fresh air instead of icky smoke.

I agree!

Never could figure out why they closed TGIF there. It was serving food past 9pm, for one thing!!

[LaylaG]

Honest John's will have a soft opening to the public Thursday at 4 p.m. AMAZING food.. Awesome drinks and a great staff. Fresh food, made from scratch libations and an awesome staff.. What more could you ask for?

[karostay]

Wonder how long it's going to take for the first negative reviews ?
Instead of giving them a chance to work any of the bugs out.

[RickeyD]

Wonder how long it's going to take for the first negative reviews ?

Instead of giving them a chance to work any of the bugs out.


Soon after opening [emoji33]

[Jayhawk]

Wonder how long it's going to take for the first negative reviews ?
Instead of giving them a chance to work any of the bugs out.

split sec�ond

noun
1.
a very brief moment of time.
"for a split second, I hesitated but then gave the new place a bad review"

adjective
1.
very rapid or accurate.
"split-second timing is crucial when bagging on a new restaurant"


:boom:

[KathieI]

No I can't and was told by someone working their it would be Thursday. Go figure.

There was a soft opening yesterday, a couple of friends were invited. I wasn't one of them. :(

[golf2140]

There was already a negative view. You can't see the lake.

[karostay]

There was already a negative view. You can't see the lake.
Nor the Forrest through the trees:1rotfl:

[simpkinp]

I'll give them a few weeks to work out the kinks and then go. If I know Mike and Gina, the place will be good, but give them a chance

[NYGUY]

I'll give them a few weeks to work out the kinks and then go. If I know Mike and Gina, the place will be good, but give them a chance

:agree:

[Skip]

I'll be the first to write a review...
IT WAS GREAT.
Congrats Mike and Gina.
(Forgot to tell you, we love your new TV show).

Thanks,
Skip

[Barefoot]

split sec�ond
noun
1.
a very brief moment of time.
"for a split second, I hesitated but then gave the new place a bad review"
adjective
1.
very rapid or accurate.
"split-second timing is crucial when bagging on a new restaurant"
:boom:

:1rotfl:

[perrjojo]

But, we still don't know when it is opening ................. I would love to see a real Tavern in SL makes for a nice mix of restaurants.
this is a sincere comment and not a snide remark...what do you consider a "real tavern"?

[graciegirl]

this is a sincere comment and not a snide remark...what do you consider a "real tavern"?

I am so sorry, my dear nice person, but almost everything reminds me of a song;

youtube there is a tavern in the town - Bing Videos (http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+there+is+a+tavern+in+the+town&FORM=VIRE3#view=detail&mid=1437F0B2CD873C5618921437F0B2CD873C561892)

[golf2140]

I'll give them a few weeks to work out the kinks and then go. If I know Mike and Gina, the place will be good, but give them a chance

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

[Richard1366]

My wishes, soundproofing and no televisions so you can have a conversation..

[LaylaG]

...

[graciegirl]

...

Bonny said it better.

[graciegirl]

Sorry.. My whole post didn't show ? No comparison to RJ Gators or Cody's.. Farm to Fork FRESH ingredients.. Made from scratch libations and an AMAZING staff!!


Bonny is our go to person for restaurant and bar assessments. We know she doesn't work there.

[Flcampdavid]

I was there last night at a private event. The food was very good, with many different items on the menu. This is upscale, reminds me of WOB only with a bit more class without all the beer choices.Wait staff is dressed black smocks NO t shirts or dirty jeans like you get at WOB. No cleavage (darn it). The owners are the same folks that run CITY FIRE.

[Bonny]

We just got back yesterday from 2 weeks in St. Maarten so I didn't see this thread started and I started another one.
What an awesome time last night ! Went to the soft opening for Honest John's Whiskey and Provisions! The food was awesome, the service was the best and the drinks were delish! We had Crab Salad Deviled Eggs, Biscuits & Apple Butter (so delish!), Onion Rings, Fish & Chips, Chicken Vesuvio, Lemon Curd w/ Shortbread Cookies, Apple Bread Pudding w/ Whisky Cream Anglaise (OMG!)
Mike & Gina Buell, owners of City Fire, have a winner! The staff is wonderful ! This is a must go to restaurant ! The popcorn is unbelievably delicious! What a menu and everything is fresh ! It is beautiful inside and the bar area is awesome!
We sat at one of the booth type seats at the bar.
Several familiar faces bartending & serving.

[Annie01]

I am anxious to see what Honest John's will be like. They had better have excellent prices on their beers and bar foods in order to compete with Cody's and with RJ Gators. Both of those places offer great prices as well as having the views of Lake Sumter. Honest John's does not have much of a view.

CITY fire owns it and is running it....what i hear is they will be pricey...$$$$$
steaks etc.... they were suppose to open in april....finally NOW they will open....for how long, we'll see !!!!!

[graciegirl]

[.llll

[wendyquat]

Popcorn?

[Bonny]

CITY fire owns it and is running it....what i hear is they will be pricey...$$$$$
steaks etc.... they were suppose to open in april....finally NOW they will open....for how long, we'll see !!!!!
Where did you get the price info from ?

[Bonny]

Popcorn?
Yes. it's delicious ! It has truffle oil on it :)

[John_W]

I went to Barnes & Nobles today, which is next to Honest Johns, and the Old Mill Run bridge between HJ and the old Coldwater Creek store (now a shoe store) was completely closed for construction.

I found this info on VCDD website;

Over the next several months, maintenance work will begin on the bridges at Old Mill Run and Lake Shore Drive. The work on Old Mill Run is anticipated to begin on Monday, May 18, 2015. While this work is completed, please use caution in the area and follow all detour and directional signage. Please stay tuned to future Welcome Wednesdays and Village Community Development Districts (http://www.DistrictGov.org) for additional information and routine updates.

Here's a view of the bridge;
https://www.google.com/maps/@28.908149,-81.975945,3a,75y,267.27h,73.41t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1ssLnHP83wOxZphJyu9Tu3EQ!2e0!6m1 !1e1

[DougB]

...

You make some good points!

[golf2140]

Yes. it's delicious ! It has truffle oil on it :)

Bonny, you are the best. Some folks don't get out often !!!!

[Bonny]

Went again last night with friends. Got several different things. Shrimp & Grits, chicken avocado, fish & chips, hamburger, fried chicken & steak. Everything delish ! No complaints from anyone. Service was wonderful.
Saw some other friends that had the poutine & the bratwurst with sauerkraut and they said it was delish.
Love those biscuits with the apple butter. YUM !

[Bogie Shooter]

CITY fire owns it and is running it....what i hear is they will be pricey...$$$$$
steaks etc.... they were suppose to open in april....finally NOW they will open....for how long, we'll see !!!!!

Where did you "hear" that it will be pricey? Is that bad? Sounds like you will not be a regular?

[Chi-Town]

Went there last night and going again tonight. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and the food was delicious. Strolled over to see Rocky and the Rollers' last set to end a fun night.

[OpusX1]

Pricey is an opinion. We were there last night, had a martini each, some pop corn, an order of onionrings that were excellent and we couldn't eat much over half, I had fish and chips, very good. The better half had shrimp and grits also very good. Really good service. Total was $48 and change. In our opinion moderately priced. Go now because you won't be able to get in January through March.

[coach]

My wife and I stopped in today about 4:15. Place was packed. Decor is very nice, waitstaff is very good. Lots of old faces in the staff. Happy hour prices for a 16 oz.draft is $2.75, well drinks are $3 and a few wines are $3. Other wines are $5.50.
We enjoyed it very much and will be back. BTY - The complimentary popcorn with a truffle and honey butter drizzle was wonderful.

[LittleDog]

Went there today around 5. Managed to get a table for 6. I have to say that the wait staff here was outstanding. Probably the best I have experienced in the Villages. 4 people at our table ordered the hamburgers. 2 of the party thought that their burgers were not well done enough so the wait staff took the burgers to the kitchen and came out later with 2 more burgers. They said the burgers were very good. They comped the first burger so they just paid for 1 each. I had to try the poutine which I am quite familiar with. It was good but the gravy was on the bottom of the bowl and should have been poured over the top. That was my only complaint. I have had poutine in Quebec city and that is how they prepared it there. We have my son, daughter in law, and 3 grandkids that live in Atlanta. Surprisingly they have 8 restaurants there that have poutine on their menu and all of them are prepared somewhat differently so who's to say who makes it the right way.

My wife had the Local Farm salad which had pork belly, blue cheese crumbles, heirloom tomatoes, and a soft egg. She enjoyed her meal. I forgot to mention I also had the bratwurst with sauerkraut and german potato salad under the wurst. I was mild but tasted very good.

When we left there was a large crowd. An interesting establishment.

John

[Miles42]

Ok sounds like my kind of place, so next stop!!

[graciegirl]

I am going to look up poutine. Never heard of it. I usually agree with everything that John says so it must be something good I am missing.

[rdhdleo]

My friends in Canada buy poutine off roadside food trucks and love it. French fries with gravy and cheese curds on top! Can't wait to try it they rave about it LOL

[asianthree]

I am going to look up poutine. Never heard of it. I usually agree with everything that John says so it must be something good I am missing.

Gracie I think it's an acquired taste. Have had many times in areas of Canada

[Beechie]

Quote:
Originally Posted by LaylaG View Post
...

You make some good points!

Now that's funny!