Honest John's! Fabulous !

[Bonny]

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 Buell & Gina Garcia Buell, you have a winner! The staff is wonderful ! This is a must go to restaurant !
The popcorn is unbelievably delicious! :popcorn:
What a menu and everything is fresh ! It is beautiful inside and the bar area is awesome!
This is definitely a place you will want to try ! :coolsmiley:

They open to the public today at 4:00 !!

[missypie]

Thanks Bonny, you know how to do a restaurant review!!!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

No mention of the whiskey?

[Bonny]

Gary had whiskey. LOL I had martinis & wine. :wine: :a20:

[DigitalGranny]

I'm in Ohio for the summer. Where is this fabulous place? I will try it as soon as we return! Thanks, Bonnie!

[Bonny]

I'm in Ohio for the summer. Where is this fabulous place? I will try it as soon as we return! Thanks, Bonnie!
It's where Fridays was. They did a beautiful job. All remodeled and the bar is huge and beautiful !

[Flcampdavid]

this is the same folks that own city fire. i was impressed last night with wait staff dress all black smocks with black hats. no tshirts or dirty jeans which seems to have become the norm around here. the upscale houty toutys will love this place. this is not your daddys TGIFs. This is a welcome addition!

[gatherer47]

If Bonny says it's good then I'm going for sure! By the way Bonny where've you been ? We missed you here.

[NYGUY]

Thanks for the review Bonny!!

[Bonny]

If Bonny says it's good then I'm going for sure! By the way Bonny where've you been ? We missed you here.
Aw, thank you so much ! We were in St. Maarten for 2 weeks having a great time ! Didn't get on here much.

[Bonny]

this is the same folks that own city fire. i was impressed last night with wait staff dress all black smocks with black hats. no tshirts or dirty jeans which seems to have become the norm around here. the upscale houty toutys will love this place. this is not your daddys TGIFs. This is a welcome addition!
I loved the uniforms ! Everyone looked great ! It was also nice to see many familiar faces bartending & serving.
We love Mike & Gina ! They run a classy operation ! Love City Fire and Love Honest John's !

[2BNTV]

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 Buell & Gina Garcia Buell, you have a winner! The staff is wonderful ! This is a must go to restaurant !
The popcorn is unbelievably delicious! :popcorn:
What a menu and everything is fresh ! It is beautiful inside and the bar area is awesome!
This is definitely a place you will want to try ! :coolsmiley:

They open to the public today at 4:00 !!

Bonny:

You sure can eat a lot! :D

Thanks for the positive review. :smiley:

Welcome back!

[Bonny]

Bonny:

You sure can eat a lot! :D

Thanks for the positive review. :smiley:

Welcome back!
LOL ! Most of it is in my fridge. Had to box a lot of it. :icon_hungry:

[Tootsie's Mom]

Just got back from Honest John's. Really good food and service and ambience. Will definitely be returning. Avocado chicken was subperb!

[wendyquat]

We went to Honest Johns tonight about 6 and were promptly seated. Fish and chips and shrimp and grits were very good and service was superb. Noise level was a bit too much for us old folks but guess that's to be expected for a pub! Definitely will return! I wish The Buells the best!

[simpkinp]

How is the patio? It was always quieter and mostly non smoking.

[kaydee]

will smoking be permitted on the outside patio? Hope so

[Bay Kid]

Something new and great to look forward to in October!

[Jimjane]

Sounds like you did not leave hungry. I look forward to going.
Thanks for the post.

[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 !

[golferling]

Are you sure ? Will heads roll if you are wrong? Are you an employee of the Villages retail team? You see, i went to Palmer CC and simply had no one wait on us, and put dirty cloudy glasses on the tables in the bar. We finally left and went to TooJays. I simply reported the facts, and got ripped. Just used to top service and management at Palmer...hope it returns. And NICELY to you, I hope all the GOOD things you said here continue. Just the facts, not the defense. Have a good day.

[Bonny]

Are you sure ? Will heads roll if you are wrong? Are you an employee of the Villages retail team? You see, i went to Palmer CC and simply had no one wait on us, and put dirty cloudy glasses on the tables in the bar. We finally left and went to TooJays. I simply reported the facts, and got ripped. Just used to top service and management at Palmer...hope it returns. And NICELY to you, I hope all the GOOD things you said here continue. Just the facts, not the defense. Have a good day.
Nope, not an employee, just a supporter ! Been here 15 years and I love that fact that we have so many choices. If I don't like somewhere, I just go somewhere else. I want everyone to do good.

[LittleDog]

will smoking be permitted on the outside patio? Hope so

When we went the other night there were ashtrays on the tables on the patio.

John

[dbussone]

Nope, not an employee, just a supporter ! Been here 15 years and I love that fact that we have so many choices. If I don't like somewhere, I just go somewhere else. I want everyone to do good.

I really appreciate your positive and factual approach to restaurant reviews. The owners work hard, make a significant investment, and deserve the opportunity you give them.

[hulahips]

Were their any healthy food choices?

[tomwed]

Were their any healthy food choices?
Pork Belly with Macaroni and Cheese

[Bonny]

Salads, grilled chicken sandwich and chicken avocado are fairly healthy. They will try to modify some things for you if they can.

[graciegirl]

Are you sure ? Will heads roll if you are wrong? Are you an employee of the Villages retail team? You see, i went to Palmer CC and simply had no one wait on us, and put dirty cloudy glasses on the tables in the bar. We finally left and went to TooJays. I simply reported the facts, and got ripped. Just used to top service and management at Palmer...hope it returns. And NICELY to you, I hope all the GOOD things you said here continue. Just the facts, not the defense. Have a good day.

Nope. And the Morses didn't give HER a house either.

She is a person who enjoys the night life...actually all life and she has a wonderful positive attitude and more than her share of common sense and a wonderful sense of humor.

[Bonny]

Nope. And the Morses didn't give HER a house either.

She is a person who enjoys the night life...actually all life and she has a wonderful positive attitude and more than her share of common sense and a wonderful sense of humor.
You mean I'm not getting a house. Darn it ! LOL :1rotfl:

[dbussone]

You mean I'm not getting a house. Darn it ! LOL :1rotfl:

Only if it's in The Final Phase!

[Villager Joyce]

I don't know Bonny, but I respect and trust her posts. IMO her critiques are based on the opinions of the group, as well as her opinion. It isn't don't go to the restaurant because the (fill in the blank) isn't like I want it because it's all about me.

There are many ways to cook. I'm going to say it: if the food isn't to your liking go to another restaurant.

If you get food poisoning, please tell us where

Thank you Bonny.

[jim1941]

I went to Honest John's yesterday for lunch and found out that they don't open until 4 pm.

[Bonny]

We all have different tastes. Of course no one makes it like mom. LOL
I once had a person tell me how awful one restaurant's meatloaf was. I was surprised because not only me, but so many people liked it. So I asked what was wrong with it.
This person said "it tasted awful ! I don't normally like meatloaf, but a friend told me it was good". Then they proceeded to tell everyone how awful it was. This coming from a person who didn't even like meatloaf ! :ohdear:

[Sandtrap328]

Does Honest John's have a Happy Hour? What kinds of draft beer do they have and what are the prices for the draft beers?

[Bonny]

Does Honest John's have a Happy Hour? What kinds of draft beer do they have and what are the prices for the draft beers?
Happy hour right now is 11:00 - 6:00 and 9:00 - 11:00. My guess is that will change and maybe go all day. I can hope. LOL
Don't know how much beer is, but it has a really nice bar !

[John_W]

So they open at 11am or 4pm?

I went to Honest John's yesterday for lunch and found out that they don't open until 4 pm.

Happy hour right now is 11:00 - 6:00 and 9:00 - 11:00.

[Bonny]

So they open at 11am or 4pm?
They are open at 11:00. There was a small issue yesterday that they couldn't open at 11:00

[Cathy H]

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 Buell & Gina Garcia Buell, you have a winner! The staff is wonderful ! This is a must go to restaurant !
The popcorn is unbelievably delicious! :popcorn:
What a menu and everything is fresh ! It is beautiful inside and the bar area is awesome!
This is definitely a place you will want to try ! :coolsmiley:

They open to the public today at 4:00 !!

we are "upscale houty toutys" and before we go there pls assure us that the food items you mention are gourmet quality

[Bonny]

we are "upscale houty toutys" and before we go there pls assure us that the food items you mention are gourmet quality
Everybody has a different opinion of gourmet. I'm not sure I know what you mean when you say "upscale houty toutys" :confused: so I won't assure you of anything. Not my job.
I don't care about gourmet, I just want "good" food and "good" service and that was awesome. :clap2:
They also have great steaks, rack of lamb and veal porterhouse chop.

[BogeyBoy]

Went to check it out tonight. Sat at the bar while waiting for a table. Nice large bar and you can eat at the bar if you like. We waited for a table to get away from the bar, a little noisy. Steak was great. Salad was great. Veggies were great. Service was great - my hats off to them for such great service at a newly opened restaurant. Met and spoke with Gina (one of the owners). There are open to suggestions (in fact hand you a sheet to make suggestions). They are working on the noise issue. Probably will modify the menu (although they have a nice variety already). I think this is a nice addition to our dining choices and would readily recommend it to my friends.

[tedquick]

Went there tonight with my wife. We split the Chicken Vesuvio and a house salad. The main course was superb, the salad was excellent and the service was exemplary. (I'm smiling because my wife and I split a meal and it sounds, Bonnie like you can eat more than most people I know). :):)

We will return!!

[Bonny]

Went there tonight with my wife. We split the Chicken Vesuvio and a house salad. The main course was superb, the salad was excellent and the service was exemplary. (I'm smiling because my wife and I split a meal and it sounds, Bonnie like you can eat more than most people I know). :):)

We will return!!
I order a lot and take it home for my next 3 meals LOL I love leftovers !

[Bonny]

Went last night. Got the bratwurst served over cheesy potato slices with sauerkraut and bacon, like a hot cheesy german potato salad. So yummy !!
Happy hour is all day now ! Love the menu and they are looking to add a few things into it as the go along.
Nice packed house last night. Everyone having a good time.

[aln]

First, don't get me wrong, I liked it enough to go back. HOWEVER, every Wednesday a group of golfers I golf with goes to lunch after our round. There is usually 0-12 of us (all men). We have not been disappointed at any of the country clubs and we eat at ALL of them and we GO BACK to ALL. Our experience at Honest Johns left us a little disappointed. The food was OKAY & an adequate portion but it was the most expensive we've seen in a while. The popcorn tasted like it was yesterdays and we were there at 2:30 pm. While at least 8 of us had a dish with "french fries" there was no ketchup or salt/pepper on the table. It was brought to us after we all had our food. Service was great and prices are not the servers problem. Fish n Chips was $14 w/o cole slaw. Burgers were $11. (that's why we don't go back to Square One). We all felt pretty much the same way and it will be a LONG time before this golf group tries it again. I'll take the wife there someday, probably before 'snowbirds'.

[PennBF]

We heard so many good things about Honest John's we decided to try it yesterday for lunch. The Onion rings were outstanding, the service proved the staff had been well educated on how to treat the customer(s). My wifes Portabello sandwich was good. I ordered the fish and chips and the fish was chewy and actually not good at all. I had just a bite and stopped eating it. When the waitress brought the bill she asked what we thought and I told her the fish was not good and may have been quite old? the rest was good. She returned with the bill and had taken the fish off which was the right thing to do. This established they are a solid place to eat/dine. We would go back.:wave:

[NYGUY]

....There is usually 0-12 of us (all men)....

How was the food and service when 0 of your group went..:D....sorry, I couldn't resist!!

[tedquick]

None of them were there when I was there and it was outstanding!!! :)

[Chatbrat]

Any entree that is really different from City Fire, City Fire has had chicken Vesuvio forever.

[Bonny]

Any entree that is really different from City Fire, City Fire has had chicken Vesuvio forever.
It's a popular dish. It's from the old "Pebbles" that they used to own.

[tomwed]

Any entree that is really different from City Fire, City Fire has had chicken Vesuvio forever.
Pork Belly and Mac n Cheese

[Bonny]

Any entree that is really different from City Fire, City Fire has had chicken Vesuvio forever.
Fried chicken, shrimp po boy,portibello brie burger, rack of lamb, veal porterhouse chop,steak tartare, onion rings, fish & chip, shrimp & grits

[Kelsie52]

We went there Saturday night at 730 --had to wait 15 minutes.

Everything was great --wife had chicken sandwich I had Chicken with pasta --which was excellent.

Service was outstanding---Ordered a Merlot, waiter came back a few minutes later and told me they had run out of Merlot !!! not good ---

Manager came over and asked me what else I would like --I ordered a Black and Tan ---had 2 ---both were deleted from the bill....

We will be back

Give it a try :beer3:

[Chatbrat]

Hit Honest John's tonight--first class- bar person was attentive to our needs, steak tartare was very good, the puteene was very good- this place is a step up-- its super, but not fabulous--when a a restaurant has a limited menu, it means they're paying attention to details

Noticed a bar person with rather large tattoos on her arms, this is my personal opinion--some people may think tattoos are fine, I would rather not have a server with them

[simpkinp]

We went there last night and enjoyed it very much. Very crowded as all new places are. Mike was working very hard to make sure his customers were happy and his new venture would succeed. Peter had the Tri tip sandwich and said it was the best he ever had. We had a good time. We got there before five and there was not a seat at the huge 43 seat bar that forms the centerpiece for the restaurant.

[dbussone]

We went there last night and enjoyed it very much. Very crowded as all new places are. Mike was working very hard to make sure his customers were happy and his new venture would succeed. Peter had the Tri tip sandwich and said it was the best he ever had. We had a good time. We got there before five and there was not a seat at the huge 43 seat bar that forms the centerpiece for the restaurant.

Excellent news. Thanks - we will have to try it soon.

[graciegirl]

We went there last night and enjoyed it very much. Very crowded as all new places are. Mike was working very hard to make sure his customers were happy and his new venture would succeed. Peter had the Tri tip sandwich and said it was the best he ever had. We had a good time. We got there before five and there was not a seat at the huge 43 seat bar that forms the centerpiece for the restaurant.

This place sounds amazing. We are looking forward to going.

Maybe we can talk the DBussones into going with us.

[dbussone]

This place sounds amazing. We are looking forward to going.

Maybe we can talk the DBussones into going with us.


I bet so!

[Jayhawk]

Another "Thumbs Up" for Honest John's. Went tonight, shared the chicken and biscuits with the wife. She added brussel sprouts and I had a salad. Just had soda to drink. Everything was fresh, hot (except the salad which was nicely chilled), and well prepared. Excellent server (Holly). Total check was $25 before tip.

:pepper2:

[rockyisle]

Stopped in this afternoon. Quiet Sunday. Our first try. Overly enthusiastic waiter who hasn't learned to pace himself. Hardly had time to look through the drink menu as he hovered. I felt very rushed. Ordered an appetizer to enjoy with our drinks... It arrived long after the entres and salad...
The gumbo stew was loaded with grouper but was highly salted. Even my salt loving husband thought so too. Large salad delicious. Appetizer arrived as we were finishing the meal. It was delicious but way out of order.
Three drinks, appetizer, large salad, two stews. $62.00 plus tip... The booze was the killer.
We will be back as I think they can be very successful, but.........

[jojo]

We were there with a group last night. We had good service. Loved the poutine appetizer and apple bread pudding dessert. Friends had burgers. I had the avocado chicken based on TOTV recommendations and it was great. They were packed.

[DonH57]

Fried chicken, shrimp po boy,portibello brie burger, rack of lamb, veal porterhouse chop,steak tartare, onion ryt? Hstings, fish & chip, shrimp & grits

Did you by any chance try their shrimp and grits and if you did how did it compare to others in the villages? Did you try the Poutine appetizer ?

[Bonny]

Did you by any chance try their shrimp and grits and if you did how did it compare to others in the villages? Did you try the Poutine appetizer ?
Yes, I did try it. I don't ever order grits because I'm not crazy about them, but I have to say, they were good. My friend that ordered it said they were better than Eaton's Beach

[DonH57]

Yes, I did try it. I don't ever order grits because I'm not crazy about them, but I have to say, they were good. My friend that ordered it said they were better than Eaton's Beach

I've had the shrimp and grits at the Lighthouse, Eaton's beach, and Havana Country Club. I've only had poutine in Nova Scotia.Thanks Bonny.

[sharonga]

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 Buell & Gina Garcia Buell, you have a winner! The staff is wonderful ! This is a must go to restaurant !
The popcorn is unbelievably delicious! :popcorn:
What a menu and everything is fresh ! It is beautiful inside and the bar area is awesome!
This is definitely a place you will want to try ! :coolsmiley:

They open to the public today at 4:00 !!

Wish I had the same experience as you. Our meal was cold, after an hour wait. The onion rings were cold and greasy. DId not like the menu. Food not worth the price. Manager was very gracious and the meal was on the house. Waitress kept apologizing, assured her it was not her fault. Will stick to Codys.

[Chatbrat]

When we went to Honest Johns, we had the Poutinne, Steak Tartarre, Scotch Egg Salad--we almost left when the first round of Martinis came out--the smallest pour I've seen in the Villages--the bar person made it right.

Bill came to $121.00 including tip--we drink premium booze.--This is our normal spending- we feel we get better bang for the bucks @ Arnold Palmer or Hemingways-because they include premium booze during happy hour

[graciegirl]

When we went to Honest Johns, we had the Poutinne, Steak Tartarre, Scotch Egg Salad--we almost left when the first round of Martinis came out--the smallest pour I've seen in the Villages--the bar person made it right.

Bill came to $121.00 including tip--we drink premium booze.--This is our normal spending- we feel we get better bang for the bucks @ Arnold Palmer or Hemingways-because they include premium booze during happy hour

You normally spend more than a hundred dollars for dinner?

I am having class envy!

[dbussone]

You normally spend more than a hundred dollars for dinner?

I am having class envy!

I think we should reconsider going there for dinner. That is the cost of two nights out, Gracie.

[graciegirl]

I think we should reconsider going there for dinner. That is the cost of two nights out, Gracie.


I am giving this some thought. I will check on the price of O'Douls there first.

[Chatbrat]

I went to an engineering prep school, where chemistry & physics were taught in French & German--students choice

Back to the way we eat out--our liquor costs, normally equal our food costs--straight Grey Goose & Johnny Walker Black

$100.00 these days in all reality is all that much--20 years ago it might have be considered extravagant.

[Bonny]

I think we should reconsider going there for dinner. That is the cost of two nights out, Gracie.
You probably wouldn't spend that much. Except for the steaks, everything is $6.00 - $16.00. Of course, unless you're going to drink several premium drinks not under happy hour.

[dbussone]

I went to an engineering prep school, where chemistry & physics were taught in French & German--students choice

Back to the way we eat out--our liquor costs, normally equal our food costs--straight Grey Goose & Johnny Walker Black

$100.00 these days in all reality is all that much--20 years ago it might have be considered extravagant.

JW Black (on the rocks) is my cocktail of choice.

Having lived in Las Vegas for 5 years I have had fine meals where the price exceeded $200 per person. However, I don't make that kind of money anymore and we aren't talking about fine dining here in TV. We'll probably go to Honest John's but I will certainly monitor the drink costs. Or just have a diet coke!

[graciegirl]

JW Black (on the rocks) is my cocktail of choice.

Having lived in Las Vegas for 5 years I have had fine meals where the price exceeded $200 per person. However, I don't make that kind of money anymore and we aren't talking about fine dining here in TV. We'll probably go to Honest John's but I will certainly monitor the drink costs. Or just have a diet coke!

Same as us.

I do drink O'Douls or Diet Coke.. Sweetie usually has a Martini at night at home but usually drinks beer out.

[Chi-Town]

I found the cocktail prices to be in line but check the wine list carefully. Am in Chicago now where Honest John's would be a bargain.

[graciegirl]

[//

[Bonny]

They have happy hour all day. Great prices on all house wines and well drinks. Also beer, but I don't drink beer so can't comment how the pricing is.

[Chatbrat]

Gracie Girl--no need to be impressed and at our age no need to be very economical, unless you have to reach into savings--we're fortunate that we have zero debt and can't ( everything is much cheaper here) spend like we used too

[graciegirl]

You probably wouldn't spend that much. Except for the steaks, everything is $6.00 - $16.00. Of course, unless you're going to drink several premium drinks not under happy hour.


I was kiddin' around some here and I think others were as well. It is nice to have an upscale choice and sounds like some lovely menu items. It's been years since I had Steak Tartar, or seen it offered. But think I'll pass on that. I like things cooked nowadays.

Thinking about the chicken and biscuits, done well, that dish can make your eyes cross.

Midwest Gracie.

[Bonny]

I was kiddin' around some here and I think others were as well. It is nice to have an upscale choice and sounds like some lovely menu items. It's been years since I had Steak Tartar, or seen it offered. But think I'll pass on that. I like things cooked nowadays.

Thinking about the chicken and biscuits, done well, that dish can make your eyes cross.

Midwest Gracie.
Yea, I knew some of it was kidding. Just thought I'd throw some prices out there. :icon_wink:
:wave:

[dbussone]

Yea, I knew some of it was kidding. Just thought I'd throw some prices out there. :icon_wink:

:wave:


Boston Bussone. ::jester:: [emoji41]

[graciegirl]

I love this forum.

[pbkmaine]

We were there last night with friends. I had the Angus burger, DH had the knockwurst and sauerkraut and a side of onion rings, our friends had the steak tartare and shrimp po boy. We were all pleased with our meals. DH and I thought that the sauerkraut, which had potatoes and bacon in it, was some of the best we've ever had, and we've spent a lot of time in Germany. The onion rings were also good, and the portion was enormous. Popcorn (served instead of bread) was the only thing that underwhelmed us. If the quality lasts, we've got a winner.