Tupelo Honey Cafe

Complete disappointment. Went with a party of 6 for Father’s Day brunch at noon and it took almost an hour and a half for our food (half of which were breakfast foods!) Our waitress was attentive and kind but one of the food runners was not as a member of our party asked for some fresh fries after a ketchup bottle came out watery. The runner basically ignored her and walked away. The portions were very small for the price. The bloody mary’s were tasty but $ 9/​each and they were in small glasses (filled with ice to the top of course). Hard to get past all of this to even comment on the quality of the food. The burgers were nothing special according to 2 of our family members. Might go back to try the patio but the wait time was inexcusable as they really were not that busy.

Don’t bother going here on a holiday weekend. They can’t handle it. We walked after waiting for our meal for nearly two hours. Besides that, my 7mo pregnant SIL didn’t receive assistance in setting up the booster seat on a patio chair, and we had to ask for an update on the status of our meal, instead of the waitress offering one. The manager did comp our drinks and nephew’s expedited food.

Beautiful establishment offering unique, outstanding dishes. While items on the menu may sound familiar, prepare to be wowed as the preparation and presentation will take you to a new experience. From the small dish menu we tried Country Fair fried avocado with sour cream and salsa; perfect. Next we tried pecan crusted goat cheese on pear, topped with fig– wonderful spread on crustini. The Shrimp tacos with jalapeño cabbage and cilantro sauce were outstanding and the crispy brussel sprouts with garlic Ranch were delicious. Then came the fresh biscuits (wow) and my wife’s chicken and biscuits with gravy topped with an egg — absolutely the best ever! I highly recommend this delightful experience to everyone and I guarantee we will be back!

Every time I’ve come back to Tupelo I’ve just been more and more disappointed. The first two times were like wow amazing! This place is so beautifully decorated and fresh looking! The last two times were just meh to Uhhh what is going on.
The issue I have is mostly with the service, as it has ranged from 10 minutes to get food to over 30. At first the wait staff I had were so friendly and were on top of their jobs. Then as we kept on coming, the staff quality went down severely. On my last visit I could hear a manager apologizing for the long wait and comping meals left and right. You shouldn’t have to do that if your staff is competent.
Of the food I’ve had, I’d recommend the wings and the curry fried chicken. Brunch was nothing special and I wouldn’t go out of my way again to get it. The biscuits are a nice touch and certainly worth a try, but don’t come expecting a bomb ass meal with great service cause you’ll likely just get one or the other.

Never ordering takeout from them again. Got the honey buttermilk cheesecake. For the portion I got for $ 6. 50, it’s simply not worth it. If you want a cheesecake, go to Cheesecake Factory instead.

I can’t say enough great things about this place. As a Louisiana native, I struggle to find «southern» food that has any authenticity to it… Tupelo Honey hits the mark presenting tasty «new age» spins on some classic items.
1. Friendly and polite service.
2. Diverse and unique menus (cocktails were AMAZING)
3. Food came out quickly (their house made jam with biscuits was incredible!!!)
4. Patio seating was quite nice, not too loud and lit beautifully.
5. Fresh and very tasty food. We loved our appetizer, entrees and deserts.
It’s rare to have such an overall positive experience these days, but I left so impressed that I began wondering if they would cater my upcoming wedding. I can’t wait to go back and try my «second choice» menu items.

Prime example of style over substance. I’ve been to Tupelo multiple times expecting to try a new dish that’ll impress my taste buds just as their venue have impressed my eyes, but sadly it still hasn’t happened. My family and I made reservations for Mother’s Day, which was really convenient to be able to do online. We were seated right away. My mom loved the place, just as I expected. The Southern décor and design is beautiful. Looked like Joanna Gaines designed it. Unfortunately, the food wasn’t as impressive. All the food we ordered was nothing to rave about. The Southern Grilled Cheese I ordered had so much onions that overpowered the whole sandwich. I basically ate a Grilled Onion Sandwich (delicious, right?). The tomato soup that I paired it with tasted watered down, so when I tried to dip my grilled onion sandwich, the soup just kind of slid off like water off a duck’s back. The service also took a while, but that must’ve been because it was Mother’s Day, despite noticing the place wasn’t even packed. Overall, I think I’m done trying to visit and taste something that I’ll just love, but… I did enjoy their free biscuits.

Birthday Party of 30 = Epic Fail. A week prior we made reservations, specifically asked if they were able to handle a large group, and were advised, «yes».
When we arrived, we had ONE (not two) server who took our order. We advised our server separate checks. I inquired if brunch was still being served since she handed us lunch menus. Waitress replied «yea, but, it’s like basically the same thing.» I asked for brunch menus and were given two. :) uhmmm, we have a party of 30. It was «like» pulling teeth.
Food took awhile so some of us requested for more biscuits. People asked for drinks several times & never received. Glasses of water were filled once. There was another employee attempting to help with drinks but, never spoke or smiled. The $ 8-​$ 12 drinks we ordered from the bar barely had alcohol. The menus were soiled and sticky disgusting. After maybe 30mins our food started coming. Yeay!
I’ve been here a couple of times & had acceptable service. The only items I have enjoyed were the wings, biscuits, honey, pickled okra, and maybe the Brussels. My cousin’s salmon and scallop dishes were good too.
I ordered the Southern Fried Chicken w/​Mac & Cheese & Brussel Sprouts for my daughter and I to share. My first reaction was «wait, I ordered the dinner portion.» The waitress clarified, «That IS the dinner portion.» There was NOTHING «Southern» about this dish. My daughter and I were not impressed. Dry. Flavorless. Hockey pucks. Gravy tasted like it came from a jar. This dish certainly didn’t live up to the hype or the price. Three little pieces of chicken for $ 16.50 with two sides. I thought the Mac & Cheese was decent. My 12yr old daughter didn’t care for it saying,“Mom, Velveeta is better.” Unfortunately, I didn’t take a picture.
After OVER an HOUR+ of validating everyone’s order several times, receiving wrong items on tabs numerous times, waiting for our checks, and dirty dishes sitting on tables, the waitress was extremely apologetic. She advised us it was all her fault, was confused and said all of our food will be complimentary. We would only be responsible for the drinks. Wasn’t expecting that but, ok.
This experience should have never gotten this far had Tupelo been prepared, was positively led by management, and worked as a team especially, with having advanced notice. Also, shouldn’t it have been the manager (versus employee) to at least come & talk to us? Not once did I see a manager assess the situation, manage, take the lead, help the girl, or talk to the group as a whole. Instead, I heard management blamed this evening on the waitress and that the machines can’t handle groups of 6 or more people. Wow. It’s the machines fault. There was an employee in the bathroom putting a huge box of toilet paper rolls up on a tall shelf one-​by-​one using a long pole extension. She could have helped. Inefficient. I’m short and could’ve found a better way to put those toilet paper rolls up. Another person (hostess) corrected my cousin saying, «no, you had two servers.» Unbelievable. AND they don’t sing Happy Birthday OR throw a candle on a biscuit… NOTHING. The only smile I saw was at the end when someone was finally cleaning up the table.
Not sure how Tupelo will sustain. Tupelo has been open long enough. Complete disappointment.

I don’t love or hate this place. It’s ok. That’s about it.
The first time I visited I had a pretty bad meal — but the sides and stuff all sounded so good I was like — well maybe I just chose poorly… lol.
My first visit I ordered a chicken sandwich of some kind and the bread was so saturated in butter from where they had it in a frying pan to heat it that I couldn’t eat the bread — I was disgusted.
This time I had a breakfast omelette. It was OK but it was smothered in cheese and had very little of the avocado promised on it.
The little biscuits and jam they bring to the table are a nice touch — not the best biscuits I’ve ever had — but they’re good.
Meh. I haven’t been overly impressed by anything I’ve had or anyone I’ve gone with has had… it’s a chain and in my old age I think I’m more impressed by local places that innovate. Don’t get me wrong — chains can be great — I’m just not especially fond of this one.
The location in town center shopping area is nice — just by West Elm and Anthropologie. They have a very nice patio where you can sit and people watch. I could see this being a nice place to come for happy hour if I drank and worked in this area.

I recently celebrated my daughters birthday yesterday at this location. What a disaster! I have been here twice before and was satisfied with the service. We had a party of 30 people. Was impressed when we first arrived almost 30 min early that our table was all set up and we could go ahead and be seated. Our «one and only waitress for our party of 30» immediately asked for our drink orders. You would think a party of this size would have at least 2 servers/​waiters so it took quite a while to take everyones order. We had free biscuits with honey and blueberries, which were good. I ordered wings and Brussels for an appetizer and that was tasty. Almost 30 minutes later our food finally comes out. Yayyyyy. I had the salmon which was pretty good. Husband had the rib eye which he said was good too. Everyone for the most part enjoyed their meal. My cousin got the chicken. At first she thought she got the lunch portion since it didn’t look like much. But no, it was the dinner portion. Really?! She said the chicken was dry and didn’t have much flavor.
So then i asked the server if they do anything for birthdays like sing… Or Even a free little piece of dessert… something, anything. Nope. Nothing. Wow. Ok. Whatever.
When we all were pretty much done with our meals we waited for our individual checks. We never were asked about separate checks in the beginning so the waitress had to ask everyone who was on what check at the end. That took a while. That should have all been asked in the beginning… You would think. Well, after waiting for almost 30+ min for our checks we all were frustrated. What the hell is taking so long? Our waitress was obviously struggling with our checks. Some of us asked what was taking so long and according to staff it was the register that was the issue… Not being able to handle a big party. Seriously? Not once did anyone come to us and apologize for our wait. It seems management didn’t try to help our waitress either… blaming her for being inefficient. What a mess. In the end, after 45 min of waiting for our checks, we all got our meals comped and were only responsible for the alcoholic drinks. Well alrighty then. We were all pretty satisfied with that. Needless to say, our waitress was very apologetic for everything. We felt sorry for her since management did not really step in to help her. Sad.
Not sure if I’ll be back. It will probably be a while. We’ll see. A party of 30 should have been handled better. They had one weeks notice. Not a very good impression Tupelo…

Was looking for a neat little place close by to where my appointment was being held. I found this restaurant on Unilocal and decided to come here, based on their «Southern/​American New» label.
It’s in Va Beach’s Town Center, so I knew it would be a nicer place to sit and enjoy some good food. I like that it’s right by the parking garage, so it’s easy to park and walk over. Also not far from Pembroke Mall across the street.
Our server, Precious, was really nice. Friendly and patient, she was attentive without being rude. Great service!
As for my meal, I had the fried chicken blt sandwich with fries. I also had the blueberry fizzy drink (can’t remember the exact name). The sandwich was okay, just a basic fried chicken one. The chicken was nice and crispy though. The fries were good, a little smaller on the portion size, but still good. The drink however was really good, I’d go back just for that. Nice and sweet and could taste the blueberries. Also, the biscuits they give out with the honey and jam was good. I thought the biscuits could have been a bit softer, but still yummy with the honey.
Will be back!

Kelsy Kelsy Kelsy! When you’re here, ask for her. She is AMAZING. Came here on a whim. Ordered the brussel sprouts appetizer which were just ok, a little bitter. We were served a biscuit with honey and jelly which was soft, warm, and moist, perfection! For my meal, I originally ordered the shrimp and grits. I discovered that they’re made with goat cheese which I could taste. I easily returned them for the meatloaf. I was pleased, but I really wanted to finish the shrimp and grits. Please figure out a way to have either no cheese or a cheese of the patrons choice in the grits!
The sangria is a family recipe from the manager and it was great. A little kick and very refreshing. I switched to mimosas and was also pleased. Service and food like this comes rarely, I’d make a trip down here soon if I were you.

Pretty sure this is my new favorite place in Virginia beach! I plan on coming back as often as I can. What started as a disappointing morning got turned around when we came here. Be prepared to take food home! They fill you up!
The place is quite and relaxing and friendly. The menu is pretty big so there are a lot of options.
I can’t even remember all we got! I know I got the sweet potato pancake! So yummy! And the potato cracklins! Brilliant!!!
My husband got a quinoa bowl or something with beans and fried okra. Delicious. We also got fried green tomatoes with grits.
I can’t remember what my son got but I remember I loved it. Green beans, okra and some main dish. I’m going to guess Mac and cheese because that’s what he usually gets!
Highly recommend this place!

Great place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Love the atmosphere very down home southern comfort with a restaurant appeal
Service was outstanding Jeff our waiter was more than helpful and even gave us a really good insight on all the meals served at the café!
Come for happy hour try some of the house made cocktails great place for any day of the week and loved the outdoor seating… I will visit again!

Yummmmmm
This place is awesome!!!
Their biscuits they bring you with the blueberry jam & honey are so good. Home made made from scratch biscuits. Be careful though because they will bring you more and then you’ll be too full to eat.
TONS OF BEER ON TAP!!! Lots of local brewery beers on tap. There’s even a special beer made specifically for this place. It’s pretty good.
Their Moscow mules are delicious too!!!
I really like the pecan encrusted goat cheese app. It’s delicious, fresh & light.
Also my go to sandwich is the fried chicken BLT. I usually split it with someone because it’s a pretty big sandwich.
This place is ALWAYS poppin so be prepared to be in a crowd. Totally worth it though!

Decided to give THC a try during VB Restaurant Week, so I could try their featured menu items in a 3-​course meal.
Located in Town Center, there was plenty of parking in the garage just around the corner. It was a little rainy but conveniently had a nice overhang leading from the garage to the front entrance.
We were promptly seated in the spacious restaurant. There were a variety of decorations throughout including what looked like old window frames and three gigantic crests of the local military bases.
Our waitress immediately took our order because we were ready to go with their restaurant week menu items. We did, however, have to wait on their signature biscuits with blueberry jam. The wait was short and we got to have the biscuits freshly baked.
The honey chipotle wings were on point. Sweet with a little heat.
The pecan-​encrusted goat cheese was delicious on the slices of toasted baguettes.
The porterhouse pork chop was cooked to perfection as ordered. The smashed sweet potatoes and green beans with the red wine braised figs complimented each other well.
The duck confit was expertly roasted. I’m normally not a legume kind of guy but the legume salad it was on seemed to go well together.
The pecan pie seemed standard in comparison to their entrees.
The banana pudding was one of the better ones I’ve had in a long time.
The prices are a little high preventing more frequent visits, but will definitely return on special occassions to try the rest of the other menu items that are raved about.

I was super excited to go this place when they first opened up. I grabbed my lunch buddy and we ran here. We sat down and I was greeted by a pleasant server. We decided to order the Fried Green Tomatoes, which I will brag about every time someone asks me about this place. The red pepper coulis is what makes this dish pop. In order to try everything, my friend and I always order something different so we can get a bite of both, so we ordered the Southern Fried Chicken BLT, and the Tupelo Farm Fresh Burger. Now, I would take a chicken sandwich before a burger, but I liked the burger waaay better. Both meals were just ok, though. The Green Tomatoes and the Biscuit with honey and preserves (I think it was black berry… mmm) were the real winners, I had high hopes for this place but I think it was way overpriced for the food you are getting.
Not to mention, my coworker who I recommended this place to had her credit card information stolen, not cool.

Clean establishment, great service and great food. Always a winning combination but not one that is followed sadly. Tupelo Honey Café has hit all the marks of being one of those go to spots when you are hungry and never ever have to worry about being disappointed.
The server on this particular day was Sabrina and she was more than awesome. I went with her suggestion of shrimp and grits. Everyone seems to have their own version of this recipe but being that THC got its start in North Carolina I knew it was going to be good. Being from South Carolina I am more than willing to give NC its props. Before I got the main entrée I started off with a mimosa made from fresh orange juice. I was provided a complimentary biscuit that came with their homemade blackberry preserves. The Shoo Mercy Shrimp & Grits were perfect. The cheese grits went well with the sautéed shrimp, bacon, and the spinach. The portion was healthy and it is always good to support a business using locally grown items in the kitchen.
I was an instant fan and immediately went to the THC website to see if one was close to me in MD. There is not one in MD but as luck would have it there is one not too far from me in Arlington, VA. Oh yeah it is now bookmarked. The standard has been set very high from my experience in Virginia Beach and there is no doubt that this will be a great experience.

This place is nice. I mean NICE with a long vowel sound. Its vibe is artsy country modern. It’s a very nice and clean looking. The staff is very friendly too.
They can be a bit pricey though, depending on what you order, so bring extra pocket change. Remember in the words of Lafyette, «tip your waitress.»

Declined to the Emporia Cracker Barrel level of service.
I hate to write this downgrade but the service today warranted.
At first I thought it was a function of poor management, assigning the waitress a huge group plus a few other tables that were scattered in the dining area. I later learned it was also the failed memory or attention of the waitress based on the numerous repeat requests.
Today we had a modest wait of about 10 minutes. That was completely expected based on the time of day and Sunday brunch offerings. Our table was fine and the waitress promptly took the drink orders and offered to get the homemade biscuits considered THC signature treat. That was the end of the good service.
As I said, our waitress was also assigned an additional table and party of 10 or so people. As I watched, they apparently had no problem getting refills on the water and beverages. As for us, well the wife’s coffee was cold and mine, it too the general manager to get me a cup. And the waters, never refilled. Likewise, we had to ask twice for lemon. Now you might be saying I am just pretentious bastard but really, this is the basics of the service industry.
She never brought the biscuits, jam and honey … again it took the manager to perform this standard issuance for THC. However, the service remained annoyingly poor, making repeated requests, some like the son’s hot sauce going completely unfilled the duration of the visit.
The manager took our two coffees off the bill as recompense. It was a gesture that had zero effect on the bottom line or really that they have management and service issues. I base that statement not on one visit either. As I said we’ve been there 4 times now and aside from the first visit when they exceeded expectations, THC has gotten incrementally worse on service. And that disappoints me greatly since it would have been a great family alternative for brunch following church… likely not now.
Food. I will still give two stars because we’ve been pleased with the food quality. Today’s Southern Grit Bowl was well prepared (lacking on seasoning though) and presented well.
I think the kitchen was also running askew today. Our meals seemed a little long in coming out but the delay could have been the waitress not getting them in promptly too. In part I think the kitchen was also struggling when I heard the gentlemen from the next table asking his waiter what the progress on cooking their steaks were or if they were still working on importing the beef.
I think we will try again in fairness but likely not for several months to see if they get the management/​staff problems under control. Likewise, we will for the time being pass on giving anyone a recommendation to patron this restaurant.