When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
The Haymaker
Why The Haymaker is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Haymaker offers a friendly and casual atmosphere ideal for meeting up with friends, family, or colleagues. Located in Peoria, the restaurant specializes in breakfast and comfort food with a reasonable price point that appeals to a broad audience. It features prompt and courteous service that enhances the dining experience, making it a reliable choice for morning meals and casual get-togethers. A highlight of The Haymaker is its menu, which includes popular items such as pulled pork sliders and a variety of breakfast classics like eggs and country potatoes, catering to those who enjoy hearty, familiar flavors. The casual environment combined with a good selection of reasonably priced dishes makes it a solid venue for relaxed socializing and casual dining. Though the venue experiences busy periods, its staff is noted to be friendly and accommodating, which helps foster a welcoming ambiance ideal for spending quality time with friends or family.
Here's what people think of The Haymaker
As of recent, The Haymaker holds a 4.4-star rating based on 387 reviews.
Customer reviews of The Haymaker paint a mixed but generally positive picture. Positive feedback frequently applauds the prompt and courteous service and the reasonable pricing, especially highlighting the variety and quality of breakfast options. Reviewers particularly enjoy menu favorites such as pulled pork sliders, which received praise for taste, adding to the establishment's appeal for casual dining. However, some negative feedback points to inconsistent food quality, with mentions of average to below-expectation dishes such as the sausage and cheese fries, which some found lacking in flavor and preparation standards. Additionally, a few patrons found the beer selection limited and overpriced. Staff reviews from employees add insight into the working environment, revealing that while some enjoy a fun and easygoing workplace with great team dynamics, others struggle with management issues and pay concerns, which could indirectly influence the overall customer experience. Despite these drawbacks, The Haymaker maintains a respectable rating of 4.4 stars from nearly 400 reviews, indicating that most visitors leave satisfied and consider it a worthwhile spot for casual dining and social meetings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Layne Doyle
The Miracle Bar / The Haymaker’s Christmas time alter ego was decorated beautifully in 2024 and had the best and most festive drinks! This was such a fun and cozy spot to enjoy delicious liquor drinks with a fun ‘instagramable’ touch to it. It’s not a huge spot and is tucked away a little bit but if you know what you’re looking for and where to look, this place is it.
Demarcus Scales
Fisher the mixologist/bartender was amazing! Thoroughly enjoyed his passion for the work and because of him we will be back soon!!! Marcus and Avery
Kay's Korner
Loved everything about this cute festive bar! Staff 10/10! Drinks 10/10. DJ 10/10. Had a great time. Be prepared to wait if it’s crowded. Dress warm. We had a small wait but it was worth it. They have a cut holiday drink list or you can order a beer or your favorite cocktail. It’s cute for a girls night out or a drop in before dinner which is what we did. There is a $5 cover which I was not anticipating but it was no problem. Just bring cash.
Joel
It’s a quaint little spot which definitely feels warm! We came during the Christmas time, so it was decorated festively. The bartenders were nice and friendly, which was much appreciated. Plenty of holiday drinks to choose from. I definitely recommend you stop by!
William Haire
We popped in for drinks before a concert at the red hat. We had the place to ourselves and I enjoyed the atmosphere. The drinks were overpriced and mediocre at best. I would go back just to hang out.
How to reach The Haymaker
None
Website: None
Why rally at The Haymaker with your friends?
Gathering with friends and family is all about creating memorable experiences, and The Haymaker offers just the right atmosphere and amenities to make those gatherings special. This popular restaurant boasts a solid 4.4-star rating from nearly 400 reviews, signaling widespread approval from its patrons. What makes The Haymaker stand out for group meetups is not just the inviting environment with a casual, welcoming vibe, but its blend of good food, effective service, and friendly staff that make everyone feel comfortable and well taken care of. Whether you want to catch up over brunch, enjoy hearty burgers and craft beers, or simply have a relaxed evening out, The Haymaker caters to diverse tastes, making it an ideal spot to rally with your crew. Its emphasis on breakfast and hearty meals sets a communal tone encouraging shared plates and lively conversations. Plus, the friendly teamwork of the staff ensures your group’s needs are met promptly, so your time together is uninterrupted and enjoyable. This place balances quality with value and convenience for groups seeking a laid-back yet satisfying dining experience.
What activities can groups enjoy at The Haymaker?
The Haymaker may not feature typical entertainment or games, but the activities here revolve around dining, socializing, and savoring a well-curated menu in a comfortable setting. One can start the day at The Haymaker by enjoying a varied breakfast menu that includes classic favorites like eggs cooked to order, country potatoes, and breakfast sandwiches. The morning vibe is especially perfect for groups wanting to gather early and fuel up with caffeine and hearty meals. Transitioning into the afternoon and evening, the menu highlights burgers, pulled pork sliders, chicken strips, and other comfort food staples that are easy to share among friends. These dishes encourage a communal dining style, making it simple for groups to sample multiple items and bond over their taste preferences. Additionally, The Haymaker offers a selection of bourbons and craft beers, adding an element of casual indulgence to your meetup. While it might not have an extensive entertainment lineup, The Haymaker’s strength lies in its food-centered social experience—perfect for groups looking to enjoy good eats and great conversation in one spot.
Why is The Haymaker ideal for group meetups?
The Haymaker’s layout and atmosphere are conducive to group gatherings in several key ways. First, the seating arrangements accommodate both smaller and larger parties comfortably, allowing groups to sit together without feeling crowded. The casual décor and lively buzz create a welcoming environment that promotes relaxed interaction, turning mealtime into a social event. The kitchen and serving staff are accustomed to handling group orders efficiently, so your friends aren’t left waiting long between courses—an important factor in maintaining the flow of a good meetup. Prices are reasonable, making it easier for groups to come together without breaking the bank. The menu’s diversity means there’s something for everyone, from meat lovers to those preferring lighter breakfast fare. This flexibility combined with the friendly, attentive service makes The Haymaker an excellent choice whether you're planning a breakfast reunion, lunch hangout, or casual dinner gathering with friends or family.
What should you expect from the food and drink selection?
At The Haymaker, food quality evokes mixed reviews, but many patrons appreciate the consistent taste and hearty portions. Breakfast options are broad, featuring well-cooked eggs, country potatoes, and various sausages—though some reviews mention the sausage gravy might not be top-tier, overall, these plates are satisfying and nicely prepared. For landmark dishes, the pulled pork sliders are notably flavorful and a popular pick when sharing with friends. Burgers and chicken strips serve as dependable lunch and dinner choices, though some customers have found fries to be less than ideal on occasion. The drink selection is centered on bourbon and craft beers, complementing the food nicely and enhancing the overall experience for those who appreciate a good drink with their meal. Though the beer selection has been described by some as limited and pricey, the variety of bourbons on offer adds a distinctive touch to the beverage menu. This blend of food and drink options rounds out The Haymaker’s appeal as a spot where groups can enjoy a satisfying and varied meal.
How is the service and ambiance at The Haymaker?
Service at The Haymaker generally receives positive remarks, with many guests highlighting the courteous and prompt attention from staff. Efficient service is critical when hosting groups because it keeps the gathering flowing smoothly—and The Haymaker tends to meet those expectations. The ambiance strikes a balance between casual and lively, thanks to a design that encourages socializing without overwhelming noise levels. The restaurant's atmosphere, described as friendly and comfortable, creates a space where friends can relax, chat, and fully enjoy their time together. Though some reviews mention occasional slow service during busy times, particularly with only one server on shift, these instances appear to be exceptions rather than the norm. Overall, the positive interaction with staff combined with a warm, informal setting makes The Haymaker well suited for enjoyable group experiences.
What makes The Haymaker stand out compared to other venues?
Unlike some restaurants that focus heavily on specialized cuisine or elaborate entertainment, The Haymaker shines through its straightforward approach to great comfort food coupled with a welcoming space for groups. It avoids pretension, instead embracing a genuine, unpretentious vibe where the focus is on good meals, friendly service, and community-style dining. This creates an environment where everyone from longtime friends to casual acquaintances can feel at home. The venue is especially appealing to those who want a reliable, fairly priced meal in a spot designed for easy conversation and connection. Its commitment to serving breakfast all day as well as lunch and dinner allows for flexibility in planning meetings at different times, catering to various schedules and preferences. With a strong reputation backed by numerous positive reviews, The Haymaker stands as a dependable choice for social gatherings centered around food, drink, and camaraderie.
In summary, The Haymaker offers a comfortable, casual, and well-rounded venue to rally with friends or family. Its diverse menu, friendly service, and accommodating atmosphere make it a top contender for group meetups in the area. Whether you seek a morning brunch spot, a laid-back lunch venue, or a relaxed dinner environment, The Haymaker delivers an experience where social bonds can be strengthened over satisfying food and drinks. For those looking to create shared moments in a welcoming restaurant setting, this is a place well worth considering.