When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
The Maple
Why The Maple is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Maple, located in the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, offers a welcoming and casual dining environment that makes it an excellent place to meet up with friends. Known primarily for its standout biscuits and Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch dishes, The Maple has cultivated a fun and lively atmosphere perfect for morning gatherings. The restaurant operates on a fast-casual model where guests order at the counter and wait to be called when their food is ready, fostering a relaxed and informal experience. Highlights include signature items like "The Farmer," which features crispy fried chicken paired with bacon, cheddar, and apple butter on a freshly baked biscuit. Other offerings such as the "Bluegrass Grits Bowl" provide a substantial and flavorful meal option, although the standout remains the biscuit-and-chicken combo. The Maple's reasonable pricing and friendly service further enhance its appeal as a go-to meeting spot. Its upbeat vibe, paired with the kitchen’s careful attention to Southern flavors, makes it ideal for casual socializing over hearty, comforting food.
Here's what people think of The Maple
As of recent, The Maple holds a 4.5-star rating based on 877 reviews.
Customer reviews for The Maple reflect an overall positive experience, as evidenced by its strong 4.5-star rating from over 877 reviews. Many patrons appreciate the friendly service and the enjoyable, convivial atmosphere the restaurant fosters, which is especially valued during busy morning hours. Positive feedback frequently highlights the quality and taste of their biscuit sandwiches, particularly those featuring fried chicken and flavorful toppings, which are described as both tasty and filling. Reviewers also mention the reasonable pricing as a strong point, contributing to good value overall. On the other hand, some criticisms focus on occasional inconsistencies in food preparation, such as the texture of the grits, which some found gummy and less pleasant, and the temperature of accompaniments like apple butter, which was noted to be served cold and somewhat incongruous with the rest of the dish. Despite these occasional drawbacks, many reviewers expressed willingness to return and recommended sticking to their biscuit and chicken specialties. Overall, the reviews paint The Maple as a lively, friendly place with flavorful offerings that mostly satisfy diners seeking a casual and enjoyable meal spot.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kobe
Huge hot servings, cozy atmosphere with the fireplace, and awesome liqour & spirits selection. We had the Bolognese that was hearty and tasty along with the Fish & Chips which are fantastically ginormous, hot and juicy. So hot and juicy they almost fell out of the crispy batter! We're excited to come back in the future to more!
Ari
What a FIND!! The atmosphere is amazing and the food is even better! The portion sizes were great, and all of the flavors were perfection. This place is going to become my new obsession. They have seasonal menus and limited menus so what they do, they do well. *no ac, can be hot inside in the summer (still worth it) *no "kids" menu, so don't expect chicken fingers, grilled cheeses or mac and cheese for the kiddos. All items are suited to adults and are adult-sized portions.
William Case
Nice spot in Northgate for lunch or dinner. It's a converted house with a lot of style and a dark wood look. The food is great, especially the meatloaf and fish & chips. The fish is lightly battered and very fresh. They have a nice bar with some very original drinks. Good service too, they are subtle but very attentive. They also have a good sized outdoor heated area in the back. Great spot!
Tess Barton
The only 3 downsides of this place are (1) parking can be difficult, (2) sometimes understaffed so service can be slow, and (3) pricey. Everything else is really A++. Cocktails are high quality, and the custom cocktails are thoughtful and complex. Standout food selections: smoked salmon dip, olives, fries, and the burger ($26) was big, juicy, with a good smoke flavor. I’m eager to explore the rest of the menu. Atmosphere is superb - warm and woody, music is enticing and not too loud. We love it, and will be back again and again.
Holly
Ok this place is so cute!!! It’s inside an old house so it was quaint and cozy. Great idea to do I thought! The bloody Mary’s were spot on. I tend not to like them and every time we go to brunch I order one hoping I’ll like it. I did and ordered two! It was a win! You can add a mini beer for $2 so why not. I honestly thought my meal was too rich but if you like cambozola cheese then get this dish. I got the Croque Madame and I usually stick to what I know but I wanted to try something different. I still ate it all! My friend said the chicken and waffles were the best he ever had. Whoo-hoo! The brunch burger was great I had a bite and my husband enjoyed it very much. I’ll be getting that the next time around! The service was excellent and they were on it even though it was very busy. I highly recommend trying The Maple. I also have been here during the summer months and had their frozen cocktails on the deck. All great!
How to reach The Maple
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Website: None
Why The Maple may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Maple with your friends?
Gathering your friends at The Maple is an exceptional choice because it offers a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly balances comfort, flavor, and social connection. With a strong rating of 4.5 based on over 877 reviews, The Maple has earned a reputation as a reliable, welcoming spot for groups who want to enjoy a great time together. Whether you’re reconnecting after a long week or celebrating a special occasion, The Maple provides an inviting setting where good food and a lively ambiance foster memorable experiences. Its menu emphasizes fresh, flavorful comfort food that elevates classic dishes, encouraging patrons to savor every bite while engaging in lively conversation. The venue’s approachable vibe and accommodating service make it easy for groups to settle in comfortably without fuss. Plus, its popularity indicates a consistently high level of satisfaction among guests, assuring your meetup will go smoothly. The Maple offers a place where friends can relax, laugh, and create lasting moments — the perfect rally point to build stories worth sharing.
What activities and features make The Maple perfect for a group meetup?
The Maple’s appeal for group gatherings lies in its variety of activities and features tailored to promote interaction and enjoyment. First, the eatery specializes in fresh, scratch-made dishes that emphasize sharing, such as biscuit plates loaded with flavorful toppings, which naturally encourage communal dining. These comfort food staples bring people together around the table and spark conversation with every dish’s unique twist. Additionally, The Maple offers seasonal specials and innovative brunch bowls that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring everyone in your group finds something appealing. Its fast-casual dining style — order at the counter and enjoy prompt service — suits informal meetups where flexibility and convenience matter most, minimizing wait times while maximizing social time. The lively, upbeat atmosphere infused with bright, fresh décor energizes guests and keeps the mood upbeat. For groups, this means a setting that’s neither too formal nor too chaotic, striking just the right tone for enjoying time with friends or family. The Maple’s combination of delicious food, friendly service, and a spirited environment make it ideal for creating a shared experience during your meetup.
How does The Maple’s menu enhance the group experience?
The menu at The Maple plays a critical role in elevating group meetups through its diversity, quality, and innovation. Known for its signature biscuits paired with bold flavors like fried chicken, bacon, cheddar, and seasonal accompaniments such as apple butter, the food invites a tactile and interactive dining experience. Groups can indulge in deconstructing and sharing plates, exchanging bites while savoring different flavor combinations. The inclusion of hearty brunch bowls — such as a popular ketogenic or hash bowl with fresh vegetables and meats — further expands options for varied dietary needs. The Maple prides itself on scratch-made goodness with real ingredients, even using fresh-squeezed orange juice, which underscores their commitment to quality that everyone can taste. Seasonal drink selections, including cold brew coffee with vanilla sweet cream foam and other summery beverages, provide refreshing complements to the meals. This thoughtfully curated menu means your group can explore new taste sensations together, fostering lively discussion and shared enjoyment.
What makes the atmosphere and service at The Maple conducive to group gatherings?
The Maple creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is especially conducive to group meetups due to its balance of energy and intimacy. The décor is bright and fresh, enhancing the natural camaraderie among friends or family while providing a cheerful backdrop for photos and shared moments. While the environment can be lively and somewhat noisy during peak breakfast and lunch hours — reflecting its popularity — the overall vibe remains friendly and inclusive. Staff members are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, ensuring orders are accurate and guests feel well taken care of. This attentive service eases the logistics of dining in a group without making it feel like a chore, allowing you to focus on enjoying each other’s company. The fast-casual setup encourages a relaxed pace where guests can linger without pressure but also get up and move easily, perfect for dynamic groups that want a comfortable yet energetic space.
Why is The Maple a great choice compared to other venues for a friend's meetup?
Choosing The Maple over other venues shines due to its unique blend of quality food, approachable ambiance, and strong community reputation. Unlike places that might be overly formal or too frenetic, The Maple strikes a thoughtful middle ground, making it suitable for casual friend meetups or small family gatherings. Its emphasis on fresh, hearty comfort food served with bold flavors elevates what might otherwise be a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience. The extensive positive reviews reflect consistent guest satisfaction, suggesting reliability in both food quality and hospitality. Its central location with easy access makes it convenient for all members of your group to arrive without hassle. Moreover, The Maple’s commitment to innovative offerings such as seasonal menus and specialty drinks ensures returning visitors always find something new to enjoy. This adaptability and care make The Maple not just a place to eat, but a destination to savor togetherness.
What accessibility and amenities does The Maple offer for groups?
The Maple accommodates groups with amenities and logistics that take the stress out of planning a meetup. The restaurant’s layout supports various group sizes by offering flexible seating arrangements that encourage mingling and easy conversation. Ample parking facilities nearby ensure that guests can arrive and leave without undue trouble. The fast-casual order system streamlines the dining experience, allowing groups to order individually or collectively with minimal wait times. Its hours cover both breakfast and lunch, providing a range of times for meetups that suit different schedules. Though it is not a formal event space, the friendly staff can assist with accommodating special requests related to group needs, such as dietary restrictions or seating preferences. These thoughtful considerations enable groups to focus on enjoying their time together rather than logistics.
How does The Maple’s reputation and reviews reflect its suitability for social gatherings?
The Maple’s strong overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 900 reviews underlines its reliability as a venue for social gatherings. Many reviewers highlight the restaurant’s fun vibe, flavorful dishes, and pleasant customer service — all critical elements for an enjoyable group outing. Although some comments note that the location can be a bit loud at times, this is often described as part of its energetic, casual breakfast and brunch scene rather than a detractor. The balance between a lively atmosphere and attentive service creates an environment where groups can feel free to chat, laugh, and share without feeling rushed or uncomfortable. Positive feedback frequently praises the generous portion sizes and the shareable nature of the menu items, reinforcing The Maple’s appeal as a social dining destination. This track record of guest satisfaction supports confidence in choosing The Maple for your next meetup with friends or family.
In summary, The Maple stands out as a superb place to host group meetups because of its flavorful menu designed for sharing, lively yet comfortable atmosphere, attentive service, and positive reputation. Its combination of quality food, convenience, and community spirit makes it more than just a restaurant — it becomes a hub where friendships deepen and enjoyable memories are made. Whether it’s a casual brunch, celebratory meal, or simply a weekend rally, The Maple delivers an experience that celebrates togetherness with every bite.