Symposium Cafe

The food at the Symposium is good- but it almost doesn't make up for the service. Our waitress was indeed friendly, but she didn't remember specials or the soup of the day. It took her almost 5 minutes to come back to us after she had to find someone who knew. My friend and I decided to get take out one night, and when we got to the restaurant (AFTER CALLING AHEAD) they told us they didn't have the menu item available. If this wasn't upsetting enough, the man waiting on us was extremely rude! The only great front desk person is the lady named Megan. The beautiful scenery and seating is what is saving this place. Pros: Good Appetizers, Comfy Seating, Romantic Cons: Service more

I went days after they opened and understandably there was much staff confusion. I gave them a second, third and fourth chance. Service was horrible and the food is just plain ODD. Hamburger buns that are too big to bite into and way too tough to chew. The beef and cheese sandwich is worse than vending machine selection. I wrote managment after several bad experiences at the take-out counter and in the dining area, only to get an apology and offer of a gift certificate or refund that never materialized. The money spent on decor' would have been better spent on market research for the menu. Shrimp and fettucine that still has the tails on ? If I wanted to shell shrimp I would cook at home not spend crazy money at this place. Pros: location, decor Cons: price, food quality, service more

I just went there by mistake and found a hidden gem aparentely they have not advertised but it looks like they don't have too as they had a good crowd on wednesday anyway the waiter said they had just changed the menu I had the Jack Daniels steak & my wife had the Scallops Rissoto we both agreed the food would rival any fine dining in town the service was also above normal for restaurants I have been too lately I will definetely be back there and tell all I can about my expereince great atmosphere too! Pros: food, ambiance, pricing Cons: none more

I went to Symposium Cafe for parents weekend they were packed my family are from Florida & were extremely impressed with the ambiance ,food , & sevice provided by one of the servers I think her name was Aracely she was awesome great reccomendations I saw some of my friends at the same Restaurant & they too were very happy with thier evening we shall definetely return & tell all our friends at Duke! Pros: service, food, ambiance Cons: none more

You know - these places can't seem to get it right and keep it right. On one occasion the food was okay and the service was good. On another it took a long time for the waiter to show up and the food wasn't that fresh. The place looks nice but food quality and service are the real reasons I go out for dinner. more

I went to Symposium Cafe last night with family and friends. The staff was courteous and attentive and the atmosphere was wonderful. However, the appetizers and entrees were less than impressive. I would recommend visiting Symposium Cafe for a drink outside or at their bar before heading out to another restaurant (or ball game) for dinner. Pros: Atmosphere, Attentive Staff, Dessert Cons: Food more

Had the grilled salmon with spinach and mashed potatoes...Excellent!! Great atmosphere. Pros: Good value more

My girlfriends and I decided to try Symposium Cafe one day for lunch - what a treat! Not only did they offer delicious salads and sandwiches, but also steak, chicken, and seafood entrees that are available all day. I enjoyed the Chicken Remoulade, and the Teriyaki Flank Steak was another hit at our table...all delivered with flawless, friendly service. Beautiful outside atmosphere with tables overlooking the landscaped courtyard and pond - a great place to sip a cool mimosa or bloody mary with lunch! I recently brought boxed lunches and gourmet coffees to the office from their takeout deli, and next week they are catering a meeting for us in their upstairs private room. I'm glad to have found such a great place to eat in such a great location - highly reccommended! Pros: Great Value, Atmosphere, Service more

A group of friends and myself dined at the Symposium Cafe on a Friday night a couple of weeks ago, and let me just say we were absolutly blown away! Not only were we entertained by a live jazz band playing music out under the water tower that is located right next to the restaurant, but the food was out of this world amazing(You must try the scallops and Bananas Foster). Everyone from the Hostess, to our Server, the Bartender, and we even met Julian the owner (he came over to our table and introduced himself) were all so attentive and friendly! I must say the Symposium Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants in Durham, and wish it and it's staff the best of luck! They can be sure I will be a very loyal customer! Pros: Staff, Food, Ambience more

Way overpriced for beer, sandwiches, pizza, and burgers that are diner quality. Don't expect fries with that pricey sandwich either and for some dumb reason you'll get a tomato wedge with your burger instead of slices....I think the head chef failed geometry or something. The veggie-pasta consists of anything but fresh vegtables-- sure they're not from a can, but when they're cooked eariler that morning or left over from the day before, they're soggy and have a funky smell. I will say this-- the lunch time service so far has been pretty good at least! Pros: prices, quality Cons: service more

Despite my hesitation after reading other reviews, my boyfriend and I decided to go to Symposium before a Durham Bulls game. We had an AMAZING experience! The scallops and filet were delicious and the service was prompt and friendly. You couldn't ask for a better location! We will definitely return. more

We went there a couple weeks after they opened and were not impressed. The inside has the look and feel of an airport or hotel lounge with the expensive mediocre food to match. 4 domestic beers and 2 very bland sandwiches cost us $50. While we were there the manager decided to have a staff meeting in the dining room and proceeded to yell at and berate the entire staff. Not only was he rude and just plain mean to his employees, but he was completely inconsiderate of his customers sitting just a few feet away. Pros: location, ambience Cons: food, price, management more

the food and service was great, nice atmosphere, great feel, great variety more

I came here for a business lunch & was pleasantly surprised my clients were extremely impressed a great asset to Durham Pros: good ambiance, good food, good valu more