Chef John Drees has reopened Southern Lights Bistro at its new location: 2415-A Lawndale Drive, in Greensboro. An award-winning four-star restaurant, and one of Greensboro’s most popular eating establishments for more than two decades, Southern Lights Bistro is delighted to reopen its doors.
When you come inside you will find many aspects you fondly remember about the original location, from popular menu offerings – such as the famous Cream of Tomato Basil Soup, Tribecca Sandwich, Reference Burger, Grilled Salmon with Cucumber Dill Sauce, Chocolate Walnut Pie, seasonal items, house-made desserts, fresh daily seafood and chalkboard specials, to the ever-changing collection of eclectic artwork featuring local artists, tables that easily pull together for friends and family, and staff members whose faces you will recognize, even a few veterans from when we originally opened 27 years ago!
"We arrived early enough to choose from 3 early bird specials (anytime prior to 6:30). We had the salmon with mashed potatoes and green beans. A tremendous value for $15 with an ample salad included (best bleu cheese dressing in town!) The salmon was cooked just right, and the mashed potatoes were particularly yummy. We will be back!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"My husband and I found ourselves "free" for the evening and decided to grab a date night. We were disappointed to find that reservations weren't available at our first choice so I decided to try Southern Lights. We had a fabulous evening!! We ate outside and had a delicious, slow-paced meal which was exactly what we were looking for. The tables are spaced out so you don't have to hear your neighbors' conversations. We will most definitely be back as this might possibly be my "new favorite restaurant" in Greensboro!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We went for lunch and the service was terrible. It took 45-50 minutes to get our food. The server was very inattentive...it took almost 10-15 minutes before anyone ever came to our table for drinks."
Dined on 5/07/2013
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"Food is always well prepared. Good selection of daily specials and menu offerings change from season to season. Service attentive without being intrusive. Always one of my favorite dining experiences in Greensboro. Small portions available on week nights is added feature for those watching portion control."
Dined on 3/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We've been fans of SL from the very first and have always loved their food. Unfortunately, the last two times we were there, the food was so heavily salted that we couldn't finish dinner. We hope these were just temporary blips and that the chef will be more judicious in salting the food in the future. We'll give SL another try."
Dined on 5/01/2013
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"We had a group of 10---all from out of town for the furniture market. Everyone was impressed with the food and service. It was a most enjoyable night and I would reccomend this restaurant to anyone. Great time!!!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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"Southern Lights offers delicious food and exceptional service. While we still miss the old location, John Drees has created a beautiful setting both inside and outside for an upscale dining experience. My husband had the shrimp and grits while I enjoyed the filet. Both were prepared with obvious attention to detail in taste and presentation. The outside patio is now open and will be great for spring dining."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"This place was EXCELLENT!! It looked like such an interesting place to take a date, when I first drove by, and it didn't let me down! The food, service, and ambiance were perfect. Our server, Michelle, had a great knowledge of the menu, and had a great attitude throughout the entire service. The manager (sorry, I don't recall your name - beautiful blonde lady, and spoke with a lovely British accent) even came by the table while my date was away from the table, to inquire how the first date was going. Matthew, kudos to you and your kitchen staff. The food was so delicious, and the menu a nice variety of dishes. I will definitely be back!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"This was our first visit since Southern Lights had moved from their old location. The old location had more ambiance, warm feeling, terrific artwork by local artists, and wider menu choices. The food was still good and service was good. But we do miss the old warm close feeling."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
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"My kids and I went to Southern Lights Bistro for dinner. It's small and cozy with a fun decor. During busy times, a reservation would be a good idea. The staff was really helpful. There was a good selection of wines by the glass. The food was excellent. We will definitely go here again."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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"The food was very good as usual. Unfortunately we were seated in the semiprivate room where a birthday celebration was happening with a large group. Our party of three had some difficulty carrying on a conversation because of the noise level. We asked to be reseated in the main dining room but no table was available. Will have to remember that the next time my college roommate comes in to town and we are trying to catch up over a quiet dinner!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"My wife and I were excited to try this supposed "find" of a local restaurant and were surprised by a complete LACK OF FLAVOR in nearly every dish!! We tried two kinds of soup (the seafood bisque and the tomato basil),two different entree's, salads and dessert and found odd pairings, over-hyped prices and tasteless food (although cooked well). We tried to redeem the meal, with dessert and found the key lime pie had NO lime flavor and was covered in chocolate sauce! The bread pudding was a great texture but the "homemade caramel" had no flavor and neither did the pudding! We were disappointed with the entire meal except for the salad! Be prepared to pay far too much and use generous amounts of table salt!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view, great for lunch
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"Our male server was very rude, not attentive, and could care less about our experience. We received better service from the female server that wasn't even our server. Manager was very nice and took great care of us. Food was ok but way too pricey. We will probably give them one more chance and hope for a better experience and a different server."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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"The service and food was very good but there was a very limited lunch menu. They did, however, prepare a nice vegan entree for me but it was only vegetables--would have been more filling if they had put it over brown rice or pasta.
I would only recommend for dinner now that the lunch menu is so limited!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Lovely in every way! This is the best place to come in Greensboro for a wonderful meal and a relaxed atmosphere. It is one of the few restaurants in Greensboro that is quiet enough for good conversation."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2010
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"The food was very good, service was a bit slow but the restaurant was cold. We were seated about three booths from the door and we just could not get warm."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"I saw the restaurant online at Open Table and looked at the dinner menu which looked wonderful. I assumed their lunch menu would be equally nice. I was disappointed when there were only soups, salads and sandwiches on the lunch menu when we got there. There were no entrees at all. I have a food and beverage background and have worked in several restaurants in the kitchen and front of house. Usually there are at least a couple of entree choices during lunch. We came in for my mothers birthday and while the sandwiches were all really tasty, I had hoped for a little more of a wow. The server was great, also they were very accommodating with my young son. However, I would not recommend the restaurant based on the limited lunch options."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
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"Disappointed with the lack of follow up by the waitress. We all ordered sandwiches. The steak sandwiches were dry without any apparent condiments. We had to "flag" a passing waitress down to get mustard to try to liven up the sandwich. The restaurant was not very busy. The wait staff seemed to be clustered around the bar and not checking on tables. After the food was delivered, we did not see the waitress until our check was delivered."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2010
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"My date for Valentines Day had never been there but I had been to both the old location and this one. I have never had less than a perfect meal here. They made our night very special. Go here!!!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Great food, excellent service. Been many timesWill return."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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"The food is, at best, average for the price that is payed. This is not to say that the food is bad. It is not worth the price. There are other resturants that have equally as good food, but at 50% - 60% the price. I may try it for lunch because I like the environment, but probabily not for dinner again."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2013
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"the fish was cold and the server was distant and always seemed to be in a hurry. he seemed aloof and just nto friendly. i just could not eat the cold fish. not sure how long it had been sitting out etc."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2011
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"Southern Lights has never disappointed us! The food is always top notch, the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing and the wait staff is always pleasant and accommodating! Always look forward to our next visit!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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