Harper's Restaurant

The Greensboro location of this regional chain can be found in the Friendly Center, 601 Friendly Center Rd. across from Belk. Harper’s serves American cuisine in a casual environment. There is a weekend brunch, a full-service bar, and a gluten-free menu.

When our preferred New Year’s Eve destination was booked solid, Harper’s proved to be a suitable last-minute replacement. The staff was welcoming despite the calamity of the occasion, and our server, Adam, was both knowledgeable and polite. My companion and I both went with the steak and frites and substituted the fries for another side. The 8-oz sirloins had a nice char and plenty of flavor, as did our accompaniments (mashed red potatoes and roasted asparagus). At $17 each, it felt like money well-spent and made for a satisfying year-end meal.

That said, I would hesitate to rush back to Harper’s for several reasons. For starters, the restaurant was fairly loud. While this may be a product of NYE craziness, the acoustics don’t bode well for a daily lunch crowd. The menu was also somewhat dated and uninspiring. The limited selection is not an issue if you are craving a steak, and some of the entrée salads did look promising, but beyond that, you won’t find anything (sandwich, burger, fish, chicken, etc.) you haven’t already had before. Lastly, despite the more casual atmosphere, Harper’s emulates steakhouse pricing. Entrees start at $15 and typically include one side. Additional sides are al a carte and go for $4 to $6.

All told, Harper’s is a well-run restaurant with solid, albeit, familiar food. The lack of a “wow” factor and ambitious pricing prevent it from becoming a first-choice dining destination.

7.5/10