Society Garden — Restaurant in Macon

I know this place gets great reviews but great was not my experience. The place was packed. I heard they had sold over 600 tickets and when we arrived before the show was supposed to start, it had already started and there was a decent line to get in. We heard them say they were still selling tickets if you didn't have one.

So they funnel you in through a small gate and immediately there is a long line for drinks. The place was already really crowded but we found a spot to stand to watch the band.

After standing in line for a drink, I went back to our spot only to realize that I had forgotten water so back in line I go......grrrrr but my fault I thought. Unfortunately I was wrong. I stood in line again only to find out that they do not sell bottled water.....do what??????? I was told that they had a water dispenser setup in the distance.

I spot it and as I am walking over there, I see someone tilting it on its side because it was obviously almost out of water. They were providing plastic cups to put it in which does you no good if its out and also eliminates the thought that maybe it was an eco friendly move not to do plastic bottles.

I am still trying to figure out how the fire marshall allows so many people inside when it is basically a reverse funnel if there was a fire or worse and i could imagine that on nice like that if there was, it would be mass hysteria trying to get out 1 of the 2 tiny exits. Thankfully it was an uneventful night as far as that goes.

I have heard that on less busy nights it is a nice place......can't testify to that as I have only been to this one show. Come on people......this is summer......WE NEED ACCESS TO WATER.....why don't you at least put in a vending machine with some water and other stuff so that it isn't all about the alcohol? That would help alleviate some of the standing in line and resulting dehydration and this is coming from a drinker......

Needless to say I was very unimpressed and will not...

Tired of being stuck indoors? Not into the typical bars? Can't find a sitter for kids or dogs? Then this place is a must visit! This casual family friendly garden has a rustic outdoor bar, stage for bands, variety of styled tables for couples or groups, a fire pit, fans, TVs to watch the Dawgs, a ping pong table & a slide for the kids....and that's just outside! They weren't serving food but you can order food from Ingleside Village Pizza (next door) & they will deliver HERE! Love it! I highly recommend getting here early to get a table or bring your own chairs. I've been here 3X & stood bc it's very packed. Ladies, DON'T WEAR WHITE...there is tree sap (which dirt stuck to) on lots of chairs/benches etc & you will regret it! Also wear low/no heels bc there is gravel, dirt & roots. There is a retro indoor sitting area with board & arcade games. Another indoor bar with a large window that also opens to a private deck & tables is available for private parties. Plenty of parking. Not suitable for wheelchairs but walkers/crutches ok. There are stairs (about 15 steps) to enter. My only complaint is not enough seating, especially...

Gave one star for food because their website had not been updated and it showed a menu for associated company's barbecue however when we arrived and they told us that they no longer had food available, only drinks. However they were very apologetic about that And they waved the $5 cover charge for listening to the music program that was being presented Also one of the bartenders compted me two soft drinks due to the situation with the Website not being Updated. The whole area was nice with a stage area with table seating , two fire pits , very good sound and lots of interesting things to see as far as decorations. Inside of the building was very interestingly designed and decorated. All the employees were very friendly and helpful. When we arrived and were told about there not being any food available we're advised that the pizza place " Ingleside village pizza" next door had very good pizza and we would be allowed to bring our pizza over Society Garden and eat it.All in all a very nice place to sit and listen ...