Tamira Teixeira
I’ve always enjoyed going out in the Glenwood area. Once inside of Dogwood usually the people are welcoming and the vibes are great. Unfortunately, my most recent experience was very different.
The new rules and management were disappointing and honestly felt excessive. The atmosphere no longer felt inclusive or comfortable. The dress code and behavioral expectations seemed overly strict and, in my opinion, selectively enforced. As a Black woman, the experience felt targeted and stereotypical, as if people of color were being scrutinized more heavily than others.
A nightlife space should feel welcoming and enjoyable for everyone and that is not how it felt last time. I truly hope management takes time to reflect and create a more inclusive environment moving forward.
… moreChristopher Willis
Wasn’t sure if it was open, but were warmly welcomed once in the door. Delicious pulled pork and ribs with tasty Mac and cheese sides. Let lime pie was good as well. Not too sweet. Nice casual place to eat. Super friendly staff.
… moreKimberly
This place has changed a lot. It had been a while since I last came, and when I finally went back about a week ago I started to see exactly what people had been warning me about. The new ownership is completely different, and not in a good way. The security is overly aggressive and extremely unprofessional.
From the moment I walked in, the guards were in people’s faces and putting their hands on them for no reason. Even when you comply and do exactly what they ask, they still feel the need to touch you, which is completely out of line. That is not how you create a safe environment — it’s how you make people feel uncomfortable and disrespected.
What’s even more concerning is that, with all the assaults that have happened there, their main focus seems to be on people’s attire instead of actual safety. There is no proper pat-down process, so if someone really wanted to bring in something dangerous, they easily could. How are you going to ignore real security issues but obsess over what someone is wearing? That makes no sense and shows a serious lack of priorities.
… moreSabrina B
The bouncer wouldn’t let me in tonight (2/28/26) because I had on “graphic matching sweatpants set” (no other club denied my outfit even the more upscale ones didn’t ) they weren’t even sweatpants, basically joggers, I was in here 2 weeks ago with a matching set but it was pink ♀️ and I’m ngl, it’s not that upscale to the point that my outfit should be a problem and I go to some pretty upscale places. I can understand if it’s plain with no graphics but I always dress to par and best dressed my favorite bartender is there , I’ll think about going back, only for her (only reason I gave 3 stars is bc she’s a great bartender) , I’ll make sure to wear a dress and heels even though I was here 2 weeks ago with the set but it was pink happy blk history month!!
… moreNájjáh Monáe
Now everybody know this is my favorite place to go to So doing this review really hurts my feelings I didn’t wanna believe what a lot of my friends were telling me about not going to this place because they discriminate towards African-American people but yesterday night I decided to go out after work. I put on a nice Ed Hardy outfit they would not let me in because they were sweatpants mind you I wore the exact same outfit just a different color three weeks prior and they said nothing about it Thanks To me being smart I had an extra pair of clothes in the car, but I still think it’s ridiculous that I had to go and change my whole outfit and they said nothing about my outfit prior so I am honestly very disappointed and they need to do better when it comes to that I should be able to wear what I want to wear no matter what it is and the fact that I come and spend a lot of money at this place I honestly don’t think I wanna come back anytime soon
… moreJonathan Lowery
On February 8, 2026, at approximately 1:30 a.m., my wife, friends, and I entered Dogwood Bar and Eatery to celebrate my wife’s birthday. We were admitted into the establishment by security personnel without issue.
Within approximately three minutes of entering, a security guard (White male, about 6 ft tall, roughly 220 lbs and reported he was the manager of the bouncers) approached our group and instructed us to leave, citing our attire. We had already been permitted entry wearing the same clothing. When I calmly asked for clarification, the guard did not provide a reason.
As I turned to comply and exit the establishment, a second security guard stepped directly in front of me. At that moment, the first security guard placed me in a chokehold from behind. While restraining me, he stated, “If you resist, I am going to cut off your windpipe and make you pass out.”
I did not resist at any time, and my hands were raised and visible. Multiple witnesses, including other security staff, instructed the guard to release me. The guard continued to apply pressure despite these instructions.
Following this incident, I reviewed publicly available complaints alleging excessive force and discriminatory conduct by security staff at this establishment, some of which reference the same individual involved in my experience. I am reporting these as publicly documented allegations; I am not asserting that the bar or its employees are definitively responsible for those prior incidents.
A police officer outside of the bar advised me to avoid the establishment. I am reporting this as part of my personal experience.
Based on the force used during this incident, and my review of publicly reported complaints, I have requested a formal civil rights and regulatory review of Dogwood Bar and Eatery’s security practices.
I am willing to provide witness information or any other documentation necessary to assist investigators.
… moreMelissa Jones
If I could give this place 0 stars I would. The bouncers are hired thugs who used excessive force for no reason on my family members. And before people assume they were drunk and disorderly that was absolutely not the case. Four of these clowns grabbed each of my nephews limbs as he was standing waiting on his brother to come out of the bathroom and threw him out. My other nephew had his legs swept out from under him and thrown out, while he was wearing a knee brace for an existing knee injury. This is after he had asked permission to use the bathroom b/c the bar was closing. And the cops outside literally did not care. Beware this place should be shut down.
… moreC J
Idk why they think this is like omnia in Vegas or something..like this isn’t some college bar in Raleigh nc but the “dress code” is ridiculous towards men and half the time they will refuse to even give a reason… we went one night and all of us got in but one person in our group all because he was wearing ripped jeans that the holes are covered… mind you they just let in a white male with ripped jeans and we pointed it out and the guy just shrugged his shoulders and still said no this was Halloween night so my sister was wearing a Harry Potter style cape that goes all the way to the floor which would cover his entire outfit and was still told no… the only thing different between the two males was race one was white and one was black and only the white male was let in without changing his appearance at all. We all were let in but him and he was the only black person in our group. After reading other reviews it seems to be a racist that works in security that picks and chooses and this is why I’m making this review so late because my friend just went through the same thing this past weekend and he is Hispanic.
… moreAlexis Penny
Ron was amazing!! Great hospitality. However, I noticed that there was some discrimination based on skin color and attire when it came to dress code. Overall, great atmosphere with diversity. Would recommend.
… moreLolo Chicke.
Awesome place. Especially if underage. The bouncers are cool and will let you pay to get in. Zach lets pretty girls in the exit if they pretty enough. No line wait. I’d check. Nothing. Love this place.
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