Tony's Steak Barn — Local services in Centre

Ok, if you are old enough to remember the tv show with the theme song lyrics, "Where Everybody Knows Your Name,:" then that is how I feel when I get on their waiting list. Having a weekend retreat in nearby Cedar Bluff, Tony's is almost a certainty every weekend. Now, mind you, on the weekends--particularly in the spring, summer, or fall (especially if Weiss Lake has a fishing tourney), you may have to wait a spell, but relax, throw your feet out and get acquainted with the locals or those who drive from Georgia or farther away for one of his steaks. But don't be deceived. It is more than a "steak barn." In addition to all cuts of steak (my favorite rib-eye bone in: the big un), you can also get a slab of ribs, boiled shrimp, pork chop, tuna and the best chicken fingers this side of the Colonel. The loaded baked potato or baked sweet tater with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar is a satisfying compliment to almost any meat or fish. With almost every plate, you get two sides, so with your tater, I would suggest the salad bar (though my buddy Steve prefers the coleslaw--hey, to each his own. He also prefers the hamburger steak over the rib eye. Just saying.) The salad bar is exquisitely simply and delightfully tasteful. The service can't be beat. Ask for Theresa. She will treat you like family. Anway, they will cook it the way you want it--they just don't ruin your steak by making it well done. With that said, at the end of the meal, you will find your experience at Tony's "well done." I look forward to my supper at Tony's. And Theresa refilling my Coke Zero about a hundred times. Tell them...

I learned of this place from a friend that patrons this steakhouse regularly. She gave me a detailed description on food quality and what to expect as far as appearance of the establishment.

Upon arriving, I pulled into a gravel parking lot of an older building with two businesses adjacent to one another. Tony's meat market and Tony's steak barn.

My eyes were drawn to the meat market side first due to the door facing the parking lot. I didn't see the entrance to the restaurant until I started walking toward the building and saw it over to the left side.

When I entered I knew right away this place was going to be a good place to eat because of the lobby/waiting area had wall to wall homemade bench seating for people waiting to get inside.

The dining area was somewhat small and quiet rustic. The small salad bar was mounted atop an old vintage bathtub used as its base. The waitress was very kind as she took our order and shortly returned with our deep fried green bean appetizer and drinks in quart size Mason jars.

I chose a Ribeye Steak with fried potatoes with onions cooked in them and a salad from that unique bar. My steak was cooked precisely as I ordered but for my personal taste could have used a little bit more seasoning, but was still very tasty. The potatoes were great also.

They offer desserts but I was too stuffed to indulge in one. Price was reasonable and food was good.

This strange looking little place is only open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and opens its doors at 4 pm . Like they say, "You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover ". see...

My boyfriend and I arrived at the height of the dinner rush, checked in with the hostess, and was informed that we were looking at approximately a 20-25 minute wait. We went back out and sat in the cooled, and enclosed waiting area until we were called about 15 minutes later. The hostess was friendly as was all the staff. We were seated and the hostess immediately gave us a menu to browse, took our drink orders, and filled them. Our server arrived just as our drinks were placed on the table and put in our appatizer order as we perused the menu. She left to give us a few minutes to figure out what we wanted for dinner and was back to take our order as soon as we lifted our heads from our menus. The waitress brought out our cutlery and salad plates as soon as she placed our entrée order, and our appetizer was delivered to the table by the time I had returned from the salad bar. We ordered the fried green beans and they were delicious 😋! Our entrées were delivered shortly after, and our steaks were cooked to perfection. We had enough leftover after we ate our fill for both of us to take a carryout box. The steaks were just as good the next day when they were sliced up and placed on a salad for lunch. I can't brag enough on the quality of the meal or the quality of our server. Everything was amazing...