Lake Hudson General Store — Local services in Salina

Anchor Down BBQ — A Deeply Disappointing First Visit

We visited Anchor Down BBQ around 8:15 PM on a weekend evening. The restaurant closes at 10 PM, so we expected a full menu and a reasonable dining experience. We were a group of four adults and five kids — a party that was excited to try a variety of items, especially since this was our first visit.

Our server was kind and attentive, and we placed an order that included pulled pork, brisket, bone-in wings, and a pizza for the kids. Almost immediately, we were informed they were out of brisket and bone-in wings — disappointing, but understandable that late in the evening. However, shortly after heading to the kitchen, our server returned to let us know they were also out of pulled pork. At this point, nearly all of their signature barbecue options were unavailable.

Trying to be flexible, we adjusted our order. We asked for the pizza for the kids — only to be told that not only would it take too long, but they were also out of ingredients for that as well. Instead, we were offered… bologna. Not exactly what one expects at a barbecue restaurant.

What truly escalated the frustration was watching other patrons at nearby tables being served the very items we were told were unavailable. Whether this was due to poor communication between the kitchen and the front of house, or a failure in prioritization, it’s unclear — but either way, it made for a very uncomfortable experience.

At that point, we decided to leave, having only received our drinks. We kindly asked if we could just pay for the drinks and move on. Our server, still doing her best under the circumstances, said she would ask the manager if the restaurant would comp the drinks in light of the significant inconvenience. Unsurprisingly — and rather ungraciously — the response was no. We were told we needed to pay for the drinks before we could leave.

This visit fell well short of even the most basic expectations. A restaurant should never find itself unable to serve its core menu items to multiple guests with 90 minutes of service left — and certainly shouldn’t make customers feel like an afterthought for asking to be treated fairly.

We won’t...

If I could give this place 0 stars I would! Terrible people (Jara and Mike the owners) have an AWFUL temper to customers! The service was the worst I have ever received! The food is disappointing and disgusting. There are constantly hairs in food! Yuck! Many people in this town of Salina have had horrible experiences with these people thinking they are so entitled and better than others. The entire inside is gross with sticky not...

We had a catered bbq order for a funeral on 2/16/25. Oh man! Food was excellent! Brisket was so tasty! I thought the ribs stole the show, but my family couldn’t get enough of the smoked bologna. Baked beans are top notch THE BEST I’ve ever had! Slight heat and plenty of brisket, and just saucy enough. Thanks, Mike, I appreciate you taking care of us in our...