Western Sizzlin — Local services in Spruce Pine

Called with only 30 minutes left until they closed for the night. They graciously went ahead and took my fairly large to go order without even a mention that by the time for pick up they'd be closed. The waitress was beyond friendly and accommodating. Going so far as to assure me I'd be able to fix up my loaded baked potato with all the fixings from the bar when I got there. Still remained super friendly even after I told here I was coming from Burnsville and would get there right at closing time at 9 pm. She assured me it was NO PROBLEM & for me to NOT WORRY. Letting me know they'd absolutely still be there when I arrived. I was IMPRESSED. I expected at the very least for her to be a little short & maybe a little hateful just from it being the end of her shift of being on her feet, dealing with the public & being all around exhausted. Understandably! I mean in all honesty she really had every right to straight up refuse to take my order! The fact that the complete and total opposite happened was so refreshing and surprising that I just had to go into detail in this review. I arrived at Western Sizzlin at 9:02 pm. 2 minutes after they close. But true to her word the doors were still unlocked and the minute I walked in the woman working at the registers immediately stopped her closing duties to immediately ring me up & hand of my piping hot freshly made food. When I asked if I could go ahead and fix my baked potato she glanced to the bar and noticed the kitchen staff had already taken that bar down for the night. Which was totally understandable! But instead of just telling me "sorry. No can do. Should've maybe gotten an earlier start" or something equally hateful (which I wouldn't have blamed her at this point cause had she of said that... Where's the lie? She wouldve been 100% correct). No. She then went above and beyond by asking what toppings I wanted and proceeded to go into the kitchen and fix my baked potato with the toppings exactly as I asked. She never once lost her cool. She in fact was nothing but a big smile and complete helpfulness. I thanked her profusely. After apologizing repeatedly. She simply said " " "No worries honey. Hope you have a good night. Be safe!" I know my husband thought something was seriously wrong based on the look on my face when I walked back to our vehicle. Lol. I was so completely and totally STUNNED! You just do not see this kind of service anywhere anymore. It's truly very disturbing. I really wish to have gotten her name so I could make sure her supervisor is made aware of what a gem of an employee they have working for them. I would also like to personally thank her as well as give her the props she's due in this review. Also though I want to thank the cooks as well who I'm sure had to stay that much later after closing just to accommodate me. The food was delicious as usual too! This experience restored a little of my faith in humanity and hope toward the future! Anyone and everyone that works with the general public in any capacity should really take note and strive to interact with the public in the same manner as this extremely professional and courteous waitress. To the waitress I sincerely want to say THANK YOU...

I am generously awarding this establishment 4 stars based on several factors. Very hard working employees, most delightful southern charm from the waitresses and cleanliness. The menu items are nice. I ate fried shrimp that was slightly warm. It was the first fried item I have had in many years. I ate at this establishment twice and lets just say I have a trained eye for details. I read the previous review and subsequent response from the owner and I partly agree with both view points however, theoretically placing the dining plates at the cashiers station would work to deter theft of food however, practically speaking it does not. I went to the cashier for another plate twice and that person did not ask to see my receipt for proof of my purchase of the buffet nor, did that person ask me if I had purchased the buffet. I noticed this with all of the patrons when going for a second plate and with the influx of so many patrons there would be no way for the cashier to remember who, ordered what. I would suggest if in fact theft of food is an ongoing problem to initiate a far less obvious and noticeable deterrent such as having the cashier instruct the patrons to display not only their drink choice ticket on their table but also their receipt that way the waitresses can ascertain who, is eating from the buffet or menu and perhaps, the waitress could also offer the patrons additional plates if they need them along with refilling the patron's drinks. It could be an added positive service for the waitresses and the establishment. I normally dine at establishments since I am from out of town where, dinner tabs total no less than several hundred dollars and you are made to feel very important and special when you arrive for your dining experience. They provide real silver to eat from and real crystal glassware so of course there is the off chance for sticky fingers however, we must find very positive and hidden ways to handle that sort of potential problem. The owner may wish to reword his response just a bit in the previous review as some patrons may possibly take offense to the wording. No one wants to feel suspect as this only makes people feel awkward and uncomfortable. I was enchanted and enlightened. I recommend this...

I am very disheartened to report terrible service at a place my family used to enjoy. I have a six month old baby and my husband uses a walker. It is a major undertaking trying to get them both out of the car and in somewhere to eat, but we decided to go in order for me to take a break from cooking.

There was a little bit of a line to order and holding my daughter inside of her car seat carrier was becoming hard to do. There were quite a few tables open, so I decided to put her at one of the tables, get her situated in a high chair, and switch places with my husband in line because he has a hard time standing.

I asked waitress #1 for a high chair. She said, “You’ll have to wait,” and walked away. She proceeded to walk around refilling drinks and talking to other waitresses. After I realized she was making no effort to grab a high chair, I asked waitress #2 for a high chair. She asked me if I had ordered yet and I said no. I pointed out my husband in line and attempted to explain that she had to be sat down first so we could switch places. She responded by telling me that because I had not ordered, she would not be getting a high chair. I was welcome to go sit the baby down on the bench in the hallway by the bathrooms. I told her no, absolutely not. Then, she said, “Well, you’re just going to have to wait until he orders. You’ll probably be waiting a while.” First of all, we wouldn’t have to wait in line so long if the girl behind the register was not texting on her phone in between every order. Secondly, I don’t understand why she refused to get a high chair. It’s very sad to see a restaurant not accommodate families with small children and people with disabilities.

Finally, waitress#3 saw me standing by the table and asked me if I needed a high chair. I told her yes please and she brought me one without any fuss. I would have grabbed my own, but I couldn’t spot one in the dining room. We will not be patrons to this...