LawLers Barbecue — Restaurant in Athens

We were in that area for two weeks, so this is not a local resident review.

We went inside to place an order after work. I recall asking the cashier did they serve fries with the ribs which is almost common in most bbq restaurants. (She looked at us very unapologetically). I was embarrassed that I even asked. We were the only black couple inside the restaurant that day. My husband immediately catches on and rhetorically states so we are black and must love fried food. I wanted to laugh but he was very serious. I thought everyone from the South loved fried anything. (They even offer fried pickles at some spots even though thats not within my taste buds, some love them.) I know she heard my husband because her demeanor changed and she became polite. As people, we sometimes forget to do our own self-observation. I wanted to remind her that fries could also be baked but I had no energy for her. You would have thought he had walked inside of Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine and asked them to give me a personal pan pizza with a small fry. This is a small BBQ restaurant and maybe locally owned or an Alabama chain and as I said most spots I have ever visited around the world sell fries unless it's an upscale but even they may still offer an alternative. We just continued to have a fake smile and conversation about kids and family with her. I think at this point she realized the situation at hand and attempted to make small talk. The excitement of trying this new restaurant was now soaked in stereotypes from a person who… (never mind). The most genuine smile we received was from a customer in line with us.

Food: We ordered a rib plate which again 8/10 chances has an option of fries so that’s another reason why they call it a “rib plate” you have various options. The idea of anything plate originated from small mom-and-pops, local small-town cookers, soul food spots and etc. That is why I was under the impression this plate offered fries as an option. We also ordered a loaded pull pork potato which is my go to at any bbq spot. Ribs 6.8/10 Potato 7.5/10

Return chances 3/10 due...

We walked in and were greeted with a friendly smile right away. The young, blond cashier was so energetic ad obviously very knowledgeable! She spoke way too fast for my husband but I kept up. She even threw in her own recommendation at the end. It took us longer to decide what to get than it did for the food to come out. We got it to go and she made sure we saw everything that she packed up for us to take with us plus a to go menu. My husband and I left there smiling, she put us in a great mood 😁 We had to make one more stop, where we stayed about 15 minutes. When we got back to the hotel, our potato was still so hot that it burned my tongue (which isn't a bad thing, I just didn't expect it to still be that hot!). The potato was delicious! We got a side of slaw, which is vinegar based and very tart! I loved it but my husband added mayo to his, then he loved it! It was already perfect to me though because when paired with the incredibly sweet red bbq sauce, the two compliment each other perfectly! Then there was the pork... I can't say enough about it except that it was the most tender (without being mushy), juicy meat that we have ever tried! My husband just raved again and again how wonderful it was but I didn't because my mouth was too full to talk much! We didn't care for the white tangy sauce but I can see how it would appeal to others very much. Everything was fresh and great quality! Next time we are going to dine in and try this mysterious chicken that she kept telling us about! This is definitely a place we will want to return to! I really want to give that sampler...

I travel 300 miles from my home to eat here, usually its pretty good, but the service today was not so wonderful. This is exactly how i placed my usual order " i would like a half slab of ribs, a fully loaded potato and a side of green beans and a large drink" i know ordering this way costs more than the plate, so the elderly lady rings me up, hands me a cup, total is 19 and change, then hands me a tray with ribs, beans and a unloaded potato. When i questioned she said "a plate doesnt come with that kind of potato!" My reply was , i did not order a plate, so she grabs the tray, sends it back to the window, tells them to add cheese, i said and chives and bacon. The young girl was nice, loaded it up, then the tray was slammed back infront of me followed by a smiling scarcastic "is this what you want!?" To which O said yes and thank you. Now, Im sorry, but if I am going to pay 20 for a meal then I want it to be what I want, not what some rushed rude elderly lady thinks I should have... not unless she wants to foot the bill anyway. Probably will not return there to eat again....