Smith's Soul Food Bistro — Restaurant in Gastonia

Ladies and gentlemen; buckle up, its dad, and I'm coming in hotter than a jalapeños armpit in the saharah. When it comes to satisfying your taste buds with a touchdown-worthy dining experience, look no further than Smith's Soulfood Bistro in the heart of Gastonia, North Carolina. This hidden gem combines the soulful flavors of the South with a creative twist, leaving diners craving for more. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with a friendly smile and a warm atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey.

One of the standout features of Smith's Soulfood Bistro is their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This dedication to quality shines through in every dish, elevating the dining experience to new heights. Whether you're a fan of traditional Southern favorites or seeking a more adventurous palate, this bistro has got you covered.

Let's start with their appetizers, which are a true game-changer. The fried stuffing turkey balls, coated in a perfectly seasoned cornmeal crust, are a delightful introduction to the Southern culinary tradition. Pair them with their delectable soul bowl, and you've got a winning combination that will leave your taste buds cheering in delight.

Moving on to the main course, Smith's Soulfood Bistro pulls out all the stops. Their signature dish, the soulful fried chicken, is a true masterpiece. The chicken is flawlessly seasoned, boasting a crispy golden skin that locks in the tender, juicy goodness within. Served with a side of collard greens and creamy mac and cheese, this dish takes comfort food to a whole new level. It's like a Hail Mary pass that never fails to impress.

For those looking for a lighter option, their seafood selection is a touchdown in its own right. The blackened catfish, perfectly seasoned and served with a side of hushpuppies, is a crowd-pleaser. The flaky fish is cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of spice to add an extra kick. And let's not forget their shrimp and grits, a classic Southern dish that they have mastered to perfection. Creamy, buttery grits complemented by plump, succulent shrimp – it's a match made in culinary heaven.

No meal is complete without a sweet ending, and Smith's Soulfood Bistro knows just how to deliver. Their desserts are a league of their own, with the carrot cake stealing the show. Served warm or cold, nutty crust and a sweet and creamy icing that will male you want to slap whoever you'reeating with, it's a taste sensation that will leave you dreaming of touchdowns.

In addition to their incredible food, Smith's Soulfood Bistro also boasts top-notch service. The attentive and friendly staff go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels like a VIP. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, you'll always be greeted with a smile and treated like family.

As I wrap up this review, I can confidently say that Smith's Soulfood Bistro in Gastonia, NC is a culinary touchdown. From their delectable appetizers to their mouthwatering main courses and heavenly desserts, every bite is a testament to their commitment to quality and creativity. Combine that with their warm and welcoming atmosphere, and you've got a dining experience that will leave you planning your next visit before you've even finished your meal.

In the wise words of dad, "Smith's Soulfood Bistro is a true game-changer in Gastonia, NC." So, gather your friends and family, and head on over to Smith's Soulfood Bistro for a dining experience that will have you doing a victory dance in your seat. You won't be...

Hopefully the owner reads this. Aug 28, 2022. Sunday.There was a gospel event in your facility next door. Anyway we entered the restaurant. We stood there at least 5 minutes and was ignored until the owner walked in. She asked had we ordered and we saidd no. Immediately a young lady came out to greet us. Now we've only been there on one other occasion and the exact thing happened. It took the owner walking in and seeing us standing there to get service. But thats not the worse part. The young lady told us they were crowded and busy and we'd be served faster if we went next door to the gosgel venue and order. We said ok. We walked to the other building and a lady asked us for tickets. We told her we didn't have tickets. We said we were told to come on this side to order. The lady said ok and walked away. A few minutes later the owner once again saw us standing there. She was told we were waiting to order and the owner said go back to the restaurant side and they'll take our order. We then walked back to the restaurant side where we were greeted by the same young lady. When we told her we can't order on the other side, that you needed tickets and the owner sent us back to this side. The young lady said "I'll give you $20 to buy tickets for the other side so you can order. We are too busy here. From that point we knew the young lady was so uninterested in taking our order that she offered to pay us to go away! And that's just what we did. Go away to never return. I don't think that owner knows that the teenagers that she emply are doing a terrible job! The first time we went there the teenage boy sitting at the door playing on the phone. We walked in and he never even said a word to us. I hear so much support our black businesses but they make it so tough to do so. You have to go through so much till it's basically not worth the time and energy. Black people need...

This was my first time at Smith's! I've been really excited to try it because I know Mario from Grits 'n Greens and had just discovered Arline's before Covid forced their closure.

As is with most restaurants these days, they were having staffing issues the day we went but we were there to "catch up" for a while so we didn't really even notice. Our waitress seemed to be very new but was so sweet and attentive.

I got the meatloaf, cabbage and onion rings. The meatloaf was really good and very moist. The cabbage was cooked well and flavored with yellow peppers. I don't love bell peppers so this was a little disappointing to me but that's just my personal flavor preference, not a negative on the part of the restaurant. The onion rings are good but I suspect they are not made fresh in house.

We got dessert. I got the Strawberry Shortcake which was good but my sister got the Peach Roll Ups which were OUTSTANDING!

Overall we had a really good experience. I will definitely be back and I'll try the Shrimp 'n Grits next time and hope Ms. Littlejohn heard me when I suggested they add Mario's Fried Squash to the menu!

Great job Smith's Soul Food Bistro! I'm excited to watch you grow! Keep up...