The Shack — Restaurant in Kingsport

Wow...I am beyond disappointed. I’ve eaten here several times. First 2 times great. Next few times service was not as good nor was the food; the owner came and spoke to us and asked us...my husband thought he genuinely wanted to know and gave him kind, constructive criticism....he was clearly offended. A friend came in from AZ and loves trying regional BBQ. As a last meal I recommended The Shack. He got a pricy combination meal and ordered it to go. He paid extra for a twice baked potato. He told the cashier he was from AZ and excited to try a new place. The cashier was rude, he came home with a baked potato (not the twice baked he ordered and paid extra for) that was very dry; tough, chewy ribs, no white sauce for the chicken which he expressly asked for. It was a hugely disappointing meal. I apologized profusely to him; I am embarrassed that he was treated unkindly as we are known for our “southern hospitality”. I hate that it was such a bad experience. He’s headed home tomorrow. I’m proud to be from NET, I love supporting our local shops and eateries...but I won’t be visiting or recommending this place again anytime soon. I’m giving them a 2 in the hopes that this was just an “off” night; but after a few bad...

We traveled from Florida to West Virgina and back with a 14 month old. So after 2 days of being in the car we needed a break and a good meal. I looked up places to eat on Google and came across this gem. I'm big on local spots and trying new places so The Shack was calling my name. I was defiantly looking for some Tennessee bbq and found that and more here. We arrived right after they opened so we were the first there. Our server was polite and helpful. She engaged with conversation and accommodated us with anything we needed. The food came out fast and delicious. I had the bbq pork sandwich with fries and green beans and my boyfriend ordered the rodeo Burger. Everything came out perfect and the cheese fries were an added bonus. A gentleman came out and asked how we liked everything ( I believe he was the owner or manager) and engaged with us for a good while. He even allowed our son to play corn hole with him and meet some of the locals! This place has defiantly been added to our favorites and our next trip out we will for sure be back! Thank you so much for all of the hospitality from your staff to us on such a rough day. You turned our entire...

My partner and I visited this local restaurant this evening, it was disappointing to say the least. I got the vibe that if you aren’t a regular, they’d be total cool if you went and spent money somewhere else. We walked in, stood there awkwardly for a minute, finally the female staff member (dressed for a tennis match) told us to ‘sit down where you want.’ It was several minutes until we were greeted and given menus. Several more minutes later we got our drinks and ordered food. The server brought our food and then we didn’t see him again until It was time for the check. The green beans and the fries were decent. The fried pickles and the pork bbq were both extremely salty. The chicken tenders were the most disappointing. I expected fresh, not frozen. They were definitely something to expect for a starter restaurant, but not one that’s been operating 11 years. Maybe the expectation for ‘bar food’ and restaurant service is too high, But clearly the bare minimum gets it done...