Southern Appalachian Smokehouse — Restaurant in Lavonia

After a long day out in Helen for Oktoberfest, my famished pregnant wife and I decided to try a local place out, on the way back. The immediate impression was sorta dive bar with a kitchen, which was fine. I have had plenty of good experiences and food at those types of locations. We had one other couple that came in before us and put in their order. We got our drinks and sat down. There was zero interaction with the staff after our order was placed. After about 30 minutes, we were getting pretty hungry and considering our options. At the 40 minute mark, my wife was telling me how hungry she was, and I told her that if our food wasn't out by 45 minutes, then I would get a refund and we would get some fast food. I'm not sure if the employee overheard us or just saw the glaring, hangry contempt we had at this point, but he came over and said that they just started our order. That was quite upsetting. I told him that there was one other table that was here before us and that our order should have already been started. He said that they had some carryout orders placed, but that was not a good excuse. 45 minutes is too long for people to just be sitting there. I told him that if the food wasn't out by the 45 minute mark then I would be standing at the kiosk waiting to get a refund. Our food came out with seconds to spare. I was hesitant to eat at this point, as they claim the food is cooked to order. The food was not very good. My wife did not eat much. She was also afraid that someone might have tampered with the food.

I can understand being busy (which they weren't particularly [1 dine-in and 2 carryout orders before our food was served] ), however you need to communicate with customers and perhaps offer some form of gratitude or compensation for their time and patronage (interaction, an apology, a discount, an appetizer, etc.).

Overall, the amount of time for the order was unreasonable. The communication was lacking. The...

We thought we found a gem in our small town so we decided to bring our kids back. My son order a plate that had something we didn't catch on the item and he wouldn't eat it. Mind you he is a small child. I ask the waiter if they could remake without the sauce and she came back and said there was nothing she could do, I said fine we won't return. Then the owner or manager came out after they refused to remake And she proceeded to tell me they're a small business and would be losing product. So we lose our money we work hard for. My son goes hungry???? Very unprofessional. Also she proceeded to tell me how what we order was on the menu. She stood there trying to argue with me. With my 2 small children sitting there with us. WE WONT EVER BE BACK. Then she proceeds to tell me she has young teenagers working here. Ok. All I said is we won't return, i never cusssed or anything. I too am in restaurant business and do not ever treat my customers like this. Someone needs to learn how to run a business. We would of visit this location several more times but due to this lady we will never return. And to think a smaller business would treat us like that. People who live in the community. I would of done anything for any of my customers and do daily in all my restaurants. This restaurant needs better morals. Especially in our small town. I will let everyone know of our experience here. That way they never have to have an experience like we did. It was Halloween too. We just wanted dinner. But I guess it was to much to ask. We was going to make them broke over remaking one plate for my child. How sad. I would of even paid for it. Money isn't the issue. But I rather take my business to the next food place. Maybe they'll treat us like...

I stopped while traveling thru. Literally just googled 'food near me'. I love a good BBQ joint, but I've had so many i was actually considering fast food, even though I knew id regret it. So I decided to eat here, and I am so glad I did! I am not (at all) easy to please when it comes to food. The staff was amazingly friendly, and genuine. Good people like the kind that you will not find in the city (sorry city people. Its true :). These were the sweetest, most 'down home' relaxed and friendly folks ever. Best part? The food was absolutely delicious. I had the pork tacos (2 for $10) which were prepared differently than im used to. Fresh homemade shells. These had slaw, slices of jalapeño and smoked pork. Very tasty, and very filling. Then (because I thought I could) i ordered wings as well. 10 jumbo wings for $16. She (owner/host) recommended a hot and tangy sauce, and lemon pepper for my two flavor choices. These were among the best wings I've ever had, and Ive traveled a lot. The sauce was off the hook, and the dry rub lemon pepper was a perfect blend. Everything was garnished and presented with fresh sliced lemons and limes, and there was (way) more than enough. I took 6 wings home with the homemade ranch dipping sauce, which was also delicious. They visited and we talked some. They make all of everything fresh, in house, and (in my experience) they do a fantastic job. Seriously. These people take pride in what is on their menu. I dont know if ill be able to return again anytime, but I will make a point to stop in again if I can! So glad I didnt settle for fast food! Great people! Delicious food! Fair prices, and Awesome experience!! Highly...