Back Porch Smokehouse — Restaurant in Mount Vernon

5 stars - cool location, great service, delectable eats!

Highly recommend taking the time to drive out to Back Porch. The drive is along Lake Linville with a beautiful view. There is also indoor and outdoor seating at the restaurant if you want to enjoy lake views, but indoor seating doesn’t disappoint either. The decor is charming and nostalgic with signed posters of celebrities and red leather booths. The staff were all friendly and provided excellent service with a smile. My husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed our food. He had the Smokehouse Burger with fries and slaw. The burger itself was flavorful and juicy, topping with perfectly seasoned smoked pork, crisp bacon, and sweet tangy barbecue sauce. The fries were crispy and hot, and the slaw was refreshing with just the right balance of mayo, sweetness and saltiness. I enjoyed a smoked pulled pork plate with onion rings and fried okra. The waitress gave us a pro tip to combine their regular and spicy barbecues and it was a perfect pairing. The okra was yummy and the rings were decadent - slightly overcooked but had the best crunch and rich salty onion flavor. The pulled pork was incredibly seasoned and only the best pieces of meat, not fatty or grisly at all. I also want to give an honorable mention to the ladies restroom - it was spotless, well stocked with lady hygiene supplies, and had thick 2-ply toilet paper. We’ll definitely stop in again if we’re...

Overall not really pleased with our experience here. It really started out bad when we walked in the door, no one had a mask on (not that that bothered me much) but when my family and I walked in with masks on we had strange stares from everyone. They were understaffed that particular day and the service was slow. First we asked for Brisket; sold out. Next we asked for Ribs; sold out. Ended up getting my son Chicken Nuggets; they were tenders, no biggie. My daughter got the catfish special... my wife wishes she did too. She ordered a Breaded tenderloin, fried ocra, and fried taters. It came out as a grilled pork chop... When I mentioned it she took the whole plate back including the side while they made it right; while the rest of us had our food. I ended up ordering the patty melt; it came with American cheese and on white bread.!? I also ordered two pounds of Pulled pork to go. I didn't receive it. They ended up making my wife's to-go. It came as a fried pork chop. Overall it was one of the worst experiences I've had out to eat. Maybe you need to be a local? Either way I likely won't be back, but I'm not sure they could care any less.

As a follow up. I still haven't had worse...

Obviously reviews are subjective. The place isn't a perfect 5 stars. But I'm rounding up because it's amazing and I can't give it 4.5 stars. The staff both times I've gone was amazing. The first time I went was when a friend told me about them. We all were hungry so gave it a wack. One thing I love about Kentucky is these hidden gems. Staff rarely is unfriendly. And when you see a tip jar for the cook. You know the food is great. And both times the food hasn't let me down. I hear they make a killer Strawberry shortcake dessert. FYI, it's made on a Friday. So it looks like my next cheat day will have to fall on a Friday. I have a weak spot for Potato salad, baked beans and coleslaw which is great. Potato Salad is weird because it has chopped pickles. Never had it that way until I had it here. Pulled pork tastes amazing. And their spicy BBQ sauce I like. I live about an hour away. So my second trip didn't disappoint outside no Strawberry Shortcake which my friend says is 🔥🔥🔥. But food didn't let me down and the staff didn't either. If you are out that way, want some BBQ try them. I heard their breakfast is great also. I haven't tried that but my...