Tartan Restaurant — Restaurant in Newland

We came in to have lunch at the Tartan to check it out before the Scottish Games coming in July. There was a wait and a sign on the door said short staffed. After placing our name on the list we had to check back in to see what was going on because people who had came after up, and put their name on the list, went in and were seated before us. After about a half hour we checked and found that our name had been crossed off. They said it was a mistake. Ok, mistakes happen. We were seated and given menus and waited. No one came to our table to see what we wanted to drink. We noticed a group of people sitting a short distance away from our table that seemed to be annoyed. Not long after that they got up and left. They seated another group of about six people next to us and gave them menus. We waited. I finally got up and went to talk to the gentleman who seated us. I indicated I know you are short staffed but I did see at least 4 workers dealing with other guests and doing a lot of chatting oblivious to our table. Still no contact. The restaurant closes at 2pm. We decided that we would give them another few minutes.... at 1:40pm we still had NOT been approached and even if our meal had been served at that very minute - we would have had 20 minutes to eat it. However, we had not been approached. So, I give them a 1 star only because the ambiance. My thought is, when the "games come to town" this restaurant is likely a good place to possibly eat good food and might, by that time, have adequate service. As far as accommodations go... poor example. As we were leaving, a man and woman were at the front waiting to be seated. Somehow the man knew that people were leaving because of NO SERVICE. I was excited to go to the Tartan as a combination with the upcoming games. Then it might be too busy to get in the door. I guess the sign at the door indicating that they were short-staffed meant that if they have time they will get to you. We can't verify that because they never came to our table. The group of six next to us mentioned that if they don't have someone come to their table soon that they were going to leave. I'm not sure if anyone ever approached them at their table. We went somewhere else. The one star I gave...

On our way back from a wedding in the mountains, we stopped in Linville, at the foot of Grandfather Mountain, to have brunch on a Sunday. There's not much in this tiny village, but the parking lot of The Tartan was so full that we had to park a block up the street. When I arrived at the door a hand written sign apologized that there was limited staff working so there may be a long wait. I signed my party in to the book. Yes, I had to sign myself in rather than tell someone who I was. And we waited in the parking lot, expecting an hour wait or more. In less than 30 minutes a charming young man with a broad smile called our name and showed us to our table. (I noticed later that he was also a waiter.) After we had been seated, the 2 waitresses that I could see looked very tired, I suspect that was because we arrived after the Sunday brunch rush. Our waitress arrived in a few minutes and as cheerily as she could asked for our drink order. A few minutes later she brought them back and just as cheerily asked for our food order. Again, we expected a long wait to eat our food due to the shortage of staff. However, in about 15 minutes our food arrived, with our waitress apologizing profusely for the non-existent delay! And the food was delicious! It was general diner fare: omelettes, biscuits, turkey club, etc. But everything had flavor and pizazz, not bland and usual. And the warm homemade apple pie at the end topped the meal. To top it all off, the staff was exceptional. There was only a few of them working the whole restaurant (5 plus the kitchen staff that I could see). They worked hard, look tired, but treated their customers like the guests they are. True Southern hospitality even in difficult circumstances. If you are traveling in the mountains near Linville, or spending the day at Grandfather Mountain, make sure you plan a meal at The Tartan. You won't regret it!

(Oh, and be sure to take some time before you order to read the fascinating history of Linville and Grandfather Mountain...

Grew up in Boone near seven devils and come back early. ever since grandfather restaurant closed I've been looking for another place that's decently priced has amazing food cooked correctly and has exceptionally friendly service. My parents vacation back here also suggested this restaurant for the everyday breakfast. I was not disappointed maybe a 10-minute wait to eat And there was a lot of seats open when we finally got set down which i didn't understand that but ..

That being said. I am very picky about my breakfast. Eggs over easy HAS to be perfect. Pancakes have to be perfectly cooked. Same for hash browns and bacon. They did nail all the food and would highly recommend their blueberry pancakes! Eggs were perfectly cooked as was the hash browns not soggy/oilly at all.

The service seemed a little understaffed and running hard. I think I saw three servers for the entire place two were extremely nice boisterous and would carry-on conversation with anybody. We happen to get the one that look like she was having a bad day which is understandable If they were understaffed it's just we only got our water filled once when it was set on the table. Had to ask another server for a couple of things we needed like butter. That doesn't change my mind about this place I will be back it is my new daily morning breakfast if I'm there for 5 days I'll be eating there 2 or 3 of those 5 days for sure.

The price was not horrible I would say for the quality of food that I got, not that it was pretty it was just very well cooked, I'd have no problem paying this often to eat there.

Bacon. You can tell it's good quality bacon from the flavor just if you like your bacon crispy make sure you...