Okie Dokies Smokehouse — Restaurant in Swannanoa

When SAFETY and TIME were of utmost importance, the entire staff immediately stepped in to help, even during the busy dinner-time rush...read on for the full review...the entire staff was a lifesaver this evening (and their food is exceptional, too!)...

Tonight (Oct. 11, 2017) my grandparents and I had an unexpected adventure at Okie Dokie's Smokehouse in Swannanoa, NC. After a wonderful meal there with hot and fresh fries, hushpuppies and BBQ, we walked out to our car and was greeted by the car alarm. The alarm would not stop however, cycle after cycle, the horn kept blaring. We tried to turn the key, but discovered that the ignition security system would not let us start it.

We initially began trying to troubleshoot the problem ourselves, and needed a screwdriver to get to the fuses (to at least shut the horn off). I went back into Okie Dokie's where I spoke to the server who had handled our meal that evening (fantastically) and asked if they had one. She took significant time out of the busy rush to run to a back office to look! Unable to find a screwdriver, she (very genuinely) apologized and returned to serving other customers.

After spending some time working with our car (with no success), we had to call a tow truck. We were told the wait would be about an hour. While waiting, the same server (I really wish we had gotten her name to truly thank her!) saw us on the deck and brought us a few hush puppies and water, for which we were very grateful (but that was only the beginning of their help this evening).

The tow truck arrived and the driver informed us that he could take my grandparents to the (now closed) auto shop, but would have to leave them there alone with the car and no way home. Without a phone, I gave them mine so they'd at least have the ability to call 911 if needed.

This left me stranded at Okie Dokie's alone with nothing but a wallet and my own car's keys....my car was at their house, 5 miles away and in the dark.

After explaining my circumstances to Marsha, Liz, and the rest of the crew working that evening, they handed me a phone book and their restaurant phone to look for a taxi. They said I could stay there as long as I needed, and asked if my grandparents were safe.

After no luck and nearing closing time, one of the servers kindly used her phone to look up taxis, patiently waiting for me to call every one on the list, but none were in range or available.

After no results, Marsha (one of the cooks for this delicious restaurant) offered to drive me to get my car on her way home from work. Hesitantly, I accepted ( I did not want to put such a burden on her after just getting off work!).

As I was walking out the door to Marsha's car, another server gave me a brownie from the dessert shelf at no charge, even after I kindly refused. It was a gesture I appreciate (and it was delicious, much enjoyed).

We drove to my car 5 miles away. Marsha then left after giving me very clear directions to the auto shop. I got to my car and safely picked up my stranded grandparents and the night progressed without incident.

We wish there was a way for us to give not only Marsha and Liz but the ENTIRE staff on duty that evening credit for the amazing help they gave us tonight. It was a complex problem, and literally every single one of them contributed to everyone getting reunited and home together, SAFE.

The worst part about this ordeal was that none of the staff would let us tip them, at all. We were already repeat customers, but the staff at Okie Dokie's now has a place in our...

Bottom Line: When I'm craving BBQ I won't hesitate to get my fix here. Super friendly staff with great service and easy to find with plenty of parking. Prices on par with any other BBQ joints you have been to. I don't think you'll regret coming by.

The Nitty Gritty: We have driven by Okie Dokies hundreds of times and finally decided to stop in for dinner. It was a Friday evening at 5ish, and we were able to sit immediately. Our waitress was basically waiting at the table for us. We ordered fried pickles immediately to get some food on the table straight away for our depraved children. Our waitress was gone for less than 1 minute and showed back up with complimentary hush puppies saying they were for the starving children..lol. My wife got the small combo plate (w/ chicken and beef) and I got the 1/2 rack of ribs. No disappointments on either. The sauces were good and not overbearing. Wish the pepper vinegar wasn't as sweet. They do have a kids menu as well. The place has a nice relaxed vibe; semi-rustic with everything served on disposable plates. I'd be just as comfortable coming in after a hike in my trail clothes as i would stopping in after work in my slacks and button down.

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My wife and I got out food to go. They provide a generous amount of sauce, but make sure you get knives and forks as those were missing. Also missing was quality sides. My Mac and cheese was bland and uninspired. My new potato's were entirely unseasoned potatoes, lacking even salt pepper, or anything. My wife's slaw was okay but not something to be impressed by. The hush puppies were dry all the way through, and had no "zing" like corn or onion or the like.

The mini ribs were pretty good, especially with the smokey sweet sauce, but they were not that impressive. The pulled pork in NC style was absolutely amazing. That's what I'd get if I went back, on a sandwich, and call it a day.

All that said, the serving sizes are very nice, and the prices quite reasonable. The brownie was sweet and made a nice capstone. It is an absolutely serviceable BBQ place, but I won't go far off the...