4 Rivers Smokehouse — Restaurant in Winter Park

First time at 4 Rivers and upon arrival I was simply amazed. Cafeteria style is typically not my go too. However walking into what I can only describe as your grandmothers kitchen blew my mind! The warm country vibe, comfort and cleanliness absolutely amazing!! I had the pleasure of meeting several employees. Savanna was welcoming extremely nice and personable. She gave off a comforting vibe as if we’d known each other for sometime, I enjoyed our interaction. Next would be Taylor, Taylor was outgoing friendly and a pleasure to be around I instantly felt as if she was just as excited as I was to experience the food for the first time. Then there was Grace at sweet shop that I can only explain as a true gift to what was already an amazing experience. Grace was extremely knowledgeable of all the delightful deserts displayed. Grace explained each desert with such excitement and passion as if they were made in her very own kitchen. Such love and attention to detail as she went through all the delicious options with enthusiasm over the ones that were her absolute favorites and there were many! Grace radiates such light and genuine authenticity. The minute I walked up I was greeted with a smile from ear to ear and engagement . The warmth and vibrant yet delicate energy instantly drew me in. I left with almost one of each delightful desert option so excited to try each one. For me eating out has to be a comfortable experience. When I choose somewhere to spend my time and money I want to feel as comfortable and relaxed as I would at home or sharing time with a friend or family member. I want the atmosphere and over all vibe to reflect that comforting feeling. The food should compare to my own cooking or at the very least exceed expectation otherwise why spend the money In my opinion. 4 Rivers did just that and so much more! The food was outstanding! The attention to detail, the staff who felt more like family wanting you to have such a memorable experience to the decorations and over all feel of welcome was as if I was visiting family for dinner. I will absolutely be back and recommend visiting 4 Rivers as soon...

I have been here a handful of times over the course of the last few weeks for delivery as well as buying pastries while I am in the area. Usually don't ever post about reviews but figured I would especially since the service here is comically lackluster from what I have experienced thus far.

Now this only pertains to the front counter, as I have not sat in for the barbeque. I understand hospitality varies but if you are working front of house saying "hello" should be common practice. If you are feeling up to it a rhetorical "how's it going?" goes a long way. Especially if you are working for tips. Just some constructive criticism from someone who has worked in the service industry.

I find it to be strange behavior if a customer is at the counter you just walk up to the register and stare at the person with no emotions. It's rather off putting and probably uncomfortable for some. I saw another review referring to the egregious service of the young ladies(not the blond with the braids she was very kind, constantly multitasking).

It's not generational but individual. This is coming from someone who is not much older than these college kids who work up front. You're working on your laptop? Cool look up and be attentive from time to time. You are being paid to provide an experience for customers.

I thought it may have been just one individual but I had the same experience with another young lady who had the same standoffish demeanor of the other young lady... It was rather uncanny. If this is the case then their maybe a culture issue at large. Granted this is a chain and perhaps they are aware at this particular location. Who knows?

Lastly, I have tipped just for someone getting me tap water when I didn't ask for it. That is not a flex. I believe those who go above and beyond should be rewarded for their efforts. On the other hand, those who don't fulfill the basic requirements should be reprimanded because they are hurting the tips/wages of others due to the way they conduct themselves. Here I leave you with a constructive pro tip. Do better. Start...

I found this place accidentally during a visit to Downtown Orlando, and decided to give it a try. The staff were very friendly and helpful, patiently answering our questions, even offering us samples. In the service industry, such friendliness and passion is indispensable at making the right first opinion. Stanley, one of the staff, kept checking in on us to make sure that we had everything we needed, and deserved a mention.

We ordered four types of meat: ribs, burnt ends, sausages, and beef brisket. Personally I found the ribs to be okay; the meat fell of the bones, but it was pretty mild in seasoning that I had to use copious amount of their signature BBQ sauce to amplify. The sausages were great, well seasoned with the expected snap on bite. The burnt ends deserved their rave review, and the brisket was amazing, perfect when paired with jalapeno slices and BBQ sauce.

For sides, we opted for mac & cheese and collard greens, both were great choices. The mac & cheese was solid with simple taste, a perfect contrast to strong flavours from the meat. The collard greens were a joy to eat, a good balancing factor to the rest of the dish.

Lastly, I have to sing praises about the wings. As recommended, we ordered the wings original with the Buffalo sauce on the side. Even without the sauce, the wings were so flavourful, the seasoning seeping into the chicken. I would make sure that I will order wings on subsequent visits, which I'm sure will happen...