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| - I tried this place last night, at the request of some friends visiting for the holidays. For one of them, it was their first NC BBQ experience and that makes me sad because this place leaves a lot to be desired.
First, they were out of three of the menu items we tried to order, one of which was ribs. How does that happen!? It was pretty busy, and this place seems to have a following, so maaaayyyyybe that's why. Still, it's a bummer to have your heart set on ribs when going to a smokehouse, only to find out they have none.
Second, since they were out of ribs, they offered to sub an item in their "well-fed" menu option FOR AN UP CHARGE. If you run out of an advertised item, and offer to substitute, don't follow that offer with a price tag.
Third, the food we ordered was bad. Plain and simple. The pulled pork and chicken were dry; the baked beans were more shredded meat than beans; the smoked veggies were flavorless and cold; and the coleslaw... well, that was actually pretty good. Our food also came with a side of hush puppies and "pickled" onions, both of which aren't even worth mentioning, really.
Fourth, the service was mixed. The hostess was super friendly, and we were seated fairly quick, despite a crowd. Or waiter wasn't exactly rude, but he also wasn't very good at his job. A few questions about their drink menu were answered with a very blunt "I have no idea" with absolutely zero effort to find an answer that was actually helpful. He checked in frequently enough, and was friendly-ish, so I guess that counts for something.
I walked out of this place feeling so confused. How can it be rated so high!? Did I catch them on an off night? Is it resting on its laurels vs it's actual abilities? Has no one who has eaten here ever eaten BBQ anywhere else, and therefore has no idea that this place is mediocre, at best? I really hate to give such a bad review to a Charlotte eatery, especially when I'm clearly in the minority by doing so. But I can't, in good-Yelping-faith, say otherwise.
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