Rickard Ridge BBQ

Mixed review for me on this one. It was very busy with several large groups. There was also very loud live music that wasn't to my personal liking, but in fairness about half of the people there seemed to enjoy it. It was what I think of as old fashioned hillbilly music. Not bluegrass as the sign said. Average age of the customers was about 65 to 80. My husband liked his salad, but my mother in law didn't eat her BBQ sandwich and my grilled chicken sandwich was overcooked and tough. We were seated right away when we arrived and waitress was quick to take our order and bring the sodas, but it took 45 minutes to get our food. My husband also wasn't pleased that there was a single stall in the men's room and someone was in there for over 15 minutes. We finally gave up and left so he could find another restroom. We won't be returning. I gave 3 stars because quite a few people really seemed to be enjoying the experience... Just not us.

I'm writing this review after literally just leaving there. I will say the food was pretty good in our server he was absolutely wonderful and attentive. The views are absolutely amazing in the bluegrass music that they have on Monday and Thursday nights is wonderful. I will say though one thing that struck us as odd is we watch the owner walk around from table to table asking everyone how things were and making small talk. We were there with our 5 and 1 year old and literally he just kept walking past our table and wouldn't even acknowledge us. The same thing in the parking lot. While our table may be busy and he may have thought we were young we are actually 35 and 40 years old respectively and I have been coming to Norris Lake for 33 years. While I may not have been good enough to acknowledge I just hope he realizes that we are worth checking on as well and our money spends in the same way.

Thank you so very much for helping me make my husband's 70th surprise Birthday a special event. The food was AMAZING the service was EXCELLENT. Thank you so very much, keep doing what your doing.

Love the staff. They are calm and friendly. Portions sizes aren't too big or small. Situated with a nice view of Cove Lake Park.