Christina M.
Yelp
I've visited Smoky Park twice, two years apart, and both times the food was stellar. I really was hoping the food would have slipped the second time because the prices are high and have climbed precipitously over the years, LOL. The first time we went for dinner and had the wood-grilled NC pork chop, burger and fries, and a seasonal soup to start. Everything was excellent, but I swear, that was the best pork chop of my life. The dish was featured in a cooking magazine a year or two ago, and rightfully so. It's thick-cut, bone-in, juicy, and faintly smoky from the wood oven. My memory, aside from that killer pork chop is hazy, but I think I had a gazpacho to start, which was super fresh and flavorful, and a lovely Slovenian rosé alongside. My husband's burger was juicy and served up with a big tangle of crispy fries. We had our 1-month old with us that visit, and I remember service being understanding and great.
We returned for Father's Day brunch 2019 because my husband keeps talking about how nice it would be to enjoy drinks on the patio along the river. The high double-digit prices on the dinner menu intimidated me, so brunch was a more affordable option. In short: the food was awesome. I got the 1/2 smoked chicken plate on our server's recommendation, which came with the world's most amazing collard greens and a skillet of mac n cheese. The chicken was a hefty portion and super juicy - even the white meat. It's evidently brined before being smoked and finally crisped to perfection in the wood oven. The smoke flavor was pronounced but not overpowering. It was probably...wait for it...one of the best chickens I've ever eaten. On the side were...definitely the best collard greens I've ever eaten. Their intense smoky porkiness was balanced with a splash of vinegar and slight chili bite. Everyone at the table agreed they were awesome. Al dente elbow macaroni, in a creamy and tangy white cheddar sauce, had crispy cheese on top. Wow, all this for $16. I shared with our now-toddler and still had a quarter chicken to bring home. The hubs ordered the breakfast burger, which was cooked perfectly to order and served up on a delicious sesame seed bun. He really liked it but said he prefers the classic with lettuce, tomato, and onion over the brunch version with egg and caramelized onions. Our tablemates got the kale salad, biscuits and gravy, and bulgogi bowl. Everyone was happy. A $7 glass of house bubbly for me made everything feel festive. Our bill came to $43 before tip - and service was very good. I found the brunch hostess a little aloof and weird (she asked to take one of our high chairs for another table), but our waiter and food runners were all great.
Would I come back to Smoky Park Supper Club? Hell yes. And often. Probably at brunch so I don't go broke.