Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Dining Out Maggie Valley, NC: Pop's Butts on the Creek


After a morning hike to Mingo Falls, an afternoon learning so much history while visiting the Oconaluftee Indian Village, we decided to drive across the mountain to Maggie Valley.  It was late afternoon and we were hungry!  We decided if we could find a BBQ restaurant that's where we would dine.  A quick internet search showed we were very close to Pop's Butts on the Creek.  With a name like that, y'all know we HAD to go check it out.



As the name states, the restaurant is located right on the creek.  We were seated on a screened in dining area in the rear of the building overlooking the creek.  What a treat!



Now the fun is about to begin.  We started with onion rings as the menu stated they were A) Vidalia onions; B) hand breaded, and C) hand cut.  Y'all.  These are the bomb-diggity.

The dipping sauce had just a hint of horseradish, I believe, which added a zip that was delicious.  


These rings were large!  Look at this one placed singly on my plate for reference.


As an aside before we go any further with the blog post....extra points are always given when individual plates are brought to the table for appetizers without us having to ASK for them!

Also before continuing, I'll take a moment to brag and give all sorts of Lolly love to our server Teresa.  From the moment we were seated, she was there answering questions about the menu items, describing the three different house made BBQ sauces (that she makes!) which were on the table to try, and genuinely being a NICE person.  She set the tone for our meal and it was an excellent tone.

I know y'all will find it difficult to believe, but Sweet Harold's love affair with fish continues.  Yes, he had their version of (say it with me....) fish and chips.


I always think I will try something different than pulled pork at a BBQ restaurant.  I TRY to order brisket, or smoked chicken, or burnt ends.  I can't.  I will always be a pulled pork kinda gal and today was no different.  

No joke, I believe this sandwich had a pound of pulled pork piled high on this bun.  Teresa told me that the pork is smoked over apple wood.  As a Certified KCBS BBQ judge, I'll tell you this:  this pork would win awards at a BBQ competition.  Tender, with just enough bark mixed in for texture, and best of all, SMOKE FLAVOR.  I am in love.



I selected the Carolina mustard based sauce and it was the perfect accompaniment for this pork.

As amazing as the pork was, the Auntie's Baked Mac was over the top.  I'm always a little hesitant to order mac and cheese at a restaurant because it's usually either dried out and hard or soupy.  This was the best I've ever enjoyed at a restaurant.  Super cheesy, creamy, and deliciously seasoned.  

Yes, we were stuffed.  The meal and service were ideal.  Then Teresa appeared and offered dessert.  Now, I realize I should have politely declined and went about my business.  But something made me ask her what was for dessert.  When I found out that A) peach cobbler was an option and B) she had made said peach cobbler, I folded like a cheap tent and asked her to bring it on.  Sweet Harold cracked under the pressure and had the bread pudding with apples.  


Isn't that lovely?  He enjoyed his very much.

Now back to the cobbler.  Until I had this bowl of heaven, I never thought I'd have anything resembling my mom's peach cobbler again.  I'm not lying when I tell you that one bite brought tears to my eyes.  I would have sworn my mom made this cobbler.  Thank you Teresa for bringing me back to my mom's kitchen with this cobbler.  I ate EVERY bite.



I could continue singing the praises of this meal.  The atmosphere, food, and service were amazing and I'll always be thankful we made a spur of the moment decision to take the short drive over to Maggie Valley this afternoon.

I promise y'all will see us again!

2 comments:

  1. Wow! A great server, food and place to eat. I'm so glad y'all enjoyed it so much.

    ReplyDelete