I wanted to share my experience of what happened to me on the afternoon of November 14th at a local restaurant in Lenior. Cafe 1841. I stopped into this local restaurant/bar the other day to celebrate my birthday after an appointment, and what started as a really great afternoon turned into one of the most uncomfortable experiences I've ever had. I arrived a little after 3 PM, ordered some drinks, and was enjoying myself with no issues. Around 5 PM, the owner arrived with her parents. The owner's mother walked up to me, poked me, and told me I needed to move because that was "her friend's seat" and they "always sit there." She hovered behind me, gripping the back of my chair and repeating things like, "I'm 87 years old and I have never..." without ever explaining what she meant. The whole interaction was intrusive, disrespectful, and honestly shocking. A kind woman I had met earlier went to speak with the owner. When the owner/manger came over, she explained that the woman was her mother and that they were "dealing with family stuff," as if that excused what had happened. Being told that the behavior was essentially excusable because it came from her own family made the situation feel even worse. She offered to pay for my meal or try to fix the situation, but after being poked, pressured, and essentially told that my presence didn't matter compared to their "regulars" made me feel unwelcome and even unsafe. I chose to pay my own tab and leave rather than sit there after being disrespected and physically touched by a stranger. It's disappointing, because the atmosphere and staff seemed great at first. But no customer should ever be treated like that--birthday or not--and personal family issues do not justify disrespecting or touching a guest. I hope they address this behavior in the future, because no one should have their experience ruined the way mine was. read more

This place was hands down amazing. My husband and I got the Reuben and sweet potato fries and the mozzarella sticks. Everything was delicious and the marinara sauce for the cheese sticks was amazing. We got take out while doing a vendor event. They were quick and the food was hot. read more

1841 Cafe - Mozzarella sticks - Southern Near Me - Lenoir, North Carolina

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We arrived on a busy Saturday evening and left in the middle of a thunderstorm. While in 1841 we received great service and excellent dining. After paying our check the owner asked our server to use a couple of umbrellas to walk us to our truck. The rain was so bad we got soaked and he did as well. It was a night to remember. We will be back but will check the forecast first! read more

Service was great, staff was friendly, food was awesome. Inside of building was like stepping back in time.

Delicious chicken salad! Why do I have to have a certain number of characters required!?

They have a big menu with a lot to choose from, even my vegetarian friends love to eat here due to the variety. The ambience is great, it's located in an old part of town right on Main Street in an old building that used to be one of the oldest hardware stores in America. The service is always really good and it's a great choice for lunchor dinner. They also have a bar if you're looking for a fun night out. They also have an event space upstairs if you are planning something with a big group. read more

Having business in the area, we were so glad to find this delightful cafe open for lunch. I had the very best tomato basil soup ever and we both liked the chicken salad and pulled pork sandwiches. The atmosphere is eclectic and fun and our server was quick, caring and knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and will be back next time in Lenoir for sure! read more

First time visit, as a part of a group event. The staff was welcoming and did a nice job covering a table of about a dozen with multiple bills. Atmosphere is laid-back, with lots of memorabilia on the walls (the Yelp photos are good). They have a nice-sized bar along the side of the building. They have some interesting menu items, such as pozole, chicken breasts with a filling of spinach/artichoke dip, and a generously-topped Cobb Salad. The burgers were a hit, but I heard, as we were leaving, that that they do their own barbecue pork, which I'll have to try next time I'm in Nice prices, too, although the menu we had was quite a bit shorter than the one posted on their website. Parking is either parallel on-street (free) or in a lot about a block away. Restrooms are unisex and are located in the storage area behind the main dining room. I'd recommend this place due to its local ownership, quality of service and the variety of menu options, a nice change from any other restaurant (chain or otherwise) in Lenoir. read more

Good, solid pub grub! I had the NC pork BBQ and it was very good! Sweet tea was just like Mom's! Service was attentive yet not overbearing.

Very good food and wonderful service. We were there for Blackberry menu attending the Blackberry festival in Lenoir North Carolina.

Full house, We Sat at the bar. We had good conversation with other patrons, Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable . We placed our order and received our food in a timely manner. Our food was very good. All in all a good experience. read more

Service is excellent. Restaurant is clean. Got the 12oz Ribeye. One of the BEST steaks I've ever had!! Perfect seasoning and temp. Memphis cooked it. He knows how to treat a steak!!!! Gotta get the mushroom fingers with ranch dipping sauce for app. So delicious. read more

Great place, arrived mid-afternoon, nobody there. Service was quick and professional.

An eager to make you happy menu with a friendly team of locals and staff to ensure a good experience. We had the burgers, the pastrami, the grilled chicken breast with the artichoke sauce, and it was all really good, and that chocolate cake was to die for I am not a chocolate cake fan. I never ordered. Somebody brought us a piece and it's real old school style. It's not that dark, dense death by chocolate, which I don't care for this was light and almost like a spice cake, I would definitely go back for that. We enjoyed ourselves and it's great to see locals running a successful restaurant in Lenoir. read more

1841 Cafe - Southern Near Me - Lenoir, North Carolina

My potato soup and my mother's fries were served cold. Service was slow to nonexistent and by the end of our visit, we felt as though we were being held hostage as we waited on the bill for the mediocre and cold food we ate. We considered ourselves lucky.... We could have found a piece of paper towel in our coffee like the lady beside us. Maybe it was an off day and I genuinely hope so because the employees were kind. I don't think we'll be back, though. read more

What a great atmosphere! This place feels like the Cheers of Lenoir. Lots of regular customers and everyone was friendly. The barstools have the names of customers that helped the owner through the pandemic by sponsoring barstools. The owner was bartending the day I came in and was an absolute delight. You can tell she really cares about the place. I ordered the Kentwood chicken sandwich, blackened with the standard fixings, and pub chips with a side of ranch. The food was excellent. She talked me into some chocolate pound cake, which my waistline didn't need but my belly sure did. Parking was free on the street and I was in and out in under an hour. I will be back. read more

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We went on the day of the car show. It was very crowded but we had no problem getting a table without a wait. Food and ambiance were very good. read more

We loved everything about this place. The service, the food, the atmosphere, the location. A good portion of the menu was not available because of supply chain issues and just having acquired a cook they were keeping the menu manageable. I had the BBQ platter hubby had the Cajun pasta special. Our waitress Mackenzie was THE BEST. My pork was so moist and tender and the vinegar sauce was amazing spicy and zingy. I also had enough to bring over 1/2 home. I had chips and salad for my sides. I dipped my chips in the vinegar sauce and ate the entire pile which is unusual for me. The salad dressings are all made in house or at least the ranch dressing is and that makes all the difference. The people who were seated next to us placed an order, something happened and somehow it didn't come out before they had to leave, the owner was there and told them she would deliver the food to them at the ball park where their son was playing ball. She comped the entire meal, refused to let them pay for any part of it and delivered it to them. Next time we are in this area this will be the first place we eat! read more

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Wow I thought I had a pretty good grasp of this place as we have been here a few times. I will usually let an off day slide at places I frequent but this last plate they served me was soooo bad I have to update my review. Came here on a Friday and the place was packed. I was actually going to go across the street for my favorite chicken tenders but they changed their hours and were closed so we ended up here (maybe that's why it was so full). Ordered the tenders with pub chips and the first plate I got is pictured. SOAKED in grease. All the breading was mush and coming off the chicken. Every single chip was soggy and greasy but still undercooked. I let someone know and they said they would fix it. Brought it back same exact soggy chips but they did something to the chicken to sort of keep some of the breading on it. Still greasy and soggy. I was starving and had stuff to do so I covered them in BBQ sauce (which I would never do normally) and swallowed them. Didn't touch the "chips" left felling I was robbed of my $12. Whoever put that plate out should honestly be ashamed. Bojangles would have been 100x better, McDonald nuggets would have been better. I left 3 stars because the other stuff we have eaten was good and my girlfriend's sandwich was good like 2 totally different people cooked them and one has no business in a kitchen. read more

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Down from SD and this place was great. We got all the southern flavors pimento cheese dip, and Baloney sandwich was great. All great flavors to remind us of the 15 years we spent in NC. Our server was great, attentive and helped us pick the great food. Collards are some of the best I have had. read more

1841 Cafe - Baloney sandwich should be on Texas toast but we got 2 on toast and all excellent. - Southern Near Me - Lenoir, North Carolina

Great service, delicious food! The server's recommendation, from drinks, to appetizers and meal were spot-on. Make sure you visit 1841 Cafe when visiting Lenoir, NC. read more

1841 Cafe - Cheesesteak and patty melt with fresh made collard greens. - Southern Near Me - Lenoir, North Carolina

The food and service were both excellent! Best Coconut Cream Pie ever! We will go back soon. Makensie is Wonderful !!!! read more

The staff here has treated me extremely well on my two visits to this restaurant. Unfortunately that is not par for the course anymore in the restaurant business. So it stands out and is appreciated. Do yourself a favor and eat "The Dome" Cobb salad. Best salad I have ever eaten. Unless you can eat enough for 2 people you will probably want the small. read more

I would have loved to try the food. my boyfriend had been wanting to take me and we went on 10/17/24. when we entered, we were told to sit at a table that a young lady pointed to. She did bring us menus but never asked us our drink order. We sat at our table for over 20 minutes, chose our food and continued to wait. Another couple walked in and was seated at the table next to us. They were immediately seated and drink order taken. We waited about 10 more minutes before leaving. It is a really cool place. Maybe we'll try again at a later date. read more

Service is slow, so know that going in. However, the food is consistently good and very friendly staff. read more

Amazing food and service. When we went the cooks had called in with the flu so the owner was cooking. She came out to make sure it was all good. We will certainly be back when in town! read more

Real mash potatoes ,green beans, COLLARD GREENS , The artichoke dip and pimento cheese were homemade. The menu had something for everyone. I was told the chicken salad was homemade as was most of the menu and all the desserts were made from scratch. Great straight up southern food. read more

Unique looking place. Got sat near the back. Then hot a fill wife of cigarette smoke, especially when using the restroom in back. Not sure if it's from next door that accesses in the back or not. Didn't stay to try the food. read more

They need help!! A majority of the menu options are not available. The pulled pork I ordered is better down the street. The vinegar bbq sauce was good. If the government would stop paying people to stay home and expect them to actually earn a living, places like this would have the help they need. Not really sure why the menu was so sparse. I will try again to see if they improve. read more

This is a great local eatery. Even with the limits to the menu from the current labor and supply shortage. The food is excellent. The philly cheesesteak, the club, the burgers and the wraps are better than anywhere else. The service is good and almost everyone there knows each other. If you stop in and don't enjoy yourself, then check the front door because you must have went into the wrong place. read more

I absolutely love this place they are so warm and family like , I have been here many times and anticipate going every time!!

Food and Service is great. Sometimes there is a long wait to be seated at popular times and kitchen can be a bit slow but overall this is a fabulous food find. Try the Mushroom Appetizer. Amazing! read more

We stopped at 1841 Cafe Lenoir on the way home from a day hiking in Boone. Outdoor seating available for nice weather, but we chose to sit at bar. Don't judge the appearance, the food & service was impeccable! We got the 1841 burger & blackened chicken pitta; both were fantastic! The staff MADE the experience. They were so friendly and such a joy to be served by. read more

The food is as basic as it comes, servers are attentive. I would go here to drink. Close to town.

It appears that this business is changing focus fro dinner items to sandwiches. Used to have a great shrimp and grits dinner. Now it is just ordinary. Party of 3 each ordered a different burger. Non of us thought it to be very good. Two of us ordered pub chips and the other fries. The fries were excellent but both orders of pub chips were under cooked and inedible. Not recommended by me any longer read more

Amazing food! Great service as well! Our waiter was so sweet & did the best she could to help us decide on what we wanted. She also recommended her favorites. The ambiance of the food was absolutely perfect. My burger was done just how I wanted it & it was warm & came very fast! read more

Service and food was great considering the onslaught of Covid. I felt terrible for the owner because she was having to close her store for in-store business at the time. Really nice, down home, humble staff. read more

Hands down the best banana pudding ever!! We just love coming to 1841 when we are in town. The service and hospitality is top notch. BJ, Vicki, and McKenzie make you feel like family. The spinach dip, burgers, and steaks are all delicious and the chicken salad is dynamite. read more

We were here today at the festival. We were seated promptly, and then ignored until I flagged down a wait staff (turns out it was the owner). Drink orders were taken. 15 minutes later the drinks arrived. 10 minutes after that someone took our orders. There were specials on the front page of the menu but no prices, which should have alerted us. A friend and I ordered egg rolls, which turned out to be ONE egg roll, price $7.50. The special blackberry tea turned out to be $4.50 (no alcohol involved). After an additional 20 minutes, the food arrived. The egg roll was tasty, but a silly price considering it was probably prepared from frozen. We had to request our checks, and ended up walking over to the bar to pay since it was obvious that no one would come get them any time soon. I had cash, but my friends who used credit cards received an added fee for use of the card(s). I am not usually a fussy patron, but the lack of service and unpublished prices are not acceptable. Won't be back. read more

This was our first time here. We highly recommend this restaurant! The service was super friendly. It's a family owned business and we were treated like family! The food was GREAT! From appetizers to dessert! We had the 1841 Burger and Chicken Tenders-both were the best. The chicken was tender and tasty! Desserts were home made-Coconut Cream Pie and Chocolate Pound Cake with frosting! Reminded us of our Aunts recipe! We will be back. Enjoyed the food and the experience! read more