Olive Garden uses the motto "When you're here, you're family," and for the most part, this is true. When you go there, you are part of their dysfunctional, sometimes incestuous, sometimes violence-prone family, - not to mention Olive Garden's bland, overpriced food.
But what to do if you want to have a good meal, at a reasonable price, in a warm, welcoming environment that really DOES feel like family?
That's where Green River BBQ comes in.
Established in 1999, Green River has long been a community staple, and under the recent ownership of Thomas and Brianna Haas, has been serving up some of the best BBQ in the four-county area. How good? Sauces are not needed for either flavor or flavor enhancement. I highly recommend trying the shredded pork or lean brisket sandwiches without condiments - just a bite first, and I think you'll agree. The thick hickory smokiness combined with the perfect tenderness of the meat make for a perfect course. But if you must add condiments, all the sauces are made in-house, and are absolutely delicious. I recommend just a touch of the mustard sauce, along with the house coleslaw, with the previously mentioned pulled pork sandwich. Fantastic!
The side-dishes should also be mentioned and given high praise. Their Mac 'n' Cheese is arguably the very best I've ever had, but quite frankly, with any of the sides you can't go wrong. They are all excellent.
While the food is the first and foremost reason to patronize this establishment, the owners, Thomas and Brianna, have created a warm, welcoming environment for both customers and their employees. Green River BBQ is a family-friendly eatery. There are accommodations for the munchkins in your life - and that means more than just a high-chair or two: outside there's colored chalk given out with the encouragement to decorate the outside dining ground, as well as coloring placemats. The kid's menu contains items that most children actually want (no kid is going to eat ten pounds of baby back ribs or burnt ends).
Grownups of all ages are given no less consideration. From the moment the hostess seats you, the food runners bring your meal, or your server presenting the final bill (be sure to tip them generously - they more than earn it), you'll feel as if you're dining at a beloved cousin's home during a family reunion.
So, are there any negatives? Yes. Just one: parking.
Parking any vehicle outside of a motorcycle in Saluda is a challenge, due to the limitations of space on the Main Street, and Green River BBQ is no exception. That's the bad news. The good news is that there is public parking located just a few blocks away. So, you may have to walk a short distance, but the food is worth it. So, so worth it.
So, to sum up: Green River BBQ is some of the best, down-home, American BBQ you'll find in the area. Give them a try; they'll win you over!