*Second visit 3/4/2017 – This time we had to wait so we were given the option of waiting downstairs where the future venue, called The Cellar, will someday exist. They paid close attention to us and had beverage service while we waited. This place is so delish that we brought some more family members here this last weekend! They all absolutely loved it! They could not get over how delicious the chicken was! Because we were so impressed with it last week, we just had to order much of the same as our first visit; pork, brisket,chicken, potatoes and BOMB ass gravy, the delicious coleslaw and the deviled eggs.

Some of the new things at the table were the potato salad, brussel sprouts with chili spice, mint and parmesan  (yum) and the absolutely awesome looking shrimp and polenta,which was ordered by my sister’s friend. I didn’t taste it but her friend loved it. You can see a photo of it on their website and it consists of red eye coffee gravy, bacon, chili, mushrooms, peppers, relish and of course the shrimp and polenta. Such a delicious sounding combination. We topped it all off with, once again, the decadent chocolate torte with a sip of red wine. The server and staff were excellent and accommodating.

Just like a comfy porch at home, The Porch is one of those places where you could be a regular, feel right at home, sit awhile, share a good meal and visit with friends and family… again and again. Very fitting name for this treasure.

*First visit 2/24/17 – The snow storm last night worked in our favor because we got a table immediately. Word on the street says a weekend night might keep you waiting for an hour. If that happens when you visit – wait. It is worth every minute of the time you spend waiting.

The Porch is set in an old railroad depot and the decor is urban and country chic cool at the same time. The staff is very welcoming , knowledgeable and accommodating. Our server, Laura, was great!

Now for the best part – the food – it is simply amazing. The menu does not offer a huge selection, but what it does offer is outstanding!  The bottom half of the menu can be served family style, if you wish, and that is what we decided to do. The four of us chose several different dishes to share and loved every single one of them.

To start off with we ordered the deviled eggs. Such an interesting and delish combination of roasted garlic, onion bbq, crunch mustard, mayo and bacon.

For the mains we ordered the smoked pork with espresso rub (wow), the brisket, the Proper fried chicken (this comes with special instructions), dilly tossed green beans, coleslaw, baked beans and the mashed potatoes with BOMB ass gravy (please read below). We chose their Raymund red blend to pair with it all, and we were not disappointed!

It was SO good that we should break it down-

The brisket and pork with espresso rub are smoked perfectly. Tender, flavorful and delicious. These are served with Chef Justin’s mustard mop sauce.

The Proper fried chicken- the server told us to spread the honey butter over the top and then squeeze the juice of the lemon over it. There are no words to describe this! Just order it and enjoy. It is tender, flaky and scrumptious. There is nothing like it around that we have tried. It is served with a yummy house buttermilk biscuit.

The house coleslaw is created with cabbage, carrot, red pepper, honey, mustard and onion. This is an amazing combination.

The dilly tossed green beans are fresh whole beans with bacon, garlic and citrus. Excellent flavor. The baked beans- bacon, bbq and spices. A great combination. Very good.

 

Mashed spuds with BOMB ass gravy – Real potatoes mashed and then topped with gravy that the server told us was made with the stock from the smoked meats. Whatever they make it with, there is nothing like it. It’s a definitely uniquely delicious!

Last but not least- we thought we had to top it off by sharing some dessert. It had to be chocolate with some red wine, of course:).  Our server, Laura, described it as a flourless torte with a drizzle of cranberry compote and a side of salted caramel ice cream. Perfect ending combined with their petite sirah. Fabulous and light. Wonderful!!

Dear Porch…we will be back soon, very soon. We can’t wait until the spring and summer breezes blow and we are sitting  outside on your porch and enjoying more of what we experienced this time.

You will not be disappointed at The Porch. Absolutely one of our new faves, especially for smoked meat …and everything else!!