Rickard Ridge BBQ

While it’s been quite sometime since my last review it’s because many places since the pandemic have been either subpar or just too darn overpriced and not worthy of a review (eg, if you cannot say something nice then don’t say anything at all). Well one must give credit when credit is due. This establishment has wonderful atmosphere for all ages and I truly enjoyed the SMOKED bbq combo platter. It was so delicious I forgot to take additional photos lol.

They have really good coffee ☕ and a very attentive, more than friendly wait staff. Tonight’s scheduled entertainment was a Bluegrass band who were setting up prior to our departure but went out of their way to say hello with brief, very friendly conversation. Wish I would’ve stayed to listen as the views of the park were amazing. The location is off 75 and I truly would buy real estate here as the local town is quite picturesque with views of a lake as well as the mountainous terrain of Tennessee. I would definitely return.

This place is excellent. We got the pulled pork platter. One with baked beans and coleslaw another with the beans and potato salad. It was all good and very generous servings at a very reasonable price. Service was fast and friendly. We are camping at Cove Lake State Park so this was convenient. We ordered carryout and will be back again when we are here next time.

Wondered in on a rainy St Pat’s day and was warmly greeted by the hostess. We were seated by the window overlooking a beautiful expanse of rolling green grass and beautiful trees.
Our server, Heather, greeted us and quickly brought us our requested drinks. We asked for suggestions on what food was most ordered and she suggested the BBQ sampler plate (chicken thighs, ribs, pulled pork) all smoked in house. Four sides accompanied the meats and we could change them if we didn’t want the beans, cole slaw, potato salad, and sweet potato fries. We kept the sides as offered. Our food arrived after about 15 minutes- and from the first bite to the last, you could tell they cared about what they served. The pulled pork contained no fat- or at least none that I saw- and was so flavorful! The BBQ smoked chicken thighs were moist and smoky and without a doubt the best smoked thighs I have ever eaten. I am not a huge fan of ribs, but tried them and they were meaty and well seasoned. All of the sides were better than good! Our server kept our waters full and checked in on us frequently.
When we were checking out- a trio of ladies got up and did an a cappella tension of an old church hymn for their friends birthday, they were awesome- everyone stopped and listened.
Very, very enjoyable dining experience- we will definitely be back!

We've been to this restaurant many times, but this was the first time sitting outside and what a view of Cove Lake State Park in the spring!

This time, three of us ordered the Hog Heaven, which is sliced fried potatoes topped with pulled pork, cheese, onions, tomatoes, and sour cream. This was a large portion of food for not much money and I had to take half of it home to eat later. The potatoes were kind of crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle, and the pulled pork was flavorful and plentiful. Very yummy overall!

We will certainly stop by when we visit the park again.

I forgot to get a photo of the meal but this is a photo of the dessert. This is inside Cove Lake State Park. The food was delicious! The meatloaf and mashed potatoes was delicious and the meal portion is good. My mom has the strawberry mandarin salad with chicken added and she loved it. We will be back! The dessert was the fried cheesecake burrito with ice cream 🤤

Such an excellent spot and the views are unbeatable on the patio. Very friendly and attentive staff. The beer battered mushrooms were crunchy and fresh from the fryer, the smoked chicken was flavorful and most, the mashed potatoes and gravy were delicious, and the hushpuppies were phenomenal! Every thing was very fresh and hot when brought to my spot on the patio. Their raspberry doughnut cheesecake was too die for! If they have it when you're there don't miss out! I will be back next time I'm in the area!!

We started with the catfish bite appetizer. Catfish and hush puppies were yummy. I had pulled pork and spouse had dry rubbed ribs. We both had slaw and onion rings. No complaints at all! Portions were generous. Our server, Tamela, was a doll! Highly recommend.

Very generous portions at a fair price. I enjoyed the food and the waitress was very accommodating. Even when my grandmother made a dozen changes!

The live bluegrass music was an extra special treat

This place was recommended by the front desk of the Hampton Inn. We liked it a lot. The hostess and server were polite and attentive. The ribs and sides were great and the pricing was surprisingly reasonable.

View of the landscape: 10/10
I would highly recommend coming here to grab a bite and soak in the beauty of planet earth.
I ordered a salmon dinner with asparagus and sweet potato fries, popcorn shrimp with hush puppies and green beans, mushroom & brie soup of the day, fried cheesecake, and the irresistibly tart strawberry-rhubarb pie.
Dont forget to enjoy your meal on the raised patio or a relaxing walk through the park next door.

We accidentally crashed the owners birthday party, but it was nice. The barbecue was good and the service was prompt and courteous. The atmosphere was country comfortable.
The group performing were older gentlemen playing outlaw country blended with folk. Overall it was a enjoyable visit with work companions in a friendly atmosphere.

We went there on Memorial day on the way from TN and really enjoyed the live music and food. It's a great place to have lunch and the view is beautiful. The food was great and so was the service!

Great food and awesome place. We did wair about 20-30 minutes for our food, though, but our waiter was really awesome and when the kitchen messed up on one of our orders, he took off a little bit off the check for the extra wait. Their steak was perfect, as well as their pulled pork and sweet potato fries and will definitely come back.

What a warm and wonderful place! We stopped on a whim but we’ll be back on purpose!! The food, atmosphere, and service were a dream come true.
And don’t let them kid you… the “Hog Heaven” is absolutely NOT a small plate. 😍

Amazing dinner!! Fried green tomato sliders with pimento cheese appetizer (although it's pretty much a meal!) And hog heaven platter. Will stop by anytime we come back through Cary. Dont miss this place!!

Great food, big portions, prices very reasonable, and service was excellent. Would recommend to anyone. Just a minute off the interstate and worth stopping for.

Awesome country meal, great view, great waitress,and great prices. Would highly recommend.

We were staying at Cove lake state park and had just got our RV parked and decided to eat out instead of cooking at our campsite. It was Monday night and they had live bluegrass music. I had a half rack of ribs and my wife had a salad, both were good. How good? The next day after a day on the lake we went back. No live music, my "hog heaven" dish and my wife's burger were again very good. My suggestion on the hog heaven is to hold the sour cream and top the dish with the barbeque sauce found on the table. This is the best place in the area.

Honestly, the best bbq ive tried in the state after living here a decade. Worth a drive from knoxville even if you arent on the way to the lake. If weather is nice, sit on porch w view of lake. Kids can run around and climb trees while you wait on food. Try the piggymac.

Great food! Music was a little loud, which I was getting a to go order, so I didn't care.. But the food was delicious!