Good Food - Not So Great Service
I entertained a group of friends here because the ambiance seemed wonderful. What a pity it was spoiled by an inferior waiter and total lack of house management.

When one of my guests received the wrong meal, the waiter took it away and didn't reappear for more then 20 minutes!
When he eventually reappeared, there was no apology or even an explanation.

How embarrassing. I won't be going there again in a hurry.    [14 May 2003 21:37:00]

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Recommended Dishes: The fish was good.

     ­Anonymous   

We Loved It!
My inlaws were visiting from NY and I wanted to take them somewhere we had not been. We have lived in Hendersonville since 1988. We had an enjoyable dining experience. We ate out on the enclosed patio, small oil lamps on the tables gave just enough ambiance for a relaxed evening with the inlaws. Our waiter Mike was courteous, prompt, and even had a professional personality! The meal was served timely with the appetizer, the dishes were cleared appropriately as well. Our main course arrived hot, fresh, and prepared just right. The salad bar was clean, fresh, and had a good assortment. We will certainly return!    [03 Nov 2003 11:37:40]

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Recommended Dishes: Prime Rib! Baby Back Ribs, & Cheese Cake

     ­Melisa Smith   k9pines at tds dot net

Bad Food Bad Service
Meal started with a short wine (glass filled only 1/3 full), after complaint it was made half full! The price however was completely full. The steaks arrived underdone and cold, literally! Worst restaurant experience ever.    [08 Jan 2004 15:54:00]

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     ­James   

It Was All Great
Took my wife for our anniversary. We couldn't say enough about both the service and the food. Our waiter seemed to know just when to arrive. We didn't feel hurried, and we didn't feel as though he had forgotten us. We don't get out to eat often, but this was well worth it.    [05 Feb 2004 08:48:38]

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     ­Anonymous   

Could not have been better!
My husband and I took guests from Miami. It was a busy Friday evening so I was glad we had reservations. All of us agreed it could not have been better. The food, the service, the view of the mountains, the beauty of the restaurant, the waterfall out back - all spectacular!    [04 Aug 2004 19:53:58]

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Recommended Dishes: Grouper and Filet

     ­Anonymous   

Good Food, Good Service, Great Atmosphere
I have been a regular customer for several years and have never had anything but a good experience. Wonderful rustic ambiance and very good food and service, all at a reasonable price. Probably the best ribs I have had anywhere! I would recommend it to anyone.    [05 Aug 2004 00:26:39]

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Recommended Dishes: Ribs, Prime Rib, Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

     ­Bill H.   

Low Side of Mediochre
The owner here has several properties, all which focus on keeping food costs down to detriment of quality. Several visits to Poplar Lodge have resulted in stomach distress, avoid this one!!    [14 Mar 2005 21:19:25]

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     ­Anonymous   

Excellent
As a resident of Hendersonville, I can assure you that this is one of the finest restaurants in town. My favorite in Hendersonville.    [19 Apr 2005 02:05:15]

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Recommended Dishes: Filet Mignon

     ­Anonymous   

Tired Menu / Mediocre Seafood
We had been anticipating an experience at Poplar Lodge for quite some time. What a disappointment! The atmosphere was rustic and charming, however the food was really unimpressive.

The stuffed shrimp was cooked beyond recognition, the poor crustaceans converted to rubber. The waiter offered to replace it with a trout (quickly prepared), which was OK, but not great.

The Bourbon Salmon and Crab Cake was also overdone, Salmon ladled with a barbecue sauce which was out of character for the fish.

A restaurant of this caliber/cost should be aware of the sin of overcooked seafood and might consider freshly prepared salads to replace the Salad Bar. The menu looked as if it hadn't been updated in decades.    [09 Apr 2006 08:26:01]

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     ­Anonymous   

They must be driving competition crazy
I have been going to Poplar Lodge off and on for years. On one occasion, my steak was slightly undercooked and it was fixed happily and immediately. The staff and mgm't go overboard to please and I've seen them handle politely, some absolute jerks who must have been looking for a mom and pop joint when they ended up at the Lodge. I really question the negative comments. If they actually had a problem, which I doubt, did they tell anyone while in the restaurant? No restaurant is perfect, but these folks go the extra mile to please. I can honestly say that of the restaurants I've visited in NY, LA and other areas, none have impressed me any more and I am talking about mostly 1st class restaurants with a caliber of customer that expects only the best. Could it be jealous competitors complaining?    [03 Oct 2006 23:23:18]

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Recommended Dishes: New York Strip, Crabcakes, Coconut Pie

     ­Anthony