Amish Country Smokehouse — Review by Brennen Taylor
Ethridge, United States — Barbecue
The reviewers visited Amish Country Smokehouse in Ethridge, Tennessee and found the smoked barbecue surprisingly good despite the restaurant not actually being Amish-owned or staffed. The brisket, ribs, and chicken were all well-smoked and flavorful with reasonable pricing, though the establishment was criticized for capitalizing on the Amish name purely for tourism rather than being an authentic Amish operation.
What was great: Brisket was fatty and juicy with good sauce, baked beans had plenty of meat mixed in, chicken was juicy with good skin, ribs fell off the bone and tasted excellent, pickled jalapenos were fabulous, reasonable pricing at $60 for all the food
What could improve: Not actually Amish-owned or staffed despite the name, doesn't source ingredients from the Amish community, potato salad had weird texture and not much flavor, somewhat of a tourist trap using the Amish name for business
The Dishes
The meal began with a brisket paired with baked beans and mac and cheese. The brisket impressed with its fatty texture and juicy interior, complemented nicely by the barbecue sauce which offered a sweet and tangy profile. The baked beans stood out as a highlight, loaded with actual meat throughout. The mac and cheese was creamy but less memorable than the other offerings.
The ribs were a clear standout, arriving as a half rack that came off the bone easily with just the right amount of bark. The chicken leg quarters were smoked beautifully with a nice pink interior from marination, proving tender and juicy with excellent skin. The pickled jalapenos were particularly praised as fabulous, offering a nice salty and spicy complement to the heavier smoked meats.
The side of potato salad disappointed with an odd texture and minimal flavor, while the cheesy potatoes had slightly more appeal but still weren't memorable.
The Experience
The atmosphere was uniquely beautiful, with horses grazing in pastures behind the dining area and cattle visible nearby. However, flies were described as ridiculous and made outdoor eating somewhat uncomfortable. The staff was friendly and accommodating, though they noted the reviewers weren't actually Amish despite the restaurant's branding. Service was quick and efficient, with staff providing samples before the full order arrived.
Value and Pricing
For approximately $60, diners received an impressive quantity of smoked meats and sides. The reviewers found this pricing reasonable, especially when comparing it to their recent expensive barbecue experience in Texas. They felt they received good value for the amount of food provided.
Notable Moments
It's honestly a big hoax. I mean, it's not any Amish folk in there making this. They're just using the name for the town because we're in Amish community.
I wish we got more of those jalapenos cuz those things were fabulous.
The reviewers were somewhat disappointed to learn that the restaurant, despite its name, had no Amish employees and didn't source ingredients from the local Amish community, making it feel like a tourist-focused business capitalizing on the location rather than a genuine representation of Amish culture.
The Verdict
Amish Country Smokehouse delivers quality smoked barbecue at fair prices, making it worth a visit if you're in the Ethridge area or planning a day trip from Nashville. However, expect it to be a tourist establishment leveraging the Amish name rather than an authentic Amish-operated restaurant. The food quality alone justifies a stop, particularly for the ribs and baked beans. Best for barbecue enthusiasts visiting Tennessee's Amish country who want decent smoked meats in a picturesque rural setting, though those seeking authentic Amish dining experiences may want to explore the roadside bakery stands instead.