General Info:
For twenty years, Countryside BBQ has been serving heaping plates of fresh-chopped barbeque, hand-battered chicken tenders and fresh vegetables. All with a side of southern hospitality and small town charm. Countryside has been the locals favorite since Lynetta and Gary Byrd opened the doors twenty years ago (1990). In 2006 ownership and management of the restaurant moved to Rob Noyes and David Ditt, who were born and raised in Marion. Under their ownership, Countryside has continued to grow and expand it's community involvement and menu offerings. One aspect has not changed through the years-the friendly, welcoming service. Comfortable and Welcoming!Countryside is full of small-town allure; the front porch of the restaurant is adorned with "sit-and-chat" white rocking chairs and leafy green ferns. Inside, country music is piped through the restaurant just loud enough for the diners to hear their favorite songs. The wait-staff's enthusiasm and love of their job comes through with every "How y'all doin'?" It's not odd to hear inquiries about family and friends being exchanged between the guests and the servers; somehow, in just one visit, customers go from being guests to being family. The next time they visit, not only will they be remembered, they will be welcomed back with more enthusiasm than before.Great Food!It's evident the kitchen takes pride in the food it produces. Every plate is served with that special touch only a home cooked meal can muster. The portions will make diners feel like mama's serving Sunday dinner, but for a very modest price. The barbeque is hickory smoked for 14 hours, and hand chopped in house. However, the kitchen does not sauce it; rather, they allow the diner to decide which sauce they would like, either traditional and smoky, vinegar based or mustard based. Hand-breaded fresh chicken strips are another crowd favorite. Seasoned to perfections, the juicy tenders are great served with vegetables or atop a fresh, green salad. Also not to be missed is the selection of seafood. The crispy fried shrimp and flounder are a great substitution for a day at the beach. Countryside's extensive menu also offers hand-pattied hanburgers, a variety of salads, sandwiches and more. Try the smoked chicken salad, it too is made in house daily. And don't miss the Countryside Smoked Chicken Half - Our slow-smoked process produces juicy, flavorful, pink meat that simply melts in your mouth!The decadent desserts are made fresh by our own baker in our own kitchen, and have been for over 20 years; the freshness can be not only seen but tasted.Upon departure, children will be delighted by the country store surrounding the register. It features new favorites as well as classics like Zotz and mallow cups. A sampling of fresh baked goods are for sale as well.Quality Catering Countryside is quickly becoming the go-to source for catering. The catering menu is vast (from BBQ to hot dogs to filet mignon) and customers have the ability to design their own menus. The capable staff can handle any event from ten people to six thousand. Banquet facilities are located on site in the restaurant. Please contact a catering manager for additional information. The homey atmosphere, welcoming staff, mama's home cooking and desserts to die for are all reasons Countryside should be a stop on your next trip through town. One visit will make you a regular for life and before you leave the restaurant, you'll be planning your return trip.