Not a bad breakfast buffet. The egg dish is very good in fact. The link sausage had a bite and the whole deal was inexpensive. read more

Ole Sawmill Cafe - Breakfast - Southern Near Me - Forrest City, Arkansas

I LOVED the fried chicken!!! The service was great!!! Don't leave until you've had the bread pudding!!! read more

Absolutely the worst food and service I've ever had. Served more sass than edible food. The salad was more than halfway brown, slimy leaves. They got my order wrong, serving me fried catfish instead of blackened fish. The catfish was so oily that I had to use napkins to blot it. Everyone else in my family ordered the seafood buffet ($22) and all ended up only getting ONE plate because none of the food was good. I would recommend you NOT go here. read more

We stopped in near closing time so many of the items in the buffet were nearly empty (which is a good sign). We were surprised to see tasty grilled ribeye steaks in the buffet! Great southern comfort food and the peach cobbler at the dessert bar was excellent, especially with a little soft serve on the top. Only disappointment was that they did not have milk for our daughter, but a very satisfying stop when we were tired at the end of the day. read more

Server was very friendly. Food was not hot. No seasoning whatsoever. Sweet tea was good. If you are searching for home style Southern cooking- this is NOT the place to stop. Best part of this experience was the server & the sweet tea. read more

I would not recommend this place. The fried chicken was cold and the dinner rolls hard as a rock.

Great stop on the way through AR (that's the abbreviation for Arkansas for those who didn't try in school). Anyway, we got 3 buffets, a fried shrimp, and a kid's popcorn chicken. The kids meal was huge. Great for both the kids to share. The buffet food was great. 2 of us ate the spaghetti and didn't like it, but everything else was great. The fried shrimp was really good. It was quite a wait for the 2 non-buffet meals but they ended up very tasty. read more

If you are considering eating here, please heed my advice! Save yourself while you can and go to the Subways across the street. It one o'clock in the afternoon so we came during the height of lunch to an empty restaurant. My husband and I ordered the buffet even after looking at the brown (yes brown) lettuce and rotten banana pudding on the salad line. But I thought to my self that was disappointing and wanted to leave then but I would settle for lots of protein and cooked veggies. The problem with that was that all the meat dried out and leathery. Vegetables had been cooked for days (?) as they required no chewing but just sort of smooshed in your mouth squirting cold grease from the overcooking. I almost threw up in my mouth reliving it just now writing this and remembering the foul experience of slimy cold, greasy beans and cabbage sliding down my throat. I returned to the plate to waitress who was chatting with other employees who did not seemed surprised and she asked if I wanted to order off the menu. I declined and walked out and went to Subbys. My husband had started eating and was not happy with his food either but stayed because his sugar was dropping. He complained to the waitress that the food was cold and she stated she would have to turn the heat up higher. He told her that did neither of us any good. The heat is probably turned down because they already serve over cooked and old food. Not sure how this dusty old place got great reviews. Obviously previous diners have minimal dining out experience and do not know any better. Or they cook on the weekends and fish out leftovers throughout the week. I'm calling the board of heath department to have them check the heating temps as it certainly must induce E Coli illnesses. Tom S in response to your statement to my review. You assume I did mot address your staff. I indeed bring it up to the waitresses. I interrupted their conversation as they were all grouped up to the side talking instead of tending to their tables. It did not bother them when I asked them to remove my plate as it was inedible. Nor did they apologize read more

Walking in, there was a little shop area for knickknacks and the like. Very cute stuff! The buffet looked amazing and full of homestyle foods I had growing up. We were looking for a lighter meal to pass time getting away from the weather. I had minestrone soup and grilled cheese. The soup was full of flavor, and it tasted just like my grandmas. If we ever drive through again, it is a must stop! read more

Amazing southern food! Put you get the best on the weekends I think! Good ribs and catfish. But their desserts aren't anything to talk about! read more

We were just passing through Arkansas and looking for a place for a light lunch. It was on a Sunday and found Ole Sawmill Cafe on our phones. At the Cafe Sunday lunch is a buffet, we came in and asked the waitress if we could order off of the menu. She said yes so we ordered a couple of sandwiches. Sandwich's were just what we needed. read more

Fantastic selection and quick, attentive service. Cathy was a wonderful server. I ate the huge variety at the buffet and my wife ate the blackened fish plate which was a great serving and very flavorful. read more

Really wasn't impressed. I had the blackened fish instead of fried which there's so much of at this place. Fried this, fried that, fried the other. Well it is the south so what did I expect. I mean, come on people! But they don't seem to realize there is a difference between blackened and burnt. Burnt fish doesn't taste good. They gave me 3 patties (shockingly not catfish. Geez you southerners with your catfish! Yuck.) Anyway I could eat only 1 1/3 of it. It was burnt not blackened! Well at least the salad bar was good. Also not fried which is a plus. I'm sure southerners will find a way to fry that too. LOL! read more

Looks like they are in the middle of working on their appearance some, which is a good thing. You might be tempted to drive away at first sight, or walk away upon entering (rustic is an understatement), but if you had a bit of faith you would be rewarded with great friendly service and very good food. The fried shrimp basket was delicious....very large shrimp with a great coating and cooked perfectly. Baked potato was just as good. Wife loves patty melts and she was not disappointed by the one served here. Staff knew what they were doing and did it with a smile. The prices were amazing and it was obvious there were many locals coming in for the buffet to-go. Will be back when we are in the area. read more

Burgers were delicious but not the burgers we ordered to go, we received cheeseburgers instead of a Mushroom Swiss Burger and a Bacon Cheeseburger. read more

Stumbled upon this place tired from driving. The Quality in next door to them recommended this place for a good meal. Ordered 3 burgers to go and two appetizers. Price is very fair but the food quality was very poor. Burgers were over cooked and the Country Burger which is claimed the best burger in Arkansas didn't come with its main two ingredients mash potatoes and coleslaw. It was just a burger with gravy. Also both appetizers didn't come with ranch. Over all very poor quality. The girl at the front desk was very nice and felt bad that one I waited 40 min when I was quoted 25 min and for having to come back for ingredients that were missed. She did give me a free peach cobbler hence the one star. read more

AMAZING food! We always stop by when we have a chance. And we always leave super satisfied! Highly recommend

Your food was good, especially the fried chicken and pulled pork. The young lady who handled my table on Sunday evening was a pleasure.

EZ access south of I40. Fried chicken. Meat loaf. Taters. Gravy. Collards.salad..dessert. Buffet is $8.99. Been here done that. No need to return. read more

Ole Sawmill Cafe - Just OK. Country buffet. Nothing to write home about. - Southern Near Me - Forrest City, Arkansas

I stopped here today, meeting my family for a pick up/drop off for my niece. We had a party of 5 adults and 2 children. The waitress was downright rude. She literally rolled her eyes when I asked for a menu rather than the buffet. (This is only one example, I could share more if necessary). The food was good and a good value for the price, but I honestly couldn't figure out what we had done to set her off. She did become friendlier towards the end, but I would like to know why she felt the need to be rude. I wish I had gotten her name, but I don't believe she ever after studying other reviews from Yelp and your Facebook page I think I have determined the issue. Your waitress(es) are rude when the customer chooses to order from the menu rather than the buffet, and the buffet did not look appealing. Thank you for your reply: actually after studying other reviews from Yelp and your Facebook page I think I have determined the issue. Your waitress(es) are rude when the customer chooses to order from the menu rather than the buffet, and the buffet did not look appealing. read more

Buffet style, food was great. The roasted chicken was tasty but the fried chicken was delicious All of the sides we're good. I'd eat another piece of fried chicken instead of dessert. The bread pudding and peach cobbler was nothing to brag about. I'd recommend eating here if you like southern home food. read more

I was very disappointed. I spent 24.00 for 2 veg plates pick out Candie sweet potatoes, black eye peas, tomatoes and okra, greens and Lima beans. The the other one had mash potatoes, corn bread dressing, black eye peas, Lima beans and corn. The flavors were off. The Lima beans tasted like they where sour and the corn tasted very strange . It was not a very good dinner. We just did not want fast food. Just a waste of money. read more

We had their seafood buffet. The fried shrimp, fried catfish, & baked fish were good but nothing else impressed us. The french fries were like leather. The boiled shrimp tasted like it had been dipped in heavily chlorinated water. The navy beans and soft serve ice cream were good. We ate here on a trip, would not stop again. Service was ok, we had to ask for refills and our check. read more

Stopped in for breakfast on Tuesday and we're pleasantly surprised to find a great family owned restaurant with a REAL vintage style! From the old 50's- 60's music to the vintage photos of family's military service members. There is a nice buffet but we decided to order a simple breakfast off the menu. It was fast, good made from scratch biscuits and CRISPY bacon! Bead surprise of all were the "vintage" prices...truly a great find! I'd highly recommend you try this Old Sawmill restaurant in Forrest City, AR. read more

We stopped while traveling through the area. We ordered from the menu . Kids got popcorn chicken and the adults ordered burgers. The food was good. The buffet looked really good. We were not ready for a buffet meal at lunch but might have ordered it if it had been later in the day.The waitress was very friendly. We will return if in the area again. read more

Food was cold...Not everything is home made and the potatoes tasted instant. The ribs had been warmed over-tasted like they had been warmed over several times! We also ordered off the menu and ordered a hamburger which was seared on the outside and red on inside... The server was a very nice young woman. read more

You want to talk about southern food like my mom used to make. OLE SAWMILL CAFE has polite attentive service and impeccable southern foo I drove all the way from California for dinnner read more

Hard pass on this place. The buffet is an epidemic of food poisoning waiting to happen. Really, it was bad, very very bad. 1 star for the clean bathrooms. read more

I stopped in at around 8pm for supper. First thing, I went to the restroom to wash my hands. Strike one, no soap in either dispenser. Strike two, no paper towels there either. From the looks of the trash can, this had been happening awhile, as the toilet paper was piling up. I went back to the dining area, and just kinda wandered around. No greeter there. Finally one girl came out of the back, waves her hand, and says sit anywhere. I dumbly comply, and find a clean table. Strike three. The buffet itself had some fresh and "not so fresh" items. The sheen on the liver was an example, but the chicken kept arriving piping hot. A kid managed to drop a dinner roll out of the warmer, and I heard it go "bunk" when it hit the floor. Strike four. I finished my first plate of food, and kept waiting for anyone to come to my table to take my drink order. Finally, I got up, walked over to the forbidden EMPLOYEES BEYOND THIS POINT, NO EXCEPTIONS! hallway, and waited for someone to appear. I asked the first girl that came around the corner for sweet tea. She never spoke, just nodded her head and disappeared. She reappears 3 minutes later with tea, I say thank you, and she just nods again. Strike five. Apparently two waitresses were working the area I was in. They both made eye contact with me, were pointing at different tables while walking around, and bussing the dirty tables. When the tea ran out, I tried to get someone's attention again. That's when it dawned on me, NO one has ever came to this table. (Note, center of the room, along the side) Strike six. After chewing ice for awhile, I got up, went out to the greeter stand and asked for the manager. She replied he wasn't there, and I could leave him a message. I recounted to her what had happened so far. She proceeds go tell me personal stories about the girls working there, how they're against her, she's only trying to help, and she's gonna fix the bathroom, and she's gonna blah blah blah. I smiled, and ask if I could get some more sweet tea. That's all I needed. Strike seven. Finally one of the wait staff comes over to the table, smiles, and asked me if I wanted my check! I smiled back, told her I needed a sweet tea, and asked why NO one had been to check on me for the past 25 minutes? Her smile evaporated, she starts running down the hostess, telling me her personal issues, tells me about how breaks work, what she goes through, throws her hands up, and walks away. She does bring back the tea however. No strike here, just look around the room to see if I'm on a reality show? Dessert bar had cobblers, ice cream, and some questionable white cake with strawberry filling. The topping was starting to yellow, so I didn't choose that. Strike eight. Back to the seat I go, to watch the live show continue with the waitresses. I grinned when this lay said they are gonna have 17 coming in from the trailer park next door! One waitress started hollering about her station, and headed to the back. Strike nine. I finally got up to leave when I see the waitress I had my talk with about the tea pushing a mop, dirty water into the kitchen area from the FORBIDDEN HALLWAY. That was it for me. Strike ten. When I walked out to pay, the greeter had her hands full with cleaning supplies coming out of the men's room. She asked if I had my ticket? I told her you have to see a waitress for more than 15 seconds to get that. She again recounted the ills of working there, charged my credit card $5.22 for something, and her eyes popped out when the trailer park folks busted in the front door. Strike eleven. This review reads like a bad tv series, where it was a setup! I honestly was smiling most of the time, wondering what next? The food truly wasn't that great. Instant potatoes, gravy from a package, etc.... So you get the drift. Not having any type of oversight from an owner / manager killed this place. I won't be back, and would not recommend this place if you're hungry, thirsty, or need a restroom. read more

What a wonderful place!!! Great salad bar, wonderful food buffet and loaded dessert bar!!! Buffet $9.99, and I could have stayed there all day! You can also order from the menu, if you aren't a buffet person! I truly think this place would turn you into a buffet lover!! Great turnip greens, have to say, probably the best I have ever had! read more

This is the best buffet ! I have ever had and I'm a chef!! From the frog legs , smoked ribs, fried fish , the best hush puppies (OMG), to the salad! This will be every time I'm going cross country I will be stopping her to eat!!! Awesome food ! Worth the money, I spent!! read more

Food and service was good. The buffet had plants to choose from for salad options, food and dessert. All was hot and fresh. Everyone in masks for COVID, gloves supplied and required while at Buffett. read more

This is a gimmicky place. You walk in to "antiques " trying to take a Cracker Barrel approach on it . With tea market up to 12.99 with 50% off and knock offs on old signage . Then you walk into the restaurant . The Buffett is $18.99 !!!!! So a family of 5 would be $100 to eat here . Food in Buffett was old . Kids ate it , I ordered off the menu . My french dip was excellent but SMALL and fries are additional charge and. Husbands menu ordered chicken fried steak was good but luke warm . Desserts on the Buffett are NOT homemade they are Betty Crocker boxed products . Ice cream machine down (no suprise as every review before mine said same ) Buffett / salad bar/soup consisted of : seafood, fried southern foods , frog legs, tators , meats all dry dry dry . read more

Ole Sawmill Cafe - 1/2 of menu other side is steaks and seafood - Southern Near Me - Forrest City, Arkansas

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For the type of restaurant this is it did not disappoint! The buffet was one of the best I've had in a long time. I had baked chicken, yams, mashed potatoes, pulled pork, and salad bar. The baked chicken was an A++. It fell off the bone and was not dry at all! I expected a buffet to have dry meat but it was perfect with great flavor. The sides were good! The yams were Cooke and seasoned perfectly. My husband got the pork chops and they were delicious! I'm not a fan of pork chops (at least it's not my go to) but they were amazing! Very tender and not over seasoned! The staff was quickly and friendly! The bathrooms were also pretty clean! read more

Was very disappointed in the quality & freshness of the food. Many items were so dried out & disgusting that I really lost my appetite. Ok, so just have some ice cream.... nope, the machine wasn't working. I won't recommend this place. Don't waste your money read more

This was a neat stop after long hours on the road. Plenty of parking space for our 70' of motorhome & car trailer which is a huge plus. There is a quirky little gift shop as you enter so I was able to stretch a bit before sitting down for a nice meal. Service was fast & friendly. We had the buffet which had a wide selection to suit nearly any taste. I had some white creamy beans (don't know what they're called ‍) that were absolutely delicious! I went back for a second helping of those!! The peach cobbler was perfection. Nearly everything else I tasted was really good too. The only reason I'm giving 4 instead of 5 stars is because the fried catfish was the fishiest tasting I've ever had. I love fried fish so I was disappointed that the flavor wasn't very good. I would definitely stop here again & give it another try though! read more

It was nice buffet dinner for Sunday night after traveling all day. The rolls were really good.

Located in the back of an old country store. We ate the food bar for lunch which consisted of a soup bar, salad bar two hot food bars and desert bar. The selection was limitless. Great food and service! read more

The place looked interesting enough. They had some neat antiques scattered around. Everything was clean. The food was pretty terrible. The pea salad was rancid as well as the cucumber salad! Almost tasted like soda and vinegar. Fried chicken was ok. Nothing else was worth mentioning. read more

A very nice place, not fancy but a "homey" feel. The staff was very friendly and the food was really good. Everything was fresh and tasty and our server was extremely nice: she checked with us occasionally and brought everything we needed. I would highly recommend this place if your looking for a "down home" meal. read more