Review: Schoolhouse Bar-B-Cue

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(Scranton, SC)   Back on Sunday, September 5th, our family went to church and then took a brief drive down to Scranton, SC from our home base in Florence.  We had one idea in mind — home cookin’.  We found it at Schoolhouse Bar-B-Cue.

The drive from Florence on Highway 52 was leisurely, just had to remember to watch our speed through the various limit changes.  On this day, it was sunny, warm and pert near perfect.  Of course the parking lot was full when we arrived.  It always is for lunch on Sundays.

Yes, it really is red.

We took our place in line for the cashier and that brings us to our first note.  Remember, when you visit don’t forget to take cash or a check with you; no plastic is accepted.  The line was long, but not yet out the door.  The dining rooms were nearly full, as it was about 12:45pm.  With closure at 2:00pm, we had time to spare and so we started eyeing the buffet lines.

The bill for three of us was very reasonable.  Not bad at all for a big selection, nostalgic surroundings and the enjoyment that was to come.  Shoolhouse Bar-B-Cue is popular and for good reason.

Here's a sample, large admittedly, of the homestyle favorites available.

Our selections  from the double-lines of steamer trays included, BBQ, fried chicken, green beans, potatoes au gratin, homemade pickles and a roll.  Lot’s of carbs, but lots of taste as well.  Wow, it’s making my mouth water just recounting the menu!  What made the menu more special to us being Certified SC Grown supporters was the fact that Schoolhouse Bar-B-Cue proudly supports that program.  You’ll find the Certified SC Grown logo displayed near the entrance to the kitchen.

So what was our absolute favorite?  Well, I know that the BBQ is supposed to be the star, and with the sauce added it was awesome — very distinctive — but my true favorite was the fried chicken.  That, coupled with the pickles and green beans and new potatoes brought us right back to my grandfather’s table.  He made the best chicken and fixin’s.  This rivaled his versions and, since his passing, constitutes the closest thing I’ve found.

Buffet Lines are kept well-stocked and clean.

Other “research trips” to the buffet lines included more fried chicken, Lil Pee Dee prefers the drumsticks, samples of different veggies and banana pudding with ‘nilla wafers.  The self-service soft drink machines make refills a snap.  With all that together, could there be a more comforting, family-friendly menu?  I think you’d be hard-pressed to convince me otherwise.

The decor is nostalgic and colorful.

So what did we not like about Schoolhouse Bar-B-Cue?  First, it’s not next door to our house.  If it was, that would be best.  Seriously, though, the only thing we came up with during our drive back home was the noise.  With hardwood floors, high ceilings and few soft surfaces the noise level, particularly in the large, back room where we sat could be deafening.  To remedy that however, next time we’ll sit in the room to the left of the front entry hall.  That room, we have figured out has several advantages.  First, it’s smaller and less congested.  Second, it’s cozier for conversations.  Third, it’s closer to the buffet!

Do we recommend Schoohouse Bar-B-Cue?  Absolutely, with a ”three gas pump” rating using our unique restaurant rating scale. 

Our advice?  Next Sunday after church, turn your car toward Scranton, be sure you have cash or a check and prepare yourself for a true taste of South Carolina.  We bet you won’t be disappointed.