Open Flame Buffet & Grill

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.