By Justin Williamson
Today’s review is an easy one, as it’s been a community favorite for years now. Serving a lot of folks here in the Whiteville area, Ivey’s is a family run business area going on more than a decade. Due to their diverse menu, ease of access, and friendly service our family eats here at least every two weeks, but often more.
I sat for lunch yesterday with Mom and Pop, my sister and her daughter. We were seated quickly. The dining room is a fun atmosphere with a half-bar, half 50’s roadhouse vibe. There are both tables and booths available to make seating options easy. The presence of a lively jukebox and pool table in the bar area exemplifies their desire to be a place of fun and entertainment for their evening patrons, and they have a good number of regulars that really enjoy having a place to hang, get some food, and grab a brew or two. A quick note, this isn’t a quiet intimate space. It’s fun and even somewhat rambunctious at times!
The menu at Ivy’s is comprised mostly of salads, sandwiches, wings, fries, burgers and a selection of appetizers. There’s really something here for most folks to find enjoyable. Don’t be worried about portion size — salads are large and easily take care of two folks.
Pops swears by the grilled chicken salad, whereas I love a plate of chicken wings. I almost always go for a wing combo with their breaded fries and a mild sauce (I’m officially too old for hot sauces). They offer a boneless option for those who don’t care to eat “real” chicken. My wife’s go to is a double cheeseburger and she orders it often.
Service is always the prize factor that sets a great restaurant apart from a place that has good food, but maybe you’re not wanting to make it your go-to joint. Ivy’s is staffed by local-minded folks and the owner’s family. They always greet you and work hard to try to make sure you are served and have drinks. This is all we can ask from any establishment: just try to show us that we matter.
Ivy’s Cafe is definitely “In the Zone” and continually rates a strong 4/5 with me. I love their food and personal service. They are definitely my go-to joint for a wing fix in Whiteville.
For clarity I will add that I understand that it’s an easier option to use styrofoam plating and packaged silverware, but that’s the kind of things that keep them from being a 5/5 in my rating scale. Being truly encore-worthy requires an establishment to go that next step in wowing customer expectations. I’ve had the plastic forks break or melt on a few occasions; also styrofoam cups tend to cause the same issues if you’re not careful.
If you haven’t tried Ivy’s Cafe or it’s been a while since you popped in, get your butt over there and get yourself served! Ivy’s Cafe is located in the Whiteville Mini-Mall at the corner of U.S. 701 Bypass (JK Powell Boulevard) and Washington Street. They are open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday.
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