We drove 40 minutes from Taylorsville after church to try The Ballard Bakery & Bistro for the first time, and it was a huge disappointment. Nowhere online or on the door did it say that reservations were required although they said just preferred, they wouldn’t seat us so that means required. We walked in as a family of five, saw several empty tables, and the host immediately asked in front of everyone if we had reservations. When we said no, he said they couldn’t seat us — maybe “at some point today,” but not for a while — and the way he said it was just rude and embarrassing.
We turned around and left. As first-time customers who drove a long way, we were really hoping for a friendly, welcoming experience. Instead, we felt unwelcome and humiliated. If reservations are necessary, they should make that very clear instead of treating walk-ins like an inconvenience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Kristen Y
What a wonderful way to celebrate 15 years of marriage! Fantastic food and service!! So nice to have an elegant restaurant in our neighborhood!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Judy Hendrickson
Our first visit was today but definitely won't be our last. Tranquil atmosphere, very attentive staff, and excellent food. We look forward to going again soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Krystal Helton
Amazing!! Food service and atmosphere can’t say anything negative! The food is amazing and for our area I’d rate it the BEST in 10 counties!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Richard Leo LaMotte
THIS is the REASON business’s in this area FAIL….
We were SO looking forward to trying this new place in our area, drove over from Lenoir for a lunch date.
We walked into a restaurant with about 5 tables of people. We went to sit down, and a women came over to tell us, “ummm can ya’ll come back, I am the only one here” (she was NOT as there were others working in back, we saw them)
NOT, I am sorry, the service will be slow today folks, I am trying the best I can but the only one serving”
NO….just “can ya’ll come back”
We were shocked
Simply turning customers away…how about “please come back and give us a chance, or enjoy a pastry on us” NOTHING….just “come back”
Well the answer is NO we will NOT come back, NOR will we promote or support your business, you are RUDE and do NOT know the first thing about customer service.
Not only that, we will tell this story over and over again, for every ONE lost customer, you lose THREE!
Good luck with your business model, I am sure this space will be available soon, with these practices.
SO DISAPPOINTING as we REALLY wanted to support this local business and try it….
Maybe CLOSE, GO back to school for SERVICE etiquette or better yet, bring me in and I will teach you about service, as I do it for a living at a VERY high level….
We are VERY sad about this!
Mary Christine
We had a reservation of 9-08, 2025 for party of six. We looked online and since we have a business down the road we thought we would try it. However; online looks different than actual resturant. For the prices you would expect linen tablecloths, candlelight and flowers. My husband had a filet which was supposed to be medium rare was medium well. My son ordered New York medium rare which came out correct but was dry and had no taste. The hamburger's were great; the Truffle mushroom chicken had a funky taste and presentation was not appealing. The best part of the meal was the bottle of champagne, house salad and toast. We have a house in Florida also and most resturants there always wait till last to bring out the steaks which they brought out first while we had to wait on the chicken. Usually at a really nice steakhouse you expect your meal to be anywhere from $300 to $400. However the quality, ambiance and service was not there. Way to loud. With a tip our bill was $548.67. I would not recommend or ever go back. This place is way overpriced and overated online.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Bob in CLT
This is an amazing experience, and quite unexpected in Hudson, NC. Outstanding food; warm, friendly service; and a delightful atmosphere. Outstanding! My only hesitancy is I don’t want it to be TOO difficult to get a reservation!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nicole Highsmith
Unbelievable desserts! We had salmon with sun-dried tomatoes and pork medallions. Fantastic food - a hidden gem you would expect to find in a larger city. We will try their brunch next. Loved the French press coffee
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joe MC
Absolutely amazing. That’s all I can say.
Katheryn Walker
I first learned of this restaurant from a video review on Facebook which enticed me to make reservations. It will not disappoint. From the friendliness of the staff who make you feel like family instead of just guests to the culinary expertise of the chefs - you will want to return. The salmon dish last night was the best ever, period. Desserts are made in house so do not miss out- share if you must if you are counting calories. All I can say is do not walk- run for this dining experience.
We will be back! Crepes, pork belly, steak, and cheesecake were amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Clyde Church
A hidden gem in Hudson. Can't wait to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gina Anderson
The Allard is currently my favorite restaurant. The food is perfectly prepared and presented. The flavor is divine. The staff make you feel as though you are the only guest in the restaurant. It is off the beaten path and it takes some time to reach but it is so worth the effort. I was too busy eating to take photos but rest assured you will be delighted by the atmosphere and quality of this dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gods Eyes
The food was phenomenal the pricing for a experience like this wasn't bad either I really enjoyed how attentive the staff where with all of our needs everything was seasoned and cooked perfectly
We drove 40 minutes from Taylorsville after church to try The Ballard Bakery & Bistro for the first time, and it was a huge disappointment. Nowhere online or on the door did it say that reservations were required although they said just preferred, they wouldn’t seat us so that means required. We walked in as a family of five, saw several empty tables, and the host immediately asked in front of everyone if we had reservations. When we said no, he said they couldn’t seat us — maybe “at some point today,” but not for a while — and the way he said it was just rude and embarrassing.
We turned around and left. As first-time customers who drove a long way, we were really hoping for a friendly, welcoming experience. Instead, we felt unwelcome and humiliated. If reservations are necessary, they should make that very clear instead of treating walk-ins like an inconvenience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
What a wonderful way to celebrate 15 years of marriage! Fantastic food and service!! So nice to have an elegant restaurant in our neighborhood!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our first visit was today but definitely won't be our last. Tranquil atmosphere, very attentive staff, and excellent food. We look forward to going again soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing!! Food service and atmosphere can’t say anything negative! The food is amazing and for our area I’d rate it the BEST in 10 counties!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
THIS is the REASON business’s in this area FAIL…. We were SO looking forward to trying this new place in our area, drove over from Lenoir for a lunch date. We walked into a restaurant with about 5 tables of people. We went to sit down, and a women came over to tell us, “ummm can ya’ll come back, I am the only one here” (she was NOT as there were others working in back, we saw them) NOT, I am sorry, the service will be slow today folks, I am trying the best I can but the only one serving” NO….just “can ya’ll come back” We were shocked Simply turning customers away…how about “please come back and give us a chance, or enjoy a pastry on us” NOTHING….just “come back” Well the answer is NO we will NOT come back, NOR will we promote or support your business, you are RUDE and do NOT know the first thing about customer service. Not only that, we will tell this story over and over again, for every ONE lost customer, you lose THREE! Good luck with your business model, I am sure this space will be available soon, with these practices. SO DISAPPOINTING as we REALLY wanted to support this local business and try it…. Maybe CLOSE, GO back to school for SERVICE etiquette or better yet, bring me in and I will teach you about service, as I do it for a living at a VERY high level…. We are VERY sad about this!
We had a reservation of 9-08, 2025 for party of six. We looked online and since we have a business down the road we thought we would try it. However; online looks different than actual resturant. For the prices you would expect linen tablecloths, candlelight and flowers. My husband had a filet which was supposed to be medium rare was medium well. My son ordered New York medium rare which came out correct but was dry and had no taste. The hamburger's were great; the Truffle mushroom chicken had a funky taste and presentation was not appealing. The best part of the meal was the bottle of champagne, house salad and toast. We have a house in Florida also and most resturants there always wait till last to bring out the steaks which they brought out first while we had to wait on the chicken.
Usually at a really nice steakhouse you expect your meal to be anywhere from $300 to $400. However the quality, ambiance and service was not there. Way to loud. With a tip our bill was $548.67. I would not recommend or ever go back. This place is way overpriced and overated online.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
This is an amazing experience, and quite unexpected in Hudson, NC. Outstanding food; warm, friendly service; and a delightful atmosphere. Outstanding!
My only hesitancy is I don’t want it to be TOO difficult to get a reservation!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unbelievable desserts! We had salmon with sun-dried tomatoes and pork medallions. Fantastic food - a hidden gem you would expect to find in a larger city. We will try their brunch next. Loved the French press coffee
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely amazing. That’s all I can say.
I first learned of this restaurant from a video review on Facebook which enticed me to make reservations. It will not disappoint. From the friendliness of the staff who make you feel like family instead of just guests to the culinary expertise of the chefs - you will want to return.
The salmon dish last night was the best ever, period. Desserts are made in house so do not miss out- share if you must if you are counting calories. All I can say is do not walk- run for this dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The best place to eat at Lenoir NC
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We will be back! Crepes, pork belly, steak, and cheesecake were amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A hidden gem in Hudson. Can't wait to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Allard is currently my favorite restaurant. The food is perfectly prepared and presented. The flavor is divine. The staff make you feel as though you are the only guest in the restaurant. It is off the beaten path and it takes some time to reach but it is so worth the effort. I was too busy eating to take photos but rest assured you will be delighted by the atmosphere and quality of this dining experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was phenomenal the pricing for a experience like this wasn't bad either I really enjoyed how attentive the staff where with all of our needs everything was seasoned and cooked perfectly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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