Bates House of Turkey Is a Classic I-65 Sandwich Stop

What the ratings suggest

Bates House of Turkey carries a strong 4.4 Google rating from more than 1,600 reviews, a substantial vote of confidence for this longtime Greenville stop. Public feedback most often frames it as a practical break for travelers heading north or south on Interstate 65, especially those looking for a fresh turkey sandwich rather than standard roadside fast food.

The overall rating points to a broadly positive experience, but the sample reviews are more divided than that score alone might imply. Several diners describe excellent customer service, tender turkey and sandwiches worth returning for. Others report a noticeable decline in food quality and upkeep. That split makes Bates a reasonable recommendation with qualifications rather than an automatic must-stop.

What diners like

Turkey sandwiches are the clearest draw. Multiple reviewers call them delicious or single them out as the reason to stop, while another praises the freshness of the sandwiches more generally. A diner ordering a fuller plate found the turkey especially tender and also liked the stuffing and gravy. These comments suggest the restaurant performs best when the turkey remains the focus.

Service also receives direct praise. More than one reviewer reports friendly or excellent customer service, adding to the appeal for travelers who want a straightforward meal without a lengthy detour. The walls reportedly display plenty of local history, giving the older-looking dining room some character even if the setting itself does not feel polished.

The selection extends beyond food eaten on-site. One reviewer appreciated frozen prepared dishes intended for cooking later, along with desserts and turkey jerky. Those items may make the restaurant useful as both a meal stop and a place to pick up food for the road or home.

Where experiences diverge

Consistency is the principal concern. One chef’s turkey salad arrived without tomatoes because the restaurant had run out, and the diner considered the portion of thinly sliced turkey and boiled egg too small. Another customer who requested light mayonnaise received a sandwich heavily dressed with it and found the vegetable sides soggy.

More seriously, one review described dirty tables and restrooms and raised concerns about pest-control traps. That is a single account within the provided sample, so it should not outweigh more than 1,600 ratings by itself. Still, it is specific enough to note, particularly alongside the reviewer’s claim that standards had slipped.

The service format may also affect expectations. A reviewer describes counter ordering, self-serve drinks, plasticware and food served on disposable plastic, then objects to being prompted for a tip. Diners expecting table service or traditional dinnerware may find the moderate price level less compelling.

The bottom line

Bates House of Turkey appears best approached for its signature sandwiches and tender turkey, not for atmosphere. Its large review base and 4.4 rating indicate many satisfied customers, particularly road-trippers and repeat sandwich fans. Yet the negative reports about portions, order accuracy, soggy sides and cleanliness introduce enough uncertainty to temper the recommendation. For a quick turkey-centered stop near I-65, it remains a credible Greenville option, provided diners arrive with casual expectations and check current conditions.