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    Hickory Tavern

    3.0 (275 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

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    HICKORY TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

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    2-1/2 tenders instead of a chicken breast in the hot honey sandwich
    Chris C.

    This chain feels like it's close to the end, after years of steady decline. I've been frequenting this location for a while, I think at least 10 years. They started out with a decent menu of American pub food, and we would regularly eat there, often bringing family for an easy meal. We even booked a Christmas party for a group here. They stocked *some* local beers (mostly via inBev, not true local distributors) and had changing tables for the family in the restrooms (a pet peeve of mine - they actually installed them after we questioned it years ago.) But there's been a steady decline, especially in the last few years. The menu has gotten smaller, year after year. Favorites and sides disappear, all because they "take too long" - like baked potatoes. Then the burgers became "smash burgers" instead of a nice 1/2 lb patty. On the most recent trip, the "two 4oz smash patties" were just regular patties. The Diablo burger disappeared. And the menu was cut again. The new CEO in 2023 was responsible for a lot of this. I'm sure their "test kitchen" was more about speed, cost, and customer throughput than actual taste and quality. Then the chain was sold to a Florida company in 2025. So the Carolina based chain was cut further. Sure, they may have increased the salary for managers, but the quality and menu have been cut. Favorites are gone, or portions cut, or substitutions made with cheaper options. We've seen this happen with other local chains (Fox and the Hound) and sadly, it feels like Hickory Tavern is on its way out. On our recent visit, the crowd was sparse for a "Monday night football" evening. Usually it's standing room only at the bar, but the restaurant was at 10% capacity or less. I was surprised to see the cuts to the menu - I hadn't noticed the "smash burger" substitution, as I hadn't ordered burgers the last few times. But the "smash burger" my wife received was two plain patties, maybe the cook pressed hard on the flattop, but that's not a smash burger. I ordered the honey hot chicken sandwich. What should have been a chicken breast, was 2-1/2 tenders in a bun. Similar taste, but presentation matters, and the tenders kept falling out of the bun. Portions seemed smaller, buns were smaller, and the whole visit was disappointing. If someone went here for the first time, they'd probably think it was "okay", but not great. But knowing what this chain was like 10 years ago makes it worse. My prediction - management will go one of two ways - either fix the menu and bring back quality options, or they'll continue to cut until the restaurant suffers the same fate as similar chains that have gone under, like the Fox and the Hound. But unless they acknowledge the decline and choose the former option, this will most likely be our last visit to Hickory Tavern.

    Minister Brian B.

    Food was good had the make a salad, then tavern chips, and guest had a chicken dish. But came for live music, social interaction with barmaids. Nice restaurant not much vegetarian options. But good atmosphere and good space

    Menu side 1
    Olivia P.

    We went on a Monday night around 7pm and it was surprisingly busy. They said about 15 minute wait for a table for 4 but seated us in around 5 minutes!! The staff was friendly and attentive. Our food came out relatively quick, and my salad came out correct, but with a strange honey butter biscuit on the side? Not a fan of honey so I didn't eat it, but it wasn't even listed on the menu! Luckily I'm not allergic to gluten, hehe! Everyone in my party loved their meal. My salad was the perfect size, I finished every bite, but it tasted kind of bland? Wasn't sure if it was the ranch that was too plain, or the chicken! Another day I got the crispy chicken sandwich, Buffalo style. I expected some Buffalo sauce but I guess it was just the breaded Buffalo patty. The sandwich was dry, honestly, and I've never once complained that a burger or sandwich has been "too dry." The fries were good. Either way, the prices don't seem to match the quality of food you are getting. I would only return if I'm not the one paying!

    Fried cod and chips plus charred chicken wings, a jalapeno margarita, and a glass of pinot grigio at Hickory Tavern.
    Duncan M.

    This is one of our "go to" places for good food and beverage. The staff are always friendly and especially the folks behind the bar. We stopped there last night and ordered drinks and dinner. I had the fish and chips (fried cod) and Bethany had the half-price chicken wings. She split her 12 piece order between Bee Sting (honey with heat) and Buffalo. In both flavors, we ordered their "charred" wings. As always, the food was excellent. The cod was perfectly battered and fried. Did not need tartar sauce though it was served. The wings were great as always. If we want chicken wings, we go to Hickory Tavern (on Harris Corners in Charlotte) and get at least one flavor and get them charred. Also want to add that this is a place where we typically sit at the bar. The service is good anywhere in this restaurant (this location) but the bar is informal and it is easy to start a conversation with the bar tenders. Highly recommend avisit to Hickory Tavern.

    Ribs, tater tots & slaw Char Grilled Rib Entree
    Elaine S.

    Visiting from Texas--i loved this casual place. We enjoyed the sampler appetizer. It came with 4 dipping sauces & plenty of tasty bites. Then we had the char-grilled ribs. I loved the bbq sauce charred on the meaty ribs. Polite waitstaff, sports on TV and seated by a kind hostess. Its laid back atmosphere was relaxing.

    Customer service was terrible FIRE Ms KIM she had a lot attitude very disrespectful and served me a Coca-Cola lazily with Huge ice in it. The overall atmosphere of the place was great though without the waitress.

    Wafflewich
    Alexa C.

    Don't be intimidated by the Two sided menu - one is just for your delectable foods and the other side for a savory alcoholic option. No draft beer list, but when asking our server Shae, she was able to recommend some suggestions based off of our cravings. We got sat on the "upper deck" which was just a few inches higher than everyone else. A seat of royalty if you will, looking down on everyone else. I ordered the "Wafflewich" - a lightly fried chicken breast resting between two beautifully browned Belgian waffles. My partner went with the wings based off of our server's recommendations. She stated for a sports bar they were pretty good. You're able to tell they're frozen (could be a little tough) but still nice and crispy exterior. The sauce redeemed the wings. Overall good but not great. The "wafflewich" was MASSIVE. The waffles provided a sweet contrast to the steaming chicken. Definitely would recommend on an empty stomach! Make sure to ask for Shae - 10 out of 10 on service

    Review. Terrible terrible terrible experience.

    terrible service! Rude server! The server was slow and extremely rude! We asked for a manager because we wanted to pay for our drinks and leave. There are hundreds of restaurants that we could have gone to to eat in Charlotte but we chose this restaurant. Big mistake. Please read review on Google.

    Wings with fries
    Christian S.

    My family & I had a great experience at Hickory Tavern! We were seated quick and our waiter was full of energy and had our table laughing the whole time. The food was bomb! Those wings and sweet potato fries were a hit! The restaurant was nice, clean and had a great seating. I will be returning!

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    18 days ago

    Food came out hot and delicious. all of the staff, hostesses, our waitress Alex were phenomenal! Kind, respectful, and fun. Thanks Alex!

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    4 months ago

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    19 days ago

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    7 months ago

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    Thank you for taking the time to give us a review!

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    2 years ago

    I love the BYOS with salmon. The service has been pretty good as well both visits. It hits every time!

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    Thomas - Thank you for your feedback and review! :)

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    2 years ago

    Nice ambiance and good food. Very reasonably priced. Server was very helpful and personable.

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