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The Hackney

4.4 (125 reviews)
Closed • Closed

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THE HACKNEY ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Outdoor seating

Recommended Reviews - The Hackney

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Filet mignon medallions
Melissa G.

Beautiful use of an old bank! The chef is a James Beard Nominee!! Good for him! We were in the area for two nights and we ate there both nights. This isn't like us, but it was so good I didn't want to go elsewhere. Everything we ordered was phenomenal! The service was wonderful and it costs what you'd expect for a place like this. The soft shell crab and grits - holy cow!!! That's the best sauce (gravy?) that I've ever tasted! Although the banana pudding wasn't traditional, it was the bomb (sorry, but it's a great way to describe it). If you go, make a reservation or plan to go early or later.

Ted G.

A bank-turned-restaurant carries an air of grandeur, blending historical elegance with modern dining charm. The high ceilings, once designed to exude power and wealth, now create a sense of spaciousness and sophistication. The ornate features that reflect the building's past, are now complimented with soft, ambient lighting and stylish furnishings that bring warmth and intimacy. A small restaurant menu is typically concise yet carefully curated, offering a selection of dishes that highlight quality over quantity. This one however is heavier on the surf than the turf and lacking in vegetarian options. Yes the entrees here are well prepared, but I feel this is where culinary artistry meets a bit of financial recklessness. At this esteemed establishment I feel they serve food not options, so accept the disgusting white fish on your Caesar salad, because they must be preordained by a culinary force greater than any individual preference. Fortunately they are gracious enough to offer a temp preference on the filet medallions and accompany them with a Demi glace that enhanced the flavor of the steak. Cheers!

Decaf espresso martini.
Jeff S.

Another fantastic culinary experience. We visited with dear friends to celebrate a job promotion and my wife's birthday. The restaurant was pretty full at 7 pm on a Saturday on Memorial Day weekend. We had a great experience and the chef and his team knocked it out of the ball park!

Corpse Reviver No 2 gin and tonic and sloe gin fizz
David Y.

As you can see here on Yelp, Sandy and I first visited The Hackney the year they opened, in October 2019. We've been trying to come back since then but only just made that happen this week. I stand by everything I said in my original review, which was well before Executive Chef Jamie Davis became a James Beard Award Finalist for Best Chef Southeast. A well-deserved acknowledgment of his work here. Sandy and I had dinner on back-to-back nights. We regret that they no longer do a Sunday brunch as they did in 2019 so we couldn't do the trifecta. (They do serve lunch from 12-2p on Saturdays.) Since my original review was comprehensive and still applies, let me just highlight some questions that this visit answered for us: (1) Can you take a perfect cocktail like The Last Word or Corpse Reviver No 2 and make it a "G&T" by adding tonic to it? Yes, yes you can. I was a bit concerned about doing this, but found the drinks quite refreshing as an appetizer companion compared to the originals. (2) Are those really collard greens? Yes, yes they are. Sandy and I kept asking ourselves that as we enjoyed the NC Collard Green Salad on day 2 (sorry, we ate before the camera). We've both eaten a lot of collards but nothing as crisp and refreshing as this salad. (3) Can you put trout in shrimp bisque? Yes, yes you can, especially if you put it on a bed of rice and shrimp. I was delighted at how well the bisque complemented the trout without overwhelming it. (4) Can you eat lionfish? Yes, yes you can. And if you serve it whole (bone in) and chicken fried you capture all of the juiciness of the meat. Between the trout and the lionfish I would choose the trout, but in 5 visits to The Hackney over 5 years I've never been disappointed in a menu item I've chosen. Congrats to Chef Jamie. Thanks to our server on both nights, Kayla Lilley, as well as the entire wait staff who chip in as needed. Owner Susanne worked front of house and made us feel very welcome, and we enjoyed re-connecting with owner Nick after so many years. Hope to see y'all again in fewer than 5 years!

Mussels
Lynette F.

It's always cool to find a repurposed building. This restaurant used to be a Bank. We discovered it while traveling in the area and took the opportunity to make a reservation online. We started with the Steamed Wild NC Shell'em Mussels appetizer along with a bottle of Ghostrunner red wine blend. Then for the main course we shared the NC Seared Swordfish and then finished with the Pumpkin Cheesecake. All the food is locally sourced and prepared with wonderful flavors. Service was awesome and the atmosphere was great with music.

Vault
MsJheri W.

This is a true gem, fine dining southern style. Flavorful and welcoming. Loved being in this space cant wait to visit The Hackney again!

Jennifer S.

We just came in to try the Gin. Distillery was closed but the restaurant gave tastings. Our bartender was amazing! Well versed in the gin AND she poured a true 2 oz pour. I had a field a dreams and he had blantenz

Pan seared flounder.
Elizabeth R.

Made reservations on Tuesday, 04 April 2023 while in town for business with a colleague. The Hackney is a lovely renovated older bank with high ceilings, chandeliers, and a gorgeous bar. There were few people-we guessed it was because in the small town of Washington businesses appeared to slow early in the week, if they were open at all. We both ordered pan seared flounder with morels, asparagus, clams, soft shell crab broth, and baby potatoes. It was delicious and just the right portion size. The Hackney also has an on-site distillery making specialty gins. We asked about a tasting and were treated to a personal tasting of three floral gins. Had we not been flying, I would have purchased some bottles. Parallel parking was available on the street. The Hackney would be a lovely location for special events.

Fish & Chips
Rebecca M.

The Hackney restaurant's building was once a bank. It has been renovated. The restaurant has a large and open feel. The menu has limited options so might not be the best option in town if looking for a diverse menu. I went with the fish & chips as I wanted to stick with the seafood while at the Inner Banks. The dish was amazing but they did forget to bring the chips out so I had to ask where they were as it was to come with the fried fish. It seems the employees should know what the four entrees on the menu are and what they come with.

Upstairs dining area

Excellent restaurant and experience! Loved both the food and atmosphere. The Filet Medallions were cooked perfectly and it was my first time having Soft Shelled Crab and it was nothing short of amazing. Both the Strawberry Creme Brulee and the Banana Pudding were delicious. The service was too notch and we will definitely be visiting again in the future.

Scallops

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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Nicholas S.

Thanks you for your 5* review, Please come back and see us soon!

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1 year ago

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3 years ago

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Nicholas S.

Thank you for your 5* review. We look forward to welcoming you back!!

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3 years ago

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Nicholas S.

Thanks for your 5* review! We look forward to welcoming you back

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10 months ago

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4 years ago

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1 year ago

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Nicholas S.

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

Great restaurant! Our server Kayley was very sweet & recommended the best espresso martini! Can't wait to get back!

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1 year ago

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3 years ago

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Nicholas S.

Thanks for your 5* review! We look forward to welcoming you back

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

The food and service is always excellent. Atmosphere is extremely nice as well. Definitely a place to try.

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1 year ago

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Nicholas S.

Thank you for your 5* review, we look forward to welcoming you back!

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1 year ago

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5 years ago

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3 years ago

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1 year ago

Amazing - been here 3 times - twice for lunch and once for dinner. One of my favorite restaurants in the southeast.

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Nicholas S.

Thank you for your 5* review! We look forward to welcoming you back!

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3 years ago

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1 year ago

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Thank you for your 5* review, we look forward to welcoming you back!

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1 year ago

Went one time. Food was good but it was dead when we went. Service was great. May go again

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

Great dining experience!! Excellent service and steaks were delivered as promised!! Awesome experience!

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Nicholas S.

Thank you for your 5* review we look forward to welcoming you back!

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3 years ago

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Ask the Community - The Hackney

What else is served besides seafood?

In addition to local fresh seafood, we have steak and vegetarian this evening. Our Menu can be found on our website. https://www.thehackneywashingtonnc.com/dinner-menu… Read more

View All 2 Questions

Blu Farm To Table

Blu Farm To Table

(66 reviews)

Where to start? Without overstating it, this is one of the best restaurants on the east coast. I've…read morelost count of the number of high end chefs whose meals we have enjoyed around the world and I'm not joking when I say that I can count on one hand the places that I would say are better than Blu. After numerous trips I still can't put my finger on what exactly is done differently at Blu to outperform so many fantastic restaurants. It's as if they have somehow managed the flavors of a Michelin restaurant with plating that isn't so... boring and sterile. Portion sizes are more than adequate, none of that one taste nonsense here. The service is always fantastic, professional and friendly. The owner is occasionally willing to share recipes with you and has never disappointed me with a recommendation. The cocktails? Just "wow". Perhaps what makes this place so fabulous is that they manage to do so well in so many categories. I'll consider that more in depth next time I make a reservation which may just have to be today. Speaking of, if you don't make a reservation, don't be disappointed when you don't have a seat. This isn't a place you can always walk in and sit down. They don't have many tables and it's obvious that they aren't the type of place to sit more people than they can take care of. Take some time, enjoy a drink and one of the best meals you'll have in the area. You won't regret it!

Good drinks, delicious food, friendly folks. What more could you want? When we dined here, it was a…read morebit chilly out. I can't wait to return in the summertime when they roll up the door and let the beautiful breeze in.

Baxter’s 1892 - mac n cheese with a mystery meat when I ordered short rib

Baxter’s 1892

(100 reviews)

Delicious food and our server was Cody and he was fantastic. The live music was a great touch to…read moremake the atmosphere feel like a special occasion.

I had been so looking forward to dining at Baxter's 1892 with the speak easy feel and the live…read moremusic. I tried to make reservation but the restaurant would not take a reservation for one so I went early. My options were the bar or in the dark tunnel. I chose the tunnel as I thought I was going to get a table not a high top there. Then where the menu was placed that would have me facing the back wall as the other seat was near the kitchen entrance. So I moved there but I still didn't have a view of the performers. So things didn't start well but I ordered the boba boat mocktail and the mac n cheese with short ribs. My waitress then informed me that they were out of the short rib and would brisket be ok. I hate brisket so I said no and she went and got me the menu to order something else. While I was looking at the menu with my phone flashlight (other tables had actual flashlights, they came prepared) as the tunnel was too dark to see without it, I was given mac n cheese with short rib according to the food runner. I questioned him as I had been told they were out but he went and checked and told me it was the last of the short rib. It was not short rib and someone lied. When the waitress returned, she thought it was burnt ends and checked with the kitchen and they told her brisket. Whatever the mystery meat was, it was not what I ordered. Did they think I wouldn't notice or know the meats are prepared differently. It is dark there so it is hard to know what you are eating. The mystery meat dish was taken back to the kitchen and I asked if they could prepare it with vegetables instead as mac n cheese seemed like the safest option on the menu with the mystery meats. I wish they just had what I originally ordered. The specialty made veggie dish was good but I expected more flavors with the cheese. It was kind of bland. I did try the dessert too. I got the strawberry lemonade cake. The strawberries were the best part as the cake was on the dry side. While eating this, the check was brought to the table. This is my biggest pet peeve to not wait until the guest is finished eating. The most frustrating part was that while they refused to increase the lighting when I arrived and asked as I couldn't read the menu. They immediately turned the lights up when another guest asked as I was finishing my dessert. The chef came to the table from the front dining area. It was my understanding that things were going to be made right. I didn't expect to be charged the full price for the dish without the premium meat. Then there was the service failure of bringing out a dish I hadn't ordered to begin with. The decor here is outstanding, with the copper ceilings and the speakeasy feel. The clock out front caught my attention too. They went all out with the details and elegance. So it is disappointing that the food and service is not up to the same standards.

Gretchen’s Bistro

Gretchen’s Bistro

(30 reviews)

Every time we're in Oriental visiting family, we make a point to come to Gretchen's Bistro. It's…read moreone of the few places that feels just as easy with kids as it does for a great meal out. The atmosphere is relaxed but still really well done, and the food has been consistently excellent. Service has always been welcoming and accommodating, which makes a big difference when dining with little ones. It's become part of our routine when we're in town, and somewhere we always look forward to coming back to.

We (14 of us!) dined at Gretchen's Bistro in Oriental last night. The trip out to Oriental was well…read moreworth it! We were seated at a large table in an enclosed patio of the restaurant. The seating and lighting were great. Our server, Kayla was very professional and efficient. As one might imagine, a seating of 14 can be difficult. She handled us with aplomb! Many different items were ordered. I started with the wedge salad where the iceberg lettuce, blue cheese crumbles and bacon were the stars of the show. I ordered the duck breast for my entree. The fat was perfectly rendered and the puréed carrots pair extremely well with the richness of the deck. A must have with the duck is their in-house made pear martini which blended perfectly with the fig sauce served over the duck. My husband ordered the Shrimp Cocktail as my appetizer. The shrimp were plump and perfectly steamed! The cocktail sauce was fresh made and delicious! His entree was Pistachio Butter Scallops. They were served on a bed of polenta with a side of haricot verts! The scallops were sautéed to a point where the edges were just ever so crispy while the interior of the scallop was tender and sweet! He said this was one of the best meals he'd have ever had and we've dined at many 4 & 5 star restaurants! I almost forgot to mention the bread service! We were offered either a Baguette or Focaccia bread. The focaccia was so outstanding, we bought an extra half loaf to bring home!!! Even though we were both happily satiated, we shared their pan fried pound cake with salted caramel gelato and chantilly cream for dessert! It was simply amazing! The management staff and chef came to our table to check on our service and meals. They were very appreciative of our glowing feedback! We'll definitely be coming back! I highly recommend going to Gretchen's Bistro in Oriental! You won't be disappointed! Sorry...only the one pic, because we were a large group enjoying a multitude of conversations.

The Hackney - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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