Brevard’s Hickory House — Restaurant in Brevard

I almost don't want to share my experience with Sunday breakfast buffet at Brevard's Hickory House, but that is because I don't want the secret to get out.

Food: It was $25 ($12.50 for children) before tax and tip, but the options were warm and ample.

Biscuits and gravy, eggs with the cheese, chocolate chip buttermilk pancakes, stringed green beans, collard greens, baked beans, baked mac and cheese, fried half-breast chicken, meatloaf, pulled pork and brisket. In-house sauces available.

All options kept warm and restocked several times during this visit. Locally sourced and prepared. No complaints or concerns in the slightest, other than it could become too popular if the word gets out before the after-church crowd arrives.

Service: Classy complementary plastic dinnerware (not a detraction or aversion) allows friendly kitchen staff to focus on preparing a variety of dishes for this ample buffet spread and keep the bottom line down. Teenage waitresses did circle for multiple beverage refills and paper plate clearings, but that was not needed for the buffet as it was just as easy for self-service on the way back from the line.

That brief amount of exercise was needed for the three trips I ingested and welcomed my this satiated consumer. Buffet opened at 10 a.m. and I arrived at 11 for personal service from the owner and staff without delay. Legitimate smiles from all involved.

Atmosphere: Longtime locals will remember Lola's catering and Old Hickory House before that on Country Club Road and retaining the log cabin and exposed rafters aesthetic easily invoked the nostalgia of those classic country cooking establishments.

Interior tables are well-spaced apart and volume of traditional country music does not overwhelm any close conversation. First-come covered outside seating offers peaceful view of lush green meadow complete with furnished picnic tables, safe children's play area and peaceful onsite garden containing playful pollinators fluttering about.

Exactly the chill Sunday morning I was looking for. Experience was as advertised and appreciated.

Suggestions: Any would be gluttonous, but maybe I missed the bacon or sausage links/patties I had hoped to ingest until I popped a button or three. Only other non-complaint would be adding blueberry or plain pancakes to drown in a variety of syrups, but I bet they rotate those in on other Sundays because you can tell the options are well-thought out and intentional.

Additional dessert options: Those post-buffet outsourced doughnuts and cakes sang a sweet, seductive and sugary sinful siren song, but my already expanding waistline screamed to ignore their interior demonic dietary discussion and I was able to put it all in the review without any further temptation to purchase any extra culinary compulsions as I made my egress. Maybe next time, if the seams allow.

Insider tips: Friendly server suggested it would get busy once church let out, but I was able to exit to the grassy parking lot before anyone other than the family of eight who were there before me departed. They were extolling the eatery's virtues to an incoming customer as I left without prompting, so you know it really is that good.

New entrance on the left side of the building has replaced the previous one on the right, but that is now the main departure point so keep that in mind if this is a return visit for you. The ramp on the right allows disability access, but it may be a tight squeeze past outside patrons to get to the new main entrance around the left corner. Plan accordingly as necessary.

TL/DR: You can get a lot for your money at Sunday brunch at Brevard's Hickory House if that is what you want. It is a sustainable innovation on a Transylvania County country-cooking tradition and a tasty welcome addition off Country Club Road if you can keep the secret. Bring your appetite and you won't be disappointed in any way at all. Sunday buffet is served 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so arrive early if you want an ample warm breakfast/lunch experience served at...

The price is high. I don't mind if the food is good. Unfortunately the pork was dry and it didn't have any smoke flavor at all. The brisket wasn't smoked. If it was supposed to be they failed. We thought it might have been roasted. Not what I expected at all. It was moist and did have a good beef flavor. The sides were awful. I think the mashed potatoes were instant. No butter or gravy. I couldn't even eat them. The macaroni and cheese had a good cheese flavor but was dry. My husband got baked beans. He said they were bland. He got green beans. They were covered by dark greens and when he finally found a green bean it was bitter. The apple slaw was pretty good. Our grandson had chicken tenders. He said they were ok. He got a donut for dessert. He didn't even eat it. I tasted a bite. It was like eating a dinner roll that had icing on it. We didn't eat that either. They had a few different sauces. I mixed the honey with the sweet one. It was ok but not a traditional bbq sauce. It was Friday at 5:45 and there were only 3 other tables occupied. Needless to say we won't be going back. Oh I forgot the waitress tried to give us the wrong order twice. When she finally got our order to the table she said the pork was beef. Even after questioning it. We swapped meals...

As the owner of Brevard Hickory House, I built this place with one goal—serve incredible food to our community. We’re casual, but our meals are crafted by real chefs using fresh, locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients. Think quick service speed with restaurant-quality flavor.

We’ve got some exciting things coming—Sam’s delicious donuts, a coffee bar, and down the road, beer and wine. We’re also setting up for future events like movie nights, local artists, comedy shows, and live music.

Right now, it’s all about the food. Table service might come later, but for now you can grab your meal to take home or enjoy it here in our dining room. Either way, I promise—you’ll taste...