Standard Oyster Company — Restaurant in Hickory

First I’ll start with the good. Service was good, continuously refilling drinks and crab legs. Now for the not so good, the menu is very limited and expensive. You would think as much as we were paying there would be bread or hush puppies or something. Two people got steak and it was the worst tasting steak I’ve ever tasted, I tried a bite and spit it out, very sour bitter tasting like it was bad or something, still not sure how it could taste like that. They did take the steaks back and got to order something else. My 19 year old son ordered catch of the day(sword fish) to then be told they’re now out of sword fish (big disappointment) so she offers tuna and asks how he wants it cooked, medium well he chose. When his food came the tuna was cut several times and was a very thin tiny piece of tuna and was almost raw. This is very bad from several angles, please know how to cook and don’t cut into fish or steak to get it to the right temp. Food other than the crab legs was very bland. Please to the owner or manager of this place be a little more open with your menu. You pay $40 for a meal or $65 for crab legs but can’t pick what sides you want, very unpleasant. Give up on whoever is making the Mac and cheese and buy velveeta in a box (it’s way better). My 8 year old came up to me and said it was horrible and several others agreed. I have two stars because the crab legs weren’t bad and the waitress was good at keeping them coming. If you’re looking to sit at tables there are only 5 or so tables outside which was fine for us because we knew that going there but just letting others know it’s just a bar on the inside. I was looking forward to trying this place out and was left with a bad taste...

If you’re craving seafood that sings with freshness and flavor, look no further than Standard Oyster Company. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is energetic yet welcoming—like a seaside escape tucked right into North Carolina.

Let’s talk about the grit cakes first: golden, creamy, and kissed with just the right amount of crisp. They’re the kind of Southern comfort that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. Pair them with their perfectly seared tuna, and you’ve got a plate that’s both elegant and soul-satisfying.

Now, the oysters—oh, the oysters! Whether you go raw, broiled, or Rockefeller-style, they’re fresh, briny, and beautifully presented. Each one tastes like a whisper from the ocean. And the shrimp? Plump, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. Whether grilled or nestled in a low country boil, they’re a standout.

The staff is attentive without being overbearing, and the atmosphere strikes that rare balance between upscale and laid-back. It’s the kind of place where you can celebrate a special occasion or just treat yourself because you deserve it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Standard Oyster Company isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to seafood. If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out on one of Hickory’s...

Overpriced and under-seasoned.

The oysters and scallops were great! But basically everything else was very average if not actually disappointing. The risotto that came with the scallops was very under-seasoned and bland. The crab cake had very little meat and a ton of filling; it was also very dark and small, looking like it had been overcooked. It just kind of crumbled when you put your fork in it. We liked the sauce it came with though! The blackened shrimp pasta was fine... Nothing memorable, but not bad. Again, it didn't taste like much. The portion sizes we're all a bit off: the crab cake appetizer was very small, the scallops appetizer could have been a full meal, and the pasta was huge; more than enough for two people.

The atmosphere was a bit strange too. It was simultaneously quite noisy and weirdly quiet. It felt like everyone could hear what you were saying, and while there was some music we couldn't really hear it. The sound of the fan was a bit overwhelming and made it hard to hear our waiter. The seating is unique and seems cool until you go to get up and there's another person's seat trapping you in.

Overall it seems like a place that's trying to be posh, but...