Vintage House Restaurant — Restaurant in Hickory

We had booked a table for our anniversary. We arrived 10 minutes early, and we promptly seated in a room to the right of the entrance. There were two other tables of 8 in the room which had just been seated before us. We were a 2 top table in the middle of the room.

Noise levels were quickly escalating, and it became obvious that this was not going to be the intimate setting we desired. We asked to be seated elsewhere because of the noise. We were taken upstairs to a much quieter room.

Our server promptly took our drink and appetizer orders. As we settled in, we took in the beautiful house. Noise from downstairs would occasionally travel up the steps, but for the most part, it was quiet and relaxing.

We enjoyed our appetizer of mushroom with lump crab and a delicious sauce. Our server came to take our entrée order. She ordered the rack of lamb, and I ordered the special of the night, which was beef tenderloin medallions with risotto and lump crab. This is where the night went down hill.

After a 15 min wait, our server approached, and I was informed they did not have the special anymore. Odd that I would have to wait 15 to be told of this. I changed my order to the NY Strip steak and we went back to chatting. After about 20 min, our food arrived. It was very nicely plated and smelled amazing! She ordered the rack of lamb, medium rare. As she cut into it, it was apparent it was more on the well done spectrum. My steak was also ordered medium rare. After cutting into it, it was plainly rare. We decided to send them back. While waiting on the server, a few bites were taken of the sides, mashed potatoes and rainbow carrots. Hers were cold. Mine wasn't very warm either. Finally our server arrived and we explained our issues. She took my plate and told me she would have the kitchen cook the steak a tad more. What she did next puzzled me. She brought another order of sides to replace the ones which were cold. But she failed to address the over cooked lamb. Now, she had cold lamb and warm sides. My steak came back from the kitchen and was barely any more cooked than it was before. At this point, the server could tell we were not pleased and said she would send the manager.

About 15 min later the manager arrives and apologized for the inconsistencies of our meal. She had the kitchen refire both entrées. The replacements were cooked properly and were the correct temperatures. We nibbled on them and took the rest home. At this point we had been there almost three hours! The server informed us the bill had been comped, but we still wanted to take care of her. She ran a tab for a penny and we tipped on what the original amount would have been.

The food was very flavorful and the atmosphere was wonderful. I'm hoping the kitchen was just having an off night. I will be going back at some point and giving them a shot...

We use to come here probably once a week. Unfortunately in the years we’ve been coming here they continue to make changes for the worse. First they made a big deal about their new menu launch. Ended up being mostly the same but now higher prices, smaller portions and credit card fees, no salads with pastas etc. All the changes were designed to nickel and dime customers at an already fairly pricey restaurant. They did walk back some of those changes as they did not have the cc fees and did have a side salad (although smaller than before) on our last visit.

After that we stopped coming as much. Maybe once or twice a month. However after our last visit I think we are done and will be moving on from Vintage House.

On our last visit we arrived at 7pm and the place was still fairly empty. However we were informed they had run out of basically all the appetizers, but they had their rolls, which are very good but they do charge $7 for them. So we ordered that. They come back a few minutes later sorry they messed up the rolls and so they don’t have rolls either. Ok so no appetizers or rolls, guess we’ll just have our mains.

I ordered the fettuccine with scallops. It was good, their food is usually good, however the portion was tiny. Maybe 3 bites of pasta and a couple of small scallops. Mind you it cost $38 at the time of this review. For a couple of tiny scallops and pasta… one of the cheapest ingredients in the world.

My girlfriend ordered the gnocchi bolognese. Unfortunately she got fettuccine bolognese instead. Apparently they rant out of gnocchi also. Didn’t bother to tell her since I guess they believe gnocchi and fettuccine are basically the same thing.

So after all was said and done $130 later for just 2 entrees and 3 drinks (because they had nothing else) we had to go get a snack elsewhere because we left hungry.

The manager did come over and try to explain/justify why they don’t have anything and why they just gave her fettuccine instead of what she ordered and gave us a $25 gift card or something to use on our next visit. There will be no next visit so thanks I guess.

Their food is good and the service is always great, but unfortunately it appears to have been sold at some point to some corporation only interested in the bottom line that continues to make changes to improve the bottom line at the expense of the customer experience. It is no longer worth the price for us so we...

The Bride and I went there Friday evening, 07/22/2022. The place is a converted older home (the early 1900s), and the interior decor is warm and inviting, with a modern twist in the bar area. We were promptly seated, waters were already filled, and our server came within moments. Our server, a lovely young woman named Rikki, was professional, cheerful, courteous, and highly personable. Drink orders were given, and she was back with them before one knew it. The drinks were generous and correct. She reviewed additions to the menu. I ordered the featured appetizer, roasted wild mushroom flatbread, and the rack of lamb. The bride went with the Charlotte Restaurant week Prix Fie menu and ordered a caesar salad, blackened pork tenderloin, and the crepe with berries.

We also ordered a bottle of wine presented after the appetizer (which we requested) and before the entre. Rikki skillfully and correctly presented the bottle, then we asked her to skip the "formality" and just to pour. We knew the wine because we've been to this particular winery in Sanoma County, CA, and are fans.

The Caser salad was spot on and traditional. No "twists" or trying to bring it "forward." Plain, simple, refreshing, and the dressing was above average. My flatbread was a solid 9 out of 10. The mushrooms were fresh, the plate fragrant, and generously portioned. I really enjoyed it. My Brides entree was not only plated attractively, but it also was delicious, and the description from the menu was 100%. The pork was cooked medium (as it should be) served with roasted heirloom carrots and, young green beans, and a potato mash. My lamb was slightly above medium - I had asked for it medium rare. The peppercorn demi was wonderful. It was also served with the same heirloom roasted carrot and green beans and potato mash.

I ordered the blueberry cheesecake at Rikki's suggestion. I couldn't have been more pleased. It was not only attractive and the entire "cke" studded with blueberry pieces one could really taste them. The bride enjoyed her dessert too.

Over all (I never give 10's because that implies perfection)_ this is a 9 of 10 experience. The total including tax was $195.00. 2 cocktails, a bottle of wine appetizer, entree and dessert. For the atmosphere, wonderful service, quality and quantity of food it was well worth it. We will be returning sooner than later. Well done...