Hickory Tavern — Restaurant in Southern Pines

Let me start by saying the '2' rating on the service was not for our server, it was the bar and kitchen. Please read on. My wife and I moved to Pinehurst just 3 weeks ago, from Boca Raton, FL. We've been impressed with the selection of the food with 15 minutes. We're still looking for a 'go to' casual place, so we tried Hickory Tavern at 2pm on a Saturday. It was a big place in the same vein as BWW. There were only about 12 customers (more than BWW!) and we were seated at a booth. Our server was very pleasant (everyone is very pleasant here compared to Boca), arrived quickly and took our drink and app order. They were out of Modelo Negra so my wife and I each order mixed drinks. Here is where the problem started. We waited at least 10 minutes for our drinks, and the place was basically empty. When they eventually did arrive, my wife's Long Island Iced Tea was not good. There are 4 different liquors in it but it didn't taste like it. My Moscow Mule was very good. We then sat and waited almost 15 minutes for our 6 wing app order. I think they were made in a convection oven (like World of Beer) and they were fantastic! Finally, our main course that we shared (fish and chips) came out in a reasonable amount of time and was also very good. They offer chips or fries and we went with the fries, which were excellent. The fish was nicely battered and very light with a really nice taste. The only complaint is that the portion could have been bigger. The prices on the food is a bit higher than most but only 1$-2$. Overall, we really enjoyed Hickory Taven. Great food, attentive server but the bar and kitchen are another story. We weren't in a hurry but they easily added 20 minutes to our lunch. We'll definitely be back but should it happen again. I'll ask for...

(Additional-Edit) We had the opportunity to go back, and I'm glad we did. Things were clean and looked to be running smoother. We were seated quickly with our food coming out timely and hot. I had the salmon again, and it was perfect! I questioned if it had been seasoned when it first arrived due to appearance, but it was perfect. No new pic to post as the food arrived, I was hungry, and it was delicious! I will recommend this place to others. Not sure what they did, but it worked. The wife and I are happy to be able to come back. Great job, guys!

(Edit) After posting this, the manager reached out through email and seemed genuine in getting the issues resolved. I have since raised my one-star review. We will be giving them some time to work out kinks and then visit again. I hope to raise my review after that, but more importantly, to have a fun place to go for an evening out.

(Original Post) We loved going there after first finding this place. (Yrs ago) Then the food and service started going downhill. Hadn't been back in a couple of years. Decided (or remembered it) to go and enjoy an evening there.

The food came, and the fries were cool. However, the salmon had seasoning just piled up onto it. Like gobs piled high to where it was dry powder on top. We scraped off what we could, but the seasoning was so overpowering to the point I couldn't get but half of mine down. The waitress finally came back, and we told her about the seasoning. She could care less. Service was sparse at best. I'm not sure the picture captures it well. The atmosphere was nice, but between the service and food, we won't be back.

The only good was we had plenty of room to go somewhere else...

Hickory Tavern is a regional chain of sports bar–style restaurants with locations across North Carolina, including Charlotte, Gastonia, Hickory, and Cary. It offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere ideal for watching games, enjoying comfort food, or grabbing drinks with friends. wanderlog.com

Atmosphere & Service

The ambiance varies by location. Most venues feature spacious dining areas with numerous TVs, including large projectors, creating an energetic environment for sports enthusiasts. Outdoor seating is available at some locations, providing a pleasant setting for dining.

Service is generally friendly, Positive experiences highlight attentive staff members.

Food & Drinks

Hickory Tavern's menu features a variety of American comfort foods, including burgers, wings, tacos, and salads. Popular items among diners include the Carolina cheesesteak and honey bee sting wings. While many patrons enjoy these dishes, others have reported inconsistencies in food quality, such as overcooked or underseasoned items. For example, some guests have mentioned that certain dishes lacked flavor or were not prepared to their liking.

The drink menu offers a selection of cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Some locations feature live music or DJs, enhancing the dining experience and contributing to the lively atmosphere.

Overall Experience

Hickory Tavern provides a vibrant setting for casual dining and sports viewing. While many guests appreciate the energetic atmosphere and menu offerings, experiences can vary depending on location and timing. For those seeking a lively environment to enjoy comfort food and drinks, Hickory Tavern can be a...