The first Hickory’s Smokehouse opened in Chester in 2010 and since then, other restaurants have opened for the public’s enjoyment, including one on the outskirts of Nottingham in Nuthall.
Hickory’s – first impressions upon arrival
Arriving at Hickory’s on a late Monday afternoon, I was surprised how busy the restaurant was – obviously, our fellow diners knew something I didn’t. The car park was nearly full, though thankfully I had reserved a table. Considering that we are always told that there is a cost of living crisis, I am always amazed at how busy restaurants and hospitality businesses still are.
The distinctive exterior architecture of Hickory’s makes it stand out – imagine an American southern ranch and you will get the idea. Inside, the theme continues with country music softly played over the PA system and a long saloon style bar which is sure to catch your eye before you are seated in either one of the cosy booths or another seating area.
With a small indoor movie theatre and outdoor play area for children, Hickory’s is very popular with young families, though of course the restaurant is aimed at anyone who appreciates good friendly service, tasty food, and dining somewhere that is a little out the ordinary. Our fellow diners ranged from twenty years of age to at least seventy.
Different, delectable, delightful
The menu is printed newspaper style on a broadsheet where a tempting array of options greets the hungry diner. The aromas wafted across from the kitchen and it felt like we had left Nottingham for Texas! A bowl of popcorn was swiftly placed on the table to whet my appetite, along with a jug of water – a good start where the quality of service never faltered.
I started with the Classic Corn Dogs (£8.50), three sausages dipped and fried in a cornmeal batter served with South Carolina barbecue sauce, crispy shallots and bacon bits. Be warned – they were a hearty start to our meal, very filling and best shared between two.
For my main I chose the Go Big or Go Home (£19.99), three toasted buns, two prime-beef patties, a Southern fried chicken fillet, streaky bacon, magic-dusted pork collar, a hash brown, two slices of American style cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and Hickory’s burger sauce. All of this was served with Skin-on Fries and House Slaw. The name gives it away – I only managed half of the stacked burger and had to take it home (the restaurant will box up any of your leftovers to enjoy at home).
After a long breather, I was able to tackle a dessert – Hickory’s Krispie Rocky Road, Rich Chocolate and Hazelnut (£5.25) with Fro-Co frozen custard straight up, or select one of their house combos. It resembled ice cream served in what looked like a jam jar pot – a novel idea which really summed up the Hickory’s dining experience: different, delectable, and delightful.
Delicious deals
From Mondays to Thursdays, Hickory’s offers Smokin’ deals, all priced at £12.99, including the Big Chicken Bucket (Mondays), the Hog Heaven (Tuesdays), the Steak and Shake (Wednesdays) and the Barbecue Blowout on Thursdays. They have also taken the step of adding a discretionary 7.5% contribution to the tip jar onto your bill. All of it goes to your servers, bar team, kitchen team etc, along with a donation to ‘Cash for Kids’. Of course, if for any reason, you would prefer not to tip, then just ask and they will take it off.
For somewhere to dine that is out of the ordinary with good food and service to match, Hickory’s Smokehouse is a great dining option to consider visiting ‒ a taste of fine Americana and Southern cuisine, and ‘swell’ for any occasion.
