Discover the best restaurants in Hickory, North Carolina, with our curated guide to top dining spots in Catawba County.
If you’re searching for good food in Catawba County, North Carolina, you’d better believe there are some great restaurants in Hickory. As one of the biggest cities in Western North Carolina (after Asheville), Hickory is full of places to eat with a great atmosphere, delicious menu items, and friendly service.
Whether you’re passing through on I-40 (exits 125 and 138), spending the weekend here, or living in the area, we think you’ll love our choices for where to eat in Hickory.
After thoroughly exploring the culinary scene in this vibrant city, we’re excited to share our top restaurant recommendations in Hickory. This guide also includes a bonus spot you won’t want to miss—perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
Here’s a quick outline to everything we cover in our guide:
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Enter the Conversation!Map of Restaurants in Hickory NC
Our food guides are always expanding, so if we leave something out, it’s because our stomachs are only so big! Please let us know if there’s a place you love that we’ve missed, and we’ll try it as soon as possible.
If you’d like to visually plan your trip through these restaurants in Hickory, check out our map.
Read More: Our North Carolina Travel Map
List of the Best Hickory Restaurants Featured in this Guide
- Boca
- Cafe Rule
- Charlie Graingers
- Cowa-Saké
- Cranford Brother’s Barbecue
- Fourk
- Frothy Rooster
- Hatch Sandwich Bar
- Las Isabelas
- Main Chick Jammin’ Biscuits
- Notions
- Olde Hickory Station and Market
- Olde Hickory Tap Room
- Standard Oyster Company
- Taste Full Beans
- Udderly Delicious
- Vintage House
- Taproot Coffee Roasters (Bonus Coffee Shop)
Boca
Address: 74 8th Street Suite 108, Hickory, NC
Website
Boca, located in the Moretz Mills shopping area, is a tapas restaurant influenced by Spain’s idea of sharing good times with friends and enjoying food in an unrushed manner.
Owners Youssef and Carol Amrani’s bring that philosophy to Boca, along with a beautiful space that has become one of the best restaurants in Hickory.
Along with tapas, you can order big plates, too. Many of Boca’s menu items come with a heavy Moroccan or Italian influence.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via Boca’s website.
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Cafe Rule
Address: 242 11th Ave NE, Hickory, NC
Website
Some of the best pasta I’ve ever had was at this Hickory restaurant. Delicate, savory, and perfectly balanced in flavor. Café Rule is an upscale restaurant designed to impress, featuring lobster cream crab cakes, fresh pasta of the week, and wood-fired pizza (with gluten-free options!)
Cafe Rule’s dining experience is only made better by its beautiful location. The outdoor garden patio is stunning, filled with greenery and string lights overhead, and the indoor seating is just as classically stunning.
Elevate your dining experience to new heights with the exclusive Chef’s Table at Cafe Rule. Start your evening on the private patio with handcrafted signature cocktails, then step behind the scenes for a custom-curated menu prepared just for you.
This unforgettable experience offers you and your guests a rare, up-close look at the artistry and talent of our chefs, perfect for an intimate, one-of-a-kind culinary adventure.
Charlie Graingers
Address: 2450 N Center St, Hickory, NC
Website
Charlie Grainger was an accomplished musician who traveled the country playing packed orchestra houses. He and his wife settled in North Carolina after his retirement and opened “Peacock Alley” in Wilmington.
The original Peacock Alley was then bought by Louis North in 2012 and named after Charlie to pay homage to his legacy. The name changed but you’ll find reminiscent southern fare in a similarly relaxed atmosphere as Peacock Alley.
While that original spot has changed hands and names, Charlie Graingers remains in North Carolina. One of its locations is among the best restaurants in Hickory NC.
Stop by for fresh ingredients to go into and on their hot dogs, brisket, barbecue, gluten-free options, and more! Add in top-notch customer service and an amazing atmosphere and they’ve hooked people like us for more.
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Cowa-Saké
Address: 1 N Center St #250, Hickory, NC
Website
Get the best in fusion at Cowa-Saké! This Japanese-style Hickory restaurant serves it all with a flair of flavor. Cowa Sake is an excellent restaurant in Hickory that will please the entire group!
Order some sushi rolls for the table, devour a burger with nori seasoned fries, and enjoy a drink from their fantastic cocktail menu.
Cranford Brother’s Barbecue
Address: 205 Main Ave NE, Hickory, NC
Website
In North Carolina, barbecue is a noun that we take very seriously. Cranford Brothers Barbecue understands that passion and delivers on it daily. While rooted in North Carolina-style ‘cue, their menu goes beyond the pork.
They smoke their meats fresh every day, serving up pulled pork, beef brisket, turkey, jalapeño cheddar sausage, ribs, and bone-in chicken—all packed with bold, smoky flavor.
Not only does Cranford Brother’s smoke their meat, but they also have a wide selection of house-made sauces: Eastern, Western, “Bestern”, Gold, and if you ask really nicely they’ll bring out some Alabama white sauce too!
Pair your meat with some cheesy apples, mac n cheese that slaps, and a pint of City Walk Brewing.
Fourk
Address: 1410 4th Street Drive NW, Hickory, NC
Website
When you dine at Fourk, expect new American cuisine with premium ingredients, meats, and veggies. All of this is housed within a unique and upbeat space.
Of course, you may wonder why it’s spelled “Fourk.” Ask someone inside and they’ll explain that everything is done with a twist, including the name, which pays homage to their location on “fourth” street.
Along with tasty bites and a fun atmosphere, you can sit at the curved bar, sip on a craft cocktail, and read all the fun and quirky sayings on their chalkboard.
Frothy Rooster
Address: 1 N Center St, Hickory, NC
Website
Located next to Cowa-Saké, Frothy Rooster is your breakfast destination in Hickory! Start with an order of their yeast roll doughnuts- they are light, fluffy, and served with the most delicious maple bacon jam!
I’ve had the pleasure of dining at The Frothy Rooster several times, and every visit has been a treat. The menu is packed with comfort food favorites, all made with a creative twist—and everything I’ve tried has been absolutely delicious.
On my most recent visit, I went with the breakfast burger served on a bagel—a handheld option that was hearty, flavorful, and perfect for fueling up before hitting the road on my last day in Hickory.
But if you’re more of a sweet breakfast fan, don’t overlook the griddle-baked pancakes. They strike the perfect balance: unbelievably fluffy on the inside with golden, crispy edges that give them just the right amount of texture.
Honestly, they’re the kind of pancakes that fill your dreams—in the best way—especially on those mornings when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t feel like flipping batter at home.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, The Frothy Rooster delivers a Hickory breakfast worth getting out of bed for.
Hatch Sandwich Bar
Address: 268 1st Avenue NW, Hickory, NC
Website
Hatch Sandwich Bar opened in 2012 and serves quick, delicious food in a laid-back small shop environment. We love that Hatch offers daily specials, announcing them both on their website and Facebook page.
The menu always offers over a dozen sandwiches and some platter selections along with fun and unique sides like miso broccoli or creamy mac n cheese.
Las Isabelas
Address: 305 1st Ave SW, Hickory, NC
Website
Las Isabelas is a hidden gem, and we don’t like to use that phrase lightly! This Hickory restaurant and market is family-owned and serving Catawba County since 2014. Authentic Mexican flavors tickle the tongue with just the right amount of spice. Whether you fancy a chorizo taco or a tamarindo to refresh your palate, Las Isabelas is a fantastic place to eat.
Not only is this a family-owned restaurant, but Las Isabelas is also a market. Find everything from figures, snacks, to butcher meat! This might be my favorite Mexican restaurant in all of North Carolina!
Main Chick Jammin’ Biscuits
Address: 205 Main Ave HE, Hickory, NC
Website
This ain’t Bojangles, baby! It’s better! Main Chick Jammin’ Biscuits is in the same building as Cranford Brothers Barbecue and City Walk Brewing and delivers some of the biggest and most over-the-top biscuits out there.
Biscuits are made fresh daily, just like their freshly squeezed orange juice. I recommend getting one of their signature chicken biscuits, because the chicken was so juicy and crispy, I wanted an entire basket of it!
And if you’re a livermush fan, Main Chick Jammin makes theirs in-house. Complete your morning meal with an order of hand-pattied tater tots and you’ll be ready to conquer the world!
Notions
Address: 206 Union Square NW, Hickory, NC
Website
Union Square is packed with some of the best places to eat in Hickory, NC, and Notions is not to be left out of this list. This delicious space specializes in shared plates and craft cocktails.
Notions complement that with a fun, eclectic dining experience with a high-end feel.
Enjoy your own entree or order “shareables” for you and your friends. Just be sure to finish it all off with the “Dessert of the Day.”
Notions also offers plenty of delicious drinks to choose from and on weekends, a brunch menu with a bloody mary bar and bottomless mimosas.
Olde Hickory Station and Market
Address: 232 Government Avenue SW, Hickory, NC
Website
The Olde Hickory Station and Market (OHSM) is a converted train station in the center of Downtown Hickory.
It’s one of two downtown Hickory restaurants we feature that are owned by Olde Hickory Brewery. Keep reading for the next one.
The “Station” side provides a full-service dining experience seven days a week. You can coose from breakfast, lunch, dinner, or brunch (Saturdays and Sundays).
The Market offers seasonal, regional, and imported items. Feel free to enjoy their full-service bar stocked with 50-plus beers and ciders, a large selection of wines, and craft cocktails. You can also order charcuterie from the Market.
All can be enjoyed while you hang out on the patio or back deck.
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Olde Hickory Tap Room
Address: 222 Union Square NW, Hickory, NC
Website
The Olde Hickory Tap Room is in Union Square and is open 365 days a year. It’s one of the most beautiful spaces inside and where you’ll find a nice diverse selection of beers.
We always love brewpubs that make good food, and you’ll find plenty of that at the Tap Room, too. The burgers and sandwiches here are delicious, as are the specialty entrees like fish and chips, and Olde Hickory’s yummy pizzas.
Don’t forget to follow their social media pages for daily specials and special events announcements.
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Standard Oyster Company
Address: 2147 N Center Street, Hickory, NC
Website
Standard Oyster Company came to Hickory in April 2016, so locals could have a dedicated oyster and seafood spot.
There is something for everyone here, from fresh, chilled seafood platters and steamed shellfish to American fare for non-seafood lovers.
After eating copious amounts of all, we are not shy to say that Standard Oyster Company is one of our favorite restaurants in Hickory!
The hole-in-the-wall space (meant with love) is inspired by the owner’s laid-back vibe. It features an “all bar” seating arrangement to keep things intimate for everyone.
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Taste Full Beans
Address: 29 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC
Website
Taste Full Beans is a coffeehouse, cafe, and art gallery that’s been in Hickory since 2001. They are committed to serving specialty tea and coffee, healthy food, and showcasing local art.
Along with quality coffee, Taste Full Beans offers smoothies, teas and tea lattes, ice cream, and seasonal food items.
Udderly Delicious
Address: 1006 Conover Boulevard W, Hickory, NC
Website
Udderly Delicious is a homemade ice cream shop that has been around since 1995.
The owner graduated from Ice Cream School and then worked under Painter’s Ice Cream professionals in Myrtle Beach before bringing their utterly delicious dessert to Catawba County.
UD’s mission is to “Make The Best Homemade Ice Cream.” To stay on mission, each batch is poured the old-fashioned way with only high-quality toppings and ingredients.
Vintage House
Address: 271 3rd Ave NW, Hickory, NC
Website
If you have a special occasion or want to impress someone, you need to make reservations for Vintage House. As one of Hickory’s premier fine dining restaurants, Vintage House serves elevated, chef-driven classics, including juicy Joyce Farms duck, perfectly seared filet mignon, and blue crab-stuffed trout.
If the menu alone doesn’t persuade you to add Vintage House to your culinary bucket list, the ambiance surely will. Housed in the historic Abernethy Home of 1915, the restaurant retains many of its original architectural elements, including hardwood floors and elegant arched doorways.
Each dining room is thoughtfully decorated with its own distinct blend of romance and refinement, including an intimate booth available for reservation, ideal for special occasions such as proposals or anniversaries.
Taproot Coffee Roasters (Bonus Coffee Shop)
Address: 2475 North Center Street, Suite B, Hickory, NC
Website
We wrap up this guide to restaurants in Hickory with Taproot Coffee Roasters. This unique spot is the brainchild of Malachi, who decided to pursue something that made him passionate every day.
He views coffee as “more than a vehicle for Taproot.” Along with being the context and foundation for conversation, Malachi focuses on producing great coffee.
Menu items include a winning cold brew, cappuccino, and even Italian sodas. Also, did we mention that all of this happens inside a bus?
Which of These Restaurants in Hickory is First on Your List?
If you find yourself in Hickory, you’ll find that there is plenty of things to do, from the Catawba Science Center to shopping local downtown and more! Regardless of what you’re doing in the area, we think these restaurants in Hickory will hit the spot.
Of course, we’re always interested in hearing about your experiences and plans. Which of these great eateries have you tried or want to try.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or by email.
