Location/Curb Appeal: Mark
“Ole Hickory.” Now, if you didn’t say that with an old prospector voice, then you completely missed the intent of including an “ole” in the name of your establishment. So, the name was quite catchy, and Matt and I had enjoyed the various pronunciations of our dining venue. Aside from flickering sign, the newly built/renovated strip mall yielded a rather neutral façade-nothing fancy. The family of pink, felt pigs, which lined the windows, reminded us of the family stickers which moms with minivans put in the lower left-hand corner of their rear window. It was decided that these types of stick figures, sandals, little fish, or variation thereof are not Thurber Approved.
Rating: 1 Thurb
Food & Beverage: Brian
Rarely do I have the pleasure of reviewing the food and beverage portion of our latest dining experience where every member of our group enjoyed their meal. Well, dear readers, I knew my 15 minutes was quickly approaching as soon as we crossed the threshold of Old Hickory Grille. In all honesty, the rather bland title “Old Hickory Grille” did not inspire much confidence toward the ensuing menu choices. I thought, “This place will be typical American fare, mediocre at best.”
After being promptly greeted and seated, a fresh basket of corn bread and rolls was placed on our table. Then, what to my wondering eyes should appear but a menu rivaling the Cheesecake Factory (sort 0f). After perusing five to six pages of choices, I had the Alabama Camp Stew, Mark and Tommy enjoyed the pulled pork sandwich platter, Matt dined on Angel Hair Pasta, and Mike devoured a gargantuan plate of ribs and chicken along with three sides. I speak confidently for the entire party by saying everything, yes everything, was delicious. All were astonished we could not think of a soul who had been to Old Hickory Grille. It was so good, three of us capped off the evening with a round of Sno-Cones. If you’re around the Graham Road/U.S. 50 area, do yourself a favor and stop by an establishment that easily beats the surrounding competition.
Rating: 4 Thurbs
Service/Cost: Tommy
When we walked into Old Hickory Grille, I could've probably told you exactly the prices for most menu items. $9 sandwiches...$16 for slightly fancier entrees and basic seafood platters, $21-25 for ribs, half chickens, salmon, stuff like that. This was mostly correct except for in the bottom left corner of the opening page...what's this?? Specials, you say? HALF-OFF pulled-pork or pulled-beef sandwiches on Monday and Tuesday nights!? This is Monday night! Done and done. I got a delicious pulled-pork sandwich with fries and side of cole slaw for $4.12. That's not a misprint. I didn't really pay attention to what others paid for their meals because I almost peed my pants when I saw that price, but I assume theirs were also pretty good because they all really enjoyed their meals.
Service was excellent, keyed by a Hispanic gentleman in his early 30's, with the assistance of who I assume was his (approximately) 12 year old son. The boy took care of bussing tables and brought the check, the waiter brought the food and kept glasses full at all times. Excellent service, especially given the fact that we inadvertently showed up 10 minutes before closing time, which could make even the most patient waiter slightly perturbed. Excellent service, unbelievable bang for your buck.
Rating: 4 Thurbs
Ambiance/Entertainment: Matt
Ole Hick is one of those reassuringly familiar places with a decorative scheme that consists entirely of random old knick-knacks. You know these types of places (Cracker Barrel, Applebees, Chilis, etc.), and you know their “antique store shopping spree” motifs. Here’s an abbreviated list of what is hanging on the walls and in the windows at Ole Hick: bird houses, wooden dolls, quiver of arrows, Buddy Lee cardboard cutout, Chinese checkers board, other assorted game tables, Indian blanket, strange unlit neon sign, clown carving (with sign to the restrooms), and a variety of decorative roosters and chickens. Oh, and lots and lots of pigs – as pictures, plush toys, signs, carvings…pigs everywhere. What do all of these things have in common? Nothing. What practical use do any of these things provide? None at all. But somehow, all together, they create the feeling of eating in an old, familiar place somewhere out in the mythical countryside – just like the one depicted in the mural that runs along the front wall of Ole Hick. Either that or some weird person’s attic.
Rating: 3 Thurbs
Old Hickory Grille
Overall Rating: 3 Thurbs
Guest of Honor Review: Mike Steenhoek
Mr. Steenhoek could not be reached for comment, but his press secretary offered the following statement on his behalf:
“Mike ate so much ribs and chicken at Old Hickory Grille that he lapsed into a 24-hour coma which rendered him unable to submit his blog post. Although he worried family and friends and will most likely experience some long-term health problems because of this meal, Mike maintains that is was absolutely worth it.”
Remember to enter your name in the Guest of Honor Lottery at the bottom of the page. You could be next week's winner!
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