Summer's tastiest tradition is back! Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week returns July 24 through August 2, bringing 10 days of special prix fixe menus to more than 120 restaurants across nine counties, including seven delicious stops right here in Hickory. Whether you're discovering a new spot or revisiting a longtime favorite, Queen's Feast is the perfect opportunity to explore Hickory's vibrant culinary scene, one delicious course at a time.
Boca | $50 per person
Boca isn't just about tapas. It's about slowing down, sharing bites, and soaking up the moment. But during Queen's Feast, you'll have three courses all to yourself (sharing optional). For $50, start with roasted street corn, Moroccan chicken tagine, or a roasted beet and arugula salad before choosing a Moroccan beef kabob, Argentinian roasted pork with chimichurri, or truffle mushroom risotto. Finish with Italian lemon cake, chocolate mousse cake, or raspberry sorbet. Sounds like a reservation worth making.
Charolais Steakhouse | $50 per person
Some traditions never go out of style, and Charolais Steakhouse is proof. Serving Hickory since 1969, this local favorite is known for hand-cut steaks, tableside carving, and classic steakhouse charm. Their four-course Queen's Feast menu starts with choices like colossal shrimp cocktail, scratch-made meatballs, or a baked spinach and artichoke tartlet before moving on to a Caesar, house salad, or the legendary Soup, Salad & Cheese Bar. Then it's time for the main event: tableside carved ribeye or strip, filet, prime rib, bourbon honey glazed salmon, or Smokey Mountain chicken. End the evening with butterscotch ice cream, chocolate mousse cake, or an upgraded crème brûlée or New York-style cheesecake.
Cowa-Saké | $50 per person
Dinner comes with a little extra flair at Cowa-Saké. Known for creative sushi, bold Asian fusion flavors, and dishes that are just as photo-worthy as they are delicious, this downtown favorite knows how to impress. Start with tuna tartare or five spice-cured duck confit spring rolls, then decide where you're headed next. Choose two classic sushi rolls like the Shrimp Tempura, Garlic Tuna, or Veggie, level up with premium favorites like the Hong Kong, Grayson, or Volcano rolls, or dig into the wok-seared Szechuan chicken. Finish with a refreshing sorbet sampler or a matcha chocolate trifle. Pro tip: Pair it all with one of Cowa-Saké's signature bubble martinis for the full experience.
Cranford Brothers Barbecue | $30 per person
When it comes to barbecue, Cranford Brothers doesn't mess around. This local favorite is serving up three courses of slow-smoked goodness, Southern comfort, and plenty of flavor for just $30. Kick things off with Smokey Gouda pimento cheese, a deviled eggs trio, or scratch-made honey butter cornbread. Feeling adventurous? Upgrade to the Texas Twinkie, a bacon-wrapped jalapeño stuffed with cheese and brisket that's worth every bite. Then dig into an Al Pastor burrito, a half rack of slow-smoked ribs, the Carolina Duo with pulled pork and jalapeño cheddar sausage, or sliced beef brisket with your choice of two classic sides. Finish with a whoopie pie, chocolate ice cream topped with fried "Bonuts," or upgrade to the banana pudding pie for the sweetest ending to your barbecue feast.
Rule Prime & Pasta | $50 per person
Dinner at Rule Prime & Pasta feels like a mini escape. Grab a seat on the patio beneath the striped umbrellas and you just might forget you're in Hickory. Before your first course arrives, do yourself a favor and add the fan-favorite garlic bread ciabatta with vodka dipping sauce for $5. Then start with beef carpaccio, mozzarella-stuffed gnocchi with house ragù, or a fire-roasted Caesar before choosing from pork pluma, Pollo delle Puglie, or bucatini cacio e pepe with pecorino Romano and cracked black pepper. Finish with a fresh fruit tart or classic tiramisu.
Standard Oyster Company | $40 per person
Standard Oyster Company brings a little slice of the coast to Hickory with fresh seafood, creative plates, and a lively all-bar atmosphere. For $40, start with favorites like North Carolina oysters, smoked trout deviled eggs, grilled octopus with watermelon and feta, a fresh arugula salad with goat cheese and a lemon vinaigrette, or their signature bacon steak. Then choose from miso-glazed sea bass, blackened swordfish over risotto, shrimp and grits, Old Bay lamb chops with deviled crab, or a wagyu hanger steak upgrade. Finish your feast with their famous key lime pie, chocolate mousse cake, or a chef-made sorbet. Consider this your sign to make a seafood-filled summer reservation.
Vintage House | $55 per person
Ready to dine like royalty? Set inside Hickory's historic Abernathy home, Vintage House brings timeless elegance and fine dining flair to the Queen's Feast table. For $55, enjoy a four-course experience featuring thoughtfully crafted dishes like Seared Tuna Niçoise, stuffed piquillo peppers with trout mousseline, or spring peas with scallop to start. Then choose from roasted monkfish with saffron Nantua, Chicken Nantua with crawfish and potato purée, or a perfectly prepared 64° egg with crispy pork, asparagus, and mushrooms. Finish your royal feast with a classic VH profiterole or rich chocolate mousse with olive oil bread. This is your invitation to slow down, savor every bite, and enjoy an evening fit for a king or queen.
Queen's Feast is more than just a meal. It’s a chance to experience the creativity, passion, and flavors that make Hickory’s culinary scene so special. With seven local restaurants offering exclusive prix fixe menus from July 24 through August 2, summer’s best bite is waiting. All you need to do is decide where to start.
