Oh Hey, Hickory Foodies
Feast your eyes (and your appetite) on a day full of flavor. Whether you’re craving comfort food, fresh seafood, or something totally unexpected, Hickory’s local dining scene delivers big on taste.
Morning Musts
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Frothy Rooster — This downtown favorite serves up Southern comfort with a twist. From hearty hash skillets to a stacked breakfast burger and melt-in-your-mouth yeast roll doughnuts topped with bacon maple jam, mornings here start on a seriously delicious note.
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Main Chick Jammin’ Biscuits – From OJ on tap to scratch-made biscuit stacks, this spot does breakfast big.Try the grit bowl topped with pimento cheese and green tomato jam, and thank us later. Located right next to City Walk Brewing.
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Notions — For Sunday brunch, this downtown spot delivers with favorites like shrimp and grits, fluffy omelets, and bottomless mimosas worth waking up early for.
Lunch Break
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Plant Base Boss — 100% vegan, 100% flavor. The menu features spicy burrito bowls, jerk "chicken" and plantain wraps, fresh smoothies, and cookies that prove dairy-free can still be decadent.
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Hatch Sandwich Shop (Temporarily Closed) — Inventive sammies stacked with local ingredients, plus craft brews and kombucha on tap.
After lunch, take a stroll around Union Square and explore the local boutiques—shopping totally counts as cardio.
Evening Eats
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Charolais Steakhouse — A longtime favorite known for its classic chophouse feel, legendary soup-salad-cheese bar, and extensive wine cellar.
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Cowa Saké — From tableside-smoked sushi to popping bubble martinis, dinner here is a show you won’t want to miss.
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Standard Oyster Co. — Fresh oysters, crab legs, and coastal classics served in a lively all-bar setting. Don’t miss happy hour specials that’ll have you coming back for more.
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Boca — Savor shareable Mediterranean plates packed with flavor and served with genuine warmth—perfect for gathering with friends or making new ones.
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Rule Italian Prime and Pasta — House-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and grilled steaks come together on a garden patio that’s perfect for a night out.\
Best Kept Secret
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Umi – With just four tables and a devoted local following, Umi serves some of the freshest sushi around. This serene hidden gem has even made Yelp’s Top 100 Sushi Restaurants in the U.S. list. Pro tip: book ahead—seats fill up fast.
Helpful Hint
Want the best seat in the house? Make a reservation—especially if you're aiming for patio dining or live music nights.
Fun Fact
Hickory was once nicknamed the “Hub of Hickory,” and with 150+ local spots serving up everything from gourmet bites to comfort classics, that name still fits. Come hungry.