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Old Hickory House

6538 N. Tryon, Charlotte, NC - (704) 596-8014
Posted By Brent Kulman on 1/9/2009 3:10:00 PM
There is nothing "classic Carolinian" about Old Hickory House. If you look at the picture of the BBQ plate, you can see from the saucing that this is not Carolina BBQ, neither Eastern nor Lexington style. If I recall correctly, the owners characterize this as Georgia-style BBQ. There is a chunk of Texas thrown in too, with the Texas toast served with the meat.

I have never been a big fan of this restaurant, having patronized it several times over the years, just to make sure. I just don't care for the sauce, although I think they make a pretty decent Brunswick stew (which again, you will find in Georgia).

While they do use wood in the cooking process, I believe it is to finish the meat, not to smoke it. You can see the cooking area; they place the meat over the burning logs which is not the classic NC style.

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Scorecard

1 - Overall: Won't Eat Again
Overall: Won't Eat Again
Rate this place
The role often taken by cole slaw in Mid-South barbecue sandwiches is here played by Old Hickory's fine sauce -- a delicate brew that adds tangy sweetness to the creamy-flavored pork. In the background is a bowl of Brunswick stew.
"The role often taken by cole slaw in Mid-South barbecue sandwiches is here played by Old Hickory's fine sauce -- a delicate brew that adds tangy sweetness to the creamy-flavored pork. In the background is a bowl of Brunswick stew."
Michael Stern





Look closely at the barbecue on this plate. Note that among the pale inside pieces are plenty of darker, crunchy chunks from the outside of the Boston butt from which it is made. Note also those beans at the back of the plate: they are wonderful. This is a small plate, costing about $8.00. For $2 more, you get large.
"Look closely at the barbecue on this plate. Note that among the pale inside pieces are plenty of darker, crunchy chunks from the outside of the Boston butt from which it is made. Note also those beans at the back of the plate: they are wonderful. This is a small plate, costing about $8.00. For $2 more, you get large."
Michael Stern


About the wickedest hushpuppies I've ever had: sinfully oily, but with that severe crunch that makes eating them so joyful, and sweet cornmeal insides that are pigmeat's best friend.
"About the wickedest hushpuppies I've ever had: sinfully oily, but with that severe crunch that makes eating them so joyful, and sweet cornmeal insides that are pigmeat's best friend."
Michael Stern


Many locations throughout the South have their own way with Brunswick stew. In Charlotte, it is a thick gallimaufry laced with meat and vegetables, usually served as a side dish, but a worthy meal unto itself.
"Many locations throughout the South have their own way with Brunswick stew. In Charlotte, it is a thick gallimaufry laced with meat and vegetables, usually served as a side dish, but a worthy meal unto itself."
Michael Stern


Chimney sweep? Old Hickory House don't need no stinkin' chimney sweep. From this stack comes the sweet perfume of pork basking in smoke from smoldering hickory.
"Chimney sweep? Old Hickory House don't need no stinkin' chimney sweep. From this stack comes the sweet perfume of pork basking in smoke from smoldering hickory."
Michael Stern


The little horseshoe at the top of the Old Hickory House sign hints at the cowboy decor inside. But the cuisine is more North Carolinian than it is Texan.
"The little horseshoe at the top of the Old Hickory House sign hints at the cowboy decor inside. But the cuisine is more North Carolinian than it is Texan."
Michael Stern


While nothing wonderful of itself, the Texas toast that comes along with dinners is very handy for mopping up the last of the barbecue or Brunswick stew.
"While nothing wonderful of itself, the Texas toast that comes along with dinners is very handy for mopping up the last of the barbecue or Brunswick stew."
Michael Stern


This covered wagon hanging on the wall evokes the Old West.
"This covered wagon hanging on the wall evokes the Old West."
Michael Stern



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