We visited The Allard Bakery and Bistro in Hudson during lunch hours and left with mixed…read moreimpressions, but also a strong desire to return for dinner. The atmosphere is elegant yet welcoming, with a modern meets classic charm that sets the tone for a thoughtful dining experience. I had my eye on the shrimp gnocchi, which several reviewers rave about, but unfortunately it was unavailable that day. We started with side Caesars which was fresh and crisp, though fairly standard. I ordered the Jadore Chicken Garden Salad and asked if I could substitute grilled chicken for crispy, but was told no. Oddly, when the salad arrived, it had grilled chicken after all. It was good, just not particularly memorable. My husband had the steak and eggs, which he said were cooked perfectly. Again, solid execution, but nothing that stood out. That said, the overall quality of the main courses was very good. Looking over the dinner menu, we are eager to come back in the evening. The real magic happened at dessert. We overheard a staff member mention that one of the women behind the counter makes many of the desserts herself, and she may be from Italy. Our server couldn't stop praising her crème brûlée and key lime tart, so we had to try both. The crème brûlée was smooth and flavorful, though a bit softer than I prefer. But the key lime tart? Absolutely phenomenal. My husband, a Tampa native and self-proclaimed key lime aficionado, broke his keto diet for it--and declared it one of the best he's ever had. I don't usually like key lime, but even I was impressed. Tangy, creamy, and perfectly balanced--it's a must-try if you're anywhere near Hudson. Service was friendly, and while there were a few small hiccups, the warmth and pride the staff take in their food really shines through. We'll definitely be back to explore more of the menu, and to get another slice of that unforgettable tart.

1/2 Review: The Allard Bakery and Bistro…read more We stopped in for a late lunch and were immediately greeted and seated, always a great first impression. Our table setup included two chairs and a couch. While comfortable, the couch sat noticeably lower than the tabletop, making it a bit awkward for dining. This was the only minor knock during our visit. Service, however, was outstanding. Our server, Austin, was kind, engaging, and genuinely attentive to our needs. The pacing was spot-on and the hospitality felt effortless and warm. Now for the food. We ordered the Farm Burger featuring Kobe beef, an over-easy egg, bourbon pork belly, pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions, and baby mixed greens. It arrived beautifully plated and cooked exactly as ordered. We upgraded to the truffle fries, which were absolutely worth it. Crispy, flavorful, and indulgent without being over the top. We also enjoyed the seasonal roasted beet salad, a refreshing and well-balanced dish with strawberries, roasted candied pecans, and a variety of beets that played together nicely in both flavor and texture. Pricing felt appropriate for the quality of ingredients, thoughtful plating, and excellent flavors coming out of the kitchen. All in all, a fantastic experience with just a small seating hiccup keeping it from a full five stars. A return visit is definitely planned.

top tier food best food in Caldwell county by far so delicious every single time I order it is…read moreperfection . 10 stars finally a place that so delicious and well presented . please don't go anywhere truly amazing place

Magician was excellent and entertaining during waiting for seating as well as waiting for food…read more Excellent food and prices as well as nice rustic dining

Such a fun breakfast spot! The waffles were huge and fresh. The tots were SO good and the vibe was…read moresuper laid-back. Definitely worth trying for a next-level breakfast.

The biscuits are buttery and flaky. The gravy options are unique, tried the sausage gravy and it…read morewas solid. Spacious patio is a nice touch. Only downside is the wait was a bit long for breakfast. Still a solid spot.

I got the restaurant around 10:45am they were serving breakfast and lunch. The biscuits and gravy,…read morebacon and eggs coming out of the kitchen looked and smelled so good. I was surpised to see there was one cook, Chris, cooking all the food. He made an awesome Cheese Burger . I would without a doubt recommend his cooking. The restaurant was clean and organized. I like the blue marble effect they have on the counters/tables and surf board on the front wall. Quiet, hometown feeling. The restrooms were clean and fully stocked. The waitresses greeted me with a smile and were friendly. I definitely recommend this restaurant if you want some good food, the only negative thing that I found about the place was the fact that it closes at 2:00 p.m. daily.

the first time I ordered. I got a double bacon cheeseburger and fries. I was surprised when I paid…read more$9 amd some change. food was decent. so the following week. I ordered again. this time just a single bacon cheeseburger and fries. when I went in, I was charged the same as I had been for the double. when I commented, I was given around a dollar off. I just attempted to order a third time. I was charges 17.20 for a single bacon cheeseburger, onion rings, and 3 chicken tenders. not sure why I was charged so much extra for so little food. I prompltly got my money back. I will never ever go back.

Outstanding place for breakfast in downtown Hickory! All of the food I have gotten here has been…read moreexceptional. The ambiance is casual like a diner. The place is small and can get very busy so plan accordingly.

Hart & Soul Cafe is a cozy spot for brunch. The interior has a rustic and country feel to it with…read moreplenty of seating for a town like Hickory. As for the type of food, there is a lot of typical Southern food on the menu. The service was great! The cashier was extremely friendly and brought wonderful energy to the restaurant. I got the Breakfast Burrito with Grits. I was not impressed by the burrito, unfortunately. I felt like it needed more flavor, either in the meat or elsewhere. I also think more cheese, specifically inside the burrito rather than on the outside, would have made it taste better too. Moreover, the burrito was soggy! I was not a fan of that. The grits were also a bit too watery for me. I had to add salt and pepper, along with the butter given to me in my order, to give it some depth. While I think that this is a lovely local restaurant, the food could be better. I would give it a 2.5/5 stars if I could.

My husband and I ate here last week. It was our first time at this restaurant. The service was…read moreexcellent. The waitress was very busy, but she came by often to make sure we were doing good. The food was delicious. If you want good service and good food be sure to check this place out. I loved the Trump flag. We will be back soon.

It's a very conservative restaurant so if you're a liberal person, look past the pro Trump, pro…read morelife stuff. We wanted to try the infamous "Livermush" and this place had it on the menu. It's a no frills restaurant and breakfast cuts off at 10:30. We just made it for breakfast but unfortunately they ran out of grits. Breakfast came with coffee and cost only $4.85! Insanely inexpensive. Two of us are for less than $10 so I gave a really nice tip to the hard working lady.

Love the atmosphere here very friendly staff food is delicious. Will be coming back again.read more

First the good. The service was fabulous! The food well…read more-very disappointing. I had the avocado toast the flavor was good but everything was cold. The avocado was over ripe and brown in spots. The toast, the eggs, the hash browns, all cold. The americano was even just warm! My husband had the breakfast plate eggs, bacon, and sourdough toast ALL COLD. His regular brew coffee was hot. We were at the restaurant on Sunday at 915. The bill 40$.

Good food at reasonable prices. A lot of local people eat here every day. Waitresses are very…read morefriendly and attentive. Just a great country atmosphere.

Food is always consistently really good , the people are nice and the wait staff are so sweet, the…read moregravy and biscuit is my thing. Yummy

Highlands Butchery delivers an excellent dining experience overall, earning a solid 4.5 out of 5…read morefor the visit described. The combination of attentive service, high-quality steaks, and a standout bourbon selection makes it a spot worth seeking out in Valdese.[1][2][3] ## Service and Hospitality Austin provided friendly, knowledgeable service, with spot-on recommendations and consistent follow-up throughout the meal, which really elevated the evening. The staff quickly seated the party of four and acknowledged the celebration for the wife's birthday, helping the night feel special from the start. When one filet needed a bit more sear, the owner personally stepped in, oversaw the re-fire, and had it returned to the table cooked perfectly. That level of ownership and responsiveness showed real commitment to **hospitality**. ## Food and Preparation Entrées arrived beautifully plated and cooked to appropriate temperatures, which is especially important at a butcher-driven concept known for its meats. The corrected filet came back with the ideal sear and doneness, reinforcing confidence in the kitchen's skill.[2][1] Portioning and presentation aligned with expectations for a farm-to-table steakhouse, highlighting the quality of their locally sourced meats.[3][1] ## Bourbon Library The bourbon library is a major highlight, offering an impressive selection of hard-to-find bottles that adds a distinctive draw for whiskey lovers. It pairs perfectly with their meat-focused menu and makes Highlands Butchery feel like a destination, not just a neighborhood spot.[4][1][2] Having such depth behind the bar also supports Austin's recommendations, allowing guests to explore pours they may not encounter elsewhere. ## Atmosphere and Noise The only real drawback of the evening was the room volume, which made conversation a bit challenging at times. Given how popular and lively the space can be, some additional noise baffles or acoustic treatments could help deaden the sound and make the dining room more comfortable without losing the energetic vibe. With that one improvement, this experience would easily move from a 4.5 to a full 5 out of 5, especially given the strength of the service, food, and bourbon program!

Highlands Butchery Restaurant is top notch! Food is wonderful, fresh, and delicious! Service is…read moregreat and the ambiance is so comforting and relaxing. We've been customers of the meat store for years, just had lunch today and it was amazing.

The BEST coffee around. Lots of incredible Lattes to choose from. We love stopping by when driving…read morethrough town. Service is quick and with a smile. Whenever we happen to be there on a Friday, it is "Free Shot Friday" and we enjoy the bonus espresso shot.

SO many flavors and options! Love that they offer so many sugar free options as well. Marking down…read moremy review because their drinks are a little weak/too sweet for my preference and a few times I've been, the staff seem very flustered and even hostile towards each other which is kind of awkward. Two drive through lines and a walk up is convenient and I appreciate that they offer daily deals! Pricing is similar to other coffee shops.