Recently we were passing through Livermore at dinner time and consulted Yelp. We were pleased to find the Hickry Pit. There used to be one near where we live and we were happy to find another one that has the same yummy food that we remembered. For the two of us, we ordered one full slab of Emil Ribs, which includes side dishes ($46). The ribs were delicious and the cole slaw side dish was fantastic. The cole slaw was the outstanding feature of the Hickry Pit and still is. It has a unique taste that is wonderful. The rib portion was generous and we took home a lot even after gorging ourselves on the ribs. The service was prompt and friendly. read more

Family BBQ Hickry Pit - Delicious Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Livermore, California

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We were happily greeted as we came in and chose a booth near the entrance of this spacious, pleasantly decorated restaurant, tucked away in the Portola Village shopping center. It took a few minutes to peruse the surprisingly large menu. Our wait person promptly took our drink orders and later when she saw us rapidly hydrating ourselves, wisely decided to leave the iced tea pitcher with us. I appreciated the sugar pourer on the table rather than packets. As we waited for the food, I could tell many customers regularly frequented the Hickry Pit by the friendly interactions between the staff and even between patrons. We also spied a couple of cowboys taking their meals there, too. Gotta love Livermore! There were solo eaters at the counter, one enjoying a conversation with the staff. Sometimes service can suffer with that, but at no time did we feel neglected. Service was naturally timely and the food arrived shortly. A walk to the clean restrooms revealed just how large this restaurant is, looking like it could accommodate many groups. The outside covered patio has a comfortable feeling with the potted plants and stonework, the area shaded by tall trees. If it wasn't so breezy, I'd love to have lunched out there. My turkey & veggie sandwich, toothpicks doing a good job keeping it together, had thick slices and fresh produce. The edges of each sweet potato fry were lightly crisp and the interior soft and sweeter than I expected. All on all, twas fine. Perhaps breakfast will be on the next visit. BTW, there's a banquet room in the rotunda that one can rent. Something to keep in mind for large gatherings. Parking is ample in this Lucky's anchored center. read more

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Its been a while since I've been here after their move and reopening. The interior is homey and comfortable. I see a few of the same faces and I like that. Service was friendly and fast. I came in for breakfast, and I think their Biscuits & Gravy are even better! Lots of sausage, and I didn't need to add any salt or pepper, just Cholula. I'll be back soon for lunch or dinner to support this family owned business. read more

Food:***** Service: **** Ambiance: ***** Finally made it to new place. Big difference. New place is clean and bright. No dead flies like old place. Service was slow. Not very busy either. Food is really good. Bbq ribs are delicious and so tender. We will be back again. read more

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I heard good things about this restaurant when it was in the old location near the bingo hall, so we decided to try it. Upon walking in, I was expecting more of an outdoorsy or western feeling, but this place feels like any other diner. No character. All of the staff were warm and friendly. Got seated quickly and had our orders taken within minutes. No beer on tap - only bottles. Food came out warm. Not hot - just warm. Plate wasn't even hot. Made me wonder if it was sitting out under the air conditioning. I had the meat slice combo. While it was an ok size, it was just "meh". It certainly didn't taste like it was from a bbq place. My plate actually tasted like it was meat slices from Costco. and the texture of it was too smooth and too evenly cut like it was taken out of a package. The bbq sauce on the side is so tiny too. Other dishes ordered were also "meh". This is a "one and done" visit for my family. Also bring cash or use your debit card. They charge the 4% credit card service fee to the customer. This is ridiculously high. read more

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I really don't like posting so so reviews on local places but this place just does not meet any sort of expectation that we had for a barbecue pit. The inside of the restaurant has a very very 50s diner field/cafeteria. It's just not welcoming or barbecue-ish ,if that makes sense. All the workers are super friendly and very attentive. The service did not lack at all, but the food did. It took a really long time to get our food. We all ordered meat platters, and when the meat finally did come out, it was cold. It didn't even feel like it was fresh off the grill or had been barbecued for hours or slow roasted the way that it proclaimed. It was really disappointing ,and for sure would not go back there which is unfortunate because I just don't want this place to struggle because the workers were great, but it's just not good. read more

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I highly recommend Emil Villa's Hickory Pit on Portola Ave in Livermore for private party room events. We used the space recently to host a Friendsgiving event for 45 friends. The room is spacious and has large windows providing lots of natural lighting. Inocencio, the owner/manager was super easy to work with to create a buffet menu that was delicious, plentiful, and fairly priced. He allowed access to the room ahead of time for set up and decoration. His staff were attentive and super helpful. At times, it can be difficult to find a spacious, private room for hosting parties and now that Hickory Pit is in their new location, there is a wonderful new option in Livermore. Check it out next time you are in need of a private party room. read more

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Fantastic service from this family-owned and operated restaurant! We recently held our organization's end-of-year celebration in their banquet room, and everything was wonderful. It's the perfect venue for birthdays, anniversaries, and special gatherings. I highly recommend Hick'ry Pit for your next event--and it's a great place to treat Dad this Father's Day! read more

What a marvelous remodel they did to brighten up and modernize this new location! The booths are comfortable and spacious. The prices increased from the previous location. There is also a 4% surcharge on any credit card purchases, so bring cash. The food is decent, nothing special. The service was adequate. This will be a restaurant I occasionally visit not frequent. read more

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The last good Emil Villas in the bay St Louis Restaurant ribs were hella good not overcooked read more

Family BBQ Hickry Pit - St. Louis style dry rub ribs so so good. - Barbeque Near Me - Livermore, California

Went last night for dinner and the food was fantastic, very friendly and attentive service, and huge portions of quality food. My husband and son ordered these huge platters (I think around $35 each) and it was a huge platter of delicious meats. When a Carl's Jr meal is close to $20, this felt like such a deal considering my husband and son each took home enough leftovers for 2 more meals. read more

Family BBQ Hickry Pit - Barbeque Near Me - Livermore, California

I love the new location of Hickory Pitts aka Emil Villa's. The servers are so sweet and kind and the restaurant is clean and updated. Jose is AMAZING! My favorite is their Happy Hour before 5:30pm, you can't beat a $5 Margarita and $22 NY Steak with a fully loaded baked potato, pre-meal Fresh salad, sautéed veggies and ice cream dessert. Did I forget to mention kids eat free on Thursdays ? This is a fun family restaurant outside of DT Livermore. read more

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Brand new location is now open. Lots of windows keep it well lighted with nice views of the outside. The food is still very good and the meals are still enough to easily fill you up. read more

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The food is average, the fish and chips fish was small. The side salad was pre made and lettuce leaves were browning with age. The service person was nice and fast and the food came quickly. A pretty clean facility, with average noise. The special seems good $11 for breakfast and the afternoon specials $18 seems ok. The portions are smaller. Will go back for $11, will try that and see if it's a value. The afternoon deal was very small. Clean facility, nice people , small portions, not super fresh salad. Will go back. read more

Had a good breakfast here with the family. We ordered a bit of everything, some sandwiches, BBQ and breakfast. The ribs and BBQ chicken were both really good and the sandwiches are massive. The staff here was also very friendly. read more

I have been eating lunch at this restaurant every month for the past few years; since before it moved to this location. My friends and I love the food and the staff. The lunch menu offers a good variety of breakfast or lunch items that everyone can find what looks good for them. My favorites are the luncheon specials of the ribs or meatloaf with mashed potatoes or the Ruben sandwich with salad and fries. The meat is tender, great bbq sauce, fresh mashed potatoes! We all appreciate the staff''s kindness and good service while we all sit at the table to visit and discuss the latest book we have read. Our tradition continues! read more

We were looking for a brunch place and were pleasantly surprised to find this in Livermore. There aren't a lot if these in the Bay Area anymore. We have fond memories of the Fremont branch which closed decades ago. Wondered if it's still good? Service was fast & friendly. It had a "you're family" comfort level. It was welcoming & hospitable, too. Ambiance was rustic with lots of Western memorabilia. It was relaxed. Personalized stockings lined the rafters, perfect for the holiday season! I ordered the sweet potato with blueberry pancakes. Right? It was unique & very savory. You have to try those. It was fluffy & the favors really complimented each other. It really didn't need the eggs & chicken apple sausage so those were bonus! Hubby had the steak & eggs. In true Emil Villa's reputation, the steak was juicy & flavor-full, & cooked to perfection. Our daughter had the spinach, sausage, avocado omelet which came with potatoes. No complains. All smiles. The blue berry waffle was an add-on just to satisfy her cravings. It was spot-on! We came expecting the Emil Villa trademark service & food. They exceeded our expectations. Next? We'll try to come for $5 Taco & Margarita on Tuesdays! read more

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Place was empty at 6:30pm Service ok- not great. I expected my ham to taste like bbq. Tasted like ham steak from supermarket. Hamburgers were big. I did not taste. Expensive. Probably would not go back. read more

Best ribs you'll ever eat you have to try and evil your Hickory Pit Livermore California 1840 Portola Avenue 94551 I've been in Oregon for way too long and I've missed these ribs read more

Food was good, ordered take out and when I went to pick it up the price was almost double for the early bird dinner. They said they need to update the menu on line. These prices should of been updated months ago. read more

This moved to portola avenue and is now Family bbq . Best ribs ...fall off the bone ...family platters read more

This place just moved to a new location. The old rock house in Livermore. Same great menu. Same wonderful people. More available to the locals nearer the freeway. I've been going to the old location for over 25 years. The new owner grew from busser to server to owner. And he's done phenomenally with all those roles. The new location is done up so nicely. All new accommodations. Transformational. I enjoyed the Rock House, but it was dark and the food was so so. The place now is so bright. So new. Order one of their rib plates. Awesome! read more

I have loved this place for more than 30 years. The new location is a great historic location in Livermore. We tried the new location for the first time tonight (Labor Day). They made great use of the space. It is spacious and well-decorated. Although it was 100 degrees outside, the inside was a warm 86 degrees. I checked the thermostat, and the system was off. It was uncomfortably warm inside for a sit-down meal with the family. The food was tasty, although both racks of St Louis ribs were slightly dry (overcooked). It is hit or miss. Sometimes they are fresh and juicy, while at other times, you get somewhat dry ones. All in all, we will be back and try them again. This experience was definitely not the norm. Thank you for staying open in Livermore. read more

This is for the new location by Lucky. The staff were fast, friendly, the food came out fast, and it was fine, not great. However, all the breakfast entrees were plus or minus $20. I got a breakfast entree, and a Diet Coke. They charge 4 percent for credit cards. I just paid $33 with tip for breakfast. That's dumb. I will never come here again unfortunately. If this was more reasonably priced I'd be enticed to come back but that's just way too much. read more

The new location is very wonderful. Great service, friendly, and good food! Great takeout too. Love the staff and owner.

The decor is 20% BBQ and 80% Mexican. Server was attentive and friendly. Timing on service was horrendous. Ordered appetizers and server came to take entree orders. Appeared hot and tasty. But salads (good) and soup (not good) were brought to table while we were still enjoying appetizers. Then entrees arrived before we were halfway through salads making a very crowded table. Entrees were lukewarm. Baby back ribs were dry but St. Luis ribs were good. Baked potatoes were barely warm so toppings did not melt. read more

Had dinner there with my wife and son this week. The portions are huge. Wife had the Philly steak. The bread was really good. My son had the chicken fried steak and could only eat half. The gravy had just a tinge of pepper in it and was really, really good. I had the three meat meal and it was good. Brought half of it home for the next day. Friendly service. We will be back. read more

This is the old fashion diner. Not fancy, but good value for money. The service is great. And it's fun to go. They did a great job with the ambience. read more

So. Much. Food. Looking at the prices we assumed small portions. We were wrong and ordered WAY too much food for 4 people - but no complaints here! We liked the ribs the most as our main, shrimp as an appetizer, and mashed potatoes for sides. We ended up ordering their Thanksgiving turkey package for the holidays, and were very happy with that decision. We had no room for dessert on this trip, but did have some apple and pumpkin pies thanksgiving which were delicious! They had ample parking, and friendly hostesses, felt like a local spot in a small town with some regulars. Inside is spacious and could be suited for larger groups. read more

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Amazing value for amazing food. No need to spend $25+ for breakfast. Great location and a new facelift for a traditional Livermore establishment. Highly recommended by a true foodie read more

The ribs were good, we had Emil ribs next time we will try the St. Louis ribs. Service was very good.

The place hasn't changed a bit. Same crowd, same service same overpriced sub par food. We were fooled since the name is now "Family BBQ Hick'ry Pit". DO NOT FALL FOR IT. Had to ask 3 times for silverware. Will not be back. read more

I had the best French Dip with roast beef. The service was good but this was the best sandwich I've eaten in years.

This place is easily one of the best bang for your buck places out there. We massively over ordered thinking that the platters were for a person but they can definitely feed 2-3. The sauce they have is amazing and was definitely liberally used. The ribs were juicy and tender just the way they're supposed to be. The chili cheese fries they certainly don't skimp. That could be an entree by itself! The pork loin and the baby backs were my two favorites but there wasn't really a dud in the feast! read more

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New brunch menu at Emil Villa's (they still offer their regular menu as well). We were eating a little later on a Sunday so chose the Cowboy Burger. It's two flavorful burger patties, bbq sauce, cheddar, crispy onion ring, thick bacon slices, lettuce and tomato, on a bun with a whole grilled jalapeño on top. The jalapeño is very spicy, but still great! The whole burger was delicious! I am posting a photo. You'll probably want to get the fries as your side, rather than a cup of fruit like me. I thought I could avoid a few extra calories, but I finished every bit of that awesome burger. read more

Family BBQ Hickry Pit - Cowboy Burger from the brunch menu - Barbeque Near Me - Livermore, California

Just ok. No brisket., Clean nice place., Just no tap BEER or no local IPA. Food was just ok.

Great place for breakfast! Check out the BREAKFAST deals for only $11. They have a full menu for breakfast, lunch & dinner. You're guaranteed to leave feeling like a stuffed turkey read more

The new location was shinney brite, The wait staff was quick and curtious, I asked for a half order of St Lousi ribs and a side of slaw, it came quickly and the ribs were hot with a side of sauce. The ribs were fall of the bone and delicious, the side slaw was very large and the dressing was not mixed but layered on top, still once I mixed it up it was very tasty. The reason I only gave it four stars was because it was a little pricey. I only had a half order of ribs and I felt I paid for a full order read more

My in-laws ordered Thanksgiving dinner which included the standard turkey, stuffing, mashed potato, etc. I can't comment on anything other than this. I thought the turkey (white meat) was good, but my hubby said the drumstick (dark meat) was dry. The stuffing was dry & served in very large pieces of bread, celery, etc. that did not stick together. The veggies were bland & overcooked. Mashed potatoes also dry & bland. This came with rolls & butter that tasted like any sweet Hawaiian roll from a grocery store. For the price & taste, I would not order this holiday meal. read more

Once a month, a bunch of retirees show up for breakfast on the specific day. the lady that serves us, she is a very exceptional waitress. There could be 20 people in the side room. Everybody orders their own food and everybody gets their own receipt and she's always got them right. I've heard the dinner menu specially the ribs are exceptional, but not have tried it yet read more