I'm reading a mystery called The Cornbread Killer by Lou Jane Temple. Naturally its on my mind. It was helpful to run into Ashley's BBQ list. I'm used to TGI Fridays wings, when I saw these they looked like something out of the prehistoric era. I followed the recommended rib tips, very tender. Jojo potatoes, thinly sliced some crispier than the others are delicious with the bbq sauce on them. I had a hard time deciding on a side and they let me sample. Beans were good, mac and cheese ok, but not homemade. That put me off, it should always be homemade at a place like this. But for an extra small charge I could get greens, made with a hamhock. On the spicy side wasn't sure if it was from pepper or hot sauce, but they were nice and firm and not runny like they were at Brasa. Kind of like the difference between Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin. The soul is here. read more

Since Shorty and Wags closed, I've been looking for a place to replace those amazing wings. I've tried em all, Country Bar, A and Js fish and chicken, Seafood to Go, and plenty others. The wings at Hickory Hut are the best yet. They even advertise they are the "World famous Art Song's wings" These chicken wings are big and meaty and full of flavor. They serve the full 3 part wing with that tasty seasoning. It's more of a subtle seasoning compared to Shorty and Wags but still the same flavor I remember. I'm guessing Chinese 5-spice plays a large part in that. They even have sweet and sour sauce to dip em in. Pair them with a strawberry soda an your good to go. I would definitely get your order to go as the hut is a little ghetto. But who cares these wings are the best in the twin cities. read more

Ooooh.... can we say sketchy? Lol. Was a bit nervous in this dirty little chicken shack, but i have to admit, the smells alone got me drooling. My man's been talking about this place since before we moved here, so it was nice to finally give it a try. We ordered 18 wings to share (wayyyy too many, these are the BIG wings) the hojo potatoes and a cornbread. The wings are amazing!! they are breaded and fried and super meaty. They use some sort of dry rub seasoning on them and the meat is moist enough you don't have to use any dipping sauces. Of course, I like it hot, so i got the buffalo sauce to dip on the side (very good). The fries were a bit of a disappointment (texture of wet cardboard, but good flavorings...) but the cornbread was very tasty, a little salty-sweet thing going on and i liked it!! can't wait to go back for my next wing craving.... read more

Let's get one thing straight: Hickory Hut is not Big Daddy's. Not now, not ever. If you want the best ribs in town, you need to head for Big Daddy's, a block east down University (and you'd better hope it is Friday or Saturday since BD's is closed every other day of the week). With that disclaimer out of the way, know that you can get a decent mess of ribs at the Hickory Hut. The Full Slab dinner will provide you with enough St. Louis style pork ribs to feed two people, plus french fries (also for two), texas toast (1 slice) and a tiny container of baked beans, slaw or potato salad. The ribs could use a bit more time on the smoke and were a bit fatty. The "hot" sauce was more in the medium frame of reference. The fries were cooked right and sprinkled with Art Song's seasoning which was a good thing for those familiar with this particular form of powdered mirth. The toast was buttery but should have been accompanied by another slice of toast. The beans we ordered were fine, though the service size was tiny compared to everything else. If Big Daddy's weren't just down the street the Hut would rate four stars...just. As it is, 3 stars and OK all day long. Bonus: You can always expect something unusual to happen in/around The Hut. The last time I was there, the customer in front of me in line was wearing a kilt. Warning: closed Sundays. read more

False Advertising Saying the Catfish filet is Catfish for $10.99 a piece and it turned out to be Cod Fish wasn't fresh it was Frozen Breaded Fish out of a box, they minus we'll serve Fish Sticks disgusting Never Order Fish again from their. read more

Their wings pack some flavor. It's like no other chicken wing flavor you've ever had. It's good. Pick some up on the way to a potluck or a backyard bbq. read more

I first started going to Hickory Hut back in the mid-90s when I used to work in downtown Saint Paul I would get them on the way to work. Then I would order them every now and then when I was in Saint Paul they tasted just like the Wings over in Minneapolis that used to be on 38th and Nicollet called Shorty and Wags. I think both locations used to be the original Art Songs but then after the original Art Songs went out of business both locations had their own name. I like the Hickory Hut better than the other restaurant because they're not crack wings meaning very teeny but the way things used to be a normal size here at Hickory Hut but now they have became overly large I don't know if I need to request just a normal size when I come in but I'm not real impressed with overly sized chicken wings because they tend to be a little tough. The ones I got yesterday we're good, not cooked as hard in side but they were good when I got them inside my air fryer they were perfect but the wings still have that really good seasoning on them. Every now and then I will be coming back but I will ask for regular size wings LOL, if they do that. read more

Had the wings today, overcooked, smaller than I remember, and $10.00 for 5.. wow!! They were ok.. but $2.00/ piece! read more

Hickery Hut wings are good I been going there for years but now the costs are 2-3 times the price no way any one can afford those prices , makes me sad that I won't be able too go there any more . read more

"Oh chicken wing, oh chicken wing....where have you been all my life?!" They got some Good F**ken wings! My brother bought some home one day, at first I was skeptical because I'm not much of a fan of dry rubs but these wings will have you wondering where they were all your life! :) Honestly, the wings are fresh, cooked and taste delicious. You gotta have the dipping sauce! But if you're not a sauce fan, try it anyway! Life is too short not to try new things. Inside, the seating area is small, you can seat about 15 people only. It's like a "Take-Out" Restaurant. It is a little expensive but you won't be thinking about that after you finish eating the wings!!!! read more

They lie about their food. It's not smoked - it's baked. It's not barbecue. Never waste the time or money. Only fools think it's worth the money you're paying them. There are many restaurants who make MUCH better food for similar prices. Please never go. I actually can't think of a restaurant I like less. I run a bbq catering company, if that adds any weight. Seriously - please don't waste your time and money. read more

I had to check this place out, I actually should have written a review the very first time, but now I can, the only reason I wont give this establishment 5 stars is because the greens are not the best, and some of the workers are not very friendly at all. Also the parking lot which isn't there's always needs to be resurfaced, and can often get packed very quickly because it is shared with another business adjacent to it. Now for the food, the food is really good outside of the greens, I love the wings, they are full wings, none of that half wing stuff here, also I think they are priced reasonably. The location is pretty good seeing as how they are right off of Hwy 94 you can jump off grab you some wings and jump right back on. I also like how they for the most part do not have you waiting there most of the time, and it appears to be very clean. read more

Tried this place for the first time and enjoyed the wings dinner. Very seasoned - a little on the salty side- but very very good! read more

Hickory Hut - Barbeque Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Where has this chicken been all of my life!?!? I worked off University Ave for years and never had this. My husband brought them home for dinner last night and they were amazing. The rub on the wings was so flavorful you didn't need anything else. The wings are large and juicy. The hojo potatoes were just ok but the wings more than made up for it. No one at our house said a word as they were eating it was pure silence which is rare and means everyone was enjoying their meal. read more

Wings here are awesome, tasty dry rub and bar-b-que sauce is pretty decent as well. That being said 1 star was removed due to the poor quality of the other sides and entrees. read more

*Sigh* Here I go again . . . Last week, I solicited suggestions for BBQ over in the frogtown area. I got a couple good leads, but Big Daddy's and Lee's and Dee's limited hours led me to the Hickory Hut. And disappointment. Dan S. raves about their wings. According to a newspaper article on their wall, the owner has won awards for his wings. What do I order? Rib tips. I wasn't trying to be contrary, it's just when I go out for BBQ, I ain't going out for wings. I don't ever order chicken wings, I find them messy, frustrating little pieces not worth the amount of meat you can gnaw off of them. When I'm in the mood for BBQ I want ribs, or, ideally, pulled pork. So I ordered the rib tips, and were not pleased with them. The sauce had a nice level of heat but no flavor. The meat was not tender enough, and didn't have much flavor either. Where's my smokey goodness? The fries were soggy, too. The staff was very friendly, so I hate to leave a negative review, but I did not enjoy the food one bit. read more

The beef ribs are pretty small and the sandwiches aren't even worth mentioning. The wings, rib tips and sides make up for the rest of the menu. read more

Good food. Friendly, patient service. Good variety of menu options. I thought that the prices were a bit high, but the portion sizes made it worthwhile. Red Beans and Rice, and Rib Tips were the stars of our order. We'll be back. read more

Horribly disappointed. I've been eating the wings at Hickory Hut for years. It used to be the Original Art Songs recipe for seasoning. I don't know what I got today. It was essentially seasoning salt, not the normal flavor of the seasoning on the wings. This may have been my last trip to hickory hut. The wings were bad and my hojos were undercooked. Again, very disappointing read more

Since I was in high school, I've enjoyed Hickory Hut... until now. It's been a few years and I am really disappointed in what I just tried to eat. Over all, I think the grease maybe needs to be changed??? My chicken tasted blah. My fries were soggy and undercooked. My hushpuppies were almost black My Mac & Cheese was overcooked and I can't even talk about the Beans and Rice. To top it all off, this order was $20.00 and it took over 30 minutes to get. Will no longer recommend or return. read more

They serve the Art Songs seasoned wings that were in Mnneapolis back in the day. One other place in Minneapolis claims to have the recipe, but that other place is expensive anf doesn't exrcute the recipe the right way. Come here for the hojos and the sweet and sour sauce. read more

I truthfully haven't been here in years, only because I live so far away now. But I used to frequent the hut quite religiously. I would easily argue the best wings in the state. Back then, it really was just art songs or shorty and wags. The hut has that amazing seasoning where you don't even need sauce but the hot sauce puts it over the top. I've been here countless number of times and I can't remember having anything but the wings. There's been a couple times where you can tell the oil needs to be changed. But they churn out probably 5000 wings a day so you can't blame them too much. Art songs fueled me for a good number of years. Thank you Hickory Hut! read more

I've been going ever since i was a young child and it never changed, its D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!

I ordered 42$ worth of food and they forgot my side of greens. I called and asked what they can do and they told me to bring all my food back and I can get my side. I didn't want to drive all the way back so I asked for a upgrade on my side and they said no. Grrrrr read more

A year ago the rice was not fully cook. This time the rice was covered with the seasoning by clotted together. No more butter and light seasoning. The rice was cooked. I am not sure what happened to the place, but I will not be going back. Three wings, rice, Texas Toast, and coleslaw + 15% tip was over 14 dollars. If the quality was there I would not mind. But I can get a tasty chicken dinner special at Popeyes for 5 bucks. Guess I can't live in the past. read more

I have been coming to this restaurant for years , since it was Art Songs by the way it was amazing then. And since they have been under new management for the past whatever amount of years , service has become worse and worse. The so called Manager has no customer service what so ever. They are extremely OVER PRICED. Today was my last day supporting a business that has no value for the customers that keep them in the Frogtown Community!! read more

I mean, if you want your wings overcooked, dry, and pretty much flavorless? Go for it. Long story short, I used DoorDash to order a dozen wings, 'corn bread' and pecan pie to treat myself. First, the cost- using DoorDash has cost above what their website shows, and I found that out after I ordered. I paid $20 for a dozen wings. Second, said wings were dry and overcooked, and so chewy at some points on the drumstick I gave up trying to eat them. I had three before putting them aside. Some reviews said they were salty- nah. Barely seasoned. I also saw a couple reviews also calling them unique? Dudes, it smells and almost tastes like Chinese Fivespice. I don't know who 'Art Song' is, but the spice rub isn't much flavor. I got the spicy BBQ sauce with it and that tastes... eh. I don't even have a comment for it. Third, the corn bread is actually corn muffins and they taste okay, but nothing I'd pay for. It was nice that they gave me an extra muffin, but I can get the same taste by grabbing a box mix. Same goes with the pie. It was okay. But none of it was anything worth being called BBQ. I'm just really disappointed. When I order wings that are supposed to be what a place is known for, I expect them to be tasty. That is especially with the cost. Save your money and teeth. read more

Nasty Girl at front counter with Nasty attitude she act like we should bow down to this superior dog food they're serving.... don't trust her and I won't eat the food she prepared ....probably pissed on read more

The wings are the best ever here! The service is shotty. Sometimes there is a guy that is part of the family and he's amazing. Then there is this one guy with a super weird forehead that is horrible. He watches snap chat porn the entire time on his phone. He won't even put his phone down to take an order. Next time I see that he is working, I'm just going to turn around and leave read more

Today I went here because big daddies was close I was already iffy because I usually don't try and eat everyone's cooking but sometimes I try. I ordered the whole chicken with sauce on the side baked beans mac and cheese and Texas toast. First I asked for my sauce on the side and it was still put on my chicken so she said they'll cook it off which still mean the sauce would be on there and it was after waiting another 6 mins I received my order made it home and the chicken was terrible no seasoning and still pink I spent 23.16 I want my money back but I'll take this lost. I wish big daddies was open I won't ever eat here again read more

OMG! When I moved to the Twin Cities my cousin introduced me to Art Song's chicken. It is by FAR the best chicken I have ever had in my life!! My husband always talks about this chicken and wanting to ship some here to Oklahoma. I don't know if it would be good to eat after we ship it but I miss it and would eat it every week if we still lived in St. Paul! The prices are not too high for what you get and there is a little bit of a wait because they make every order fresh..so if you want fast food don't go..if you want GREAT food do go! We are planning a trip to Minnesota in a couple weeks to pick up a family member and at the top of our list is to eat here again. If you love fried chicken...GO TO ART SONG"S!!! I think the batter is what makes it the best in the world...maybe they put crack in it or something..the world may never know... read more

Art Songs chicken wings! Need I say more? Best wings in the metro! Go on a Tuesday or Thursday when you can get a "bucket of 24" for a special price. They also use the seasoning on their rice. I haven't tried anything else on their menu. There are about a dozen tables inside. I call an order in for 24 wings and they're usually ready in 15 minutes. Sometimes I can't even make it home without nibbling on a wing or two. read more

This place is good for the chicken wings only. Very disappointed to try the fries. They were soggy and thrown away. Not worth the money.

Okay, now here's the scoop with Art Songs aka Hickory Hut. The chicken smells so good you will get addicted to the smell alone. The taste on the other hand...has hardly any. I have been going here for years. Yes, that savory smell of chicken seasonings is very addicting. The chicken has changed since I last came here. They are usually small and hairy. I noticed it had more flavor and not hair and bigger, meatier pieces. Good deal on Tuesdays and Thursday 24 wings for about $16. The do make some good fried okra and hojo's. I give them about 3 stars. Oh the other items on the menu. Well, I've have the beef ribs were not good. They are under different management I believe so it may be different. The food is good I would say. Good place to hit up on a Friday night and grab a bite. read more

Hickory Hut serves the original Art Song's wings. When I say "the original" I know what I'm talking about. I've been eating Art's wings for 40+ years...started downtown Minneapolis, moved uptown, had a place on Broadway in N. Minneapolis. Lots of places try to copy them, but Hickory Hut does it right...yep. You don't go there for the ribs. You go there for the wings and the rice (with sweet sauce). If you like chicken wings and if you know what time it is, you'll like Hickory Hut. 'Nuff said. read more

The pulled pork was so nasty! It had a funny taste to it plus the bun was soggy. The hojos were sopping wet with grease some were burnt and over seasoned with season salt... way over seasoned like they just dumped it on top. This place wasn't my cup of tea kinda mad cuz I love BBQ read more

Their chicken wings are so addicting. I honestly think their chicken wings and Pagoda's are in a tie for the top wings in Minnesota. So so crispy in the outside and juicy in the inside. I love how they put their special sauce on the side for you. Another thing I love getting from them is their rib tips and their potato wedges. If you haven't tried this place yet, you're missing out! read more

My boyfriend and I decided to embark on finding the best ribs in the Twin Cities. Today we decided to compare The Rack Shack in West St. Paul and The Hickory Hut in Frogtown. It was not even sort of a contest. Even just looking at the 2 boxes you could see that The Hickory Hut ribs looked boiled and The Rack Shack ribs had this great grilled crust and smoke ring, some of the meat was even just starting to come off the bones. We took a bite of the HH ribs first. Very chewy but meaty. However way too tough. No bbq crust, no smoky taste that I could discern but I loved the spicy sauce. As I finished my first chunk (cuz there really wasn't much for actual ribs there...??!) I noted a very old taste...like the meat was just beginning to turn and wasn't exactly fresh. My boyfriend is admittedly much less of a connoisseur and dug into them a little further but agreed as he chewed on a piece of meat that it tasted old. I couldn't take any more and the RS ribs were calling to me. I picked up an actual rib and bit into a moist, smoky, delicious, clean tasting bbq'd rib. Soooooooooooooooo good!! I could not eat another HH. We ate half the rack of the RS ribs and only 3 chunks of the HH. Never going to HH for ribs. I wouldn't recommend it even to the least discerning among us. Just so happens, we also wanted to compare cornbread. HH cornbread was pretty good. Tasted a lot like the Jiffy cornbread mix my mama used to buy for us. RS cornbread is made with courser ground corn meal and tasted homemade. Not as moist as the small cornmeal HH but much more corn taste. Very good. After reading the reviews here and doing our own little taste test I think HH needs to just concentrate on their chicken and forget the rest. Might as well just do what you're good at, right?! read more

So I have read all the other reviews on here and kind of had to laugh. Hickory Hut is KNOWN FOR THEIR CHICKEN WINGS. They have great chicken wings and if you're gonna knock a place try what they are known for first. For most of us that is common sense. read more

There are absolutely NO wings better than Art Song's Hickory Hut! I don't care about Ray-J's or anywhere else. If you have not tried these, you are missing out. read more

Hickory Hut - Barbeque Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota