I went here because it was convenient to my hotel. My friend and I ordered two different margaritas. Hers came out promptly, he made mine and forgot to give it to me so I sat there for a while with no drink. There was a drink mistake so he gave us a third type of margarita on the house. Each of them was un~drinkable. They were almost pure syrup. Terrible. The food was mediocre, a decent burger. We asked for ketchup and the bartender knowingly handed us an empty bottle. It had maybe a quarter size bit in it. We asked the other bartender for more ketchup and she gave us an additional two bottles which were also empty. To their credit, they did not charge me for my drink when I told them it was too bad to drink. Poor service and worse drinks. read more

Cassie Morgan at Hickory Tavern is just about the best manager of a restaurant I've ever seen. She is always working to better the restaurant. She is always courteous and respectful of the patrons. Wish you could clone her!! Dublin McManus is almost the main reason we come to Hickory twice a week every week!! She remembers our drink and food preferences and is always happy to help us out! read more

Great food and drinks, the customer service is amazing, I had to ask if they were rebranding because it was nothing like the previous reviews had mentioned. Food was served quickly and the Desert Pear Margarita OMG! Such a relaxing break after a long week @FT Jack... Ask for Cody he is awesome. I must say I read the previous reviews and still decided to take a chance on this spot and Im 100% glad about it. read more

Ordered the quesadilla and half the items it was supposed to come with were not included in my take out order. What I had was OK but I wish the order was correct. I won't be ordering again. read more

Weird experience tonight. Not enough servers was obvious. Long long wait for our food. Kids Mac came out cold. Server brought out 2 orders that were wrong. Had to return them and bring out the correct food. My blackened tacos were good. Wife's shrimp po boy was cold. Stuff was likely sitting in the window too long. Our server was good but overwhelmed. She brought out 2 Oreos for our granddaughter which was very nice.. Beer selection good. Will try this place again. read more

Great place to hang out and enjoy the food and drinks! Great patio and wait staff! Recommend for lunch.

We went in and the place was busy! So we expected a wait. We were seated in the bar area. Took a little while to get out order taken, but the food was worth the wait! The premium sides.. Mac-n-cheese!! Wow! The only issue, I ordered a draft beer and never received it! As I stated they were busy and our waitress was busy! However we were literally 6 feet from the bar! I watched a beer set there on the bar for 15-20 minutes! Yes it was mine! I'm dumbfounded as to why any other server, or heck the bartender couldn't look and say ooh that's right here! Either way I did not get it, by the time out waitress noticed I had decided that I didn't need it! Overall good place and good food! read more

Could be a good place been here twice both times the service was very slow. Make sure you don't have plans afterwards

Went in recently was very pleased. great service, manager even stoped by to chat. my food was good ended up getting large wings, and the coldest beer around. all the tvs they have definitely find something to watch. will be back! read more

We had discovered Hickory Tavern in Columbia several years ago as we were passing through town. So when we evacuated Augusta several days after Hurricane Helene we headed back to the Hickory Tavern after we checked into our hotel. From the minute we walked in we were greeted with warm smiles from the staff and impeccable service. The food was outstanding and great daily specials that had us coming back every day we were in town. Amazing, given the fact that they had just been through the same storm and we're just getting back themselves. Sam the bartender was a standout and Dave the manager was extremely hospitable and engaging, a rare attribute in most restaurants these days. Not only was Dave welcoming to us, we witnessed him interacting with guests all over the restaurant, cleaning tables and setting an excellent example for his team. We enjoyed our meals and experiences so much we plan to make weekend trips from Augusta just to visit the Hickory Tavern. If ever in Columbia make sure you stop by the Hickory Tavern. Truly a "Neighborhood Gathering Spot"!! read more

Chicken was very dry and burnt. Couldn't even eat it. Waitress tried to memorize order and messed it up and then looked at us like we were dumb. Won't be back anytime soon. Highly disappointed. read more

Went to dinner the other evening and the server was kind but the food took quite some time to be served. Also, while dining with a group I noticed a rat crawling above the door to the patio and it crawled down the wall into the main bar/dining area. We told the server but wanted to make sure others were aware. read more

Absolutely wonderful service. The nachos were very good and it's a great place to watch a game. Unfortunately, our entrees ranged from sub par to gross. Ordered the Merica burger and it was by far the worst meat I've ever had on a burger. It tasted like a frozen Bubba Burger and was way over cooked. The wing chips were floppy and greasy. And the tacos were bland and the shrimp weren't even remotely fresh. Everything here is great except the most important thing, the food. Likely won't be back. read more

This was our first time at this location of Hickory Tavern, and while the food was good, the service definitely wasn't. At the start of our visit Kelsay and I had the spinach and artichoke dip, that was pretty impressive. Not exactly sure what kind of mixture it was, but on top of the dip there is a crunchy coat of maybe parmesan and herb that adds a little extra flair to the dip. For our entrees, Kelsay got the chicken finger plate with her tenders tossed in the Honey Bee Sting Sauce (mix of their traditional hot sauce with a hint of honey), and I got the chicken sandwich coated in the Honey Bee Sting sauce as well. (I decided against the BBQ chicken nachos, because I asked our server what she would choose between the two, and the sandwich was her recommendation) Both of our meals were great, the tenders and the sandwich were great (the sauce is BOMB), and the fries and tots were good too! Where Hickory Tavern falls short is the service. When our food was ready I asked for an additional side of Bee Sting sauce, that never came. I also ordered their beer of the month, that never came until our waitress realized she charged me for it but never brought it. Since the food was good, I'll excuse the poor service as this was our first visit. Hopefully in the future service is much better. read more

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Food was excellent. The service was quick and professiona. Overall great experience I will definitely be back.

I've eaten here numerous times, and I've been pleased every time I come. Great atmosphere. Food seems to be consistently good. I like the outdoor eating area with all the TV's also. Mostly I get the wings. I really like them. Service is good. Prices are reasonable. Also I like how they post their waiting line on Yelp. Also on most days they take reservations. Great addition to my area of town. read more

Hickory Tavern - Wings and Chips - Sports Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The food was great! The service was on spot. And what a great spot to watch.. Lobster Roll

worst customer service tried to order food after football game hostess very rude would not take name for list or wait on us would give a negative rating if I could not coming back read more

The bar has over 20 tv's to watch games. Also nice outdoor area to sit with friends. Generous food portions & good beer selection. Waitstaff was friendly & attentive. Enjoyed our time here & will be back. read more

Our server was nice but also a little slow to get to our table. The food was just alright. Maybe not the freshest. They were also out of a few dressings and ingredients. Not sure what that's about. It's a chain, I will maybe try another location and compare. read more

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They were super busy with Clemson and Gamecocks playing. We arrived after the game and the staff looked exhausted; however, everybody was kind, helpful, and gave us great customer service! The food took a bit; however, it was delicious! We enjoyed our dinner and we give kudos to all the staff! Thank you! read more

Went here for lunch yesterday with three friends. We opted to sit outside since it was a beautiful day. The outside patio is very nice - great atmosphere, huge stone fireplace and multiple tv's all around. I don't think I've ever seen a sports bar with as many televisions as this place has! We got there at about 11:40 so it wasn't real crowded, but by the time we left there were quite a few more customers. The waitress took our drink orders and came back with the drinks in a very short time and then took our lunch order. They have a very extensive beer selection ranging from $3 - $9.50 for a chimay ale. Two of us ordered the Shrimp Po Boy sandwiches, one with french fries and the other with raw chips. One order for a steak sandwich and one order for chicken salad. The Shrimp Po Boys were great. Filled with large battered shrimp, lettuce, tomato and cajun sauce. It's quite large so eating it as a sandwich requires a bit of thinking on how to attack it! Everyone liked their entrees and commented how good it was. The menu is extensive with appetizers, sandwiches, hamburgers..you name it. We all said we would return and bring our wives. If you're looking to watch sports this looks like the place to be. Like I said, I've not seen this many TVs in a sports bar before. Behind the bar they're lined up side by side all the way across and then duplicated out in the front of the bar. We'll be back! read more

Hickory Tavern is fine for a chain restaurant. The food was pretty good, definitely from a chain, but if that is what you want, it is fine.

Well once again, we went here for a relatives birthday. I don't know why they keep going to this place; I become less and less excited with each visit. This time I had the Southern Fried Chicken BLT. The menu gives this description, "Hand Breaded Fried Chicken Breast, Lettuce, Tomato, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Buttermilk Jalapeño Ranch Dressing. Served on a Hoagie Roll." Well I didn't even notice the bacon, the tomatoes were huge, but that was the only thing what was huge. The hand breaded chicken breast was more like the chicken sandwich at Burger King. Very thin, almost like a piece of cardboard. It most definitely was not a chicken breast. I really need to start remembering to take pictures, but hopefully my description will suffice. I'm sure I'll be here again, because the rest of the family enjoys it. Once again I have to say the wait staff was A+ read more

I am absolutely in awe of the phenomenal service I received today at Hickory Tavern. I showed up a few minutes before the USC game started thinking I'd just saunter up to the bar and order to go and have a beer. This place was packed! Not a table, barely room to stand in the bar packed. Luckily, a sweet girl who is dedicated to To Go orders took mine and entered it before the game started. I then went to the bar and stood in the wait station (which is bad form, I know, but my Gamecocks were playing and I NEEDED a glass of wine). The bartenders were very accommodating, opened a tab, and got me a super cold large pour of Sauvignon Blanc. So, because they were packed, I was thinking I'd have time for a few drinks. Nope! They had my food out of the kitchen and ready to go in 20ish minutes! Closed my bar tab, paid her, and out the door I went! We've been here quite a few times now, but the experience today will keep us coming back for more! read more

Won't eat here again. Food was ok but it took forever to bring out and they messed up my order. 5 other people who ordered after us got their food before and all I ordered was a salad. I asked the waitress why it took so long and she said it was first come first serve?? They used to be better but it's really gone downhill. read more

Just had an amazing experience here! We got a few apps to split and two drinks and it was so yummy, definitely left with a stomach full. To top off our great experience, our server Isabelle was the absolute best! She was so sweet, bubbly, and a great waitress! Definitely will be back and will be requesting her! read more

The burger was good fresh. The fish n chips were literally all crispy breading. traces of fish could be found if you look with a microscope. I'd skip it. over priced read more

2nd visit for us to the Hickory Tavern. Probably the last. Went on a Sunday around 4, not too crowded. Got seated quickly and a server came over to take our orders. Sorry, we're out of the beer you want. Got a back-up choice? Once we got our drinks, I had to go find some bar napkins to place the drinks on. Food: You want the tuna tacos? Sorry, out of those, too. After ordering something that was available, we waited a little longer than what we thought was normal. The server asked if we needed anything else at the moment so I asked for silverware. Sorry, we're out of clean silverware. She brought us those little plastic knife and fork kits instead. When the food was delivered, the fries were cold, the fried chicken breast on the Cobb salad was cold, my quesadilla was slightly more than warm, and the "food truck chicken and rice" was a few steps below warm with some dry chicken. I'm sorry, I hate to leave a bad review about as much as I dislike returning food to the kitchen after watching the movie "Waiting", but it seems as if the trend has been downward for this place. Best of luck to them. They'll need it. read more

We used to come to the Hickory's in the vista but the parking sucks so we stop going when I saw them opening this one up I was excited because I do love their food and they have a large selection of craft beer. We did get off to a rough start when I got there the blonde lady at the front did not welcomed me there at all not only that but she helped and seat two people that came after I did As i was getting ready to leave a brunette lady very friendly very nice tell me "how many do you have?" so I stay. Which I'm glad I did I waitress was awesome and the food was excellent as always They have a large selection of craft beer and the restaurant was very well laid out and had a bar area and dining room area and an outdoor area. I got their chicken sandwich and my wife got their salad ( you can build your own salad) she thoroughly enjoyed it I will definitely come by let us hope the blonde lady at the front seat us. I still gave 5 stars because every one else did an awesome job read more

Hickory Tavern - Ok this was a waste of $4.00 - Sports Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I have eaten at this location for the last time. How many chances do you give a restaurant. Nick our wait person was good but that was the only thing that was good. Waited over an hour for our food that was cold. There were 7 of us and they were not busy on a Friday night, which should have been a sign. Asked to speak with manager they kept me waiting as well. Clearly keeping customers waiting for no matter what, is their MO. Was told our checks would be taken care of, but given discount instead. Yet again, can't be taken at their word. Well, I'm taking my money elsewhere. A restuarant that wants my business and cares. I realize it's hard to fine employees these days but don't seat customers if you can't wait on them in a timely manner and get the order right. Stay away!!! read more

We Were-having a rough time trying to find a place that was open for a late night dinner, we ended up trying the Hickory Tavern after having a struggle with other restaurants closing there kitchens early. We sat our self and within a few minutes a waiter greeted us and was genuinely glad to see us. We ordered the Shrimp and Grits as the entree and the Chipachos as our appetizer both dishes were amazing. Our Waiter was named Adolfo, he is a very out going person and so caring and tried to make a bad night into a great one. Adolfo was very informative and Explained the menu well. He made recommendations and was able to help make sure we had an amazing experience. I'd like to also say the manager from Brooklyn is also a very nice guy and was even helping to serve the food. Great staff and team work. Thanks so much Adolfo and the Hickory Tavern. read more

Hickory Tavern - Sports Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Traveling through Columbia and we stopped in for a late lunch/early dinner. Excellent service and food, just as we expect from other Hickory Tavern locations we've visited. Large soft pretzels are now replaced with pretzel bites, same beer cheese as before, they were good but not quite as soft as the large pretzels. The tavern chips were just ok- make sure you ask for them crispy- they are served with the same dressing as the fiesta salad, it's good, almost like a ranch and thousand island combo. Build your own salad with spinach, avocado, bacon, cucumbers, feta and queso fresco with grilled chicken was delicious. Important to note- they have the "good" ranch here, none of that nasty bottle stuff. Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. The house dressing- a bacon honey mustard- is also very good. Huge kid portions on the pizza and mac and cheese, plenty leftover for a snack later! Fiesta salad was great with corn and beans and chicken, but a lot of the romaine heart stalks to pick through. read more

They forgot the Mayo, mustard and pickle on my Cuban plus it was small with very little meat. My friend had to wave down the waitress for a second beer and it took 20 minutes. Manager didn't seem to care very much. Never again. read more

In the area for training and didnt want to travel far. This review is strictly towards the food as I got it to go. I receiced two little pieces of lettuce for my burger, now I know this is not the first time they have had a request for no bun but when I asked the bartender (who was really nice) about the lettuce they put on I was under the impression I would get a nice size or two of iceburg. Totally not her fault as she is not preparing the meal. I asked for medium rare my 10 minute drive back to my room, the burger tasted fully cooked and was a bit dry and had the makings of a premade patty. Sweet potato fries were good (really can't go wrong). Don't know if I wi be back, at least not this go round. read more

Hickory Tavern - Smoky Tavern burger with a "lettuce" bun. - Sports Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

actually one of the worse experiences. we waited for 2 hours waiting for mozzarella sticks and nachos... come on. do not come here

I enjoy the food here and the service for dine-in is pretty good. But if you order online, you better come late because the online orders are never ready on time. My most recent order I waited in the lobby for over 20 minutes, and I was there 30 minutes before closing so it wasn't busy at all. No one was standing at the host desk and I was only updated on my order one time right when I got there. If you've got lots of time to kill, great place to order from. If you're trying to be somewhere and have limited time, don't do it. read more

Where do I start. I understand staffing shortages but i would rather wait longer for good quality food than a rush job on sloppy food. Overcooked and very chewy hamburger. Came with an onion straw (was advertised as straws). Tater tots were cold and also very chewy. Don't bother asking for a draft (they're probably out of it). Felt awful for the waitress for having to deliver all that news. Whoever is managing this places needs a reality check. read more

2 stars is a bit of an overhype, but the service here is terrible. I have been here three times (only reason I came back for the second two times was because I had a gift card), and every single time I have been here I have never received my food within an hour of ordering. Terribly slow. Food is mediocre at best. Half the times I've been here they don't have half the beers on their beer list. Ask for the check... Expect to receive it 20 minutes later. Tried ordering dessert... They didn't even have a dessert menu. They came out 15 minutes after I asked for a dessert menu with a handwritten list of a few pie slices. Will NOT be returning... 3rd time was NOT the charm. PS... $5.00 for a Miller Lite read more

I'm from out of town, but I took my elderly dad to Hickory Tavern because he said they had a good menu and he was looking forward to sweet potato fries. Well, those fries were one of the menu items that they cut from their menu due to Covid. We totally understood that. So my dad ordered fish n' chips and I ordered the Korean bbq ribs. An hour later we finally received our food. Dad enjoyed the fish, but my ribs had zero flavor. I was stationed in Korea for a while so I was looking forward to some Korean flavor...how disappointing. The waitress said that one kitchen person was a no show, so they were under staffed. I heard another waitress say they were training someone new in the kitchen. Either way, it's very hard to understand waiting for an hour , especially when it's limited capacity and smaller menu. I don't think we'll be back until maybe after the pandemic. read more