When I'm in Hickory, this is the go-to place for great sandwiches, including a generous and delicious pork BBQ. Sunday morning breakfast this past year was a great memory not only because of the company of my wife, baby girl and grand-baby girl but the food was delicious. I've been back a few times and always a friendly and attentive staff. Go there, you will be glad you did. read more

I absolutely adore this restaurant and the staff. So friendly and the owner is amazing! We come every week and have been for 5 years now. Nothing beats their burgers, nothing! Everything has that home cooked meal feel. Our favorite local joint! read more

The food and customer service was awesome. The burgers were fresh and the chicken tenders were big and hand battered. The fries were hot and crispy. The Mac n cheese was absolutely delicious, not the boxed kind, but the real cheese, melt in your moth kind. Will definitely go back. read more

*******Beware******* I am 67 years old and just had the worst experience in my life tonight. My wife was out of town and a friend and I went out to enjoy the evening. I told him about Hotroders that the food is VG and the atmosphere was great....R66ish Well we got there and ordered a beer each and walked around looking at the pictures and enjoying drinking our beer. Our onion rings arrived and we went back to the table to enjoy them. They were very good and we each ordered another beer.. Again we we enjoying the atmosphere and were chatting away. All of a sudden people started streaming in and we figured we had better order, which we did. People just keep coming in and in fact there were MANY more people than they had seats for and we could no longer speak with each other as it had gotten so loud it was impossible for us to speak with one another. They were way over the max capacity for the facility It was clear that they were having a surprise party for someone. While the food was probably good, we could NOT enjoy it because of the ruckus. I did finish most my burger and ate almost no fries as all I wanted to do was get out of the place. After we came in a group of 3 came in and they were long gone before us because of the ruckus. There were two other folks that came in and I do not know what they did. My friend was jostled around in his chair multiple times by folks standing and banging into him. We did not wait for our checks and on the way to the front I asked the older lady if she was the owners wife...she responded that "she was the owner". I told her that we should have been warned at the least, about the group that was going to take over, or they should have been closed to regular customers. She did not even respond to me...nothing...like I am sorry...we did not expect this many people....nothing. I told the waitress as we checked out that they should have been closed for the private party or at least warned us, She informed me that they could not afford to be closed. Believe me NO ONE came into the establishment or would have come in for a meal with what was going on as we left. You know problems can always happen and the way they are handled tells you what the business is made of. This was the classic example of penny wise and pound foolish. I had dined there 4 or 5 times with my wife and friends and have brought several folks into the place......I I will NEVER GO BACK to a place that treated us the way they did. They had an opportunity to do something and they did nothing. I have no problem with the folks at the surprise party and the fact they were loud and having fun....Problem is the was the way the owner and waitress handled the problem. If they can not afford to shut down for a private party I hope they can afford the number of folks they will loose because of their attitude!! read more

Great, fresh food (cooked to order, even gluten free!) Nice staff as well and clean place

Four of us had the pleasure of visiting Hotrodders on a Friday evening for dinner as the BBQ was highly recommended. We were not disappointed! Three of us enjoyed the pulled pork plate which came with hush puppies and two sides. The BBQ was Carolina style--a vinegar based pork--and was tender and flavorful. The crinkle cut fries were hot, just a little crispy, and ample. Cole slaw was a minced style and was crisp, cold, and delicious. The hush puppies were to die for--good size, good flavor, and melted in my mouth when spread with warm butter. Other sides tried were the mac n' cheese which my sister said was creamy, cheesy, and tasted like homemade, the green beans were delicious and nicely seasoned, and the onion rings were big and crispy. My niece got a BBQ sandwich on the bun, which was baked on the premises! She said it too was scrumptious. They did have some desserts, but the portions of food we ate were big enough that we just couldn't fit in dessert. We had the pleasure of meeting the baker who was out in the restaurant talking to guests, and that really made us feel at home. The facility itself is in the middle of a shopping center and you have to pay attention to find it, but it is well worth the drive to experience their food. Our waitress was outstanding as well. We will definitely return for dinner again and will try them on a weekend for breakfast. Well done, Hotrodders Cafe, well done! read more

Best kept secret in Chesapeake, the 10.00 all you can eat breakfast buffet on Saturdays is awesome. We have eaten here numerous times as its right around the corner, and have never been disappointed. The owners are super friendly as is all of the staff(all family). Come in your muscle car and get your picture taken and put on the wall!! read more

We tried this place for lunch & loved it from the moment we walked in. Amber and staff are very friendly and welcoming. Everything on the menu looked good! My husband ordered the recommended patty melt, I got a chicken caesar wrap, both with fresh cut fries & both were delicious. My son loved the car his food came in and has been talking about it the whole way home. I ordered banana pudding to go, which didn't make it all the way home before that was gone too! Everything we ordered was amazing! This is definitely a new local favorite for us, we can't wait to go back again & again! Looking forward to trying the fried chicken next time! read more

Great little mom and pop cafe! Went here the other night and the co-owner went through the menu with us. Amazing crab dip and homemade burger buns. Try the Hawaiian burger! read more

After reading the reviews on Yelp, my husband and I had lunch here today. We were very happy with our meals. We ordered the fried mushrooms for our appetizer. They come with a marinara dipping sauce. They were excellent. My husband ordered the fried fish with hush puppies, crinkle fries and coleslaw. He was happy with everything. I ordered the mushroom and Swiss burger with the fresh cut fries. Both were delicious. The fries (as stated in other reviews) aren't crispy, but that was fine for me. I had vinegar with mine. So yummy!! The service was excellent. Amber was so friendly and welcoming!! It wasn't busy when we went. We went today (Thursday) around 1:30 to miss the lunch rush. I've read other reviews where people complained about slow service, but yet went on a Friday evening. DUH!! Any place will be busy on a Friday evening!! My husband and I will definitely be going back. read more

So my boyfriend and I do this thing where we pick random hole-in-the-wall places to eat on Friday nights. We are so happy Yelp led us to Hotrodders Cafe. As soon as we walked in, the owner, Amber, greeted us with that one-of-a-kind southern hospitality "Hey y'all!" and were directed to sit anywhere we'd like. The diner's decor is automotive-themed and they display pictures of locals and their sweet rides on the walls. The menu has a very homegrown feel to it. Everything from delicious juicy burgers to crab cakes to grandmas banana pudding recipe (please do yourself a favor and order this. Yes, with whipped cream). I ordered the Bay Burger, the best bang for your buck, which has a crab cake atop the burger on a homemade bun (HOME. MADE.) My other half ordered the pork chop platter with one grilled pork chop and one fried so he could try both. It included two sides, of which he chose mashed potatoes and green beans. He said it reminded him of one of his favorite meals from back in the midwest. I highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to going back again. read more

Just moved to the area and wanted a burger for lunch. Noticed this place while driving by one day. Stopped in on a Saturday for lunch and it was DELICIOUS! My partner and I both had the bacon cheeseburgers. The fresh cut fries are seasoned with garlic, pepper, and probably other stuff. Highly recommended. Also, the owners Amber and Dave are super cool and friendly. They chatted with us for a while and seem like wonderful people. They made us feel very welcome and eager for us to return. We really enjoyed our meal and can't wait to come back. read more

Love this place. Our go to spot! Went there tonight and let Amber make me whatever she wanted to because she's that good. Ahi Tuna it is.....amazing! Great family spot and always very friendly. read more

Love this place. I'm normally there about once a week with a buddy. Food is great and everyone who works there is awesome. Amber treats us as family as she does with everyone else. read more

I have had both dinner and breakfast here the food and service are excellent. The staff is super friendly and they make you feel right at home. Love it! read more

What a great breakfast. The eggs had flavor, and that seems to be all but forgotten. Stopped by this place this past Sunday and will be going back. The waitresses were great and the food was also. read more

Best burger I have had in a very long time. Staff is very friendly and hospitable. Burger was done to perfecton. Fries were hot and fresh. Can't say enough good things. read more

Loved this family owned diner. They have great food & the owners are very nice! The hand cut fries are delicious. Very family friendly. Highly recommend! read more

So glad we stopped in! Amazing service by one of the owners Kim, she was fantastic! All the food is fresh and homemade! Can not wait to go back! Seafood Platter was huge all portions fish, shrimp, clams, and the crab cake. The Bay Burger was amazing. If you are ever in the area definitely stop by. Locally Family owned! read more

Was looking for a good burger joint near by and came across Hotrodders Cafe, and I was definitely surprised by how good all the food was. Excellent service with a cool vibe to it. The hand cut fries there was by far my favorite! Delicious food and great prices read more

Just wanted something that wasn't a chain, Outstanding choice. Fried tomatoes were delicious, hamburger platter with a gravy like nowhere else. Everything is homemade and best family atmosphere. Highly recommended. My new eating place. read more

Hotrodders Cafe - BEST mom and pop restaurant, food is outstanding and service to match. Family oriented, food is homemade. Definitely recommend - American Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

Very yummy! I had the Rueben and it was delicious! My husband had a burger and he thought it was very good. The fried pickles were great as well. A hidden gem, for sure! read more

Been here twice and gotten the inside out burger both times. I can say this is the best local burger joint around with friendly and attentive staff and good food. read more

Food was absolutely delicious...we had the Bacon Cheddar Burger...and wings with crab dip for an appetizer. Our tab was under 25 bucks and I have never had better services or hotter food from a family owned business. The food came out steaming and everything was fresh...Abby and Amber were AMAZING . Must come check these guys out!!! read more

So it has been seven months since my last review, and a lot of visits to Hotrodders for meals. I felt it necessary to add the following: If Crab Cakes are on the menu, GET THEM! If Chef Dave is making any of his Italian dishes, Spaghetti, Stromboli, or even Cacciatore, GET IT! If stroganoff is on the menu, dont pass it up! They are all wonderful. But the best thing to do is to walk in, and ask Dave (if he is not too busy) to make you something special. He will ask you what you are looking for, and then will create a wonderful meal to your liking. He created a meal for me with a Steak on a bed of garlic sautéed spinach that was mouth watering. The food here is top notch! read more

Pancakes are amazing. Definitely give this place a shot for breakfast on Saturdays between 7-11AM

Great home cooked food with a good assortment of sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and lots of apps and sides. Staff is very friendly and you feel like you are eating at a friend's restaurant even if it is your first time there. read more

First time eating here and we will definitely be back! I had the Tuna Melt and my wife had the Turkey Reuben. Both were fantastic. Portion size is awesome. Definitely go with the fresh cut fries over the crinkle fries. Can't wait to try breakfast and dinner platters! Kids menu is pretty good too. read more

This place is all around great!! We had a bacon cheddar cheeseburger, a Carolina BBQ sandwich, chicken wrap, and a corn dog. All were fantastic, along with the salads, fresh cut fries, and hot fudge sundae for dessert. Service was quick and friendly, food was hot and well prepared. We will be back. read more

Great food with good service. Everything I've ordered here is good and fairly priced. Can't miss here. Best potato salad I ever had! Barry B

Food was ok, will try again. Was hot day, and hot inside, the ac could not keep up, but will try again in cooler weather. The should vent the grill better, a bit smoky in there. Has chicken tenders. Batter dipped, and tasty. Onion rings were beer batter type, very good. Mac n cheese was homemade and really good. Wife had pork chops. Were marinated we think, she didn't care for them too much. Will order something else next time. Overall good. Deducted 2 stars for mainly being hot and smoky. Had to shower when we got home lol! read more

super friendly service, you're definitely treated like one of the family regardless of how many times you've been there. wide variety of menu items and including many southern comfort dishes. great choice for family dining as well. read more

Great Food, Fun Family environment...Feels like a home away from home!

First time here and already planning our next trip to Hotrodders!!! I had the Danny burger and my husband had the tuna melt and all I can say is WOW!! This place is AWESOME!!! Thanks Young Ms Kim. read more

Great home cooked food! Friendly staff, the chili cheese fries were amazing. Great prices great environment I definitely will come back again read more

Wow, never knew this was here until I heard about this place from a friend. Excellent food, great service, and awesome atmosphere. The sandwiches, were great, the burgers were ridiculously tasty, and the crab cakes were very good and had tons of crab meat in them with very little filler. Highly recommend if your near hear to give it a shot. We will definitely be coming back again and again. You can tell the staff and the owners really care about their restaurant and how they conduct themselves. read more

Ate breakfast there on a Saturday food and service was wonderful will return to eat here again

Came here with my Bestie....shes a regular. I had a rueben, fries, cobbler. It was the best lunch ever. Could have killed someone with a flying button i ate so much! Im moving to the area and i will be here all the time. Great place! read more

Mushroom swiss burger on homemade buns to die for. Food great service great, prices great what more could you ask for.

So the food is always great. And I personally am the type of person that usually only leaves good reviews but I have had beyond the worst experiences with them. 1st... the chicken and dumplings. Homemade. Normally awesome and always labeled when it's made. A couple times I've noticed it being 3 or 4 days old. Okay that's fine. But last time I ordered it I didn't even look at the date... had a couple bites... and realized something tasted way home. It was 8 days old. Order up calls and I get an email saying "the manager assures us that they always label the day they are made"... right. Cooked chicken should NEVER be kept that long. I ended up getting so sick. Then... I tried again. Twice. Both times sandwiches so I knew they weren't old. Both times hair cooked in the sandwich. I love great food and all but not at the expense of my health. I really hope they step up the sanitation game! read more