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    Old Hickory Bar-B-Que

    3.6 (273 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque
    Closed 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Old Hickory Bar-B-Que Takeout or Delivery

    Old Hickory Bar-B-Que Photos

    Business Info

    OLD HICKORY BAR-B-QUE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Old Hickory Bar-B-Que

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    Pork Ribs

    We recently traveled to Owensboro for a family function and stayed at a local hotel. Reception suggested we come to the Old Hickory. Interior needs some serious updates. I ordered the ribs, because it's a Rib eatery. Our food arrived and the ribs were drier than the Sahara desert!! Our waiter let the manager know and took off the ribs but not the sides. Sides were decent, Mac and cheese, Johnny cakes (corn pancakes). The ribs were not fresh and seemed old. I could even hear the blade whirring in the back to cut up meat. Strange....did not present as baby back either, which is what was described in the menu. Not sure why the local slogan is Rib capital of the world????

    Michael G.

    Old Hickory BBQ in Owensboro, Kentucky, delivers exactly what its reputation promises--and then some. I'd heard more than once, from both my girlfriend and coworkers, that Owensboro is a barbecue town through and through, so when she pointed me toward Old Hickory, expectations were high. Walking in, I was immediately charmed. The space feels like a cozy old cottage infused with unmistakable local pride. Awards and accolades from magazines and even the Food Network line the walls, setting the stage for something special before you ever open the menu. One of the most endearing details, though, is how deeply rooted this place is in the community. The tabletops themselves double as a kind of hometown directory, showcasing local Owensboro businesses. It's a thoughtful, almost nostalgic touch that reinforces the sense that Old Hickory isn't just in Owensboro--it belongs to it. To fully experience what they do best, I ordered the combination platter, a barbecue lover's dream designed for indecision. My lineup included brisket, baby back ribs, and a quarter of white-meat BBQ chicken, with baked beans and mashed potatoes with gravy on the side. The platter arrived surprisingly fast, and the portion size was nothing short of impressive--this is serious, no-nonsense barbecue. The brisket was a standout: fork-tender with generous pieces of that deeply flavorful, smoky bark that true BBQ fans crave. The baby back ribs struck the perfect balance--tender but still offering a satisfying bite off the bone, never mushy or overdone. The chicken was juicy and well-seasoned, cooked just right overall, with only a couple slightly drier bites near the edge of the breast--hardly enough to detract from an otherwise excellent showing. The mashed potatoes and gravy were rich, comforting, and clearly made with care. The baked beans leaned more vinegary than I personally prefer, but they were still good enough that I cleaned the plate without hesitation--a testament to their overall quality. I couldn't help overhearing a nearby table raving about the mac and cheese, and honestly, that might be my biggest regret of the visit. An elderly woman at the table--easily in her 80s--declared, "This mac and cheese kicks ass!" I laughed, briefly considered ordering my own, then accepted defeat--I was already completely full. One small surprise was the classic slices of white and wheat bread served alongside the platter. When I asked about it, the waitress explained that many customers use it to build their own BBQ sandwiches. While I would've loved a square of cornbread instead, the tradition makes sense--and fits the no-frills authenticity of the place. I tried their original vinegar-based sauce, which was tangy, bright, and perfectly suited to the meats. I do wish I'd had the chance to sample their other sauces, but that just gives me an excuse to return. Could I nitpick and mention the limited napkins? Sure--but at a place this good, I ended up licking my fingers clean anyway. Old Hickory BBQ isn't just a meal; it's an Owensboro experience--hearty, genuine, and absolutely delicious.

    Richard C.

    You should definitely try any restaurant that's been open for over 100 years, through 5 generations. The restaurant is large for a local BBQ joint, which speaks to their longevity. I've always heard about the KY BBQ shops that serve mutton, so I wanted to try it. Not sure how it would taste, so I ordered the 3 meat sampler. The mutton tasted like pulled pork but with a sweet finish. I'm glad I tried it. The ribs were tough but the 1/4 chicken was tasty. It was very busy at lunchtime, and the waitress worked hard serving a large table, but she did a good job helping me as well.

    Sliced brisket sandwich

    Truly, genuinely do not understand how anyone can like this better than Moonlite. Got my same exact order as I get from there: sliced brisket sandwich with macaroni and cheese. Both were bad. Also got a side of cornbread. Flavorless. Also way more expensive. Just bad.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Better bbq than moonlight; but lacking some of the sides. Still a must when visiting Owensboro

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Awesome food! Never disappointed. The only complaint I have is that I eat too much. That is NOT their fault. lol.

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Best BBQ in Owensboro hands down (in my opinion ;)) and even my friends in other cities love it!

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

    The meat, the sides, and atmosphere are all so enjoyable! Prices are great and the staff is always so nice! Definitely worth stopping by.

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Some of the best barbecue I've had. I would and do recommend this place to a lot of people.

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    8 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    My favorite BBQ in Owensboro. The mutton, ribs and chicken are awesome. The drivethru window is very handy.

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    10 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great BBQ!! Sides are also good, and the service is great. I would highly recommend this for lunch or dinner!

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    This place is awesome. It is where most locals go. Great barbecue. Love the plate dinners and the burgoo.

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    4 years ago

    Had their combo meal. Pork, Mutton, and Beef were delicious. Service was good and will come back time and time again.

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Tried them all but here is where we stop repeatedly. I prefer the brag, and my wife prefers the pulled pork.

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    5 years ago

    waste of money. Chicken ribs and mutton all tasted same. all need seasoning. Potatoe salad should not be like mashed potatoes

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    4 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    Page 3 of 7

    Ask the Community - Old Hickory Bar-B-Que

    Dee's Diner

    Dee's Diner

    4.3
    (85 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $

    I WILL NEVER GET OVER THE AMAZING SERVICE AND BREAKFAST I AM SERVED EVERY TIME I DINE HERE…read more Love me that Rise and Shine meal. Beautiful *ss Bacon. Beautiful pancakes. That buttery goodness never gets old. Call me an extreme optimist, I DON'T GIVE A RATS BEHIND! Each bite I take is like a new feeling swarming me.. Eggs... Content Sausage... Joy Pancakes.. Nostalgia... Bacon.. Greed... Biscuits and gravy... Thankful. Love it here. Always brings a smile to my face. Not to mention the great coffee. Love that roast.

    Working in Owensboro this week and I heard about Dee's Diner, which has the best breakfast in town…read more I was craving pancakes so I decided to try Dee's for breakfast. The parking lot was absolutely packed at 9:30 on a Friday morning. I think I found the last possible place to park, parallel at the edge of the lot. I ordered a pancake, which was huge!! Also a couple of over-easy eggs. The pancakes was delicious! It was thin and a little crispy at the edges and had a very good flavor. It was served with a good size chunk of butter. My eggs were cooked to order. Service was very friendly and prompt. Considering that every table was full I was surprised at how fast the server brought out my food. When I paid for my meal the cashier mentioned that I had a "small" pancake but they also offered large pancakes. I thought mine was large enough! There is also a drive thru if you aren't able to dine in. All this and reasonable prices too.

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    Dee's Diner
    Cheese Omelet
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    The Chuck's
    Colby's

    Colby's

    4.2
    (174 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    I stopped in 40 minutes before closing time and had never been there or heard of Colby's. Upon…read morearrival, my hostess greeted me with a warm smile that felt very welcoming. My waitress was super nice and extremely skilled at her job. I had the ribeye with a loaded baked potato and house salad/ranch dressing. I left thoroughly impressed. I ordered the ribeye medium and it was absolutely perfect. The seasoning was much better than Texas Roadhouse. The baked potato was the best I have had in years, nice and soft and perfectly topped. The salad was fresh and not overloaded. The overall experience felt very relaxed. Even though it was seven minutes until closing when I finished eating, my waitress enthusiastically asked if I wanted desert. This is a quality restaurant worth every penny. I will be back.

    Was looking for a lunch spot while in town for lunch, and I heard this was a go-to spot for many…read morefolks. I can see why. I had a pork lunch special that was nicely cooked, quickly served, and reasonably priced...kind of a trifecta for a quick lunch (and, to be clear, quite tasty since the "nicely cooked" comment might not adequately convey the point!). Lots of options on the menu for every appetite. Service was friendly, attentive, and helpful. Good atmosphere, relaxed but not divey or anything, lots of space (I got there when it opened, and much of that space was full when I left--twas indeed a go-to spot).

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    8oz Center-Cut Filet Mignon
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    The Place

    Old Hickory Bar-B-Que - bbq - Updated August 2026

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