Columbia’s Hickory Tavern is the spot for sports fans with hearty appetites
Hickory Tavern is a casual gathering spot for sports enthusiasts who want substantial portions of American fare and a wide selection of at beer and signature cocktails.
Besides regular lunch and dinner, there is a “lightning” lunch menu. The menu reflects Hickory Tavern’s focus on general appeal and foodie sophistication, from tavern potato chips and gameday burgers to Louisiana gumbo and Oregon cedar salmon.
There are build-your-own salads with plenty of ingredient choices as well as signature salads. And what tavern would be complete without chicken wings, tacos and hearty sandwiches?
Sides are not just tots and fries, but broccoli, asparagus and crispy Brussels sprouts. There are also monthly specials and a beer of the month.
How did Hickory Tavern get its start?
The second Columbia-area location recently opened in the former CiCi’s Pizza spot in the Shoppes at Woodhill, the Target-anchored shopping center off Garners Ferry Road. It joins the first Columbia-area location in the Vista. The restaurant business launched in 1997 with locations in North Carolina and South Carolina.
What does the restaurant look like?
At least a dozen large screens allow sports viewing from any area of the large, open setting. A private room is behind glass doors, and niches of tables and booths are located inside. Classic rock is the background music, while walls are adorned with black and white images of iconic rock stars.
A large, covered outdoor eating area – also equipped with televisions – is popular with the springtime weather.
Who eats here?
Groups interested in watching sports while enjoying good food and drinks gravitate toward Hickory Tavern. However, this is not just a lively adult sports bar; families, student athletes and those interested in flavorful food with friends will feel welcome. Hickory Tavern also caters.
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Hickory Tavern
WHERE: Shoppes at Woodhill location, 141-A Pelham Drive; Vista location, 907 Senate St.
WHEN: 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday.
COST: Burgers are a little over $10, while the priciest entree is the “bucket of boat trash” (only offered at the Woodhill location) with crab legs, shrimp, and oysters for $29.99.
INFO: (803) 638-4103; www.thehickorytavern.com; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram
This story was originally published May 3, 2017 at 4:45 PM with the headline "Columbia’s Hickory Tavern is the spot for sports fans with hearty appetites."