Old Hickory Bar-B Que

Found this by accident while in town for an event. Was very disappointed with this so-​called «BBQ» restaurant. Very few BBQ items on the menu (we ate in the main restaurant) and I were highly disappointed.

Old Hickory has been around longer than I’ve been on earth. And some of the original wait staff has too. Food is, for the most part, exceptional and their BBQ is fantastic. Prices and a wee bit high I think for what you get. You will wait to get a seat… it’s insanely popular.
I wish the bar was a tad bit better — they are good to their regulars but we ordered drinks at our table and they were marginal.
The décor inside is dated and that’s just fine by me LOL. When I am looking for a place that has longevity I don’t want a mountain of updating.

Slow service. Marginal food. High prices for what it is. Dated atmosphere.

This place was really what I needed tonight. Of course, I am here in Dayton on business (Beavercreek actually… haha, I said Beaver) and I was dying to find a little local flavor. Old Hickory has all KIND of local flavor and was a welcome relief from the chain restaurants that have haunted my existence since I landed in this town.
First, you wouldn’t believe what this place looks like from the outside. Not a great looking part of town, somewhat rundown looking building, liquor and sundries store around the back. Made my heart skip a beat.
Now, we walk in and run right into a perfect old school 60s era horseshoe shaped bar right inside the door. Mirrors all around the outside wall and it still has all of the clam shell ashtrays hanging on the wall even though you probably haven’t been allowed to smoke here for years. I mean time warp time.
We are escorted to our booth and once again, seriously nothing has been updated since the 60s or 70s. All of the old furniture is kind of heavy and dark with magnificent BLUE leather and brass tacks.
They have 3 stars already and not a bite or sip has passed my lips! Menus? Probably don’t have to tell you about the yellowing pages and how I am CERTAIN that the items on that menu have not changed in 40 or 50 years. All the basics are there… Ribs, BBQ chicken, Steaks and nothing fancy. Unless you call «broasted» potatoes fancy.
I am seriously at a loss, so I ask my server what the strength of the menu is. She says, hands down, it is the steak and they have several nice cuts of aged beef. I am thinking BBQ all the way into town so I am torn. Right up until I see the Ribs and Steak combo for $ 25. Half a rack and a 10 oz fillet for $ 25??? Your on!
The steak was CRAZY good, nicely aged and perfectly prepared. The ribs? Jury is still out. Not fall off the bone, but also not dry. (nothing worse than dry ribs) The sauce was not really traditional and had a bite of mustard instead of the usual chili. All in all the ribs were satisfactory, but I think I will have dreams about that steak tonight. I don’t typically like a fillet, because the flavor is often just not there, but seriously, this is the best FILLET that I have ever had.
If you find yourself on North Main Street and you want a good, solid, nothin’ fancy sort of meal, go to Old Hickory and get a little shot of retro with a water back.