D & K Hickory House

I spent a lot of time there when I was a kid and the founder and her son in law and daughter were running things. Now the founder’s grandchildren and greatgrandchildren are carrying on the tradition. It’s remained in its current location in a not-​so-​hot neighborhood for decades and it seems to me the paneling was put up in the early 1970s — it really has no swank factor. That said, this place is famous for its fall-​off-​the bone ribs and unique BBQ sauce. It does a great job with ribs, though they are a little pricey, it’s totally worth it. The service is provided by people who’ve been there for years and do a great job. It’s cash or check only though — but if you forget your cash, there’s a handy ATM machine on premises. Some little retro points — they still serve little relish trays with black olives, celery, carrots, and pickles. Always sends me back to my childhood. The bathrooms are tiny and they have a CD player on the wall (which replaced a jukebox). When I bring guests from out of state, they always rave about the ribs — so go with no expectation other than you’ll be guaranteed great ribs and great service.

My friends and I are Cedar Valley locals and finally checked out the Hickory House tonight after good reviews from friends in the community. It was a great experience! We were greeted by the waitress and the appetizers came out very quickly (fried goodness). Next came the entrée, which we all got ribs. The ribs were good, not to greasy and filling. There was just a tad bit of sauce on top to seep into the ribs. They were very tender and eaten easily with a fork. I did feel the food was a little overpriced, but didn’t mind because this is a small family owned business that has been up and running since 1954. The owners were very friendly.
We will definitely be back if we’re hankering for some BBQ.
THINGS TO KNOW
— HH doesn’t accept credit/​debit cards so cash/​check only
— A rib dinner (full rack of ribs + baked potato and salad = $ 19)
–The HH is not open on Mondays

So I and my hubby were taking my daughter out to dinner when we were visiting her away at college at UNI. We pulled into parking lot for first time and she asked «WHERE are you taking me?» It really looks like a shack. Inside very dark no windows. We went on a Friday before a hockey game so we caught the «old» and family crowd. Yes, ribs are fall off the bone, but too much. Almost burnt and truly cannot pickup to eat. The garlic sauce is a good dip for the relish tray. (Who serves relish trays anymore?) Barbecue sauce is blech – tastes like ketchup. Chicken in combo was good. Really we all cleaned our plates so food was pretty good. Let us sample ribs too. Whiskey sour just tasted like water with splash of whiskey though.

Absolutely amazing, has to be the cedar valleys best hidden gem! Oh, and they have an ATM now! Ribs are real good, lots of flavor.

We try to return to the Hickory House in Waterloo whenever we are in Iowa. It was and IS a restaurant not to be missed. Yes, nothing has changed in the interior (and you still have to pay cash), but that is part of the charm. Start with the super-​reasonbly priced cocktails and move on to the fabulous ribs and even chicken livers (better share this entreé). The prices are so very reasonable, too. Go enjoy!

The best ribs I’ve ever had. Fall off the bone — amazing.

We visited this restaurant on a Friday night. The restaurant has 0 windows and can be a bit dark and closed in. The interior is rather outdated and reminiscent of something out of the 80’s. The first thing we noticed when we were seated was that they did not accept credit cards which wouldn’t be a problem if they offered an ATM which they didn’t. Atmosphere aside we were there for the ribs. We both received a sample of there ribs which were tender and very flavorful. Both of us were set on ordering a pork dish and received pulled pork. The serving sizes were small and left us hungry even after ordering an appetizer. The pulled pork was served with what seamed to be smaller sized wonder bread buns. We were both pleased to taste such good pork but disappointed to see such stingy portions and low budget add ons.

The best ribs around. Trish and the staff will go out of the way to make sure you feel at home. Make sure you try something from the retro drink menu such as a rusty nail, gin fizz, Harvey Wallbanger, salty dog or even a good old fashioned or Manhattan — almost all of them under 5 bucks. Where else can you still get a relish tray before your meal, a warm water finger bowl after and if you stay in your seat, a cookie (that was for my 2 ½ year old). Locally owned and they put pride in what they serve (and it shows).

Great, true supper club. Relish tray! The walleye is huge. The shrimp are perfect every time. They’ll give you a sample of the ribs if you’re curious. Great cocktails and the boozy ice cream drinks are excellent.

This is an instution in East Waterloo. My husband’s family started coming here years ago, when the Purple Parrott closed. The ribs are the best you will ever taste, as the fall off the bone. You can even buy their secret sauce at the bar. My husband’s Mother would always ask him to take her here when he would visit. His favorite entrée here is the ground steak which he always asks to be wrapped in delicious porky bacon. YUM YUMMY! Skip the chain food operations and try out a real restaurant, you will not be dissappointed!!!