On Saturday April 24, I, my wife and six other professionals dined at the Hickory House in Gahanna.

Although the restaurant was ½ empty on a Saturday night, the service was very slow. Averaging about 50 years in age, we were routinely referred to as “honey” or “sweetie” by the waitperson.

The food ranged from unremarkable to inedible, although the pricing reflected moderate quality cuisine. My meal consisted of a salad containing wilting lettuce, two slices of tomato, two slices of onion, and six strips of tasteless chicken, poor quality coffee, and stale bread. My wife, a seafood gourmet, ordered a salmon meal that could not be eaten. Most of the others ordered beef that ranged from tasteless to tough.

Combined, we spent in excess of $250 for meals and service that would have been unacceptable at Bob Evans.    [27 Apr 2005 15:45:00]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: None

     ­DG   

BAD EXPERIENCE
On Tuesday evening December 13,2005 my wife, daughter and I dined at Hickory House. We had been there 7 or 8 times before.
The service was extremely slow. I and my daughters meal was fine although I never did get my baked potato that I asked for repeatedly.
My wife ordered a fillet (medium)and it was unusually dry. They brought another and it was raw in the center.By this time my daughter and I were finished eating so we ordered a slab of ribs to take home so my wife could eat later. The manager agreed to give us the ribs complimentary.
While waiting for our bill a man comes to our table and looks at my wife and asks us to never come back. He said he was the owner and that my wifes first fillet was fine and it is supposed to be dry. It wasn't dry our last visit there!!
We used to recommend this place to friends but never again and we will honor the owners wishes and never go back.
Hmmm that's around 700 to 1000 dollars they won't receive next year not to mention the party of 12 we brought in twice this year.    [14 Dec 2005 01:28:02]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Owners Decision

     ­castout, Gahanna Ohio   

Wonderful
Recently our group of 25 visited. Most excellent service and the call ahead reservations were wonderful. The manager that spoke with us and reserved the tables for us was great to work with!
Thanks to you all!!    [03 Mar 2006 17:27:31]

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     ­Anonymous   wendy_poston at fc dot pickerington dot k12 dot oh dot us

wonderful
Their food is wonderful, the service friendly (get over being called honey or sweetie, they are just being friendly).
Would you rather be called nothing. I have never had a bad meal at either Hickory House location.    [24 Aug 2006 19:50:46]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: EVERYTHING

     ­gwv   

I too do not understand how Hickory House either Gahanna or Reynoldsburg could ever get a bad review. I ate there Friday night at the Gahanna location October 6, and ordered a slab of ribs and they were outstanding. We have eaten there quite a few times and have never had anything close to a bad meal. The bread is fresh baked and always hot, the almond crusted trout is to die for and the hickory chips are great.    [09 Oct 2006 09:54:23]

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     ­Big Elk, Johnstown, Ohio   

Pretty Darn Good
I am certainly not aware what happened to the above reviewers... but I can attest to outstanding service and food each and every time I have been at any of the Hickory House restaurants (about 7-8 times each year for the past 5 years).

The ribs are some of the best I have ever had. Steaks are acceptable (I'm real picky about my steaks). Sides are good and tasty... and the portions are large.

If you visit ANY place as often as my wife and I have visited the Hickory House, there is bound to be "something" that comes up. However, I have never had any issues that were not promptly and courteously resolved.    [05 Jan 2007 18:33:44]

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Recommended Dishes: Ribs, Ribs, and Ribs!!

     ­Rich & Liz   

Best steak I have ever tasted
Not sure why some other folks didn't like the food, everyone I have been with there with just loved it. I think their food is delicious, and miraculously, you can get in on a Friday or Saturday night with little or no wait. Best kept secret in Columbus!    [11 May 2007 15:55:05]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: steak anything

     ­A fan!