Only in Kentucky, western Kentucky, to be precise: Old Hickory serves a meal you will find nowhere else.
Mutton is its featured attraction. Smoke-cooked for hours, the meat loses any harshness but retains profound flavor. Cut to order off the pit in thick, heavy slices, it is a concentration of flavor unlike any other BBQ. It is so intense that it can seem dry, which is why you want either dip (a sort of lamb au jus) or spicy-sweet sauce to lube it. Both sauces are presented in warmed squeeze bottles. Or have it chopped, which is something like hash.
Important as the mutton is, Old Hickory’s pits also deliver smoke-perfumed sliced or chopped pork, ribs, chicken, beef, even BBQ bologna.
Fine side dishes include meat-laced pit beans and macaroni & cheese that is like a cordon bleu version of boxed Kraft dinner.
In the same family for generations, Old Hickory has a well-worn feeling with vintage wood booths and tables that have advertisements for local businesses laminated to their top. It’s a locals’ favorite and can get very crowded, especially on weekend evenings. If you are traveling through and want a true taste of the area’s unique way with barbecue, this is the place to go.
Sunday | 9am - 9pm |
Monday | 9am - 9pm |
Tuesday | 9am - 9pm |
Wednesday | 9am - 9pm |
Thursday | 9am - 9pm |
Friday | 9am - 10pm |
Saturday | 9am - 10pm |
Other Nearby Restaurants
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Walls’ Drive In
Cannelton, IndianaAt this cheerful drive-in, the Big Square Burger is available in the “Big Square Box” configuration, which means fully dressed with French fries and baked beans on the side.
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Nellie’s Restaurant
Newburgh, IndianaNellie’s is a small-town favorite that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When tres leches cake is on the menu, it’s a must.
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Peak Bros. Bar-B-Que
Waverly, KentuckyPeak Bros. is is a longstanding western-Kentucky source for BBQ, especially mutton. But don’t ignore ham: it may be the best meat in the house.
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Rose Hill Cafe
Newburgh, IndianaRose Hill Cafe offers a wide array of creative spins on breakfast classics, including nine varieties of plate-sized pancakes.
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Damsel Brew Pub
Evansville, IndianaDamsel Brew Pub serves high quality craft beer alongside indulgent sandwiches and burgers piled high with cheeses and toppings.
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Pangea Kitchen
Evansville, IndianaPangea Kitchen is a local favorite offering a mixed menu of Midwestern and Neapolitan pizzas along with Thai twists on house-made noodles.