Hickory's Smokehouse Southport in Sefton

Visited on a Wednesday late afternoon in June. Had seen some good reviews of this establishment and as we had driven to Southport for the day though we would give it a try.Huge car park. Loads of free spaces but noticed when we left going up for six o'clock it was starting to fill up. Greeted just inside the door and quickly shown to a table. The place looked enormous and must have seated capacity for a few hundred especially when you factor in all the seated areas outside.A bottle of water and some popcorn were brought to us as we looked at the menus and decided on our drinks. I thought that was a nice touch. Another good thing was the full roll of kitchen roll on every table.The drinks menu had a good range of beers on it including some imported American lagers. Bit surprised to see no American ( California) wines on the list though. We ordered one pint of Heineken priced at £5.10 and a pint of Hickory's Own Pale Ale for £5.25. Both were very nice and competitively priced matching other eating places.For mains we ordered the Double Burger at £14.99 and the Bird and Beast at £15.50.Nothing wrong with either. Both meals were tasty and well presented. But in all honesty I think the double Burger was over priced for what I got. It didn't really fill me up. The Bird and Beast seemed better value. I don't think the prices for the food were competitive with other establishments. In these times where eating out is becoming more and more expensive and where there is a lot of competition for custom it would have been nice to see some sort of early bird menu or other offers on. I could have eaten a dessert but unfortunately there wasn't anything I fancied.Service was fine. Came over several times to check if everything was ok. But think there must have been a shift change over as our server changed before we were presented with our meals. Seemed to be little communication at the hand over as the new server asked if we wanted to order when that had already been taken.Mixed feelings about the 7.5% tip policy. We generally tip at least 10% anyway unless it's been poor service. I suppose it makes things easier for some people. On the plus side our waiter did confirm that the staff did get the tips.The place itself was clean and tidy. Staff seemed to be clearing and wiping tables down quickly after they had been vacated. The food itself was fine but as I said I don't think it represented good value for money. There are other places out there offering food of a similar quality in bigger portions for less money. I've given a score of 4 as I think 3 would be too low. 3.5 is probably more accurate and based on quantity and price and not quality. Unlikely to visit again as Southport is a 40 mile drive away and there are many other places we wish to try and which, on the surface, appear to offer more value for money.

We had a good brunch at Hickory’s. The staff were friendly and answered our questions. We sat outside in one of the little huts - which was fun. The poached eggs were slightly vinegary but the pork was fantastic. The hot dog was brilliant.

As we entered Hickory's we were greeted enthusiastically by one of the brilliant staff members. Asked if we had visited before and was found a table on a super warm Summer evening when the place was quite full. The menu was explained and water brought to the table with a bag of popcorn - how nice not having to ask for water! The menu is excellent - something for everyone and the meal arrived very quickly. All smiles and concern that everything was Ok - Any thing else needed etc etc. The food was excellent - cant be faulted at all - for its type and very reasonable prices. Everything here was super slick and effortless. The staff are brilliant and ensured we enjoyed our stay. Asked by one delightful member on the way out would we return and the answer was a definite yes. No question. The staff here are the best trained in the whole of Southport. I would highly recommend this restaurant as the food and drink is unbelievable 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Really good BBQ food! Atmosphere is fabulous and somewhere I'm desperate to try in the evening! We sat outside in the huts (which are heated) but we've also sat inside on a previous visit.There's a hidden little cinema room with 2 rows of cinema seats hiding by the toilets! They show 3 different films daily. Perfect to keep the kids entertained while you wait for food.The service is quick and can't fault it. Meat is cooked very well and was perfect for my husband who's just come home from Georgia, after eating some unbelievable bbq food!Can't wait to come back!

Really enjoyed our first experience at a hickory's. Myself and my husband visited on a Thursday afternoon but there were quite a few customers in, despite this, table service was fast and our food arrived quickly.We were given popcorn as a snack while we chose our meals, warm, sweet and salted. I had the cherry cream soda to drink which tasted just like a cherry bakewell!We had corn dogs to start and a giant pretzel to share. I ordered a side of onion rings with my main which I really recommend, the batter is so tasty, I think it's the same they use on the corn dogs, and the onions super soft inside.All our servers were extremely friendly and I couldn't fault our first experience, will definitely be heading back, although I don't think I'll be ordering a starter next time as I'm dying to try the desserts!

Fab food! we had a sharing platter it was divine. The place was busy but the service was good. We didn't wait long to be seated, had a quick drink in the bar area till our table was ready. Fantastic choice and amazing food. Def a must!

Went to Hickory's tonight and the food was incredible, a little pricey but absolutely worth it. Everything was super fresh, service was quick even though it was very busy and the staff were lovely and friendly. Will definitely be returning soon

I had an lovely meal here on my birthday, I really enjoyed the brisket but the real star of the show was the onion rings. They were mega. We were lucky that the staff were able to fit us in because it is a very popular restaurant. I appreciated the effort because we hadn't booked beforehand. The wait staff were really good and my brother enjoyed his food also. The toilets were a bit messy, but on the whole I had a good time. Lots of options on the menu.

Fantastic place for food. We booked well in advance so we could get one of the booths outside. It was perfect, all the staff are always so welcoming and friendly. The giant cheese pretzel is worth the visit on it's own! All the food and cocktails we had were served well presented . Overall great place. They also have a small cinema room for the little one's. It's not the first time we have visited and it won't be the last.

Visited for the 1st time tonight for a family birthday. Party of 10. Seated right away which was fab as the kids hate waiting! Inside it's very American and rustic!! Which is nice! The kids got popcorn for the cinema room, which is simply a big screen on the wall and a stack of dvds for them to pick from! Really nice touch! So the food. Simply amazing!!! Really Really impressed it was all so so delicious!!! We will definitely go back.The staff were all lovely and friendly, nothing was to much trouble.