The Original Hick'ry Pit

This restaurant has been a staple in our family forever. I ordered takeout for the family. I ordered a full rack of original ribs with some side dishes. I opened up the rib container and it was more like pulled pork with a lot of grease/fat. They had no color( well kind of grey) , so fatty and fell apart just trying to pick one up. They were the worst ribs I have ever seen and so disappointing. Not sure if that’s a normal for a takeout order, where they give you the worst ribs in their smoker, because obviously if we had eaten there, they would’ve been sent back immediately. The person that took those out of the smoker and cut them up, should’ve known right then and there that these were not good. The beans are not good. Too overcooked and needed something to sweeten them up. Everything else in the order was fine. But the Star of the show was a huge mess and honestly, I’m not sure I’d ever go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Love the vibe and service but the food has not been decent. Been a few times, ordering something new to try and each time being disappointed unfortunately. I think more flavor and freshness, everything from the salads, to the bread to the Mac n cheese and the pickled onions on the plate seem like they are weeks old.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 5

We love coming to eat here. I've come here since I was a little kid. The service is really great and done with so much care for the patrons. My wife and I came here to celebrate Valentine's Day. Today we celebrated a birthday. Speaking of the birthday celebration, we left birthday cards here with money in them. We realize this when we got home. We called The Hick'ry Pit. The woman who answered was wonderful. She said that they found the cards with the money. They locked them in the safe. When we returned, the cards and money were all there! Yay for honest people!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I usually stop in for breakfast, but today I devoured the lentil soup! It was delicious. Big shout out to Emma for the amazing service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Corned Beef Rueben was dry and chewy! Service great!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

Soooo good!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Not a fan of coming here because of the service, Justin was our server, he took forever to take our order, kept telling us I'll be back. I'll be back, Everytime we try to order. The food is very good, just the service sucks! Every time I come it's the same with the same server. Not a fan of Justin.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1

This has always been a go to place for me for the bbq and the extensive menu items for over fifty years. We especially love the cold slaw but was very disappointed at our visit on Friday 7-18-25. Someone really got the dressing recipe for the cold slaw wrong! Very strong and overwhelming with horseradish! I couldn’t eat it! Wanted to speak with the quality manage but the waiter assured me that he would pass on the information. Something has happed to this place since covid as on an earlier visit the ribs were not cooked done which never happened the many years in the past. I hope they are able to get it together as I would hate to loose this place as one of my favorites.

I’m extremely disappointed with my recent visit to this restaurant — an establishment I’ve previously praised to family and friends for its food and ambiance. Unfortunately, what should have been another enjoyable dining experience was completely derailed by the service we received from a waitress named Maria.

From the moment we were seated, it was clear we were being ignored. Maria made eye contact with us from a distance several times yet made no move to approach our table. We had to ask the hostess if someone — anyone — could help us. When Maria finally arrived, there was no greeting, no smile, and no sense of welcome. Her demeanor was flat-out rude and indifferent, as though we were a burden rather than paying customers.

This isn’t an isolated experience — it’s the second time I’ve had the misfortune of being served by her, and while the first time was borderline tolerable, this time crossed the line. The lack of basic courtesy and customer service was stunning. I’ve honestly never felt so unwelcome at a restaurant.

We eventually voiced our concerns to the hostess, who thankfully took them seriously and brought in a new server. While I appreciated that swift action, the damage had already been done. Maria continued to linger nearby, pretending to be cheerful with other customers in a way that came across as performative and frankly disingenuous. It was uncomfortable and awkward.

I left the restaurant with a bitter taste in my mouth — and not just from the food, which I couldn’t even enjoy after the dreadful experience. I kept thinking, Why didn’t I just get up and leave?

No guest should ever feel unwelcome or disrespected, and it’s clear this server lacks the professionalism and hospitality required in a customer-facing role. Regardless of how good the food may be, no meal is worth being treated like an inconvenience.

Regretfully, I will not be returning — and I will certainly stop recommending this restaurant to others until I hear that serious steps have been taken to address issues like this. A single rude employee can tarnish the reputation of an entire establishment.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Terrible! inedible!!! Been a patron for 50 years.
Cheap food . Ribs horrible!!! Gravey sauce like water no flavor. Two bites was two bites too many!!!

Ordered Ruben sandwich in the Corn Beef was tasteless and tough

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

The Original Hick’ry Pit is everything you want in a great American diner-style BBQ spot. From the retro charm of the interior to the comforting smell of smoked meats, it hits all the right notes.

The BBQ ribs are the undeniable highlight—fall-off-the-bone tender, smoky, and perfectly sauced without overpowering the meat itself. Portions are generous, and the flavor brings you back to backyard cookouts and old-school pit BBQ.

The service is friendly, the atmosphere is laid-back, and the menu sticks to what it does best: timeless BBQ classics. If you’re looking for hearty, satisfying food with no pretense, this is the place. A Walnut Creek staple that delivers every time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The new ownership is horrid. I went in and spent $80 on take out to bring all the way to placer county on my way from the airport. My mom has been in the hospital and was excited for ribs. Well. No ribs! Ruined the night. I flew into sfo instead of Sacramento just to get food from here and they missed the main item. Called them and offered gift cards to someone who lives two hours away. I’ll be filing a dispute with my card. This meal didn’t cost $80. It also cost $139 for a rental car. $30 for gas. Bridge tolls etc. my time. Also last time I ordered take out they forgot the bbq sauce!! Completely unacceptable.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 1

The Ruben sandwich was pretty tasty, I even have leftovers on my shirt and shorts. Recommend extra pickle and red onions 🤌

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I have been a customer for 30 years. The last 2 visits have been a disappointment. I asked for extra crispy hash browns, both times that request was ignored. Also, both times my veggie scramble eggs were overcooked, brown scorched throughout. Not only was the food marginal, the prices go up and the care goes down. Today one of my servers was engrossed texting on her phone. In summary, the person cooking my breakfast should have cared to do it right, the server should have seen that the hash browns and eggs were not good, but nobody cared enough, but the check sure came quickly.

I used to enjoy my visits here. I will not be returning for a while. If it happens again it will be the last time.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3