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| - Big screens? Check. Novelty sports memorabilia on the walls? Check. Giant booths suitable for big crowds? Check. Ability to make a decent burger? .............
Hickory Tavern is one of those places that is all for show, with a no-go on good food. Ordered a Honey BBQ burger, and the waitress and the courtesy to ask me how I wanted it cooked. Apparently the chef didn't feel like obliging her, and sent me out a well-done burger instead.
Apparently a Honey BBQ burger is a regular burger, with a side of honey mustard and a side of bbq sauce. Looking at them, I was skeptical to mix them on my burger, so after experimenting on my plate I did discover that no, sweet and spicy honey mustard and smoky bbq sauce do not create a favorable taste once mixed together. En short, I could have just gotten a regular burger.
I was delighted that instead of just fries or chips, I could get a side of steamed vegetables. Unfortunately, they were soggy and completely tasteless except for a twist of pepper and a sad attempt at a garlic chunk at the bottom for flavoring.
The person I was with got the teriyaki chicken burger, and while the chicken was very moist and well cooked, this thing must have been marinating for a hell of a long time. The teriyaki flavor was almost overwhelming, and extremely salty.
Maybe their more expensive meals are made with more care. But if you advertise yourself as a sports tavern and you can't make a good burger, that is a complete out for me. There are plenty of local places where you can watch the game that are cozier, more personable, and know how to actually make a burger to a customer's specifications. For two people, I wouldn't waste your time on this place.
Er, the Woodchuck was good.
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