Hickory House was started by Paul D, who, as a young man, worked the summers cooking at rib competitions across the country. He won over 43 National BBQ competitions before settling down in Colorado. Paul opened the original Hickory House Ribs & Steaks restaurant in Aspen in 1960!! In 2003, he opened his second location in Parker, Colorado.
Hickory House has won more than 100 awards for "Best Ribs" and "Best BBQ Sauce." And all their meats are smoked daily!
Samm and I went to the Parker location and it has quickly become a favorite of ours! Let's dive right in!
THE STATS:
Atmosphere: If you are casually driving by, it's impossible to miss the standalone LARGE cabin-inspired building with a huge red sign that reads "Hickory House, Best Ribs in Colorado."
As soon as you walk in you realize the enormity of the place. It has a front room (for takeout orders and a beer while you wait), two dining rooms, one bar, and patio dining.
There's always great 80's music playing to give it that 1987 feel! It's awesome.
The decor on the wall includes mid-century Pepsi signs, a bear and a random bicycle on the ceiling, and a lot of sports memorabilia! It screams AMERICA!!!
Although it is a family-friendly place if you're looking for a date night experience, head to the awesome bar! It is a cute sunken bar that just feels like it's hugging you, COZY!
(The cute sunken-in bar)
(Hey who is that guy at the bar!)
Music they are playing: Hold on Loosely by 38 Special.
When to go: On weekdays they open for lunch and dinner (11-2PM, 4:30-8PM, Fridays they close at 9PM). Sat 11:30-9P, Sunday they close at 8PM.
What to wear: Shorts, flip flops, jeans, a bikini top under your crop top, bicycle gear (both road and motor). It's a super casual family-friendly place.
What to eat: Note this is hard! Their pulled pork is delicious! But so are the chicken, ribs, and brisket! Ahhh! So many choices! I've had every meat and loved them all! Luckily, you can order 2 meats in one dish. This time we got the ribs and the chicken combo. It came with three sides, and we got baked potato, beans, and cole slaw.
Their sauce is amazing!
What to drink: They have a full bar, but I must admit when I walk in all I want to do is drink beer! It goes so well with the decor :-) They have one of my faves, Juicy IPA.
(Bathroom door tells the story of a place)
Overall experience: Cozy and fun like the 4th of July somewhere in the 80s!
Total Bill post tip and tax: $80.66 (4 beers, one combo meal, one salad).
XOXO, Samm & Ana, your favorite Denver Date Night couple!
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