In a paragraph
Hickory's Smokehouse Chester is the River Dee barbecue option: smoked meat, burgers, wings, shakes, cocktails, brunch, kids' menus and a terrace on The Groves. It is built for appetite and atmosphere rather than calm.
What it's like
Hickory's is not coy about what it is. The room is themed, noisy, warm and meat-focused, with booths, neon, sport, popcorn and the smell of barbecue doing most of the talking before the menu arrives.
Smokehouse comfort beside the river
The riverside setting does a lot of work. On a sunny day it can feel like one of the easiest food-and-walk combinations in Chester: eat too much, step outside, then use The Groves as damage control.
Worth knowing
Hickory's is good at being Hickory's. That is also the limit. It is big, branded, busy and not cheap. Go when you want smokehouse theatre, riverside convenience and a family/group meal that can take noise. Do not go expecting a quiet local bistro with a light touch.
The essentialsVisit
Getting there
0.3 miles from The Cross. There can be nearby street and paid parking, but the riverfront fills quickly. Little Roodee is often the cleaner plan if you do not want to circle.
Hours
The venue currently lists daily opening from 10:00 until 23:00. Check direct around holidays, special events and race days.
Food & drink
Southern US-style smokehouse food: brisket, ribs, wings, burgers, sharing platters, brunch, desserts, shakes and cocktails. Stick close to the smokehouse point of the place: brisket, ribs, beef rib, wings, smoked bacon, loaded sides, and a sharing platter if nobody at the table is pretending to be sensible.
Access
Step-free access, accessible seating and accessible toilets are listed.
8.8 OpenStreetMap - Hours
- The venue currently lists daily opening from 10:00 until 23:00. Check direct around holidays, special events and race days.
- Address
- Souter's Ln, Chester CH1 1SD
- Booking
- Very sensible for dinner, weekends, birthdays, larger groups and school holidays.
- Pay
- cards, contactless
- Dogs
- Dogs are listed as welcome.
- Access
- Step-free access, accessible seating and accessible toilets are listed.
- Getting there
- 0.3 miles from The Cross. There can be nearby street and paid parking, but the riverfront fills quickly. Little Roodee is often the cleaner plan if you do not want to circle.
Nearby plan
Nearby pubs and bars
Nearby food
Nearby attractions
FAQ
What should you order at Hickory's Chester?
Start with the smokehouse dishes: brisket, ribs, beef rib, wings, smoked bacon, loaded sides or a sharing platter.
Is Hickory's Chester good for kids?
Yes. It is one of the easier Chester restaurants for children because it is loud, casual, spacious and has a proper kids menu.
Does Hickory's Chester have outdoor seating?
Yes, with riverside seating on The Groves. Book or arrive early if outside space matters.
Can you take dogs to Hickory's Chester?
Dogs are listed as welcome outside. Add a note when booking if you need a dog-friendly table.
Is Hickory's Chester good for gluten-free diners?
It publishes non-gluten information and staff are often useful on dietary needs, but check direct if cross-contamination matters.
Offers at Hickory's Smokehouse
Current offers we could verify from official or direct sources. Check direct before booking around one.
Other offers
1 offer
Live From £12.99 Smokin' Deals
Monday to Thursday · From 12pm
Weekday smokehouse deals, with a different fixed-price dish from Monday to Thursday.
