What it's like
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.
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.
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.
Plan your visit
- Address
- The Groves / Souters Lane side of the River Dee, Chester. The directory listing uses Souter's Lane; the venue also describes itself as being on The Groves.
- Hours
- The venue currently lists daily opening from 10:00 until 23:00. Check direct around holidays, special events and race days.
- Food
- Southern US-style smokehouse food: brisket, ribs, wings, burgers, sharing platters, brunch, desserts, shakes and cocktails.
- What to order
- 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.
- Dietary
- Vegetarian options exist, and non-gluten information is published. This is still a barbecue restaurant first, so check direct if cross-contamination or a specific dish matters.
- Booking needed?
- Very sensible for dinner, weekends, birthdays, larger groups and school holidays.
- Outdoor seating
- Yes, with riverside tables. Do not assume the best outside spot will be available on a warm day.
- Dogs
- The venue says dogs are welcome outside. Add a note when booking if you need the right area.
- Access
- Step-free access, accessible seating and accessible toilets are listed.
- Parking
- 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.
- Good for kids?
- Yes. Kids are one of the better reasons to choose it: menu, space, high chairs, changing facilities and enough noise that normal family chaos blends in.
- Price feel
- ££. Portions are big, but it is easy for the bill to grow once platters, sides, shakes and cocktails join in.
What to order
- If it is your first visit, order something smoked rather than drifting to the safest burger. Brisket, ribs and beef rib are closer to the reason the place exists.
- For groups, sharing platters make sense if everyone is comfortable with a table full of meat and sides. They also make the price feel less mysterious before the bill arrives.
- For children, go earlier and use the free popcorn as a tactical advantage, not a meal replacement.
- For a sunny-day plan, book food first, then leave time for the river walk afterwards. Trying to do it as a casual warm-weather walk-in can become a waiting-list lesson.
What's on and practical notes
Hickory's is more meal venue than event venue, but it does run seasonal menus, celebrations and occasional themed nights. Check direct before building a plan around a special.
No checked TTDC event listings for this place right now. Check its own listings before building a visit around an event.
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 offerSmokin' Deals
Monday to Thursday · From 12pm
Weekday smokehouse deals, with a different fixed-price dish from Monday to Thursday.
Nearby alternatives and add-ons.
ChesterBoat ChesterBoat runs River Dee cruises from The Groves, useful for family trips, first-timers, date plans and a sit-down view of Chester. 
The Albion Inn The Albion Inn is a Park Street pub by the city walls, useful for quiet pints, historic rooms and visitors who like pubs with rules. 
Chester Roman Gardens Chester Roman Gardens sit between Pepper Street and the city walls, useful for a free walk, first-timers and a quick Roman add-on.