Hickory Log Restaurant & Lounge | Delicious BBQ Ribs in Missouri
During our family road trip toward our final stop in Missouri, we decided to have a BBQ dinner at Hickory Log located in Dexter, Missouri. They truly live up to their motto of “Famous for Bar-B-Q Ribs!” This restaurant with its rustic elegance décor has been open since 1953 and I know why!
Welcome!
The entrance and waiting area (where we hardly waited) to the restaurant is inviting, comfortable, and makes you feel like home. Not only is the atmosphere relaxing and pleasant, so are the employees.
The décor of the restaurant is absolutely beautiful! It has a rustic elegance that just wants to keep you indoors. This is far from what we’re used to as we’re from Florida where it’s all tropical. These are the reasons we travel because we love to experience and see new things.
Its History
The history behind Hickory Log is mesmerizing because even with years of changes, it has not lost what I believe to be the two most important elements of a good restaurant business: food & service. I believe their success has been due to their rich history that started with Jason’s parents, John & LaVeda, who have been the owners for 55 years! Jason and his brother Lance co-manage the restaurant. A great historical pride is shown with this family restaurant through their displays of their wall décor.
The Food
The Menu*
It would be a huge understatement if I said the food was good. The food was delicious! Actually, I mentioned to my husband that it was the best BBQ ribs I have ever had! Jason, the owner, explained to me that is a special blend dry rub that they smother on every rib and start cooking at 7am every morning over hickory logs, hence the name of the restaurant. Is your mouth watering yet?
The Service
The service is just as important as the food. Hickory Log Restaurant & Lounge did not disappoint! We felt like we had two waiters. The owner himself came to deliver our food!!! That doesn’t happen everywhere. He jumps in wherever he is needed and truly shows how much he loves this restaurant. Our waitress, Melissa, was equally as wonderful. She was attentive & friendly with our family and I could see she was the same with other tables.
The Lounge
The lounge was decorated like a mancave. It was nicely done with a bit of a darker room. It is a great place to unwind and have a drink. The walls of the hallway leading up to the lounge had some great memorabilia and nostalgia. It’s worth stopping and taking a look because I think some people might bypass this.
Overall, this has been the best BBQ, especially the BBQ ribs, I have ever had! The ribs were amazing. The service was great. The décor was beautiful. What else can anyone ask for? Visit their website here for more.
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Make sure to read my article “10 Travel Tips To Remember Before, During, And After Your Trip” for inspiration on some things we did during our road trip to Missouri. Travel tips #4 and #5 especially came in handy this time!
For fun things to do in Missouri, check out our Silver Dollar City, Missouri Road Trip, and The Suites at Fall Creek posts!
