ABOUT US | Oldhickory

Then

Now

Old Hickory Bar-B-Q: A Century of Tradition and Flavor in the Heart of Owensboro
Conveniently located in the heart of Owensboro, The Bar-B-Q capital of the world, Old Hickory Bar-B-Q offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy mouthwatering barbecue. Our Bar-B-Q is legendary, not only for winning numerous awards but also for being featured in many national magazines and TV shows. For over 100 years, we've been using family recipes to create the delectable dishes that have made us a household name.

A Legacy Born from Humble Beginnings

Old Hickory Bar-B-Q's story began in 1918 when Charles “Pappy” Foreman transformed his blacksmith shop on the corner of 25th Street and Frederica Street into a barbecue haven. At that time, the location was on the edge of town and served as a popular destination for Sunday afternoon drives. Pappy started cooking for church picnics, using his blacksmith skills to build a barbecue pit. The front of his shop became a waiting area with a picnic table, and soon, Pappy decided to cook, sell, and serve his barbecue as a service to his customers.

Surviving the Great Depression

The business survived the Great Depression of the 1930s. Before Pappy died in 1941, his son, Landrum Foreman, worked with him in the restaurant. The establishment closed during World War II and did not reopen until 1953 when Landrum’s son, Harl Foreman Sr., revived it.

Second Building

In 1960, Frederica Street was widened, and the original location was torn down. A new building with 28 seats and carry-out service was constructed several yards away on Washington Avenue. Harl Foreman Jr. assumed part ownership and took over management in 1979.

Third Building

As the business grew, an adjacent building was rented in 1982, increasing seating from 28 to 54 seats. In 1986, after 60 years of growth, a new building was constructed across the street on Washington Avenue. In 1954, it was named Old Hickory Bar-B-Q, thanks to the hickory wood used to create its distinctive and delicious barbecue. The menu has remained largely unchanged, maintaining the high-quality standards set all those years ago.

The Secret to Success: The Smoker and the Sauce

Owner, John Foreman, says Old Hickory Bar-B-Q's success can be boiled down to two main components: the pit and the dip. Our meat is slow smoked on-site, and the aromas wafting from the kitchen can hypnotize any meat lover. But the true magic lies in our sauce. Tangy, smokey, beautiful complex sauce that clings to the meat and caramelizes on it. Our legendary sauce is so good that we’ve bottled it for folks to take home. However, nothing can fully replicate the barbecue magic that happens at our restaurant.

A Balanced Plate of Barbecue Heaven with Sides

Our menu offers a perfectly balanced plate of barbecue heaven with sides. Enjoy our award-winning barbecue, but don't forget our sides: baked beans, green beans, coleslaw, mashed potatoes and the rich creamy mac and cheese. Don't forget to order a bowl of our famous burgoo, a Bluegrass favorite that we’ve perfected over the years.

A Local Treasure

Old Hickory Bar-B-Q is a special place that has stood the test of time. It’s where locals bring out-of-town guests for the best BBQ in Owensboro. Known as the Bar-B-Q Capital of the World, Owensboro proudly boasts Old Hickory as its crown jewel. Visit us and become a part of our century-old tradition. Whether you’re dining in or taking out, Old Hickory Bar-B-Q is ready to serve you the best barbecue in town. Come and experience the flavors that have made us a legendary destination for barbecue lovers far and wide.

IN THE NEWS

Southern Living magazine recently named Old Hickory Bar-B-Que a top 50 barbecue joint of 2023. Writer Robert Moss said he spent the past year buzzing down interstate highways and navigating winding roads to craft his list.

Much to the surprise of sixth-generation owner John Foreman, Old Hickory found themselves at #24 on the list, ahead of several prominent establishments.

“It’s a big deal, and I’m very proud. It’s hard to describe the feeling, but it reassures me we’re doing things the right way,” Foreman said. “It’s also an inspiration to keep going and not rest on our success.”

While mutton put Old Hickory and Owensboro on the map, the restaurant has also been dishing out pork, chicken, beef, turkey, and more using hickory coals since 1918. And for 105 years, consistency has been the key.

“We’ve used the same dip and the same sauce for years, always cooking on hickory,” Foreman said. “The tradition stems from doing the small things and paying close attention to detail.”

Foreman added that his crew has also played a pivotal role in the establishment’s success.

“I’ve been lucky with excellent and loyal employees over the years,” he said. “They see this place as theirs and take pride in it. Everybody here contributes and does their best.”

The segment in Southern Living reads:

Owensboro is the barbecued mutton capital of the world, and the best place to sample this distinctive Kentucky delicacy is at Old Hickory. Since 1918, six successive generations of the Foreman family have been barbecuing mutton alongside pork, chicken, beef, and turkey, and they’re still using hickory coals to fire the big cinderblock pits with sliding metal doors in the cookhouse behind the restaurant. After a judicious dunk in thin Worcestershire-laced “dip,” the long, tender strands of smoked mutton are chewy, smoky, and sublimely delicious. Old Hickory’s burgoo is an outstanding version of the classic Kentucky barbecue accompaniment, featuring mutton, pork, chicken, and vegetables slow-simmered into a smooth, tangy, and very satisfying stew.

Foreman said, “Our community and Owensboro are incredible in their loyalty and appreciation. We appreciate the award and being recognized, and we appreciate Owensboro.”