The Original Hick’ry Pit is everything you want in a great American diner-style BBQ spot. From the retro charm of the interior to the comforting smell of smoked meats, it hits all the right notes. The BBQ ribs are the undeniable highlight—fall-off-the-bone tender, smoky, and perfectly sauced without overpowering the meat itself. Portions are generous, and the flavor brings you back to backyard cookouts and old-school pit BBQ. The service is friendly, the atmosphere is laid-back, and the menu sticks to what it does best: timeless BBQ classics. If you’re looking for hearty, satisfying food with no pretense, this is the place. A Walnut Creek staple that delivers every time.
Overview
If you're in the mood for a hearty, down-home meal with a side of local charm, The Original Hick'ry Pit in Walnut Creek, CA is a must-visit. Situated at 1495 S Main St, this classic diner has been a favorite for both locals and visitors alike, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes it feel like a home away from home.
When you walk into The Original Hick'ry Pit, the smell of smoky barbecue fills the air, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant has become a beloved institution in Walnut Creek, drawing in customers with its down-to-earth vibe and mouthwatering menu. Whether you’re craving a classic breakfast, a juicy steak, or their famous barbecue, the menu has something to satisfy every palate.
One of the standout dishes at The Original Hick'ry Pit is their slow-cooked ribs. Perfectly seasoned and tender, the ribs are smoked to perfection, offering a rich flavor that is hard to beat. Many regulars swear by them, and it's easy to see why-they’re cooked with care, ensuring each bite is as juicy and flavorful as the last. Pair the ribs with their signature barbecue sauce, and you've got a plate that will have you coming back for more.
For those who prefer a lighter meal, the diner also offers a variety of salads and sandwiches. The grilled chicken salad is a local favorite, featuring fresh greens topped with perfectly grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing. It’s a lighter option without sacrificing flavor, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat a bit healthier while still enjoying a satisfying meal.
Breakfast at The Original Hick'ry Pit is equally impressive. The diner offers all your classic breakfast favorites, from fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to eggs cooked just the way you like them. The big breakfast platter is a standout, with eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and toast-perfect for starting your day off right.
In addition to their hearty meals, The Original Hick'ry Pit is known for its friendly service and laid-back atmosphere. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal with family and friends, the staff makes you feel like part of the family. The restaurant’s commitment to providing excellent service is evident in every aspect, from the attentive waitstaff to the quick turnaround times in the kitchen.
What also sets this diner apart is its location. Nestled in the heart of Walnut Creek, it’s a convenient spot for locals to grab a bite to eat, but also a great destination for those passing through the area. The casual, no-frills environment makes it easy to relax and enjoy your meal without any fuss, which is a big part of its charm.
Over the years, the restaurant has garnered plenty of positive reviews, with many customers praising both the quality of the food and the welcoming atmosphere. Word-of-mouth recommendations are what really make The Original Hick'ry Pit stand out, as loyal patrons return time and time again, eager to enjoy their favorite dishes. It’s not uncommon to hear people talking about their favorite menu items, sharing tips about the best times to visit, or even making plans for their next meal here.
If you're planning a visit, be sure to check out their daily specials, which offer great deals on some of their most popular dishes. You’ll also want to save room for dessert, as their homemade pies are the perfect way to end your meal. With a variety of flavors like apple, cherry, and pecan, you’ll have a hard time choosing just one.
Whether you're in the mood for a casual meal with friends or a solo stop for some comfort food, The Original Hick'ry Pit offers a dining experience that never disappoints. Their combination of flavorful dishes, excellent service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a standout spot in Walnut Creek. So next time you're in the area, make sure to stop by and enjoy a meal that will leave you full and satisfied.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Private dining room ✓ Quick bite ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ HistoricCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowedPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1100 reviews
Lively Family Spot with pretty good food. Standard breakfast fare with a surprisingly good coleslaw. The Pie is really where it's at though. If anything, go light on the mains and save room for the pie. The Keylime was amazing!
This was our first visit, since we had seen a favorable review on IG. The atmosphere is indeed diner style. It gives me renovated Denny's vibe. At first rhe hostess was going to seat us at a table right across from the bar seating and in front of the bright lights of the open kitchen. When I requested to be moved further down she stated that the last 2 tables were closed for "maintenance?" However she agreed to seat us on the opposite side of those tables since there was a booth available. With that being said, this is not a place for a first date as thw atmosphere does not lend it self to romance. However. If you are seeking lip smacking delicious food, this place is it. My hubby ordered the 2 meat platter wirh prawns and original ribs, garlic parmesan fries and mac and cheese. The ribs were fall off the bone tender and we appreciated that they were thick and ample slices, the mac and cheese was pretty good for it not to be homemade. Although the platter only contained 5 prawns they were larger and the rest of the plate/tray was full. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich with sweet potatoe fries and it came with a side of slaw. I do not care for Cole slaw unless it's homemade but this one!...delish! The perfect amount of sweet and savory. I topped my sandwich with it and it a as perfect. The bbq sauce is hands down one of thee best sauces I have had. They really need to bottle and sell it because I would put that on everything. We had enough food left over to take home and were so stuffed, we didn't have room for dessert, but I had my eye on the lemon pie and the pumpkin cheesecake, so will try it next time. The heated leftovers were just as delicious the next day. Needless to stay, this restaurant is on our top 5 list of the BBQ restaurants in Walnut Creek and we will definitely eat here again and let our friends and family know about this spot.
This place is becoming my favorite in Walnut Creek. All the servers are so personable and the food is incredible. Love that this is a family mom and pop shop. Quality of the food is always great, small touches like the house made pickled onions go a long way. What better Sunday than bottomless mimosas and a huge burger.
I had pork chops and eggs which were delicious and tender. My husband had their trip tip beef French dip served on a dutch crunch roll which was also delicious! You can even order the french dip with ham or pork. Service was great and we took a lemon cream pie for dessert. While we have not had the opportunity to visit them in quite a while, I love that this place has remained with great service and delicious food.