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Hickory Tavern: Where to Watch the Game and Eat in South Carolina

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Hickory Tavern is and where to find it

Hickory Tavern is a casual sports bar chain with multiple locations across South Carolina, built around watching games on screens throughout the space while eating wings, burgers, and pub food. The restaurants are designed for groups—they have the noise level and setup you expect when a crowd is there for a match or tournament, with plenty of seating options from bar stools to booths and high-top tables. Each location has its own character depending on the neighborhood, but the formula stays consistent: TVs, beer, and food that works for eating while you watch.

Hickory Tavern has locations in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and other South Carolina cities. The easiest way to find the one nearest you is to search "Hickory Tavern" plus your city name, or visit their website for the full list with addresses and hours. Most locations are open for lunch and dinner daily, with extended hours on weekends and game days.

Key Takeaways

  • Hickory Tavern locations throughout South Carolina have multiple TVs tuned to different games, making them reliable spots to watch college football, NFL, basketball, and other sports.
  • The menu centers on wings, burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers designed for sharing and eating while watching, with beer and cocktails available at every location.
  • Seating ranges from bar stools to booths and tables, so you can show up solo or with a large group and find a spot that works for your party size.
  • Noise and crowd levels spike during major games and tournaments, so arriving early or choosing an off-peak time affects your experience significantly.

What to order and what the food is like

Wings are the signature item—they come in a range of sauces from mild to hot, and most people order them as a starting point for the table. The sauces vary by location but typically include classics like buffalo, barbecue, and house specials. A half-pound or full pound is standard, and they arrive saucy and ready to eat with your hands while you watch.

Burgers and sandwiches make up the rest of the core menu: pulled pork sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, and beef burgers with various toppings. Sides are usually fries, coleslaw, or chips. Appetizers like nachos, fried pickles, and cheese dips round out the offerings. Prices are moderate—expect to spend $10 to $20 per person on food, more if you add drinks. The food is straightforward pub fare, not refined, and that is the point: it is meant to be eaten quickly and not distract from the screen.

Beer selection and drinks

Hickory Tavern stocks a mix of draft beers, bottled beers, and well liquor for mixed drinks. The draft list usually includes both local South Carolina breweries and national brands, though the exact selection varies by location. If you have a preference, calling ahead or checking their social media can tell you what is on tap that day.

Happy hour specials on beer and appetizers run at different times depending on the location, so check before you go if you are planning to take advantage of pricing. Cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks are available, and the bar staff can handle standard requests without delay, which matters when the place is packed.

Atmosphere and crowd during games

On a quiet Tuesday afternoon, Hickory Tavern is a calm place to grab lunch and watch a game on one of the many screens. On a Saturday during college football season or during playoff games, it is loud, crowded, and energetic—the kind of place where people are cheering, the bar is three-deep, and you might wait for a table. Both versions are intentional; the space is designed for the high-energy version, so the quiet version feels like a bonus.

Most locations have multiple TVs positioned so you can see the screen from almost any seat. Sound is usually on for the main game, with others on mute. If you have a specific game you want to watch and you are worried about whether they will have it, call ahead—they can usually accommodate requests for specific channels or streams, especially if you are bringing a group.

When to go and how to plan your visit

Timing matters more at Hickory Tavern than at many restaurants. Weekday lunches and early weekday evenings are quieter and faster. Weekends and game days—especially during college football season, NFL playoffs, or March Madness—fill up quickly. If you want to watch a specific game and you are bringing a group, arriving 30 to 45 minutes before kickoff gives you the best chance of getting a table together.

Most locations do not take reservations, so you show up and wait if necessary. During major events, the wait can be 30 minutes to an hour. If you want to avoid that, going early or choosing a less popular game time works. Calling the location directly can give you a sense of how busy they are at that moment, which helps you decide whether to head over or wait.

Parking and accessibility

Parking varies by location. Most Hickory Tavern restaurants are in shopping centers or on streets with dedicated lots, so parking is usually straightforward. A few locations in downtown areas may have street parking or shared lot situations—checking Google Maps for the specific address before you go shows you what to expect.

Accessibility features like wheelchair access and accessible restrooms are standard at most locations, but calling ahead to confirm for the specific restaurant you plan to visit ensures you have the information you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to call ahead to watch a specific game?

You do not need to call, but it helps if you are bringing a large group or want to may provide they will have a particular channel or stream. Most locations have multiple TVs and can accommodate standard sports requests, but calling 30 minutes before you arrive lets you confirm they have the game and gives you a sense of how busy they are.

Can I bring a group of 10 or more people?

Yes, but you should call ahead. Large groups may need to split across multiple tables, and the restaurant can help you coordinate seating and let the kitchen know to expect a bigger order. Calling in advance also helps them prepare for your arrival during busy times.

What if the game I want to watch is not on one of the main TVs?

Ask the bartender or server when you arrive. Many locations have the ability to put a specific game on a TV or direct you to a screen already showing it. If it is a less common sport or streaming service, calling ahead gives them time to set it up before you get there.

Are there vegetarian or dietary options?

The menu is meat-heavy, but most locations can make a burger without meat, prepare a veggie-focused appetizer plate, or work with you on sides. Calling ahead or asking your server when you arrive gives you the best sense of what the kitchen can do for your specific needs.

Do Hickory Tavern locations have outdoor seating?

Some do and some do not—it depends on the location. If outdoor seating matters to you, check the specific restaurant's website or call to ask before you go. Outdoor areas, when available, are usually quieter than the main dining room.