The Original Hick'ry Pit

1495 S Main St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, United States
$$$ Barbecue restaurant
(1079 Reviews)

If you're in Walnut Creek and seeking a true culinary experience that combines retro charm with mouth-watering comfort food, look no further than The Original Hick'ry Pit. This barbecue restaurant is a gem that embodies the essence of American diner-style BBQ, delivering a delightful fusion of flavors and nostalgic vibes.

The moment you step into The Original Hick'ry Pit, you're enveloped by the comforting aromas of expertly smoked meats. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for family gatherings, casual brunches, or even a lively dinner with friends. The decor whispers of the past, giving you that cozy diner feel that makes you want to kick back and enjoy a hearty meal.

When it comes to the menu, prepare to be amazed. The BBQ ribs are the crown jewels, offering an irresistible combination of flavors; they are fall-off-the-bone tender, smoky, and coated in a sauce that perfectly enhances the meat without overpowering its natural essence. Customers rave about the portion sizes, which are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

Breakfast enthusiasts will love the Pancake Sandwich or the indulgent Crab Eggs Benedict, both crafted with high-quality ingredients that are sure to awaken your taste buds. For a lighter option, the WoodSmoked Chicken Salad is a fantastic choice, featuring fresh greens topped with hand-shredded chicken and a medley of vegetables – a dish so vibrant it almost looks as good as it tastes.

But don’t stop there! The 16 oz. NY Steak and the crispy Jumbo Prawns are equally exquisite, offering a hearty selection for those who crave something more robust. And, if you have a sweet tooth, the house-made pies—especially the Key lime—are a must-try that will conclude your meal on a high note. Many patrons agree that saving room for dessert is essential!

Service at The Original Hick’ry Pit shines brilliantly, with attentive staff who genuinely care about your dining experience. Reviewers often mention how friendly and welcoming the team is, frequently noting that their meals arrive promptly, fresh, and piping hot. It’s clear that the restaurant has cultivated an environment brimming with warmth and hospitality, making every visit a memorable one.

Overall, The Original Hick'ry Pit isn't just about the food; it's about the experience. From the inviting atmosphere to the sumptuous dishes that will leave you longing for more, this restaurant is a Walnut Creek staple that should not be missed. Come for the barbecue and stay for the ambiance—you'll find yourself returning again and again!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Has private dining room
Quick bite
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Paid street parking
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
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Monday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

1079 Reviews
Dave Wu

09 Sep 2025

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.

Taylor Jade

29 Aug 2025

Awesome place for breakfast, lunch or brunch! I went there for the first time with my mother and she got the club sandwich and I ordered the Reuben. they were not skimpy on the corn beef hash. Everything was quickly made and brought to us fresh. I will be frequenting this place a lot more now. Sherri our waitress was attentive and kind.

Anne Loyola

25 Aug 2025

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.

Victor C

31 Jul 2025

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!

J P

20 Jul 2025

This outlet resembles more the old school stores of the glorious past of Emil Villa's Hickory Pit in Oakland. The brown sauce is great here. They serve the ribs the traditional way with a grilled and buttered hamburger bun on the side...just another thing along with a mountain of fries to drench into that sauce. It's good too that all the ribs served are fully cut through, so you don't have to try to saw through them all with a little knife and the big flap ends with all the meat are still attached, YUM! I hate this "St. Louis" style ribs where the good meaty ends are all sawed off before, and all you get is the straight rib and meat that is just between the bones. This seems to be how most places serve ribs now. This is definitely on the must stop list for a trip to the Bay Area. Prices are up, but the full slab of traditional ribs are so worth it.

Rinad Hawit

22 Jun 2025

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.

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