Hotrodders Cafe

Reviews

• Jane L.

  star star star star star 13 June 2026

  We've been trying to find the time to get here for over a year now, and I can promise you - we will NOT wait this long before going back.  To say we were impressed is a huge understatement - Hot Rodders is through the roof amazing. Walking in the door, the decor is absolutely charming ... walls are filled with pictures of various autos - from classics to modern - taken in front of the restaurant.  Old vinyl 45's are suspended over the top of the counter, and a wooden Elvis greets you as you meander back to the restroom area ... Condiments sit tidily in classic car holders ... cute, adorable and a step back in time!  The menu is the same - so many classic dishes that take you back to those days of sitting at your grandmother's kitchen table - and the taste and quality makes you think you truly are! I ordered the pork chops - fried of course, with mashed potatoes and gravy, and one of my favs - collard greens ... oh my!  The pork chops were boneless, so tender you could almost cut them with a fork, with a slightly crunchy breading that added both texture and flavor to every bite ... the gravy was perfectly seasoned, covering mounds of mashed potatoes that were definitely homemade.  And the collards were also perfectly seasoned, the flavor bursting with a delicious smoky bite coupled with a hint of mild saltiness.  My daughter ordered the sausage which she said is hands down the best sausage she's ever ordered from anywhere - and she has ordered sausages everywhere from Maine clear down to Florida!  It was topped with cole slaw - also a thumbs up from someone who really only likes my cole slaw. She said the macaroni and cheese was nothing short of heaven in a bowl ... I wish I could give this place 10 stars because they deserve it ... from a friendly welcoming staff, to amazing food and a nostalgic decor, you simply can't go wrong here!

• Ken B.

  star star star star star_border 8 June 2026

  Stumbled upon this gem.
  
  I really enjoyed the food. My fam did too.
  They have fried green tomatoes (of course I ordered them)
  They were seasoned very well!
  
  My son said the macaroni and cheese was great and doesnt eat everyone's mac and cheese.  So you got Joshy's approval!
  
  The staff was pleasant and warm and I felt they were genuinely happy that we came.

• Rachel S.

  star star star star star 6 June 2026

  This is an unassuming place with delicious food and warm service. We traveled from Virginia Beach because of the name "Hotrodders" since we are car people and almost turned around because it was in a strip mall. We are so glad we gave it a chance! Decor is classic diner meets hot rod, it was seat yourself casual dining. We ordered garlic Parmesan wings and buffalo wings. Sauce is delicious, I would recommend ordering them extra crispy light sauce next time. We also both had an inside out burger. It was huge. My fiancé and I should have split one. It was cooked medium rare as ordered and it was so delicious! Full of flavor, juicy, and the sweet potato fries came with a mildly sweet cinnamon type dip that was complimentary to them. We finished it off with a chocolate and vanilla milkshake. We had to roll out of there and lay down for a bit after but we will be back!

• Joseph H.

  star star star star star 25 May 2026

  When I'm in Hickory, this is the go-to place for great sandwiches, including a generous and delicious pork BBQ.  Sunday morning breakfast this past year was a great memory not only because of the company of my wife, baby girl and grand-baby girl but the food was delicious.  I've been back a few times and always a friendly and attentive staff.  Go there, you will be glad you did.

• Deidre J.

  star star star star star 22 May 2026

  Stopped by here after picking peaches at Mt Pleasant Farms. Friendly service, great for families. It was quiet when we arrived as it was between lunch and dinner (around 3:30pm). The waitress was attentive without hovering. My husband got the bacon cheese burger with fresh cut fries, which he enjoyed. I had the crab cake platter, which was delicious. The fried okra was the best! My oldest son ate every bit of BBQ pork although my middle wasn't a fan of the mac & cheese (because it wasn't the boxed kind...kids). My youngest grazed off everyone's plates. All in all a nice relaxing late lunch. We were so full we didn't get to try any of the desserts but they sounded great. To top it off we happened to be there on a Thursday, so the kids meals were free! Excellent experience.