AS a lover of meat and American cuisine, Hickory's Smokehouse in Chester had been on my radar for some time but I had still never been.
I have certainly heard good things from anyone who has been.
So when I landed the hottest invitation in town - my nephew's 15th birthday meal - I was full of anticipation.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
His sister, my niece, was an expert on Hickory's having enjoyed food there multiple times, which is what might have made by nephew's decision.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
On arrival to the prime location in The Groves, we were met with a warm welcome and shown to a table in its own alcove with windows.
We decided to order appetisers, this was a birthday blow out after all and there are so many tempting dishes on the menu.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
My nephew and I has smokey bourbon bacon bites, while my niece had smoked brisket bourbon tacos, and my sister and brother-in-law shared the Charleston corn chips.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
The bacon bites were amazing.
After a few mouthfuls, my nephew said: "This is my kind of food".
The term "melt in the mouth" is often used, but it really was applicable to these tasty mouthfuls enhanced by the cooling tang of the blue cheese dip.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
The corn chips help me highlight two positives about Hickory's.
They were available as a vegetarian option and, as my sister who is a veggie pointed out, there were a surprising amount of meat free options.
"I actually have a choice!" she remarked.
We also had the chips knocked off our bill as they didn't arrive with the other starters.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
This honestly wasn't an issue for us, as we didn't even notice, and the staff were very helpful and welcoming.
But it's refreshing to know that the staff hold themselves to such high standards.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
When choosing a main course, I was taken with how authentic the menu appeared.
Most restaurants offers burgers, friend chicken and the like, but the items listed seemed to be the result of careful research and curation.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
Indeed, according the website, the founders were inspired by a road trip through America’s Southern States.
They say: "We made friends with pitmasters in Texas, ate pulled pork in South Carolina, baby back ribs in Memphis & burnt ends in Kansas City - meeting some of the friendliest folk on earth along the way.
"One journey was never going to be enough, so every year we scour the backroads & highways from Missouri to Mississippi."
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
My niece and nephew went for the choice of southern fried chicken in a basket appetiser bumped up to main course size with added skin on fries and house slaw.
The older adults were a bit more adventurous.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
My brother-in-law fancied the chicken fried waffle that came with maple syrup. Chicken and syrup? If you haven't tried it, it really works!
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
My sister had smoky roast cauliflower and okra gumbo, which she really enjoyed, that came with a healthy amount of bread.
I was tempted by the brisket, but instead went for the eight-hour smoked beef rib.
As far as I was concerned it was eight hours well spent as the meet fell off the bone and was so tender.
Rubbed in Hickory's magic dust which made it taste, well, magical, with a generous helping of bourbon gravy made this dish at the same time rustic and decadent.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
Oh, and I ordered a side of onion rings, which, if I have had bigger or better onion rings in my life, I certainly can't remember them.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
We weren't going to have dessert as we were very full and there was birthday cake at home (boo!).
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
However, I couldn't resist the campfire marshmallows that, complete with their own fire pit and delicious chocolate dipping cause, was a showstopping finale to the meal.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
In addition to being some of the most welcoming staff I've encountered, Hickory's went the extra mile for my nephew.
They invited him behind the bar to concoct his own milkshake, which he enjoyed despite his parents and sister taking photos of him while he did it.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
So in answer to my question. Yes, Hickory's is as fantastic as people say, possibly better.
And it was in Chester is where the Hickory's story really started, with the first smokehouse restaurant opening almost 15 years ago.
Hickory's Smokehouse, The Groves, Chester
The website says: The first Hickory’s Smokehouse opened in 2010 in Chester, a year to the day after the first roadtrip and we’ve been welcoming guests ever since.
"If you haven’t joined us, you can find our restaurants across the North West, Midlands, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire & North Wales and we’d love to welcome you for some good old fashioned Southern hospitality."
As well as Chester, there are Hickory's in nearby Wrexham, Rhos-on-Sea, and West Kirby.
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