Hickory Park

There is a separate gluten-free menu. Really appreciated that a manager came by to review my order, explain the modifications and safety precautions. Food comes out with an allergy flag in it as well.

Plus soo many ice cream options!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Great experience! Have a separate gluten free menu, and also a manager automatically stopped by to see if I had any questions! Never doubted that my food was safe!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout

The food was very good! I got the Barbecue Dinner with fries and hot spiced applesauce. There is a dedicated fryer for their fries, so those are safe to eat. After I ordered, the manager came out and told me all the precautions they we’re going to be taking in the kitchen to keep my food safe. There is also an extensive ice cream menu, I got the caramel apple sundae which was very delicious. I was told that they would change out scoops and get new ice cream from the back when preparing my sundae. Overall, it was a delicious meal and I didn’t feel like I had to worry at all about my food.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch

Very knowledgeable staff- both waiter and kitchen. After ordering off the GF menu , someone from the kitchen came to assure me everything I ordered would be GF and staff changes gloves ! Enjoyed the saucy southerner (easily enough meat for 2 sandwiches ) , fries and made room for the chocolate raspberry truffle sundae.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

GF menu, dedicated fryer, knowledgeable staff. Food was delicious. We will be back again!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

GF menu. Staff seemed well very on gluten. Manager came & talked with me about my order to tell me how they would prepare it (1st time EVER!!) So much relief felt. Awesome food. Very reasonable prices. Extensive ice cream menu too!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options

Lots of options! Also, they now have a dedicated fryer for fries! (Though the server did let me know that the other day, one of the fryers was down, so they had to fry everything together). So be sure to let them know you need them to be careful with cross contamination and they will have a manager come out to talk with you to confirm!

Just be sure to remind your server again when you order ice cream. I’ve had mine come out with a cookie before!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Gluten free menu. Knowledgeable gluten free staff. All sauces are GF. Manager came to make sure I didn’t have additional questions. Provided information about how they avoid cross contamination.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Ribs were tasty and safe for the celiac in our group. All of the on-table sauces are now gluten-free as well. A manager came out to talk about kitchen procedures which included changing gloves when preparing the celiac meal. We appreciated the attentiveness.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I’ll start by saying my daughter has celiac but is still asymptomatic. I decided to share a meal with her (there is a kids meal section of the menu, but she’s 6 and wouldn’t eat much anyway). The Gluten Intolerance menu is pretty extensive so that’s a nice change from the norm. They include the standard warnings about shared kitchens. The meal they first brought to me/her included a dinner roll on top of the meat - and the menu states no roll, so I asked before we touched the meal and the plate was promptly removed. The manager came out to let us know they were correcting the error. For dessert, my daughter only wanted vanilla ice cream with whipped topping. Overall we had a pretty good experience - I’d say make sure to ask all the questions to ensure your meal is safe!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

Ordering ice cream and ended up with some of my sons cookie dough in mine. Manager really didn’t care and tried stating how they are careful. Apparently not this time. Very disappointed!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

My 4 year old loved eating here! We got a gluten free menu and the manager came to talk to us! We felt it was very safe and very good! Definitely will be going back!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good with other allergies

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Lots of options for food and dessert. They put allergy flags on your food and the manager will come talk to you as well!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Combination Dinner Tossed salad Mashed potatoes Potato salad Green beans Full rack of ribs Cinnamon caramel apple Sundae

The server took everything very serious! And the Manager came out twice to confirm our order. They messed up and put a roll on my plate, but quickly realized their mistake and brought a second within 5 minutes!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Very impressed with an extensive GF menu. It was a busy noon hour on a home football day and yet a manager came to our table to explain their methods to control cross-contamination and see if I had any further requests or concerns. I had my favorite from 40 years ago, Saucy Southerner, and really enjoyed it!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Wow! I ordered a Ruben, which I have not had one in over 2 years sense my diagnosis. It was Awesome! No bread at all just the inside part of a Ruben. So tasty and it melted in my mouth. The manager even came out to assure me that the staff are trained in dealing with food allergies and celiac disease. There was a large choice of options to eat. I left full and happy.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

It was a Friday night on a football weekend. We had a party of 7. The manager still came out to to explain how they change gloves and prevent cross contamination. My wife had a great meal. Ordered what she would have if not celiac. Brisket, mashed potatoes and green beans. Sauce was gf. No issues afterwards. Great experience. Very safe. Gf menu too included ice cream choices.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

They have a dedicated GF menu. I was there twice recently and both times after ordering a manager came to my table (I did not ask for this, just part of their protocol) to discuss methods they take in food prep and to see if I had any questions. Made me feel so good and safe, food is delicious!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout

Fun atmosphere. Knowledgeable staff. Large menu of gluten free options and oh the desserts!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

—2021 Review— Hickory Park truly is a staple of Ames when visiting my alma matter. Hickory Park has a dedicated gluten free menu that includes all meats, all sauces, and most sides such as BBQ beans, corn, and mashed potatoes. There is also Udi’s bread and Blue Bunny ice cream. 10/10 recommend!!

—2017 Review— I eat at Hickory Park quite often with family & friends. I have had chicken, ribs, beef, sausage, Saucy Southerner on an Udi's bun, and BBQ beans. Both sauces are gluten free now too. A manager assures me that my food will be safe from gluten by coming to my table after I order to review everything. I also have ordered chocolate mint ice cream (Blue Bunny brand). I have Celiac Disease and have never gotten sick after eating at Hickory Park. I would definitely recommend eating BBQ at Hickory Park.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers delivery

We had to wait about 45 minutes to be seated, but considering they had a party of 30, one of 25, and another of 20, plus all the other smaller parties in front of us, so I'd say we got seated pretty quickly. Once seated, our waitress, Sydney, was super friendly and helpful, as was our manager, Jimmy. Both were very comfortable with the gluten free options, which were EXTENSIVE and had no issues discussing the options with me. The food came quickly and was delicious. We were both so full it's a shame we couldn't sample their desserts - they were SO tempting with ice cream and floats and sundaes. Absolutely fairly priced. Highly recommend.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for keto
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout

Excellent! After ordering a staff person verified allergies with me& told me how they prepare GF & made suggestions for dessert. WOW

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers delivery

When we’ve eaten inside we’ve had a wonderful experience. But we did a curbside order. I went over my celiac diagnosis in detail and what I need to be safe. The person assured me they would do those things. We got home with the food and there was gluten gravy on the mashed potatoes. After that I couldn’t trust that my meal was safe. I would say that maybe you have to dine in to get the best service here.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Kitchen came out and talked to us. Reassured us they change gloves after dealing with gluten! Udis buns. Great food!

Not everything from regular menu is on gf menu. But still way bigger than most.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Someone always comes to my table to let me know about their separate fryers, gloves, and counter space. So appreciated!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

My daughter ate here last week on a school trip. After ordering the manager came to the table and explained their process to her. Her plate was even carried to the table separately by a different person! First French fries she has had since her diagnosis.!! She was very happy and did not get sick We will definitely return as a family

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Fantastic food and knowledgeable about Celiac / GF! Separate GF menu with MANY options but the best part is the manager came to my table saying she noticed I ordered gluten free and if I had any questions. As a Celiac it sure makes you feel comfortable that they know what they’re doing. Portions were great. I ordered the three meat combo (ribs, chicken and pulled pork with buttered corn and cole slaw sides). Will definitely eat here again when I’m in town!! Celiac meat eater heaven!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Amazing how this restaurant takes food allergy seriously! We had a kitchen staff member address me (celiac) on how good was prepped and explained how cross contact was avoided. Also asked if I had questions about meal or menu! Outstanding ! I have never experienced such service and attention!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Very pleased with the gluten free options this restaurant provided. They have a dedicated fryer!!! 😄 Manager came to talk to me and answer questions. I will be back!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I went a few weeks ago and my experience was great! They have a GF menu and dedicated fryer. The waitress took our order and after she took it back, a manager came out to make sure I knew they had the allergy posted and in the system. She also explained they take the allergy serious and gave more information on their sauces. I will definitely be back again!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Our Waitress was very knowledgeable and described how the kitchen has a separate cook/prep area for GF orders, dedicated fryers, and glove changes. All the sauces on the table are GF too. After we ordered, the manager came out and said she saw our GF order in the system. She then went in to explain the same process. VERY comforting experience! Oh, and the food was awesome!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Lots of options and the manager came & talked to us about our needs to be sure they were doing everything they could. Delicious filling food.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Very pleased! We came to Ames to tour ISU. Hickory Park was recommended as a ‘must try’ by an alumni friend, but the reviews on FMGF were what prompted us to try it. It was my celiac son’s birthday, so also special occasion dinner. First, the GF menu is the size of a placemat. HUGE GF selection! My boy ordered a sampler platter and he ended up getting 5 meals out of it! I have a number of other sensitivities and they worked with me to have a delicious meal that was safe for me. The manager came to the table to explain their kitchen safety procedures. After the meal, the birthday boy got a free ice cream Sunday from a newly opened container and a birthday song from the team of servers. Nobody got sick and the non-GFers in our family were delighted with their meal, too. It was a lovely meal! I almost hope he picks ISU just so we can come back here!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I have been to HIckory Park many, many times over several years. I have celiac disease and would consider myself very sensitive to even small amounts of cross contamination. As such, I'm very particular when I eat out. As I write this review there are two "not celiac friendly" reviews for this restaurant. One is because.... the fish and chips are not gluten free. OK, well they do have a gigantic gluten free menu, but, I guess, no, the fish and chips are not gluten free at this BBQ restaurant. The other "not celiac friendly" says they were sick within minutes of eating. I'm not disputing that, but I will tell you that this has not been my personal experience. I've never been sick at HIckory Park one time. They do an awesome job of gluten free and take celiac disease seriously. This is our go-to place when visiting our kids at college. Thank you HIckory Park for being awesome!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Not celiac friendly. Was sick within minutes of eating.

Celiac friendly?

No

Gluten free bun and menu .. manager will talk to you beforehand.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I got a sandwich with homemade sausage and sauerkraut on an udi bun with 3 bean salad. They have a special GF menu with lots of options, and before I could manage to tell the server I have celiac, she let me know about all the precautions they take for GF orders (separate space, new gloves, clean scoop and new tub of ice cream, etc.). So, they are on top of GF. Sandwich was decent, but 5 stars for being celiac safe with lots of options.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I was approached by a manager after ordering my meal to make sure I was okay with everything I was to be served. I can't believe how patient they are with people that have a serious disease! Yay for good barbeque on a gluten free diet!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Amazing options. Staff are very knowledgeable!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

This was my favorite place before my diagnosis and I was thrilled they have a gluten free menu. The manager came out and talked to us and I was feeling really good about eating here safely. However, our food came with dinner rolls (NOT GF) and the ice cream with a wafer cookie. They were super apologetic and offered to fix it. I have never experienced symptoms of Celiac ever though so I decided to risk it. Shouldn't have. First reaction...not a bad one, but I'll be more cautious in the future. Their excuse was "we have a lot of gluten free people in tonight." I will still try here again though.

Excellent selection of options to choose from. Both wait staff, managers and chefs are very knowledgeable about celiacs. Every time I've gone their the chef has come out to review the order to make sure I feel comfortable with the selection and options. Never had any issues.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Absolutely fantastic gluten free service. Very knowledgeable staff and the manager will come out to speak with you once you put in a gluten free order.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Very knowledgeable staff. After I ordered a manager came over to confirm sauces were gluten free and everything I ordered was safe. She asked if I was going to do desert and if I was a Celiac. She said that I should not order a shake as they did Malts as well and could be cross contamination. Very good meal.