In the past, Union County has been a drink-free community (and we’re not talking Pepsi, people). It was illegal for restaurants to serve alcohol, which only gave more of a reason for those crazy neighborhood block parties. But now the liquor law has passed and bars and restaurants have wasted no time moving into the area. In fact, a new Hickory Tavern in Wesley Chapel just opened this month. Neil Hawber, a manager at Hickory, states that because of the new liquor law, they were able to set up shop in the area. “We are actually the second establishment to have a liquor license in the area,” says Hawber. Intrigued as to what a bar scene in the Wesley Chapel area could be like, my fiancé and I went over to the Hickory Tavern to enjoy a night out in this little town.
When we got there, there was already a wait, but it wasn’t a long one as we got a table within minutes of being handed a pager. It was a pleasant evening, which made the Tavern’s patio alluring. The patio looks similar to one you would see on a house in Waxhaw or Wesley Chapel; my own patio looks quite similar. But we opted to sit inside to get a feel for the bar.
The most distinguishing feature of Hickory Tavern is its spaciousness. It was a Wednesday night and the place was packed, which speaks a lot for the county’s reaction to a new bar. But the Tavern made good use of the space, filling the dining area with tables, but leaving enough room so as not to feel crammed into the other guests’ laps.
And believe it or not, popular celebrities were hanging out at the bar, too. Celebrities like Van Halen and Johnny Cash ...
OK, I gave myself away with that last one. But Rolling Stone covers, with Cash, Halen and more, decorated the walls, adding for a classic rock n’ roll feel.
The bar was separated from the dining area, but was equally attractive and just as spacious. The solid wood bar surrounded a center island, giving the bartenders room to move around, but also adding for decorative displays of the alcohol. Speaking of which, with a new bar scene comes a monthly drinking event. Every 5th of the month, Hickory Tavern is throwing a Cinco de Drinco party, with $2.50 Coronas and Corona lights, $3.75 Hickory Tavern wines, $4 Cuervo Silvers, and free chips and salsa.
But even though I was impressed, I’m a nightlife writer, and a frequent visitor to bars and clubs. So I took the time to talk to local residents to find out how they feel about the new movement, that is, in-between their new partying schedule.
Adrian, a man who was personally involved in passing the liquor law, says he is very pleased, as he now has the freedom to choose what to drink when he goes out to eat. “If I choose to have a beer or a small liquor with my meal, I can. It’s what America is about: the freedom to choose.” When asked what he’d like to see next in the area, he mentioned a good sports bar or British Pub that shows English football.
Another local resident, Karen, says she too voted for the booze law. In Karen’s opinion, the law will help attract businesses, as well as allow the community to grow. “It will help stop town center from dying, which is what it was doing. And I would like to see another Applebee's or Chili's around. There’s already a nice Italian place, but a nice steakhouse would be good too.”
Nancy also voted in support of the law, claiming that she would like to see the area develop like Blakeney and the Promenade. She hopes that such growth will attract Waxhaw residents and families to stay in the area when it comes to dining.
One local held a different perspective on the arrival of new bars. Jennifer says, “I would not mind a bar, but no more than two because Waxhaw is a small town. I think sometimes too many bars can make a town trashy. But a bar is also a place where adults could hang out together and meet new people. So, a bar could bring people together in a way. I don't think a nightclub would be good, just a laid-back bar, you know?” Jennifer is hoping to see a Buffalo Wild Wings open up soon.
“I like it. I would like to see more of an upscale kind of bar, just like Hickory Tavern,” said Brad, another resident. “Where the food is good and it is not just about the alcohol.”
The new Hickory Tavern seems to incorporate everything local residents were looking for. In fact, you could say it’s somewhere they’ve fallen head over heels for, I know I certainly did ... literally. I fell and twisted my ankle, and I didn’t have one drink! Needless to say, I’ll have to tone down my Union County partying for a while and leave it to the other locals.
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