Cafe Rule & Wine Bar

Getting our food was slow but our waiter was super great and kept checking in with us! We started out with yeast rolls and oh my YUM. I had a cranberry mule that was delicious. For our entrees my husband had a filet and sweet potato which he said was great. I was recommended the Snapper by our waiter. I expected a piece of snapper on a plate but no it was an entire experience! The snapper came in a bowl with chorizo, cornbread pieces, clams, some things I am not sure what it was but was delicious, topped with fried leak pieces and the waiter poured a broth over. Oh. My. Goodness. It was delicious. We will definitely be back! Such a cute spot for hickory!

We have eaten here several times over the years and have always enjoyed our meals and the ambiance. We have brought friends and family for special events, however after a recent visit in November 2024 we probably will not be back. We made an early reservation because we had a show to catch later, and it is a good thing because even though there were only 4 other tables in the dining room the service was extremely slow. Our server only came a few times over the 2 hours we were there and food took an abnormally long time to arrive. We had water to drink, no alcohol. We had some shareable appetizers, 2 mains, and a shared side. Nothing crazy. They had a recent menu change according to the server and we are NOT a fan. They changed the bread app and it is not very good. The old bread app was chefs kiss, new one, 2 thumbs down. We had the meatball app, flavor and good, but they were literally cold inside. We would have sent them back, but they took so long to arrive that we didn't want to run out of time. My wife had the scallops, they were literally cold, had grit on them and there were 5 small scallops. I had a steak, it was cooked perfectly and was fork tender. However it lacked flavor and if i hadn't added the sauce it wouldn't have had any taste. The shared potatoes were just ok. Our food was cold, service was slow, portions were lacking, and our bill was over $180 with tip. We routinely go have a nice meal like this once a week and happily spend more than that on a killer meal, but this was lack luster compared to past visits. I can't say we will be back this time. Hope I hear they improve. To those about to dine, you have been warned.

Super classy ambiance. We arrived early but the restaurant still seated us. The chowder was so good. We ordered crab cakes and I wish there were more. Next time I want to try some wine because they had it in a fancy case. I recommend

The service was poor. Our water was never filled and drinks took a very long time to arrive. We had a table of eight and meals were delivered at different times. Waiter was not in sight most of the night. The food was marginal.

Wonderful better restaurant to come dressed up or casual. Booths hold three across the side, or choose a table on the patio.

Cafe Rule is always a great option for an afternoon or evening out. Check their website for operating hours. We love the outdoor garden space for a casual night out. They never disappoint.

We enjoyed our Sunday Brunch at this "slightly hidden gem" of a restaurant. Cafe Rule is part of the Imagine One Hospitality group that includes Mas Amor Cantina and Vintage House Restaurant, in Hickory, and Peppervine in Charlotte.I ordered the vegetarian Eggs Benedict while my wife ordered the same Eggs Benedict with Prosciutto. The salad between the two muffins was delicious. My wife enjoyed her Mimosa Flight. We both enjoyed our entrees.We are looking forward to enjoying outdoor dining on the patio when the weather is warmer.

Our first visit in two years to see if the food preparation had improved since the change in ownership. My wife and I came in for Valentines Day. The menu was fairly fixed and priced at $150 for two.* The first course was fried calamari, which was overcooked so it was very chewy and the batter was unremarkable. My wife's Ceaser salad was small, not much dressing and the croutons were very dry and tough to chew.* We chose the Surf and Turf, for an extra $25, for our second course. The one lobster, was tasty, but the portion was so small that each of us got about four small bites apiece. The hangar steak was tasty. The mashed potatoes were unremarkable and the broccolini was tough. * The third course, a Wall of Chocolate (chocolate cake) had good flavor, but the cake was dry.* The drinks were well prepared, the atmosphere was nice and our server, Alejandro, was professional and discrete.We have decided that Cafe Rule will be a place to come for drinks and an appetizer, but no more than that.

bad experience.menu issues.food issues.nice placewaitress was proficient.how can you have items on a menu that aren't available and HAVENT been for months (Other reviews).bad first impression.food was nothing to brag about either.bad experiencewon't be returning.good luck

I wished y'all would bring back your breakfast Homemade gravy it was the absolute best. Please let us know if you will consider at some point!