Last week, I had the waffles of my dreams.
It was a no-school day for my oldest son, and I wanted to make breakfast special by taking my boys somewhere different. We ended up downtown at Olde Hickory Station, a beautifully restored historic train station originally constructed in 1860 by the Western North Carolina Railroad.
Did you know that the railroad’s construction and the establishment of successful businesses reliant on it led Hickory to become a major trading center during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries?
After the Western North Carolina Railroad foreclosed on the station in 1894, the Southern Railway Company took over operations and built a new depot in 1912. The Olde Hickory Station changed hands a few more times before it eventually transformed into the cornerstone of our community it is now.
With its high ceilings, exposed brick, and vintage railroad vibe, this place feels like stepping back in time. And it’s more than a restaurant—they also have a market stocked with craft beers, wines, cheeses, and gourmet treats. But I wasn’t there for the market (or the beer, as impressive as the selection is); I was there for brunch.
Ali Wong’s latest comedy special on Netflix, “Single Lady,” came to mind as we sat down. She hilariously points out that no one reading food reviews really cares about ambiance or service—we just want to hear about the food. But I have to break that rule for a second because our waiter was amazing. She was warm, attentive, and genuinely happy to see us, making the whole experience that much better.
For myself, I ordered the Huevos Rancheros: a black bean patty topped with chorizo, salsa, avocado, tortilla chips, and two perfectly cooked eggs. And for the boys? Waffles and bacon, served with fresh berries, butter, and syrup on the side.
When the plates arrived, I was happily digging into my Huevos Rancheros, until the boys each offered me a bite of their waffles. One taste, and I was hooked.
I’m not a fan of those big, bland waffles that seem to only exist to ferry syrup to your mouth. But these waffles were different—crispy on the outside with a caramelized, sugary crust, like a Belgian Liege waffle. Sweet but not overly so, with a warm, soft center that felt like perfection on a plate.
While I enjoyed my Huevos Rancheros, I couldn’t shake the memory of those waffles. I left with a bit of food envy—and a promise to myself: next time, those waffles are all mine.