The ribs here get slow-smoked over hickory wood with a special spice blend, and the town around them holds the title of Official Rib City of Missouri. That’s a lot of pressure for one rack of ribs.
Somehow, this place has carried it for decades.
One family has run the show since 1967. Two brothers now share the job their parents started.
I like how that kind of steady hand shows up in a restaurant that still feels personal.
The dining room can seat up to 350 people. There’s also a lounge with a fireplace and a menu that goes far beyond ribs.
Steaks, shrimp, and strawberry shortcake all get their turn.
I can’t imagine driving past without at least peeking inside.
The Ribs That Earned A Whole Town Its Nickname
Ribs are the main event at Hickory Log Restaurant, and nobody here pretends otherwise. The kitchen slow-smokes them over hickory wood with a special blend of spices.
That hickory smoke is the whole point of the name. It’s hard to argue with a restaurant that literally named itself after its fuel.
Dexter carries the title of Official Rib City of Missouri. That’s a bold label for any town to wear on its sleeve.
Hickory Log has been one of the big reasons it fits so well.
You can order the Original BBQ Ribs as a full plate with sides. Classic picks like green beans and baked beans sit right alongside them.
It’s the kind of meal that makes extra napkins feel mandatory.
Not in the mood for a full plate? The menu also lists a rib sandwich and a rib salad.
Those options let you sneak smoky rib flavor into a lighter lunch.
First-timers should start with the ribs before exploring anything else. Think of it as paying respect to the house specialty.
After that, the rest of the menu is fair game.
One tip is worth remembering. Grab a side of ribs to go if you’re just passing through town.
A Family Story That Started Long Before Smartphones
The year was 1953 when this smoky story first got rolling. That’s back when TV dinners were brand new and drive-ins ruled the weekend.
John and LaVeda Banken took over Hickory Log in 1967. They kept the fire going and built a family business around it.
Today, their sons Jason and Lance Banken co-manage the restaurant. Passing a business from parents to kids isn’t easy.
Keeping it busy for decades afterward is even harder.
I believe that family thread matters more than any fancy slogan. When the same family stays in charge, the place keeps a steady personality.
You’re not eating at a chain that changes owners every few years.
Small-town restaurants often come and go quickly. Hickory Log has outlasted countless trends, from fondue parties to fusion tacos.
That kind of staying power says something about the food and the people behind it.
It’s fun to remember that your plate of ribs connects to over seventy years of history. Someone was smoking ribs here before your grandparents may have learned to drive.
That’s a pretty cool thought between bites.
So next time you sit down, give a small nod to the Banken family. They’ve earned it.
Steak Lovers Get Their Own Reason To Pull Over
Plenty of people walk into a rib joint and order a ribeye anyway. At Hickory Log, that choice makes complete sense.
The menu includes grilled steaks, with the sirloin and ribeye both showing up as popular picks. Pair one with a baked potato, and suddenly dinner feels like a celebration.
Baked potatoes are a big deal here. You can even get ribs piled onto a loaded potato.
It’s the kind of mashup that makes you wonder why every restaurant doesn’t do it.
Shrimp also has a spot on the menu. Steak and shrimp together make a classic surf-and-turf plate.
It’s a smart pick for anyone who wants a little variety.
This blend is part of what gives the restaurant its mix of fine dining and barbecue. You can wear jeans and still order a meal that feels special.
That’s a winning combination in my book.
Here’s my practical advice for groups. Let the rib fans and the steak fans each order their favorites, then share a few bites.
Nobody has to compromise when the menu covers this much ground. Everyone leaves happy, and the debate about the best dish can continue on the drive home.
Save Room, Because That Strawberry Shortcake Is No Joke
Dessert at a barbecue place can feel like an afterthought. Hickory Log flips that idea with its strawberry shortcake.
The shortcake comes with a sugar pie crust, which sets it apart from the usual sponge-cake version. It’s a fun twist on a dessert most of us thought we already knew.
Desserts are a regular part of the menu here. That means you can plan ahead and leave room.
Trust me, that’s easier said than done after a rib plate.
A sweet ending pairs nicely with smoky flavors. The fruit brings a fresh, bright note after all that hickory.
It’s almost like the meal planned its own finale.
Try this strategy if you’re stuffed. Order dessert to share with the table so everyone gets a few bites.
Another option is taking it to go. Takeout is available, so your shortcake can become a late-night treat at home.
Future you will be very grateful.
Kids will probably cheer for dessert too. It’s a great reward after they finish their meal from the kid’s menu.
Honestly, skipping dessert here feels like leaving a movie before the ending. You’ll want to see how the story wraps up.
Cozy Up By The Fireplace In The Lounge
A crackling fireplace changes the whole mood of a meal. Hickory Log Restaurant and Lounge has one in its distinct lounge area.
The space leans into what’s often called rustic elegance. It feels relaxed but still a little dressed up.
That’s a tricky balance, and this place pulls it off.
The main dining room carries a cozy vibe with low lighting. It’s the opposite of a bright, noisy fast-food spot.
You can actually hear the people at your own table.
The lounge works well for a slower evening. It’s a nice spot to linger after dinner and talk.
Cold Missouri nights make that fireplace even more appealing.
My tip is simple. Visit on a chilly evening if you want the full cozy experience.
Date nights fit here nicely too. The warm setting makes a casual dinner feel like a little getaway.
You don’t need a reservation at a fancy city restaurant to get that feeling.
Families can enjoy the atmosphere as well. Kids get their own menu, while grown-ups enjoy the calm surroundings.
It’s comfort food in a comfortable room. Sometimes that’s exactly what a long week calls for.
December Turns This Place Into A Holiday Showstopper
Christmas decorations at a rib restaurant might sound unexpected. At Hickory Log, they’re practically a seasonal tradition.
Every December, the restaurant is known for its beautiful holiday decor. The decorations reach outside too, catching the eye of drivers on the highway.
It’s one of the most talked-about features of the place. Some folks stop simply because the outside looks so festive.
That’s a pretty great way to discover dinner.
The decorated interior makes a lovely backdrop for family pictures. Grab your crew, pose by the lights, and then dig into some ribs.
Holiday cards practically write themselves.
Planning a December trip through southeast Missouri? Try to time your visit for an evening meal.
Twinkling lights look best once the sun goes down. Plus, a warm meal tastes even better on a frosty night.
Holiday gatherings fit well here too. The meeting spaces can handle groups, so office parties and family get-togethers have room to spread out.
I love when a restaurant goes all in on a season. It shows a real sense of fun and care.
Hickory Log seems to treat December like its own special event.
Bring The Whole Crowd, There Is Room For 350
Three hundred fifty seats is a lot for any restaurant. For a small-town spot, it’s downright impressive.
Hickory Log can seat up to 350 diners at once. That makes it a great fit for big families and road-trip groups.
Meeting facilities are available for groups from 20 to 150 guests. Business lunches, club meetings, and reunions all have a place to land.
Nobody has to cram around tiny tables.
Big events often need food beyond the dining room too. The restaurant has handled food for gatherings and celebrations.
It’s helpful when you want great barbecue without cooking for a crowd yourself.
Here’s some practical advice. Call ahead when planning a large group so the staff can get things ready.
That small step can make your event go much smoother. It also gives you time to plan your menu choices.
The restaurant is wheelchair accessible as well. That’s an important detail when inviting guests of all ages and abilities.
With a full menu, there’s something for picky eaters and serious barbecue fans alike. Grandpa gets his steak, the kids get chicken, and everyone shares the ribs.
That’s a group dinner done right.
Not A Rib Person? The Menu Has You Covered
Every group seems to have one friend who doesn’t want ribs. Luckily, Hickory Log has a menu big enough to make that friend happy.
Choices include chicken, fish, shrimp, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. Grilled chicken and mesquite chicken rolls are among the options.
Appetizers are a fun way to start. Onion rings, jalapeno poppers, and mozzarella cheese sticks all appear on the menu.
Sharing a basket keeps everyone busy while the main dishes cook.
Sandwich fans can choose from barbecue favorites like sliced pork. The house sauce makes a tasty add-on.
Salads offer a lighter route for anyone watching their appetite.
Classic sides round things out nicely. Coleslaw, potato salad, green beans, and baked beans keep the plates colorful.
Kids get their own menu too. That makes life easier for parents trying to feed little ones quickly.
My advice is to mix and match across the table. Order a few appetizers, one rib plate, and some different entrees.
Everyone can sample a little of everything that way. You’ll quickly figure out your own favorite.
Then you’ll have a solid reason to come back and order it again.
Plan Your Stop Along Business 60 Before The Smoke Calls
Finding this smoky landmark is refreshingly easy. Hickory Log Restaurant sits at 1314 West Business US Highway 60, Dexter, MO 63841.
Dexter is in southeast Missouri, making it a handy stop for road trippers. Plenty of travelers swing through just for a meal on the way somewhere else.
Timing matters, so keep the schedule in mind. The restaurant opens at 11 AM Monday through Saturday.
It closes at 9 PM Monday through Thursday and 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Sundays are closed, so don’t plan a Sunday rib run. That’s a mistake nobody wants to make on an empty stomach.
Takeout is a great option for busy travelers. You can grab ribs to go and keep moving down the road.
Your car will smell amazing for hours.
Staying for lunch is worth it if you have the time. The relaxed dining room makes a nice break from the highway.
A stop here also lets you taste a bit of local pride. After all, you’re eating ribs in the Official Rib City of Missouri.
That’s a souvenir you can’t fit in a suitcase. Thankfully, it fits perfectly in your stomach.
