Ham's Restaurant

HICKORY. Part of a NC-based chain, this casual eatery combines sports-bar ambience with bar-and-grill food. Folks often stop in during the day for appetizers, salads, hot and cold deli sandwiches, juicy burgers, wraps and homemade chips. Pastas and entrees (which range from chicken-fried chicken to fish-and-chips) also make appearances, and a great selection of beers provides a cold complement to anything you choose. Plus, a big-screen TV welcomes sports fans when the big game's on, and live music and trivia events draw folks in when the evening begins.