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Welcome to Durty Thumbs

At Durty Thumbs, the heart of the Caribbean beats in Hickory, NC. This vibrant eatery, proudly Black and women-owned, serves authentic Jamaican cuisine with flair. Guests rave about the flavorful jerk chicken and sumptuous oxtails, crafted by a gifted culinary team. The welcoming atmosphere, bolstered by friendly service, makes every visit special. Whether dining in the covered outdoor seating or taking advantage of the convenient drive-thru, the commitment to quality is palpable. With a commitment to excellence, Durty Thumbs invites everyone to experience its delicious offerings, from hearty doubles to the tantalizing Rasta Pasta, ensuring each meal is a joyful celebration of flavor.

Durty Thumbs: Reviews & Ratings

Scott T.
Scott T.

I loved this place the first time we ordered. When my mother in-law came in, we ordered again and consistently good! Not only was the food good, they were nice, professional and welcoming! SUPPORT BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES like this!

Rosemary M.
Rosemary M.

You must try this place, mon! Best jerk chicken outside Jamaica! Only wish this wonderful restaurant was in Asheville so we could come often! The ambiance is comfortable, low key and friendly - and so are all the staff. The portions are plentiful and the prices moderate.. We enjoyed the "Taste of Jamaica" which was absolutely perfect jerk chicken with choice of sides - we had peas and rice, mac and cheese and plantains and loved everything. They have just the right beverages too! Plus the lovely server gave us a sample of the incredible housemade jerk sauce to take away! Can't wait to find a reason to drive over to Hickory to try more of the great menu - wait that IS a reason! (Exit 123 B puts you on 321 - go north one exit and you're there - 802 Hwy 70!.

Eric H.
Eric H.

AMAZING!!! I am a Jamaican food snob and this place rocks!!! Super friendly service, really good food, and make sure you ask for their homemade hot sauce if you like it spicy...

Lue V.
Lue V.

I was here a few weeks ago while visiting Hickory to visit family. Most people would forget about leaving an honest review but I refuse to be one of those people, especially when this place truly deserves all the praises from our experience. The moment we walked in we were greeted by the host and seated (a legit wholesome greeting and not someone putting on a show). Service was absolutely top tier and quick. Our order was placed and yes we weren't afraid to order everything on that menu just to try it out (review receipt for proof ) The food came out fresh, pipping hot and was absolutely delicious. You want flavor? You want spice? You want food that'll remind you that everything will be okay after a long days work? THIS PLACE will be your saving Grace. First time having ox tails and my oh my bless the hands that prepped our meal. Gifted chef that knows how to throw it down in the kitchen. We were so impressed by everything that took place we left a $100 tip. No regrets. Both of the owners came out to talk with us. Incredibly beautiful and hardworking people. Thank you for taking care of us they you did. I will be back in the next time I'm back in town

Richard S.
Richard S.

Cleanliness is the first thing I notice in any restaurant and Dirty Thumbs definitely is...maybe immaculate!! The food is real Jamaican! I and my friend agreed the Curry Chicken is better than the Jerk!! The vegetables were excellent too!! No booze at this location but still worth the trip!!

Grant H.
Grant H.

Unassuming place right off the highway, but I've heard the food truck was good. Ended up having a great meal here, very tasty and unique for the area. I thought the meal had the perfect amount of spice, but YMMV. I got the cabbage which was great for throwing on top of the Rasta pasta, which seems to be a go to order here. Some people thought this place was slow, but food came out fast for us. The place doesn't have many tables and does run the A/C a little high, but that is not even 1% of the experience. Looking forward to going back

Patrick H.
Patrick H.

My sister and I gave Dirty Thumbs a try for lunch today and we were not disappointed! The jerk chicken was so fresh and full of flavor with just enough heat. The rice and peas was tasty and my sister loved the plantain fries. The owner and her daughter were extremely friendly and attentive. If you're looking for a taste of the Caribbean, I highly recommend you stop in and see the folks at Dirty Thumbs, I know I'll be back.

Nicholas B.
Nicholas B.

TL;DR Best jerk chicken ever Order at a window in the decorated restaurant Must try Caribbean cuisine Me and my brother were out looking to eat and stopped by this small restaurant. We weren't expecting much but some type of jerk sauce on chicken. But wow! This place really had the best jerk chicken ever!!! It was the classic Jamaican platter I think the name was. It had yummy fried plantains and rice. I got an order of coco bread and it was really good rich bread. Service is simple, my brother and I walked up to the window to the kitchen and a nice lady took our order. Then she gave us a number plate. We sat down in the right section with our number plate on the table. It took less than ten minutes but there wasn't many people there. I don't know why cause the food was incredible! Me and my bro got to admire the Caribbean decor as we ate. Overall great experience. Price is splendid for the portions! Small warning, there are bones in the chicken I ordered. There was supposed to be but I wanted to mention :)

Location

  • Durty Thumbs
    802 US Hwy 70 SW Hickory, NC 28602 Hotline: (828) 569-1504

Welcome to the vibrant world of Durty Thumbs, a culinary gem located at 802 US Hwy 70 SW, Hickory, NC. Specializing in Caribbean cuisine, this black-owned and women-owned establishment invites you on a flavorful journey through the heart of Jamaica. With options for takeout, delivery, and even outdoor seating, Durty Thumbs caters to all dining preferences, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone, including those who require wheelchair accessibility.

From the moment you walk in, you're embraced by a warm, welcoming ambiance, reminiscent of a cozy Caribbean hideaway. Guests rave about the friendly service, high standards of cleanliness, and intimate vibe - making it an ideal spot for either a casual meal or a celebratory feast.

  • Diverse Menu: Durty Thumbs offers a tantalizing array of dishes. Start with the Chicken Double or Jerk Pork Double before diving into spirited selections such as the Oxtails and Jerk Wings. Every plate is crafted with vibrant flavors and spices that transport you straight to the Caribbean.
  • Must-Try Dishes: The Taste of Jamaica is a standout, featuring perfectly seasoned jerk chicken paired with delightful sides such as peas and rice, mac and cheese, and plantains. For seafood lovers, the Fried Snapper is an absolute must.
  • Special Offers: Don’t miss out on happy hour specials that sweeten your visit, alongside a well-stocked full bar offering an eclectic mix of drinks to elevate your dining experience.

Patrons like Rosemary M. champion Durty Thumbs for serving what she claims is "the best jerk chicken outside of Jamaica." The portions are generous, the prices reasonable, and the overall experience is consistently 5-star. As Scott T. emphasizes, the commitment to quality food and excellent service is evident every single time. The opportunity to taste their housemade jerk sauce is simply the cherry on top.

Whether you're enjoying a meal indoors or taking advantage of the heated outdoor seating, Durty Thumbs promises a dining adventure filled with good vibes and unforgettable tastes. It's a place where culinary dreams meet the spirit of community. So, next time you’re around Hickory, stop by Durty Thumbs and let the flavors of the Caribbean envelop your senses. You might just find that every visit feels like a little slice of paradise. ????