It’s time for Old Timers and hipsters with a nostalgia streak for what-the-world-was-like-once to get together at the most recent iteration of the Old Hickory Inn, one of Germantown’s iconic drinking and deep discussion neighborhood watering holes. John Murrow, one of the principals behind Check’s Café, has taken over the long-standing and much-abused building at 1038 Lydia St.
Murrow is operating the Old Hickory Inn even as he continues to work on some needed repairs and renovations. Murrow doesn’t plan on gentrifying the property (which in the last ten years or so suffered a fire, major vandalism and general descent into desuetude). I’m going to keep it a Germantown dive bar,” Murrow said over the phone, “but with better selection of alcohol and beer.”
Among the recent improvements is a rear patio, which at this writing is almost done. While Murrow still has to complete some painting and other cosmetic repairs inside the building, Old Hickory Inn is open and serving, and has been for some months. “Business is fairly decent,” Murrow said, “with lots of room to improve.”
