Tucked inside a beautifully restored 1920s bank building in Washington, NC, The Hackney is one of those rare places that feels both historic and totally fresh. From the moment you walk through the door, the grand architecture and buzzing energy make it clear this is no ordinary night out.
With a James Beard Award-nominated chef in the kitchen, a working gin distillery behind the bar, and craft cocktails that keep people talking, The Hackney has become a shining star in eastern North Carolina’s dining scene.
A Historic Bank Building That Sets the Scene
Walking into The Hackney feels a little like stepping back in time — but in the best way possible. The building dates to the 1920s and still carries all the grandeur you would expect from a historic bank, complete with soaring ceilings and stunning architectural bones that have been lovingly preserved.
Owners Nick and Susanne have transformed this space into something truly special. The renovation blends old-world charm with modern, chic design that feels both impressive and welcoming at the same time.
Reviewers often mention that the atmosphere alone is worth the visit. One guest described it as giving off serious New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles vibes — which is pretty remarkable for a small town in eastern North Carolina.
Whether you are celebrating a milestone or just treating yourself, the setting at The Hackney makes every meal feel like a big occasion.
Craft Cocktails That Genuinely Impress
Ordering a drink at The Hackney is not just a transaction — it is an experience. The cocktail menu is thoughtfully crafted, featuring classic recipes like The Last Word and Corpse Reviver No. 2 alongside creative house specialties that use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
One loyal guest shared that even classic cocktails can be transformed here, noting that adding tonic to a perfectly made drink created something refreshingly new. That kind of creativity and flexibility is what sets the bar program apart from most places you will find in the region.
Every cocktail is made with genuine care and skill. Whether you prefer something bold and spirit-forward or light and herbaceous, the bar team knows how to deliver.
Guests consistently rave about the drinks in reviews, with many saying the cocktails alone are reason enough to make the trip to Washington, NC.
House-Distilled Gin Made Right Behind the Bar
Here is something you do not see every day: a restaurant where you can watch gin being distilled while you sip your cocktail. At The Hackney, the gin distillery operates right behind the bar, giving guests a front-row seat to the craft of spirits production.
Nick, one of the owners, has built a reputation for producing exceptional gin under the 1000 Piers label. Guests can enjoy a personal flight tasting that walks them through different expressions while learning about the distillation process — a genuinely educational and fun experience.
More recently, vodka has been added to the lineup, expanding the house spirits collection even further. One longtime local patron called the distillery operation a highlight of every visit.
Knowing that your cocktail is made with spirits crafted just a few feet away adds a layer of authenticity and pride that is hard to find anywhere else.
James Beard Award-Nominated Chef Jamie Davis
Chef Jamie Davis is the kind of culinary talent that puts a small town on the national map. His cooking at The Hackney earned him a James Beard Award Finalist nomination for Best Chef Southeast — one of the most respected honors in the American food world.
What makes Chef Jamie stand out is his ability to combine locally sourced ingredients with inventive techniques that feel both approachable and sophisticated. He is also credited with creating the now-legendary grit crouton, a crunchy, savory twist that has become something of a signature innovation.
Guests who have had the chance to chat with him before or after their meals often describe the interaction as a highlight. His passion for the craft comes through in every dish that leaves the kitchen.
Dining at The Hackney is, in many ways, a front-row seat to watching a genuinely gifted chef do what he loves best.
Farm-to-Table Dining With a Hyper-Local Focus
Freshness is not just a buzzword at The Hackney — it is a guiding philosophy. The kitchen sources as much as possible from local farms and nearby waters, resulting in dishes that taste vibrant, seasonal, and genuinely connected to the eastern North Carolina landscape.
From local seafood to regional produce, the ingredients on your plate tell a story about where you are. That commitment to community-supported sourcing means the menu is always evolving, which keeps things exciting for repeat visitors who never quite know what to expect next.
One reviewer described the restaurant as offering the very best of the present while honoring the grandeur of the past — a fitting description for a place so rooted in its surroundings. Whether it is a pristine piece of tilefish or a grilled peach starter, every ingredient is treated with the kind of respect it deserves when it has traveled just a short distance to reach your fork.
An Ever-Changing Menu That Keeps You Guessing
Repeat visits to The Hackney rarely feel repetitive, and that is largely because the menu is always shifting to reflect what is freshest and most exciting. Chef Jamie and the team rotate dishes regularly, meaning your second or third visit could feel just as surprising as your first.
Past dishes have included tilefish on creamed corn with smoked trout roe, chicken-fried lionfish served bone-in, and a Korean fried soft shell crab sandwich paired with Parmesan truffle fries. These are not your typical restaurant staples — they are bold, inventive combinations that push flavor boundaries without feeling gimmicky.
One long-time guest who has visited five times over five years said they have never once been disappointed by a menu choice. That kind of consistent creativity is rare, and it speaks to the depth of talent and imagination that drives the kitchen every single service.
Checking the current menu before you visit is always a good idea.
The Legendary Caesar Salad With Grit Croutons
If there is one dish that practically every enthusiastic reviewer mentions by name, it is the Caesar salad — specifically because of what tops it. Chef Jamie Davis invented the grit crouton, a crispy, golden bite made from grits that adds a deeply Southern, utterly satisfying crunch to a classic salad preparation.
One reviewer called the grit crouton one of the most delicious things they have ever tasted in their life, which is a bold claim — but after reading it repeated across multiple reviews, it starts to feel completely believable. The combination of creamy dressing, crisp romaine, and that crunchy, savory grit bite is genuinely hard to forget.
If you visit The Hackney and skip this dish, you may walk away with a small but lingering regret. Order the Caesar salad.
It sounds simple, but the grit crouton transforms it into something that feels entirely original and unmistakably tied to this one remarkable place.
Outstanding Wine List and Prix Fixe Value
Fine dining does not always have to break the bank, and The Hackney proves that point with its prix fixe menu option. Available on select evenings — particularly Wednesdays — the three-course meal with wine pairings has been called an exceptional value by multiple guests who know their way around a high-end restaurant scene.
One reviewer who described themselves as someone who has enjoyed many exclusive restaurants called the prix fixe option both remarkable and surprisingly affordable. Another guest said they were blown away by all three courses and the wine pairings on a Wednesday visit, calling it a real gem in little Washington.
The broader wine list is also worth exploring, with a broad selection that pairs beautifully with Chef Jamie’s seafood-forward, seasonally inspired menu. Whether you are a casual wine drinker or someone who genuinely studies the craft, the sommelier-level care put into the wine program at The Hackney will not go unnoticed.
Warm, Attentive Service That Feels Personal
Great food deserves great service, and The Hackney largely delivers on both fronts. Guests consistently describe the staff as attentive, friendly, and genuinely invested in making each visit memorable — qualities that are not always guaranteed even at high-end establishments.
Owners Nick and Susanne are often present on the floor, greeting guests and creating a personal connection that feels rare in a fine dining setting. One guest described the owners as real people making real food, which captures the unpretentious warmth that sets the tone for the whole experience.
Servers like Madison and Kayla have been called out by name in glowing reviews, a testament to the kind of team The Hackney has built. While one reviewer noted that service polish could occasionally be elevated to fully match the price point, the overwhelming consensus is that the staff here genuinely cares — and that goes a long way.
Vegetarian-Friendly Options That Genuinely Satisfy
Fine dining menus sometimes leave vegetarian guests feeling like an afterthought, but that is not the case at The Hackney. The kitchen approaches plant-forward cooking with the same creativity and care applied to its meat and seafood dishes, resulting in options that feel genuinely satisfying rather than merely acceptable.
One parent shared that their vegetarian daughter had a wonderful time, enjoying a grilled peach starter and a corn risotto that she absolutely loved. The addition of Parmesan truffle fries rounded out the meal in a way that left her quite pleased — a high bar for anyone used to limited menu choices at upscale restaurants.
The seasonal, locally sourced approach to ingredients naturally lends itself to vibrant vegetable-forward cooking. When the produce comes from nearby farms and arrives at peak freshness, even simple preparations can taste extraordinary.
Vegetarian diners visiting The Hackney can expect to be genuinely delighted, not just accommodated.
The Hackney Burger — A Surprisingly Beloved Staple
Not everything at The Hackney is a multi-component seafood masterpiece — and that is part of what makes the menu so appealing. The burger, made with ground filet and cooked to a perfect medium rare, has developed a devoted following among guests who appreciate a well-executed classic alongside the more adventurous offerings.
On Thursday evenings, a special burger deal makes it even more accessible for those who want the experience without the full fine dining price tag. It is a clever way for the restaurant to welcome a broader crowd while still delivering the quality that defines every plate that leaves the kitchen.
One reviewer put it simply: try the burger. It is amazing.
And when a restaurant known for lionfish and tilefish inspires that level of enthusiasm for a burger, you know the whole team is operating at a genuinely high level across every item on the menu.
A Relaxed, Social Atmosphere Perfect for Any Occasion
Some fine dining rooms can feel stiff and overly formal, but The Hackney strikes a balance that keeps things comfortable and social. The open floor plan encourages conversation, and guests often find themselves chatting with people at neighboring tables in a way that feels natural rather than forced.
Whether you are celebrating a graduation, an anniversary, a birthday, or just a regular Tuesday night, the vibe here adapts to the occasion. The space feels grand without being intimidating, and the staff works hard to make sure every guest feels genuinely welcome from the moment they arrive.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly, describing the atmosphere as relaxed and social while still being chic and impressive. That combination is genuinely hard to pull off, but The Hackney manages it consistently.
For a special night out in eastern North Carolina, few places match the all-around enjoyment this restaurant delivers.
Why The Hackney Is Worth Every Penny of the Drive
Washington, NC is a small town, but The Hackney gives it something that many larger cities would envy. With a James Beard-nominated chef, a working distillery, locally sourced ingredients, and a stunning historic setting, this restaurant punches well above its weight class in every measurable way.
Guests who have driven from across the state — and even from out of town — consistently say the trip was absolutely worth it. One reviewer called it Washington’s best kept secret, while another said it is hard to believe a restaurant of this caliber exists in eastern North Carolina.
Both sentiments ring true.
For anyone who loves great food, thoughtful cocktails, and dining experiences that linger in your memory long after the bill is paid, The Hackney belongs on your list. Make a reservation, plan the drive, and prepare to be genuinely surprised by what this remarkable little restaurant has to offer.