Tucked away in Hickory, North Carolina, Gold Mine Cafe Click to open side panel for more information is a charming, family-owned diner that delivers a quintessential Southern country breakfast experience. Despite its unassuming location attached to a local convenience store, this cozy gem has earned a stellar reputation among residents for its warm hospitality, down-to-earth atmosphere, and exceptionally hearty portions. Whether you are a local regular or a traveler passing through the area, the diner offers a welcoming vibe that instantly makes you feel right at home.
Dine-in, Takeout, Onsite Table Service, Counter Service (No Delivery)
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating
Atmosphere
Casual, cozy, historic farmhouse decor, very family-oriented
Amenities
Public restroom, high chairs available for children
Crowd & Planning
Great for groups, solo dining, and families; accepts reservations
Payment Methods
Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments
Parking
Free parking lot, free street parking, spacious side gravel lot
Why Visit? Key Highlights
The Legendary Farmer’s Breakfast Bowl: A customer favorite packed with country fried potatoes, peppers, onions, melted cheddar cheese, scrambled eggs, and your choice of breakfast meat, often topped with rich sausage gravy.
Plate-Sized Pancakes: Diners frequently marvel at the massive, dinner-plate-sized pancakes served hot with a generous scoop of butter right in the center.
Homemade Strawberry Jam: Highly praised by reviewers as a standout highlight that pairs perfectly with their fresh toast and biscuits.
Warm Community Vibe: The welcoming waitstaff and down-to-earth environment make it a staple gathering spot where the team frequently greets regulars by name.
Unbeatable Value: Generous portion sizes and traditional cooking styles ensure a satisfying meal that offers exceptional value for money.
Menu and Offerings
Breakfast Sandwiches
Served on a choice of Biscuit, Toast, or Bun.
Item Name
Description
Bacon, Sausage, Livermush, Bologna, or City Ham Sandwich
Classic morning protein choices served on your choice of bread.
Country Ham or Tenderloin Sandwich
Hearty, premium Southern breakfast meats.
B.L.T. Sandwich
Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and tomato with mayonnaise on toast.
Egg Sandwich
Simple and satisfying egg preparation on your choice of bread.
Breakfast Plates
Includes a choice of 1 Side (Creamy Grits, Creamed Rice, Hashbrowns, or Sausage Gravy) with Toast or Biscuits and Grape or Strawberry Jelly.
Item Name
Description
1-Egg Plate (No Meat)
A lighter traditional breakfast plate layout.
2-Eggs Plate (No Meat)
Two eggs cooked to your preference with a side and bread.
Meat & Egg Plate
Choice of Bacon, Sausage, Livermush, Bologna, or City Ham with egg options.
Premium Meat & Egg Plate
Choice of premium Country Ham or Tenderloin with egg options.
Hungryman Breakfast
A massive feast featuring 2 eggs, 1 pancake, 3 pieces of bacon, creamy grits, and toast.
Farmers Breakfast Bowl
Country fried potatoes, peppers, onions, cheese, and 2 scrambled eggs with choice of meat.
Omelets
Three-egg omelets served with 1 Side, Toast, and Jelly.
Item Name
Description
The Billy Omelet
Diced city ham, provolone cheese, spinach, and mushrooms, topped with diced tomatoes.
Western Omelet
Diced city ham, peppers, onions, and provolone cheese, topped with diced tomatoes.
Cheese Omelet
A classic melted cheese blend folded into fluffy eggs.
Ham & Cheese Omelet
Generous portions of savory diced city ham and melted cheese.
Veggie Omelet
Packed with fresh cheese, peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
Sweet Things
Item Name
Description
French Toast
Thick-sliced bread dipped in a signature batter and griddled golden brown.
Meryl’s French Toast
Topped with homemade strawberry compote, strawberry jelly, whipped cream, and powdered sugar.
Belgian Waffle
Fluffy, golden waffle served plain or with optional bacon or sausage.
Sweet Pancake
The diner’s famous massive pancake, available as a single or double stack.
Chicken & Waffle
The ultimate savory and sweet flavor pairing.
Burgers and Sandwiches
Burgers feature a 5.3 oz Premium Hamburger Patty cooked with mustard, slaw, chili, and onions.
Item Name
Description
Hamburger / Cheeseburger
Premium juicy beef patty served with classic trimmings.
Double Cheeseburger
A massive 10.6 oz double premium patty layout for hearty appetites.
Gold Digger Burger
Cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, mayo, and special sauce.
Patti Melt
Cheeseburger topped with sautéed onions on Texas toast with tomato and mayo.
Buffalo Burger
Premium patty with provolone cheese, buffalo sauce, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and ranch.
Miner Boy Sub
Grilled city ham and cheese with lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a grilled sub roll.
Philly Cheese Steak
Shaved steak, roasted peppers, onions, and provolone cheese on a toasted sub roll.
Chicken Philly
Grilled chicken breast with roasted peppers, onions, provolone, tomato, and mayo.
Club Sandwich
Ham, cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo layered across three pieces of toast.
Chicken Club Melt
Two fried chicken tenders, cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and bacon on grilled Texas toast.
Wraps
Item Name
Description
BLT Wrap
Crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and savory mayo wrapped tightly in a flour tortilla.
Gold Digger Wrap
Cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato, mayo, pickles, and signature special sauce.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap
Two crispy fried chicken strips combined with bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and ranch.
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Grilled or crispy chicken strips cut with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and buffalo sauce.
Kids Breakfast Menu
For children aged 12 and under.
Item Name
Description
Pancake Combo
One pancake served with one piece of bacon.
Egg Combo
One egg served with one piece of bacon or sausage and one slice of toast.