Fancy Hanks

Fancy Hank’s new permanent digs on Bourke Street has opened. Located on level 1, nestled below its new rooftop bar Good Heavens, the new Fancy Hank’s serves up a reinvigorated menu of American-style slow-cooked barbecue.
 
The building’s Art Deco façade is complemented by Art Deco light fittings and re-stained parquetry flooring, with windows that run the length of the building and overlook bustling Bourke Street. Another new addition – table service –sees patrons sitting back and relaxing in the booth seating with leather banquets and shaker-inspired chairs and stools.
 
In the kitchen, the custom-built smoker – which was crane-lifted into its new home – has already been working hard. 

An absolute must-have is the beef brisket with black pepper rub (using pasture-fed beef from Gippsland with a marble score 2+). Particularly noteworthy for its beefy flavours which have been enhanced by ample marinating before being smoked for hours. Simply stunning.

The pulled pork shoulder is similarly delicious and is made using free-range black Berkshire pigs from the western district of Victoria, barbecued to perfection with a paprika and brown sugar rub.
 
These substantial dishes from the smoker are accompanied by an irresistible list of small plates and starters, including hearty dishes such as corn bread with jalapeno butter.
 
Fresh and light options such as the Kentucky-style coleslaw and the romaine salad with anchovy dressing, house-cured bacon and candied peanuts pair perfectly with the sticky, finger-licking-good barbecued fare.

Location: 1/79 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Phone: 1300 BRISKET
Link: www.fancyhanks.com