I first ate at the Hank's on Jeff Davis Hwy in 1970 when I worked down the street at the GEM store. You can get meat and veggies, breakfast and other things than barbeque there, but I would stick with the real deal: the Pork Barbeque sandwich or the Barbeque Tray (you don't need French Fries when you have Heavenly Hush Puppies). I like the Pulled pork (in between the fine chopped and the sliced) and like some of the crunchy outside pieces. The thing that makes the Q so good is their vinegar based sauce (like Lexington, NC). The Q, the slaw and sauce on the bun then "Hot Pressed" make it unbeatable. I add a little extra sauce at the table. They used to have regular and hot. I suggest regular and add a dash of hot sauce on top. Get a side of their Hushpuppies and put little pieces of butter on them while they are hot and then salt and pepper so they will stick. Take a bite of puppy and a bite of Q. You'll be happy. The only hush puppies I have had as good (although different) were at Lexington Barbeque in Lexington, NC (rated #4 nationwide by Food & Wine a few years back).
Other great choice is "The Barbeque Tray". You get more Q, slaw and hush puppies. Add that extra sauce and jazz up the puppies like above and get a bite of each in your mouth and you'll be in Barbeque Heaven (now that's a good name!).
I get them to ship me a gallon or three of sauce to Tennessee and make my own at home with my hot presser grille. I use a NC "Red Slaw" recipe for the slaw however.
The place is out of the way and not fancy. You come for the food. Take a Cooler and take some Q back with you and buy a gallon of sauce. You'll be glad you did.
I ate at a couple of the other Hank's a number of years back and they seem very similar then, but I still think the Hank's on Jeff Davis Hwy is the best. of the rest.
Pros: Best Pressed Barbeque sandwich and Hush Puppies that will make you howl
Cons: Out of the way, old diner style building with booths and counter seating.
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