I should start off by saying that I was inspired by my dinner tonight from Hank's to write a review. I remember I used to love Hank's margherita pizza as a kid; Hank's was one of my favorite places to go. If memory serves me, the ambiance hasn't changed much; typical red-and-white checkered inside with flourescent lighting and a much more charming outside patio with string lights. Over the past year I have started getting meals from Hank's again. My first impression after not having eaten there for awhile was that the sauce tasted like sauce that one might come to expect from these types of places. Dark, hearty red sauce with a reasonable amount of flavor, but my grandma's sauce is better. The garlic bread is average or slightly above average for take-out or bought garlic bread. The pizza margherita did not wow me, but it was high above the national chains. The salad is also what I would except from a local Italian-American joint, but, for me, that is a welcome addition to my taste buds. Cheese, pepperoncinis, black olives, tomatoes, and a tangy, flavorful vinaigrette. I found the eggplant parmigiana way too greasy on at least two occasions, however, the equally greasy Mussolini Grande can be amazing if you're in the mood for a potential heart stopper. Ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, and garlic smothered in steamy tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Oh, if you don't think that'll give you enough heartburn, get extra garlic on top. Personally, that is the only way I'll eat it - I LOVE garlic! Definitely something to share - if you're of a normal appetite at the time; it's horrific and amazing all at the same time! Tonight, eating my steamy dish of spaghetti, meat sauce, and mushrooms on the couch watching the Olympics, my heart and soul were truly warmed. It was just the thing for tonight. I hesitate to say that sometimes the taste doesn't live up to the perfumes of heavy garlic, but still heartwarming and soul-satisfying,
Pros: Good interpretation of neighborhood Italian-American fare; warming and usually satisfying. Great for what it is.
Cons: Doesn't wow me.
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