While neon signs and posters advertising blues concerts long past used to line the wood-panelled walls in Fancy Hank's Queen Victoria Market location, its Melbourne CBD home is more polished. Taking over the former Tuscan Bar location, Fancy Hank's is more a restaurant than a smokehouse pub, with leather-lined seats and tables facing out to Grossi Florentino's glowing red neon signage.
Most people will be here for the excellent barbecue. The smoky beef brisket is as great as ever, as is the pulled pork shoulder and whole rack of pork ribs. Try the crisp-skinned buttermilk brined chicken if you need a break from the red meat. The sides are plenty here, so go big on the potato salad, mac and cheese, and Kentucky-style coleslaw. There's also the option on a smoked vegetarian option for the non-meat eaters.
The other drawcard here is the rooftop bar above the restaurant, Good Heavens, which will be pouring cocktails throughout summer. With blues on the stereo and finger-lickin’ ’cue, Fancy Hank’s is your ticket on a slow train to Georgia.
