Saturday, February 17, 2024

Hank's Grill - actually "Grille"


 DO not be fooled by the Frenchie spelling of "Grill" - this place in McGaheysville, Virginia is the legendary "bomb."!!!

We're staying in Luray, about 26 miles away from McGaheysville, Virginia, but had heard so many great things about this place (via the great "Get Out of Town" TV show in WETA) that we made the scary drive at night through the winding one lane roads that connect Luray to the town where this jewel of a family-owned Southern BBQ restaurant is located. 

The place was packed with locals, and the young, pretty waitress was not only friendly, but also super knowledgeable about the food, and also very efficient!

Alida standing at Hank's Grille's parking lot
Alida standing at Hank's Grille's parking lot

I had my mind on trying their burnt ends, but as advised in the menu, they're usually out and gone about an hour after dinner starts at 5 pm. The waitress passed that they're very popular and sell out every day. "Y'all gotta get here at 5 to get any," she advised.

Nachos Carnitas from Hank's Grille & Catering
Nachos Carnitas from Hank's Grille & Catering

I ordered Carnitas Nachos, a little part of me wondering when nachos became Southern food, but whoever added that to the menu hit a homerun and went yard, as (and I realize that my Mexican compadres will hate hearing this), but they've improved the dish! This is really nachos with Southern pulled pork and it was GREAT!


We also had some terrific sweet potato fries.

View of Hank's Grille & Catering Dining Room
View of Hank's Grille & Catering Dining Room

The wife had a salad with grilled salmon and I had a combo plate of pulled pork and fried catfish with a side of green beans and ham. The portions were enormous and delicious!

The restaurant is also decorated with some pretty decent artworks... not sure if local art talent or what, but I am always impressed by good art on the walls where good food is served!

Bottom line: Worth the drive!