Fancy Hanks York: A Letdown Experience

Located on Goodramgate, Fancy Hank’s Bar & Kitchen gives us a taste of America’s Deep South right here in the York, With its motto of “good mood food” and a vibrant atmosphere.

Unfortunately, my experience left me very far from a “good mood” and here’s why!

My First Impressions of Fancy Hanks

Upon arriving at the restaurant, the exterior of Fancy Hank’s gave a welcoming charm, using bright colours such as yellow, which definitely turns head of anyone passing.

Stepping inside, the interior offers a balance between retro chic and modern comfort.

Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and eye-catching decorations create a relaxed space to be. 

My Experience At Fancy Hanks York

From the moment I entered, the staff’s warmth and attentiveness stood out. Their friendly demeanor and genuine enthusiasm set a positive tone for the experience.

We were asked if we had a reservation, and like any sensible diner in York on a Saturday, we did.

However, looking around, it seemed unnecessary since the restaurant was nearly empty. Aside from us, there was only one other table occupied during lunch.

We were seated in the middle of the restaurant, surrounded by vacant tables, and when I requested to move, I was told it wasn’t possible because all the tables were booked.

In my opinion, the lack of diners didn’t help, and the restaurant’s ambiance clashed with its style, especially with songs like “Death Bed” playing.

My Food At Fancy Hanks York

The menu at Fancy Hank’s showcases Southern American cuisine, featuring dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and fried chicken. 

I ordered a Small Birria Beef Mac and Cheese and a side of Buffalo Shredded Chicken Loaded Tots, My Partner ordered the Buttermilk Chicken Tenders.

• Birria Beef Mac and Cheese – Slow Cooked Pulled Beef with a Spicy Birria Sauce. The slow-cooked beef was very flavorful, generously topping the mac and cheese. However, the mac and cheese itself was watery, resembling a low-quality sauce.

• Buffalo Shredded Chicken – Melted Cheese Sauce, Shredded Chicken Buffalo Sauce with Ranch & Crispy Bacon. “Shredded” was an understatement; the chicken, already mixed with buffalo sauce, resembled more of a paste than a topping. The combination of ranch, buffalo, and cheese was enjoyable combinding rich american flavours, but the portion size was surprisingly small, especially considering it was priced similarly to some main dishes.

• Buttermilk Chicken Tenders – 4 Chicken Tenders with Fries, Slaw and Southern Gravy. The coating on the chicken was crispy and thin, which was enjoyable, but the seasoning was underwhelming, resulting in bland chicken. The gravy was thick and quite peppery, delivering a southern flavor as advertised, but it needed more depth. The fries were overcooked and hollow.

How Much Did Fancy Hanks Cost?

A meal for 2 at Fancy Hanks York Cost £41.00 with a 10% Service charge. Total coming to £45.10.

This includes 2 soft drinks (Peach Iced Tea and Cream Soda), 1 Main Dish, 1 Small Dish and Side.

For the quality and portion sizes at Fancy Hanks i definitely don’t think it is worth how much we paid.

Where We Parked?

There are many places near Fancy Hanks to park, such as Monkbar Mews Public Car ParkYork: a 4-minute walk, Foss bank car park: a 5-minute walk and Monk Bar Car Park: a 5-minute walk.

I Personally park at Foss Bank Car Park. Always plenty of spaces, cheaper compared to come competitors and a short distance walk into the city centre.

Map & Info

📞 Contact Number: 01904 655068

📍 Adress: 39 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS

🔗 Website: https://www.fancyhanks.co.uk/