Hank’s Smokehouse & Deli opened in McGaheysville in February, 2002 after starting out in 1990 as a barbecue spot in Harrisonburg. Hank’s is a "local" favorite and once you have eaten there, you will understand why. Everything is freshly made from scratch and Hank’s specializes in grilled and smoked meats, seafood, vegetable dishes and daily specials; all served at affordable prices.

Hank’s dark tan siding and red scalloped metal roof can be easily spotted from the road. The wood railing and white window trim invites you in for a Southern, country-style meal. Once inside, the dining area is bright and cheerful with off-white walls and light, knotty pine paneling. Wooden ceiling beams, wrought iron lamps and framed country prints create a casual, but warm and rustic dining environment.

We chose Hank’s on Tuesday night, arriving around 5:30pm to avoid the rush. Everything on the menu was so tempting and I had a hard time choosing! We selected the Beer Battered Coconut Shrimp as an appetizer and this entrée ($8.95) consisted of five large shrimp in a small amount of peanut sauce, with a container of sweet and tangy sauce for dipping. The peanut sauce was unusual in taste and had a slight "bite" to it.

We both chose the ‘Barbecue Blue Plate’ ($9.95) because we wanted something "small" for dinner. Big mistake!!! This dinner platter had a huge homemade bun piled high with pork barbecue, mustard coleslaw, and fries. When our dinner arrived, my first thought was "How can I eat this much food"? We could have easily split a plate between us!! The fries were lightly covered with a special blend of seasonings and while they were good, they were really, really salty!! And our server asked if we wanted dessert??? No way!!!

Hank’s has both a lunch and dinner menu. Lunch is served from 11am to 3pm and features soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps ranging from $3 to $8.50. "Blue Plate specials" ($6.50-$11) include such items as Texas-style barbecue, fried catfish, honey-glazed chicken breast, or grilled salmon with two side items and homemade bread. Dinner is served from 5 to 9pm with appetizers ($5-$9) such as whiskey wings, coconut shrimp, or corn clam chowder. Caesar and Smokehouse salads range from $7.50 to $9.50, depending upon which meat you select. Temptation begins when you have to select from the main dishes of honey barbecue chicken, baby back ribs, sirloin/ribeye steaks, grilled duck/salmon, or shrimp Creole, ranging in price from $10-$20. Each entrée comes with its own specific side items. Children’s menu includes BBQ or chicken fingers and fries or spaghetti and sauce for $3.95. As with any good thing, Hank’s menus change seasonally; so don’t wait to try that special dish!

We had decided to eat at Hank’s again on Friday. After "bear watching" in Shenandoah all day, we arrived at 7:45pm, only to find a full parking lot and a 45-minute wait!! Plan on eating early at Hank’s unless you don’t mind waiting!