The John Lewis advert is out, tinsel and stocking fillers fill the aisles, and Michael Bublé is almost defrosted, which can only mean one thing, Christmas is on the horizon.
And there’s no better way to embrace the festive season than with a visit to a Christmas market. Across the country, they’re known for going viral with colossal food offerings, quaint gift stalls, and, of course, mulled wine. Luckily for us, one of the best is just a half hour train ride away in York.
This year, the city’s alpine chalets opened on Thursday, November 13, transforming Parliament Street, St Sampson’s Square, and the Shambles Market into a festive wonderland filled with thousands of visitors browsing the finest Yorkshire produce.
But for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a meal in peace, there’s a hidden gem tucked away in the city centre - a place offering a taste of the Deep South right in the heart of North Yorkshire.
Down on Goodramgate, Fancy Hank’s is an American bar and restaurant that serves up what it calls “good mood food” straight from the USA.
After a 2019 revamp by brothers Joel and Wes Taylor, inspired by their childhoods in the Southern States, they brought the bold flavours of New Orleans and Florida to York.
On a rare midweek day off together, my husband Ben and I visited York on a drizzly, grey afternoon, hoping for a more laidback experience before the hustle and bustle of Christmas.
Despite living in the city before, and regularly visiting The Habit pub across the road, we’d somehow missed Fancy Hank’s entirely until now.
The vibrant yellow frontage stands out against Goodramgate’s more traditional tones and feels instantly inviting.
Inside, a floor-to-ceiling mural by York street artist Harriet Wood sets the scene, baseball plays on the TV, and dark wooden décor gives the place that authentic Southern steakhouse vibe — exactly what we were hoping for.
Though quiet on a Monday afternoon, the phone rang with bookings, and it’s easy to see why. With Taco Tuesdays, Bottomless Wings Wednesdays, and cocktail happy hours, Hank’s has earned its glowing TripAdvisor reviews - and even made the finals of the British Burger Awards earlier this year.
We hadn’t checked the menu before arriving, but quickly realised we were spoiled for choice. Small plates feature American classics like a Bloomin’ Onion with fancy sauce, while mains span buttermilk chicken, stacked burgers, and rich Southern comfort dishes.
After some deliberation, I went for the Shrimp Po’ Boy, buttermilk-fried shrimp on a sub roll with lettuce, tomato, dill pickles, and homemade remoulade, served with fries and coleslaw. Ben opted for a more traditional Chicken and Waffles with bacon and maple syrup.
We couldn’t resist adding a side of loaded pickles- deep fried, topped with cheese, bacon bits and Hank’s sauce. And the Halloumi fries, served with a bee sting sauce.
Hank’s delivered on my Po’ Boy. Huge pieces of shrimp were fried to perfection in a crispy buttermilk coating. The lettuce was crisp, tomatoes fresh, and the sauce complemented everything perfectly.
Ben barely had time to notice I’d finished it. The fries were golden and salty, and the slaw, with its subtle BBQ and dill notes, I’m convinced it contained a splash of pickle juice.
Ben’s chicken and waffles hit the mark too. Soft, sweet waffles with lashings of maple syrup and crispy bacon. He wasn’t sold on the chicken, but as a self-proclaimed KFC fan, he might not be the best judge.
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The halloumi fries were as squeaky as they should be, with the bee sting sauce delivering the perfect hit of heat. But the pickles? Absolute stars of the show. Crunchy, crispy, and dangerously moreish, we inhaled them.
We considered dessert, the menu was very tempting, but decided to save room for something sweet at the Shambles Market instead.
The bill came to just shy of £60 for two, including a pint of Camden Pale Ale and a can of Cream Soda. Fancy Hank’s also caters well for dietary requirements, with many dishes being gluten free optional (though as I always say, it’s worth double checking with your server for your own requirements).
Service was spot on- friendly, attentive and unrushed. We happily paid the gratuity automatically added to the bill, though our server did explain it was optional.
Will we be back? Definitely. There’s still gumbo and beignets to try, and any excuse for a York trip will do.
So, if you’re heading to the Christmas Markets this festive season, make sure Fancy Hank’s is on your list.
The details:
39 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LS
01904 655068
fancyhanks.co.uk
Ratings (out of 10)
Food quality 8
Surroundings 8
Service 8
Value for money 9
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