Fancy Hanks Is Opening a Two-Storey BBQ Emporium on Bourke Street

If you've ever tucked gratefully into a hefty serve of Fancy Hank's BBQ at The Mercat, prepare to have your day made. The crew behind all that succulent, meaty goodness is expanding their empire and have announced plans to open a dedicated, two-storey barbecue joint on Bourke Street.

The new venue will be (fingers crossed) open for trade in September — but don't expect a repeat of the Mercat offering. Fancy Hank's is upping the fancy for this one. Downstairs will feature seating for 100 patrons with table service and an updated (and expanded) menu. A snack deli with a range of old American-style cold cuts, preserves and pickles will serve you well while you wait for your meat to cook on the smoker. Co-owner Michael Patrick says the new menu will also feature a rotating vegetarian main, such as a smoked eggplant or sweet potato, as well as a few more surprises.

"The sides will be a bit more considered as well — a bit more seasonal, a bit more made to order, a bit more interesting," he says. "And mains will be served up on platters, family-style — that's the way to go. We'll be adding a dessert cabinet too."

While downstairs will resemble a bigger, better version of the Fancy Hanks you know and love, but upstairs will be a whole new entity altogether with a rooftop bar, fresh eats and local DJs soundtracking your summer nights.

"The bar is going to have a separate identity, a different name and a new bar food offering," Patrick says. "We haven't locked down the concept for the rooftop yet; it'll have its own feel, but it'll be barbecue related, for sure".

Meanwhile, The Mercat will still serve your beloved Fancy Hanks, but it'll be a more casual, sandwich-based menu as the big smoker is moving over to the new Bourke Street kitchen.

Fancy Hanks is slated to open on September 1, 2016 at 1/79 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.