Welcome to Hank's Downtown Dive
Hank's Downtown Dive, located in the heart of Cary, NC, is a vibrant culinary gem that defies its "dive" label. Known for its cozy ambiance and adorably eclectic decor, it serves up creative cocktails and a diverse menu of shareable plates and hearty entrees. Patrons rave about the standout fried chicken—crispy, juicy, and served with a unique garlic honey sauce. Other favorites include the crispy eggplant and flavorful lasagna. The attentive service and ability to enjoy the full menu from the bar add to its charm. Whether for a casual drink or a memorable dinner, Hank's is a must-visit.
- 111 E Chatham St Suite A, Cary, NC 27511, United States Hotline: +1 984-464-2524
Welcome to Hank's Downtown Dive, a hidden gem located in the heart of Cary, NC. Nestled at 111 E Chatham St Suite A, this cozy eatery redefines the concept of a dive bar by serving up creative cocktails and delicious, shareable plates in a warm and inviting atmosphere. With a phone number of +1 984-464-2524, Hank's is the perfect spot for both a casual dinner with friends and a romantic date night.
The moment you step inside, you’ll notice that Hank’s is anything but a traditional dive. The decor is charming, and the atmosphere buzzes with energy, making it the optimal place to unwind. As Jay Horowitz notes in his review, “the cocktails we tried were creative, delicious, and expertly made,” setting the tone for a delightful dining experience.
One cannot visit Hank's without ordering their iconic fried chicken. Amanda Madison couldn’t agree more, as she describes it as a “bucket of chicken” featuring crispy pieces drizzled with spicy honey sauce, accompanied by crispy fries and green beans. Not only is the portion size generous, but the flavors are equally impressive, transporting diners to a culinary paradise. Marc Metry echoes this sentiment, asserting that the fried chicken “will transport you into a different dimension.”
But it's not just the fried chicken that shines at Hank's. Their small plates, such as the crispy eggplant and beets, have won over many fans. As Eric Bliss noted, the eclectic starter of puft pastry with Indian curry spices was a “tasty treat” that adds to the experience of dining at this establishment. The menu is filled with options that cater to various tastes, ensuring every guest leaves satisfied.
The service at Hank's consistently receives high praise, with reviewers commending the staff for their attentiveness without being overbearing. S.Tam mentioned how the service was “personable,” creating an exceptional dining experience from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a delightful meal coupled with a vibrant atmosphere, Hank’s Downtown Dive is a must-visit. With its delicious food, creative cocktails, and attentive service, it’s easy to see why so many people rave about this charming spot. Whether you grab a seat at the bar or secure a table in the cozy dining area, you are in for a memorable culinary adventure.

Got to Hank's a bit early so grabbed some cocktails at the bar waiting for our table to be ready. Both cocktails we tried were creative, delicious and expertly made. Didn't take long for our table and they carried our open tab to the table, no need to settle up. Tried several small plates, the cauliflower was my favorite. Had the fried chicken entree which was a half chicken on a plate loaded with thin fries and haricots. Excellent and more than I could eat. Lastly we tried the chocolate torte ala mode which was good but probably wouldn't order it again. The restaurant is small and always busy but worth getting a reservation or trying to find a free spot at the bar where they serve the full menu. I had heard many people rave about Hank's and I can agree. Looking forward to visiting again.

I love Hanks. I had been a few times before for cocktails and snacks but not for dinner. I've previously only sat at the bar and their patio so was nice to sit inside recently for dinner. It's cozy and adorably decorated. Their cocktails are really good. Their crispy eggplant was a winner for us both. My husband enjoyed his steak but absolutely the highlight of the night was the fried chicken. We didn't realize how large of a portion it was and we absolutely could've shared. The server referencing it as their "bucket of chicken" should've clued me in. 4 crispy pieces in a spicy honey sauce. Served with fries and fried green beans. It somehow all works. Great spot in downtown Cary to have drinks with friends or a date night. My husband and I left dinner and walked around Downtown Cary Park.

This is the best sit down restaurant in the Triangle. Hands down. Everything is amazing, and their fried chicken plate with garlic honey will transport you into a different dimension (get extra sauce on the side and dip your perfectly fried chicken for every bite). And get a seat at the bar if you can.

It is so cute (not at all a dive) inside! They are very knowledgeable about gluten and have many options. The fried chicken was delicious and I really liked the fries. They also have fun cocktails, and my friends enjoyed their meals as well.

Spectacular is not good enough, four of us ordered the beets, elotedia, fried chicken and hanger steak. Nothing disappointed, the fried green beans were the eclectic surprise, but everything was awesome. Brittany did a fabulous job, perfectly attentive but not over bearing. Will dine here again!

Eggplant was the best thing but it was all good. Lasagna was great but the fried chicken we have had before was somehow better. Great cozy place.

Great ambiance and vibe and lived the service at the bar. We tried several popular drinks and loved them all. The fried chicken was juicy and crispy--big portions and fries--and my wife raved about the lasagna. The real winner was some puft pastry bread thing w Indian curry spices or something...wow that was a tasty treat to start. We'll be back for sure...this was our 2nd time (we went last year visiting from our home in Austin, and now we live much closer in Richmond). 5 stars.

I almost skipped over trying this place as we were looking for something upscale to eat with friends. Dive bar has certain connotations. But this place is anything but a dive bar! The drinks were tasty, the shareable plates were well portioned and the entrees were all memorable. This was an excellent meal. Mars was our waitress and she was personable and provided great service. The entire evening was wonderful from the decor, to the staff, to the great food and drinks.