Hank's Local Bar+Food+Patio — Restaurant in Kettering

Unfortunately, our experience tonight prompted me to write this review. The last time my family and I visited Hank’s, it already felt like a lesser version of the restaurant we once loved. That happens sometimes, so we gave it some time and decided to give it another shot tonight.

My husband was craving steak and remembered the juicy, well-cooked steaks he used to enjoy at Hank’s. He said, “Let’s see if it’s back to what it was.” Sadly, it wasn’t.

He ordered the New York strip, medium rare. What he received was closer to well done. He’s not one to send food back—he’s worked in the industry and understands how frustrating that can be—but tonight he was genuinely hoping for a properly cooked steak, which is why we came to Hank’s in the first place.

After sending it back, it took another 8–10 minutes for a second attempt to arrive. Still, he tried to give them the benefit of the doubt—until he cut into it and found it was once again overcooked, if not completely well done.

Our server came by to check in, and he let her know it still wasn’t right. By then, he had lost his appetite and politely asked for it to be removed from the bill.

As I mentioned earlier, our last visit was also disappointing (note to the kitchen: please don’t load a child’s buttered noodles with black pepper), but we genuinely wanted Hank’s to be our go-to neighborhood spot, a little hidden gem.

The restaurant was busy, and we understand that things take time—we didn’t mind the wait. What did stand out, however, was the lack of basic courtesy. There was only one server covering the entire restaurant, which we could’ve overlooked, except that at no point did we hear a simple “I’m sorry.”

Ironically, we found ourselves apologizing repeatedly—for returning food, for requesting a refill on lemonade, even for pointing out that the Sprite was out.

We really wanted to love this place again. Maybe it’ll improve in the future, but unfortunately, this was the final...

My husband and I hit up Hank's Local for dinner tonight. The Big Sky Beer Cheese Pretzels (not pictured) were delicious. The cheese was smooth and perfectly tangy and paired with nicely toasted pretzels.

I had a Hank's Classic Smashburger (minus the onion) with 3 Cheese Macaroni. The burger was juicy and cooked to a wonderful medium well. The bun was a bit flimsy and would have likely held its own a bit better if it were toasted. The mac and cheese was creamy and pasta just past al dente. It could have used a bit of seasoning and maybe some bread crumps for some texture. I also had a lojito and it was a nice bright minty start to warm spring weather.

My husband had the Fish and Fries. I thought the 3 fries I stole were near perfect but he said the portion was a bit over-salted. The haddock was cooked nicely with just the right amount of seasoning and crunch. The coleslaw had a little bite to it but was balanced well with the creamy aspect.

Overall, I think we would give them an 8/10. We would definitely go back and are curious how their brunch menu holds up.

On a side note, my husband said the men's bathroom was very clean. And as someone who has had to clean my fair share of men's bathrooms, I can say that's impressive. 👍🏻

ETA: Husband and I went back for brunch. We had the loaded biscuits and breakfast tacos. I thought the loaded biscuits were good after adding a bit of hot sauce. They were a bit bland on their own and could benefit from some diced peppers or more black pepper in the gravy. My husband said the tacos were good but would ask for the syrup on the side...

Just wanted to add an additional edit that this place absolutely rips….. you can see my original review below and an update below that but the service is great and the everything you order is delicious and super hot. Wings are phenomenal

We have been hearing about the hype of this place for a while. Went on a Thursday night. Atmosphere is kind of fun - basically a neighborhood watering hole.There was 1 server running the whole place and she was amazing. Very nice and attentive. Our appetizers took around 35 mins and our food took over an hour and a half (again it was not busy) We arrived at 7:30 and ordered Around 7:45. Appetizers came at 8:10, food not until after 9 or so. Many of the kitchen staff were taking breaks at the bar. The food came out hot but mediocre at best. Bacon and Bleu cheese burger had a grease soaked bottom bun and not much to add to flavor (very dry) and the potato casserole was okay but didn’t look appetizing. The Patti melt was pure grease and no flavor. The fish tacos looked great but lacked flavor as well. The mac and cheese came out piping hot and looked delicious (didn’t try it). The only real saving grace besides the server was the Thai chili wings. The nachos were okay as well just cold. It was also live music night and the guy was not bad! Probably won’t go back but if I did it would be for the service, the wings, and the clean beer lines (drinks tasted great).

———

2 years later this place is unstoppable. Food is quick, service amazing, and the food is very good. Idk what changed but it changed and we are regulars now....