AUSTIN, Texas — This month, KVUE Daybreak is highlighting local restaurants that offer patio options. First up is Hank's Austin in Windsor Park.
Hank's, located at 5811 Berkman Drive, has quickly become a popular spot – and it's easy to see why!
"The food is just, I mean, it's amazing. It's just warm, it's comforting, it's inviting," event coordinator Amy Gonzales said.
For many Austinites, Hank's is their happy place. Hungry customers have been enjoying their comfort food since the restaurant opened in April of 2018.
"It's honestly like, it's like one of those Instagram-worthy type of places," Gonzales said.
The building's location might seem familiar – it used to be a Tom Thumb.
And if Chef Janie Strain's energy doesn't draw you in, her food definitely will.
"I'm about to make our shrimp and grits. That's a super popular meal here," she told our KVUE crew.
PHOTOS: Patio Party - Hank's Austin
This crowd favorite is unique.
"We kind of do them differently than other grits. We get them super thick. We also put Parrano cheese into them. We lay them out, so we let them cool down. We cut them so we can fry them," Strain said.
Add in some shallots, garlic, bacon, shrimp, mushrooms and a whole lot of goodness.
"These little bad boys are about to make somebody really happy," Strain said.
So is the fact that Hank's has three patios that seat a total of around 200 people. It's huge.
"We have the cafe, the actual restaurant, as well as [the] bar patio," Gonzales said.
The outdoor space is fully winterized, equipped with gas heaters, fans and vinyl shades to keep the heat in.
Doors open at 8 a.m. for breakfast. You can grab coffee at their drive-thru or eat at the restaurant and order stacks on stacks of gooey sweetness. Their pastry chefs know what's up.
"Everything's made in-house. Everything's made from scratch. So, anything that you do get here – sauces, pastries, breakfast items – everything is made here," Gonzales said.
The crispy rice bowl is another menu staple and is served for brunch, lunch and dinner.
"So, what it is, is our brown rice, we cook it, then we pull it down and then we fry it so it's crispy," Strain said.
Toss in some fresh arugula, cucumbers, lemon, ginger and a jalapeno hot sauce. You can also add any protein – anything from an egg to shrimp or scallops.
"This dish is really about textures because you get a crunchy texture. Once the sauces hit it, it kind of softens it up just the tiniest bit. You still have a great crunch to it, and it has a lot of fresh herbs in it," Strain said.
All their food is fresh, the vibe is warm and cozy and it's like you're right at home.
Hank's also caters to all kinds of events. They credit customers for helping them get through the pandemic and say they are thankful for the community's support.
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