Hank’s Downtown Dive

Set in downtown Cary, Hank’s Downtown Dive pairs a bohemian lounge aesthetic with polished full-service hospitality. Guests can reserve ahead or walk in for dinner, sliding into plush banquettes, the light-filled sunroom, or the expansive patio that keeps the neighborhood hangout lively year-round.

Chef Evan Cordes steers a constantly changing New American menu that highlights North Carolina seafood and seasonal produce. Recent plates have included mango salad with muscadine and chili crisp, shishito peppers finished with trout roe and hazelnut, NC oysters on the half shell, griddled octopus, and the fan-favorite brisket tacos. The gluten-free fried chicken bucket, glazed with ancho chile-garlic honey and plated with shareable sides, anchors the table.

A well-stocked bar, shaped by the team behind nearby Sidebar, shakes and drafts inventive cocktails, pours thoughtful wines, and keeps the mood easy for date nights or late catch-ups. Recognized as Cary Magazine’s 2022 Maggy Award winner for Best New Restaurant, Hank’s continues to deliver refined comforts, attentive service, and an atmosphere that encourages lingering.