Out Back: Roman Vinson presents steaming waffles covered in fruit, with a cup of vegan chili as a side. photo by Bill Rhodes
Hank's BBQ is truly a hideaway. The new West Asheville eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at 373 Haywood Road, behind BattleCat Coffe Bar in the former Asheville FM studios.
Owner Roman Vinson doesn't think the low-visibility location will keep diners away for long. "I think this will be different enough that people will come," he says. Vinson describes his signature barbecue as Texas-style: "No vinegar sauce here."
A recent transplant from Austin, Vinson grew up smoking meat with his dad and has been doing it full time for the last eight years.
Breakfast features bagel and panini sandwiches, waffles, granola and oatmeal. Lunch includes sandwiches on French bâtard and vegan chili with a kick (Texas-style, remember?). Dinner is a smoked affair, with pork and chicken coming out of the heat and onto the plate.
Vinson also offers a unique culinary service: "If someone has some meat they want smoked, a turkey for Thanksgiving, ham, venison, whatever – bring it on over, we will make a deal," Vinson says.
Why is the longhorn-state-style restaurant called Hank's and not Roman's? Hank is Roman's son.
Breakfast and lunch are served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., daily. Dinner starts at 5 p.m., Thursday-Sunday. Call 713-3885 for takeout. 373 Haywood Road, behind BattleCat Coffee. — by Bill Rhodes
