'Charleston's  Best Seafood' Restaurant Now Giving Diners Even More Reasons To Visit

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Food & Beverage Review

Located one block from the Charleston City Market, and situated nicely in a 100-year-old restored warehouse in the heart of city's historic district, Hank's Seafood Restaurant has been a preferred destination for seafood lovers for over a quarter of a century. Offering up fresh, locally sourced, and sustainably caught seafood, alongside lowcountry specialties, Hank's has garnered continued recognition, with locals as well as visitors agreeing, it's worthy of the title 'Best Seafood in Charleston'. 

Although they've been fishing (pun intended) nightly in the same downtown Charleston spot (10 Hayne St.) since 1999, Hank's just recently cast their line (another pun) during the daytime, hoping to reel in (yet one more pun) seafood lovers for the first time during midday hours. Recently Hank's Seafood opened their doors for lunch Thursday - Sunday from 11:30 until 2pm, adding additional brunch items on the weekend menu, including an awesome Sauteed Lump Crab Cakes Benedict and Brioche French Toast to complement brunch time cocktails and Irish coffee.

Slightly scaled (possible pun) back, Hank's Seafood lunch menu offers roughly two dozen delectables under the headings starters, sandwiches, soups, lowcountry classics, shareable sides, and raw bar including oysters. If you want to satisfy a lite bite urge then maybe their famed Charleston She Crab Soup or namesake Oyster Stew might do, as would the Green Goddess 'Caesar', a hearty salad teeming with fried shrimp, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, croutons, and Gouda. 

Enjoy three very different handhelds. Among them a Fried Chicken Sandwich, their signature Shrimp Basil Burger layered with lettuce, tomato, and onion spicy tomato remoulade (yum yum), or their Fresh Catch Sandwich (fried or boiled) with lettuce, tomato, and onion served on a fresh brioche bun, served with zesty tartar sauce. Sandwiches come with choice of fries, green salad, or southern style coleslaw.

Perhaps you've come into Hank's for lunch with a heftier appetite. If so, I highly recommend one of the dinner specialties. Many Charleston area restaurants carry Shrimp & Grits on the bill of fare, but few have the panache you get at Hank's. A pleasant portion (8 total) tasty shrimp surrounding Adluh stone ground grits, topped with smoked andouille sausage before being immersed in a tomato jus (natural juice). 

Going full tilt seafood, maybe opt for the Roasted Salmon glistening aside a carrot-ginger puree, presented with seasoned Brussel sprouts and Smashed Potatoes, further enhanced with a sweet yet briny orange-red trout roe with a side of grapefruit salad as an added kick. A wealth of flavors on one plate that is certain to satisfy a midday hunger void.

Whether you partake in potent potables or not, the bar at Hank's is available during lunch should you decide to pair your meal with an adult beverage. Their $5 lunch time martinis are a nice addition to the sipping menu. Of course you can always order a soft drink or iced tea.

Perhaps you're a semi-regular dinner guest at Hank's Seafood Restaurant, so you fully understand why they've been voted 'Charleston's Best Seafood'. With Hank's offering lunch and weekend brunch Thursday thru Sunday, you don't have to wait until after 5pm to enjoy some of the iconic menu items Executive Chef Tim Richardson and his staff have crafted for hungry patrons. Truth is, you now have almost the twice the opportunity to enjoy all Hank's presents.

There are any number of reasons to visit Hank's. The first that comes to mind of course is, you appreciate wonderfully prepared seafood dishes. Secondly, it's the overall ambiance. Hank's is highly regarded as an upscale restaurant that portrays a distinct Charleston SC charm, providing a lively and elegant dining experience complete with white tablecloths and overly attentive service to accompany their impeccable menu. 

Maybe you're shopping at the City Market, trying to impress a potential client, or just spending quality time with friends or family downtown during the day. If those days fall between Thursday and Sunday consider dining at Hank's Seafood Restaurant. Also and ideal location for special occasions.

Of course they've been serving dinner beginning at 5pm everyday since 1999, with the night time fare including a Seared Beef Tenderloin and a southern favorite Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Don't forget their Fried Green Tomatoes and Signature Seafood Platters. Something for every palate. Taste the difference and experience the charm at https://www.hanksseafoodrestaurant.com/location/charleston/