Fancy Hanks, York: a review of an American feast

Located in York’s historic Minster district, Fancy Hanks brings a taste of American indulgence to the cobbled streets of this Roman city. We visited whilst on a day trip to the city for breakfast - and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’m not usually a big one for American-style breakfast but Fancy Hanks left me surprised.

Funky decor

Even from the outside, you can tell Fancy Hanks are trying to be different. Their bright yellow shopfront exudes this, whilst inside there is an explosion of colours on artwork along the walls.

Inside also features an extensive bar for cocktails, beer, wine as well as coffee during the daytime.

Breakfast and Brunch menu

The breakfast and brunch selection isn’t particularly extensive at Fancy Hanks - this may put some people off but you can be more assured that your food is going to be far fresher than somewhere with extensive offering.

And for reference, here’s the cocktail menu - although I didn’t touch it at this time of day!

The food

Think American. Think unhealthy. Think special treat.

Sure this is not somewhere I would recommend coming everyday, unless you want to weigh a tonne by the end of the year, but the food is very good - in an unhealthy way. Between us we opted for the Chicken & Waffle and American Breakfast.

Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of the American Breakfast - it just isn’t for me, but on that note I generally can’t think of anything worse than an English Breakfast and this isn’t far off. The Chicken & Waffles on the other hand was divine. A fluffy waffle with crispy fried chicken topped with bacon and maple syrup making for strange but very tasty bedfellows. It feels so wrong to enjoy it, but tastes so right.

I opted for a standard cappuccino, since it was my first of the day, but one of the other table guests went for the Peanut Butter Brownie Milkshake. It is super sweet and almost a meal in itself. It was too much for me, but if you down for a sugar rush or have a craving then this is the one for you.

In all, if you’re looking for a different breakfast experience in York - Fancy Hanks is the place for you. It has a nice vibe, the food is fresh and delicious whilst the coffee is good. Even better, the prices won’t hurt your wallet too much either - particularly considering how full you will feel after.

Fancy Hanks can be found at 39 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LS and is open Tuesday to Thursday 1200-2100, Fridays 1200-2200 and Saturday/Sunday between 1000-2200/2100.