NO LONGER AYCE - Hank Daddy's BBQ (Western)

Update: 2021-Aug-20 - There is currently no more AYCE menu at this location post-lockdown even though it is now permitted, and it is unknown if and when it will ever return. I am therefore removing it from the active list, and will follow up periodically and restore it should it return to AYCE status.

Hank Daddy's BBQ is located at 7777 Keele, North of Highway 7 in Vaughan. Hank Daddy's is styled like a classic southern BBQ, with indoor picnic tables, large chalkboard signage, wood paneling and country music playing. Diners prepay for their meal, and order from a small paper menu of available options. AYCE is offered Thursday to Saturday night dinner for $35.99. There were plenty of diners, although I ended up being the last one remaining. There is a dispenser at the front with cups and ice water, so I stuck with that as a beverage. The owner (Frank) is a very friendly fellow who calls all of his customers by their first name and comes out to say hello to everyone and ask whether they are enjoying their meal. Unfortunately all the cutlery is plastic/disposable.

Beef brisket was extremely smoky, excellent and supremely tender in its barbecue sauce, which is made on-premises. Pulled pork was also very good, although the sauce was a bit sweet for my taste, but as far as barbecue sauce goes it's quite good and did go with the meat. Grilled chicken was fantastic, smokey and the sauce complemented it perfectly. Hickory BBQ wings were about as smoky as is possible and delicious, although I wish I had eaten them when they were warmer. Jalapeno cheddar sausage was wonderful (watch out as it is rather hot) and uniquely  made-to-order for this place as I have seen nor had it nowhere else… I verified with Frank that the sausages are indeed custom-made to his recipe… "Frank's Franks"! The Hank Daddy's "Original Smoked" sausage was up there with the best sausages I have ever had.

From the side dishes, pickles also appear to be made on premises rather than from a jar, as their cucumber origin is still evident with the flavour preserved. Fries were very good, a bit like McDonald's fries in flavour and consistency, and probably custom made for Hank Daddy's as well. Note that the portion size for the fries was a little large. Corn bread was delicious and aromatic, with a very nice flavor  that reminded me of cornbread from my childhood. Garden salad was very good with cubes of tomato, green pepper and onion and tasty dressing which again appears homemade and unique. Baked beans seemed to be the only things from a can.

For dessert there is chocolate, coconut, Key lime and pecan pie. I was only able to sample the coconut and Key lime as I was so full! Both were excellent... as with other offerings, anything not made-on-premises is custom-sourced. I had a wonderful and rather overindulgent dinner of Hank Daddy's "Dang good 'Q'", and the price of $35.99 is quite reasonable for AYCE meats, considering the nearby Copacabana rodizio is over $50.

Rating: 8.5-9/10