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Fancy Hank's moves barbecues to Melbourne CBD with rooftop bar Good Heavens coming soon

Roslyn Grundy
Roslyn Grundy

A collection of Americana at Fancy Hank's in the Melbourne CBD.
A collection of Americana at Fancy Hank's in the Melbourne CBD.Josh Robenstone

Loads of love and elbow grease have gone into the new Fancy Hank's above Melbourne's Bourke Street, transforming the former Tuscan Bar and one-time ballroom dancing studio into an American barbecue joint.

Partners Kent Bell, Mike Patrick, Daragh Kan and Myles Munro have refinished the parquetry floors and ornately carved bar, painted over the gilding on the ceiling roses and added some Americana to the walls.

But the 100-seat dining room's star attraction is Puffing Billie, a hulking custom-made offset smoker, which adds its distinctive aroma to dishes such as beef brisket with black pepper rub, pork ribs and beef and pork andouille sausage links.

Devilled eggs are a new addition to the menu.
Devilled eggs are a new addition to the menu.Josh Robenstone
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Following close behind will be rooftop bar Good Heavens, tipped to open next week. It will channel Palm Springs with terracotta tiles, pastel-toned furniture, smart bar food and a cocktail list that harks back to the '80s (hello Harvey Wallbanger).

The original Fancy Hank's (456 Queen Street, Melbourne, opposite Queen Victoria Market), has morphed into Knuckles BBQ Sandwiches & Bar, serving wood-smoked barbecue sandwiches, fried chicken and sides.

Open daily noon to 11pm. Good Heavens Mon-Thu 4pm-1am and Fri-Sun noon-1am.

Level 1, 79 Bourke Street, Melbourne, 1300 2747 538, fancyhanks.com

Puffing Billie will get a workout on Sunday, November 6, when Fancy Hank's Mike Patrick buddies up with Duncan Welgemoed​ of Adelaide's Africola and Morgan McGlone​ (Belles Hot Chicken, Harpoon Harry) for Good Food Month's Southern Sunday Session. It's $55 a head, including dishes from the three amigos. Details: goodfoodmonth.com

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Roslyn GrundyRoslyn Grundy is Good Food's deputy editor and the former editor of The Age Good Food Guide.

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