Hank's Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar: A Taste of the Coast in Columbus, OH

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Hank's Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar Introduce

Columbus, Ohio, may be hundreds of miles from the nearest coastline, but that doesn't mean you can't experience the authentic flavors of fresh, low country seafood. Tucked away in the heart of downtown, Hank's Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar has quickly become a beloved destination for Ohioans craving a taste of the ocean's bounty and the warm hospitality of the American South. This article will guide you through what makes Hank's a must-visit spot for locals, from its delectable menu to its inviting ambiance, ensuring you know exactly what to expect when you step through its doors.

Hank's Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. It brings a vibrant culinary tradition from the Carolinas right to our doorstep here in Ohio, offering a refreshing departure from typical local fare. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Hank's promises a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to the coastal regions it celebrates. This establishment has quickly garnered a reputation for its commitment to quality ingredients, skillful preparation, and a service philosophy that makes every diner feel right at home.

The establishment's commitment to delivering a truly authentic low country experience is evident in every aspect, from the carefully curated menu to the thoughtfully designed interior. For those of us in Ohio who appreciate fine dining and a lively atmosphere, Hank's presents an excellent option for any occasion, be it a casual weeknight dinner or a special celebration. Its unique offerings and dedicated team contribute to making it a standout in Columbus's competitive dining scene. The blend of classic Southern charm with modern culinary execution creates an environment that is both comfortable and sophisticated, appealing to a wide range of local palates.

Location and Accessibility

Hank's Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar is conveniently located at 6 W Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA. Situated in the bustling downtown area, it's easily accessible for residents across Columbus and the surrounding Ohio regions. The central location makes it a prime spot for both a pre-event dinner or a casual evening out. For those driving, downtown Columbus offers various parking options, including street parking and nearby garages, though availability can vary, especially during peak hours. Public transportation also serves the downtown core, making it a viable option for many. Its prime position ensures that it's a convenient choice whether you're coming from work in the city center or venturing in from one of the many vibrant neighborhoods that make up our great city.

The address itself, 6 W Gay St, places Hank's in an area known for its lively atmosphere and diverse selection of businesses. This means that after enjoying a fantastic meal at Hank's, patrons have the option to explore other nearby attractions, perhaps enjoying a drink at a local bar or taking a stroll through the illuminated city streets. The accessibility of Hank's is a significant advantage for locals, eliminating long travel times and making it an appealing choice for a spontaneous dinner or a planned celebration. The ease of reaching this establishment contributes significantly to its growing popularity among Ohioans.

Services Offered

Dine-in Service: Experience a full-service dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The professional and friendly staff are dedicated to ensuring a memorable meal from start to finish.
Reservations Recommended: Given its popularity, especially on weekends and during peak dining hours, making a reservation is highly recommended to secure your table and avoid potential wait times. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable dining experience for all patrons.
Full Bar Service: Enjoy a wide selection of beverages, including craft cocktails, a curated wine list, and various beers, perfectly complementing the seafood-centric menu. The bartenders are knowledgeable and happy to recommend pairings.
Appetizers and Raw Bar Selections: A diverse range of starters, including fresh oysters on the half shell, lump crab cakes, and more, perfect for sharing or enjoying individually.
Main Courses: A menu featuring expertly prepared seafood dishes, often with a Southern flair, including seared scallops and other seasonal catches.
Sides: A selection of delicious side dishes designed to complement the main courses, often generously portioned.
Desserts: While the focus is primarily on savory dishes, there are dessert options available to conclude your meal.

Features / Highlights

Authentic Low Country Cuisine: Hank's brings the rich and vibrant flavors of low country cooking from the Carolinas directly to Columbus, offering a unique culinary experience for Ohio diners.
Fresh Seafood: Despite being inland, the restaurant prioritizes sourcing quality seafood, ensuring a fresh and flavorful experience for its patrons. The dedication to fresh ingredients shines through in every dish.
Exceptional Service: Patrons consistently praise the attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly staff, particularly highlighting the high standard of service provided. This contributes significantly to the overall positive dining experience.
Inviting Ambiance: The interior boasts a warm, inviting, and somewhat nostalgic charm, creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for diners to relax and savor their meals. The lighting and decor contribute to a pleasant dining environment.
Generous Portion Sizes: Many customers note that the portion sizes, particularly for sides, are substantial, offering excellent value for the price. This means you’re getting more for your money, which is always a plus.
Strong Pedigree: The restaurant benefits from a strong culinary background rooted in the Carolinas, which is evident in the execution and authenticity of its dishes.
Buzzing Atmosphere: Hank's is often bustling with diners, indicating its popularity and creating a lively and energetic dining environment. This vibrant energy adds to the overall experience.
Excellent Appetizer Selection: The raw bar and appetizer offerings, such as the Chesapeake Bay oysters and lump crab cakes, receive high praise for their freshness and flavor.

Contact Information

Address: 6 W Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

Phone: (614) 992-5447

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Ohio, especially those in and around Columbus, Hank's Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar offers a genuinely unique and highly appealing dining proposition. In a state without a coastline, the ability to savor truly fresh and expertly prepared seafood, imbued with the distinctive flavors of the South, is a significant draw. Hank's isn't just another restaurant; it's a culinary escape that brings the vibrant spirit of the low country right to our doorstep.

Locals will appreciate the convenient downtown Columbus location, making it an ideal spot for various occasions, from a celebratory dinner to a casual evening out with friends or family. The consistent praise for its exceptional service means that every visit is likely to be a pleasant one, with staff who are attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. This level of service fosters a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere that encourages repeat visits, building a strong connection with the local community.

Furthermore, the generous portion sizes, particularly for sides, coupled with the high quality of ingredients and preparation, ensure that diners feel they are receiving excellent value. This is a crucial factor for local patrons who seek both quality and value in their dining choices. The bustling yet inviting ambiance creates a perfect setting for both intimate meals and lively gatherings, catering to the diverse preferences of Ohio's residents.

In essence, Hank's Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar fills a niche in the Columbus dining scene, offering an authentic taste of coastal cuisine without the need for travel. Its commitment to quality, combined with its friendly and professional approach, makes it an ideal spot for Ohioans looking for a standout seafood experience. It's quickly becoming a local favorite, and for good reason—it delivers on its promise of delicious food, excellent service, and a memorable atmosphere, making it a highly suitable and cherished addition to our local culinary landscape.

Hank's Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar Location

Hank's Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar

Ohio Franklin County Columbus Uptown District West Gay Street

6 W Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

Hank's Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar Reviews

This is slowly becoming one of my new favorite places in Columbus. The food is fantastic and the prices, while on the higher end, are perfectly reflective of the portion sizes. Two sides at $12 a piece would be more than enough for one persons meal. While the seafood isn’t as fresh as a South Carolina or a Florida, the execution here so so top notch that it hardly makes a difference. One of the bartenders, Al, represents the standard of service everyone should aim for. Tentative while never overbearing, knowledgeable, and extremely friendly. The ambiance and atmosphere are everything you want out of a place like this, down to the lighting. Hopefully they keep it up because I’m excited to continue being a patron here for a long time to come.
Apr 02, 2025 · Corey
Hanks is a relatively new addition to the Columbus dining scene, but it brings with it a strong pedigree from the Carolinas—and it shows. The menu is a delicious homage to Southern favorites and fresh seafood, executed with finesse and heart. A reservation is definitely recommended, as this place is always bustling with diners eager to get a taste.The interior feels warm and inviting, with a nostalgic charm that makes you want to linger. I brought my partner here to celebrate his birthday, and our experience exceeded all expectations. We opted for a few appetizers and shared a main course to sample as much as possible.We started with the Chesapeake Bay oysters on the half shell—fresh, briny, and absolutely phenomenal. The lump crab cakes followed, and whatever sauce accompanied them was so good I would’ve gladly bathed in it. A crisp, refreshing salad brought a nice balance to the rich flavors, and the fresh bread and butter served to the table were perfect for soaking up the remnants of each dish.For our main, we shared the scallops. They were perfectly seared and served over a bed of tender cooked greens—elegant and satisfying. We also added a side of fries, which were exactly what fries should be: golden, crunchy, and addictive.We finished with a slice of carrot cake, which was massive and generously frosted. While the icing was delicious, the cake itself felt like a bit of an afterthought—possibly store-bought or not quite up to par with the rest of the meal. This is a common critique I have of high-end restaurants: dessert sometimes doesn’t get the same level of attention.Overall, Hanks delivers on its promise of coastal flavors and Southern hospitality. It’s a welcome and worthy newcomer to Columbus, and one I’ll definitely return to.
May 05, 2025 · Kateland Kirk
Top-notch, fine dining experience!! All of the dishes we tried were delectable! The service was superb! The atmosphere was luxurious and the finishes throughout are very elegant. The Valentine's special with the poached fish was INSANE!!! We took dessert to go... YUM!!!! It was not an inexpensive night out but certainly worth it!! We were impressed and I'm admittedly hard to please!!!
Feb 20, 2025 · Christa Bray
My friends and I visited for Restaurant Week July 25. There were eight in our party and our reservation was for 6 pm. I arrived about 5:45 pm and was seated immediately with one other person in my party. Since we arrived before happy was over, we were able to order bites and drinks from the happy hour menu, which was a pleasant surprise. Surprise because a lot of restaurants that have happy hour will only allow you to order from the bar. The rest of the evening went smoothly. Food and drinks were great. Kyle was our server and he took very good care of us. Will return just for happy hour, because I could eat a meal from the happy hour menu.
Jul 25, 2025 · Rhonda Potts
Bottom line up front: Excellent food, delicious drinks, below average service from host and server, slightly deceptive fees. I was leaning towards three stars because of the service, but the food and drinks were good enough for four stars.Greeting: I went to Hanks for the first time on Saturday, July 19. We arrived 10 minutes early for our reservation and had to wait 15 minutes past our reservation time like they weren’t expecting us and weren’t prepared. The host put it on us to follow up with her instead of taking the initiative to follow up with us at the bar area which wasn’t that big.Beverages: We ordered the Low Country Julep, Sunset Ridge, and Three Eight Charlie. Three Eight Charlie was our favorite because the strength of the bourbon was perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the rhubarb. The drinks were delicious and you could actually taste the alcohol so I was very happy with what we received.Food: For dinner we started with the She Crab Soup which had an excellent, rich flavor. The sherry really added something to it. For entrées, we got the Seafood A La Wando and the Rare Seared Blackened Tuna. The menu description said the SALW came with sauce, but this was more of a stew. It was delicious, but I would not recommend getting both the She Crab Soup and the SALW as the base was very similar, if not exactly the same. I really wish the server would have said something so we could adjust our order. That’s an overwhelming amount of cream base for one meal. The Tuna was perfectly prepared, came with regular grits and chow chow. For dessert, we took home key lime pie which was the perfect texture.Service: The service was not what I expected for what I assumed was fine-dining. Our server was rough around the edges. The soup was served in a chipped bowl. I had to ask the server to clear old dishes off of the table when it was very obvious we were done using them. He forgot that I wanted dessert and went straight to the bill. I didn’t want to take any longer so I didn’t bother to try the carrot cake I decided to order. It sounded good, but maybe next time. The manager never visited our table, we were back in a small room and I’m not sure if we were really on anyone’s radar.Bill transaction: I am sure opinions differ on this, but I consider it a little rude when I pay in cash and I am asked if I want my change. A better approach, in my opinion, is to say something like “I’ll be right back with your change.” If I don’t need change, I’ll tell you.Credit Card fee: Hank’s disclosed the 1.8% credit card fee in a very small, difficult-to-read font on the menu, but it’s technically there. I found it inappropriate that the bill only had one total including the credit card fee; there should have been a cash/debit card total and a credit card total. Our transaction took an excessive amount of time because they had to remove the fee, which I’m not sure if they would have done if I didn’t point it out.I would absolutely return to Hank’s for the food and drinks. I would not return to Hank’s for a special occasion as this was, based on the service we received. This place seems a little more casual about service is more suited for a casual dinner.
Jul 20, 2025 · Liz Cooper