This Legendary Virginia Shack Serves The State’s Best Pit Beef Sandwich
Hidden along Colley Avenue in Norfolk, Virginia, sits a culinary treasure I stumbled upon during a weekend road trip. Hank’s Filling Station looks unassuming from the outside, but locals know it houses Virginia’s most mouthwatering pit beef sandwich.
Last summer, I joined the line of regulars waiting for this smoky, thinly-sliced masterpiece that’s earned legendary status throughout the state. It is an understatement to say that I was impressed.
Meet the Shack: Hank’s Filling Station (Norfolk)
My first impression of Hank’s wasn’t what I expected from a place with such a reputation. The laid-back yard with picnic tables scattered about immediately put me at ease.
The smoke scent hits you before the food does – a promising sign for any BBQ joint. Located at 4301 Colley Ave in Norfolk, this backyard BBQ haven has transformed a simple space into something special.
The signature pit beef sandwich stands as their house staple, bringing Baltimore tradition to Virginia soil with a smoky twist that keeps locals and visitors like me coming back repeatedly.
What “Pit Beef” Means, and Why It’s Different
Pit beef isn’t your typical low-and-slow barbecue. I was surprised to learn it’s actually Baltimore’s quick-grilled answer to traditional smoking methods.
The magic happens when top round beef meets hot charcoal, creating a distinctive char before being sliced paper-thin.
The meat gets piled high on a roll with raw onion and that signature horseradish-mayo “tiger sauce” that makes your sinuses clear instantly.
Hank’s embraces this Chesapeake Bay tradition completely, bringing authentic pit beef to Coastal Virginia without compromising on the characteristics that make this style unique among regional BBQ varieties.
The Sandwich, Deconstructed
The foundation of Hank’s famous sandwich starts with premium top round beef. The meat gets kissed by fire on a charcoal grill until it develops that perfect crust while staying juicy inside.
After grilling, the beef rests briefly before being sliced so thin you can almost see through it. This technique creates the melt-in-your-mouth texture that distinguishes great pit beef from ordinary roast beef.
The final assembly brings together those whisper-thin beef slices, Hank’s tangy house-made pickles, sharp red onion, and that signature tiger horseradish sauce – all on a soft roll that somehow manages to contain this flavor explosion without falling apart.
The Bite: Tiger Sauce Heat + House Pickles Crunch
Nothing prepared me for that first bite combining creamy, sinus-clearing tiger sauce with the satisfying crunch of house pickles. The horseradish delivers a swift kick that doesn’t overpower but definitely announces its presence.
Those house pickles aren’t just an afterthought – they provide the perfect tangy counterpoint to the rich beef and spicy sauce. The contrast between textures creates a sensory experience that keeps your taste buds guessing.
Many places offer pit beef, but Hank’s nails this crucial sauce-pickle balance that elevates their sandwich from good to unforgettable. I’ve caught myself craving that specific combination at random moments ever since my first visit.
Order Like a Local
Walking up to the counter the first time, I felt like a tourist until a friendly regular showed me the ropes. The ordering system is refreshingly straightforward – place your order, grab a number, and find a spot to sit while they prepare your food.
Smart regulars always request extra tiger sauce on the side. Trust me on this one – you’ll want that additional kick once you’re halfway through your sandwich and craving more of that horseradish punch.
Timing matters with pit beef. The sandwich is at its absolute peak when fresh off the grill, with the thin slices still warm and the contrast between charred exterior and pink interior at its most pronounced. Don’t let it sit!
Backyard Atmosphere That Fits the “Shack” Spirit
Hank’s outdoor space feels like the best backyard party you’ve ever attended. During my summer visit, groups gathered around fire pits while others challenged each other to cornhole matches, creating a lively backdrop for serious sandwich enjoyment.
The urban smokehouse vibe perfectly complements the casual nature of pit beef itself – unpretentious, welcoming, and focused on good food over fancy presentation. Picnic tables encourage communal dining and striking up conversations with neighbors.
The setting transforms a quick meal into a proper hangout experience. I watched families, couples, and friend groups settle in for afternoons that started with sandwiches but evolved into hours of games, conversation, and community under the Virginia sky.
Practical Details (Hours, Events, To-Go)
My biggest rookie mistake was showing up without checking their schedule first. Hank’s hours can vary seasonally, so a quick visit to their website saved me from disappointment on my return trip.
The weekly events calendar keeps things interesting. Trivia nights draw competitive crowds, while music bingo sessions create a soundtrack for your dining experience that might extend your visit well beyond mealtime.
For busy days, their online ordering system is surprisingly efficient. My to-go sandwich traveled remarkably well for about 20 minutes before I devoured it.
Just remember their phone number – (757) 351-3941 – in case you need to call ahead during peak hours.
Context for Purists: What Makes It “Baltimore-Style”
Authenticity matters when claiming to serve Baltimore-style pit beef, and Hank’s respects the tradition. True pit beef requires that specific cooking method – fast, hot charcoal roasting that creates a crust while keeping the inside pink.
The paper-thin slicing technique is non-negotiable. When done right, the beef should practically melt on contact with your tongue. Maryland purists might debate minor details, but Hank’s nails the fundamentals.
The complete package – that combination of thinly-sliced charcoal-roasted beef, raw onion bite, and horseradish heat – creates the distinctive Baltimore-style experience.
Hank’s successfully transplanted this regional specialty to Virginia soil without losing any of its Chesapeake authenticity.