Hickory Hanks BBQ
Call now
Call now
Website
Call
Hickory Hanks BBQ
In fact, we're so serious about our barbecue, we hold it to a higher standard than you've ever experienced. Have you ever known a good ol' country boy who preferred listening to Beethoven over bluegrass or reading Shakespeare to Louis L'Amour? Well I have. The point is - sometimes people get pigeonholed because of their origins.

And so does food, specifically, barbecue. We serve barbecue that belies its humble origins (much like simple Cajun country cooking has been elevated to gourmet status). This is barbecue as haute cuisine - prepared and served with elegance - that you'll be proud to offer your guests at the most noble of functions.
Services
My name is Henry Virga, and I have been satisfying my customers with top-notch food and service through my BBQ catering business since 1980. I realize that before you hire me as your caterer, you first want to sit down and speak with me, make certain I'll meet your needs, please your guests, and provide the service necessary to make it successful and memorable.
Catering services have to run smoothly to keep your guests happy. We have over 30 years of experience in making memorable occasions, serving up the best barbecue in the Sacramento area - and much more than that. Our smooth operations ensure that the timing of your food service will be spot on, so you won't have to worry about hungry people or bad food.
Corporate catering can be complicated, but we'll make it go down easy. Leave it to us to create something your employees, clients and guests will remember. We specialize in fine BBQ Catering, whole-hog luaus, and black-tie steak dinners for every type of gathering on any scale. Make a great impression at your next business function.
Private catering will help create treasured memories at your next occasion. We are the perfect choice for wedding catering, birthdays, retirement bashes and other special occasions. We can deliver our freshly prepared meals to your destination or cook all the food right there in front of you on our own equipment.
Your wedding catering needs to be as perfect as the day itself. Celebrate your commitment with an unforgettable reception that includes the best catering menu in the area, from barbecue to a black-tie sit-down dinner. We can handle up to 2,500 guests with impeccable on-time service and fresh flavors cooked right there in front of you.
Reviews (24)
William Skanks
William Skanks
Jan 05, 2022
Report
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Hickory Hanks BBQ catered our outdoor Christmas Party. They were AMAZING!! This is not your average mass produced buffet line food. Everything was delicious. The staff was professional and courteous and took care of us from start to finish. I HIGHLY recommend them for your next event!!!!!
Tanya Davidson
Tanya Davidson
Dec 17, 2021
Report
Great BBQ! TOO BAD they are only open on Friday. The ribs were a bit dry but the tri-tip, chicken, Jojo potatoes, beans, and coleslaw were perfect! Awesome BBQ sauce...not too sweet and not too tangy, just right! Will definitely recommend to friends and will be back for more!
Amy Bem
Amy Bem
Dec 17, 2021
Report
Not a recipe I'd be proud to put my name on. $30 for a rack of ribs that didn't hardly have any meat on it. They didn't have very much flavor and needed Salt big time. Not very tender had to do a lot of scraping you get any of the meat off. They dont give wet wipes with the Togo order. Friendly people. Only open one day a week.
Ginni H.
Ginni H.
Dec 11, 2021
Report
I ate here for the first time today and it was amazing! It's a great setup for eating outdoors or taking to go. The meals are reasonably priced and the portions were huge! I got the tritip and ribs combo and my son got the chicken and tritip combo. Both were great! There were alot of sides to choose from so I can't wait to go back and try something different. Highly recommend.. wish they were open more often but it's worth the wait until Friday! The staff was also super friendly.
Linda Gila
Linda Gila
Nov 27, 2021
Report
Positive: Professionalism
Hickory Hanks has fabulous food; provides wonderful catering; has professional staff and a great attitude. Love them so much!
Ryan Enix
Ryan Enix
Nov 14, 2021
Report
Got the special it wasn't juicy or tender, large portions. The beans were like chili instead of bbq beans, the greens were good but a little too much extra stuff in them making them sweet.
E. Mccarthy
E. Mccarthy
Oct 26, 2021
Report
Positive: Quality
We had the chicken stew and the hot link sandwich. Both were hot and tasty. Well done
Mai L.
Mai L.
Sep 28, 2021
Report
Hank knows his bbq!!! We booked Hank for our wedding 9.19.21 and everything turned out delicious. We went to the hickory hanks location first for the tasting and he greeted us with a monstrous platter of BBQ that could've fed 4-5 people. He won us over with the pulled pork, brisket, famous sausages stuffed with cheese and his hospitality. He also has a wide variety of sides including grilled corn, grilled veggies, fruits, etc for people who wants to include more health to their BBQ.

When our wedding was approaching Hank came out to our house a few days beforehand to check on the space for
Eric W.
Eric W.
Sep 27, 2021
Report
I went to an event that they catered and they were very professional and organized. Had plenty of food ready for the 80+ people that attended.
The BBQ itself, was pretty basic compared to a lot of BBQ places out there. Nothing too exciting about the ribs or chicken. Though I don't know what they do to their baked beans but those things are DANG good! The lady next to me I think had 3 plates full of them.
But overall a decent bang for your buck, just don't expect any new type of BBQ that you are just going to rave about to your friends or acquaintances.
Ben Combs
Ben Combs
Sep 25, 2021
Report
Refreshing hard working people with great food and reliable service. We will use them again for our events. Thanks for not throwing in the towel in these tough times Hank!
Audrey Quartier
Audrey Quartier
Sep 23, 2021
Report
Thank you Hickory Hank’s for providing a wonderful service and delicious BBQ for our Mom’s Celebration of Life. Your BBQ chicken and sausage, along with all your side dishes were amazing. Feeding 100 plus people can be a challenge, so thank you for all your guidance. Thank you for your patience with our process, for setting us up and for the value you brought.
Ron T.
Ron T.
Apr 17, 2021
Report
Had their pork steak special today, and it was probably the best piece of pork I've ever eaten in my life. I've come here a couple of other times and the food has always been excellent and the service has been friendly. I plan on going back more often, definitely.
Vince Leong
Vince Leong
Mar 07, 2021
Report
We tried the superbowl special and it was thoroughly enjoyed by our small group. All the meats and sides were terrific and with just the right amount of smokiness.
Candace T.
Candace T.
Feb 16, 2021
Report
This local BBQ neighborhood place has the best BBQ chicken, beef & sausages in the world.
Just go there and see for yourself!
Sid H.
Sid H.
Nov 24, 2020
Report
Love this place!! I know it's more of a catering spot, but on Fridays and during summer on Wednesdays they are open to the public. They are usually busy during lunch time and have a few tables outside to eat. They serve some great BBQ, and lots of it. Their portions are huge and tasty. The sides items are delicious and go well with the BBQ. My favorite is the Tri-Tip, Ribs, and sausage links with cheese inside. They have Cole slaw, beans, and Mac &cheese. They give a good portion and I usually don't get to finish it all, which is a good thing because I have some BBQ to eat later.
Sheryll P.
Sheryll P.
Sep 28, 2020
Report
Henry and his crew put out some of the best BBQ I've found. So glad they got creative to support the community with their great food! You are the best Henry!!
Brad W.
Brad W.
Sep 23, 2020
Report
I must've passed Hanks up a hundred times driving back and forth to work. I decided to surprise my family with a Friday night BBQ feast, and I'm just sad I didn't go there earlier. FANTASTIC food! We had tri-tip, a rack of ribs, and the best sides around. Their potato salad alone is worth stopping by for. Everything was cooked to perfection, and we ate like kings! The nice gal that took my order was very nice, and patient as she explained every item on the menu. As it was a very hot day, she was kind enough to offer me an iced tea (which hit the spot!) while I waited. I know
Joe L.
Joe L.
Jul 29, 2020
Report
Great food and service...only open on Wednesday and Fridays....definitely worth it... if you're in a rush call ahead and they will have it ready when you get there....
Stacey R.
Stacey R.
Jul 01, 2020
Report
Hank is the man! We usually get the ribs and hot links. Never fails, always super good Q! Only open Wednesday & Friday. If you have a party or event, he caters! Best BBQ in this area!
Kristie P.
Kristie P.
May 02, 2020
Report
This was my 2nd time getting food the 1st time the food was fantastic today when I picked up the food Tri tip was really really rare the chicken was dry and the ribs were no meat just fat on them will not be going back
Teresa A.
Teresa A.
Dec 15, 2019
Report
Well I made it for the last round-up at Hickory Hank's BBQ for the year. Now I'm looking forward to February 2020 when he will open again and (my mouth is watering). The gang will be cooking up those gorgeous wonderful ribs and of course everything else they have to offer and I have to wait (damn). Love you guys and Hank you just know, we that know you will WISH YOU AND YOURS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Lisa P.
Lisa P.
Aug 02, 2019
Report
Very delicious. Brisket is tender tasty and delicious. Sauce is awesome addition. Beans just needed to be soaked a little longer.
Janice F.
Janice F.
Jun 30, 2019
Report
Easily assessable parking lot plenty of identifying company signs. The owners super friendly and fast service.
We ordered a whole rack of St. Louis ribs. Really excited to get home to eat my ribs. I was so disappointed. Their appearance was dry and the taste was tough and favoredness. I poured the sauce and the favor didn't improve. I read the review and thought wow I must be missing something must be wrong with me. Perhaps, I'm spoiled with my husband bbq.
Jake C.
Jake C.
Aug 11, 2018
Report
Really good barbecue ! Brisket , ribs , hot links , and Jo Jo's their strong points my opinion! Although everything is really good and great customer service Nicole is a sweet heart this place takes really good care of their customers. It's a must try if your in the mood for barbecue I've introduced it to 3 of my friends and they love it.