Every locality deserves a family-friendly eatery where, all under one roof, guests can find a frosty beverage (or cocktail), a more-than-decent meal at a good price and maybe even some live music sprinkled in for good measure. For the Atlee area of Hanover County, 3-year-old O'Bank's seems to be just that place.
The restaurant's shopping-center home is as straightforward, unassuming and approachable as owner Jeff Friz. Out front, there's a spacious deck; inside, checkered floors, high-backed booths and a bar await.
The no-frills menu — appetizers, salads, sandwiches and, in the evening, a handful of entrées — is anything but cutting edge. Who cares, though, when everything seems to be made with care and with good ingredients?
Other than a lack of advertised spiciness, there's nothing to complain about with the North Carolina-style barbecue sandwich (shown). Its pulled morsels — slow-cooked into super-moist, vinegary submission and piled high on a toasted bun — played nicely with the side of crisp coleslaw. Equally as satisfying were the crunchy, house-made sweet-potato chips.No grumbles from the kiddies, either. My two effortlessly gobbled their PBJs (Texas-toast slices slathered with peanut butter and jelly), as well as the mess of piping-hot fries ordered with them. Not surprisingly, they also managed to wolf down the hot, gooey brownie piled high with twin vanilla-ice-cream mounds and generously drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauces.
While probably not the type of place to which one might make a special trip, O'Bank's is worth remembering for those hungry times when you happen to be in the neighborhood.
10392 Leadbetter Road, 550-3888
Prices
Appetizers, salads and sandwiches $4.95 to $12.95. Dinner entrées $9.95 to $18.95. Children's menu $4.95. Desserts $4.95.
Hours
Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.
