Cranky Hanks Pizza Bank

We were looking for a place my wife and I could celebrate my birthday. Since I was in the mood for pizza and love small town shops we found this place (the name caught my eye) and it was worth the 2 hour, 30 minute round trip to Shellsburg for dinner. We were greeted warmly when we came in, had excellent service, and the pizza--The Belly Acher!--was terrific! Quality cheese and tons of toppings (the Italian sausage was a bit too spicy for my wife) and a perfect crust and char. There were beer and other drink options for a small town pizza shop. When we were visiting with some of the local patrons, one of them mentioned that Hank's had THE BEST cheesecake, so we had to verify the claim. She was right, and pizza and cheesecake actually go pretty well together! I had the turtle cheesecake and my wife, the raspberry. I registered for a chance at a pizza a week for a year on my way out, even though I live 100 miles away, and bought myself a T-shirt from their swag box so I can share a great experience with friends back home interested in a Sunday drive that's well worth the while. We will come back again. Great pizza and service gave us a fun experience, which is what we were looking for. We were smiling all the way back to the car.

I love it here! The cheeseburger pizza is my ABSOLUTE favorite! It tastes just like a regular cheeseburger! Very nice waitresses and very homey, welcoming atmosphere. Also, the owners are sweet!

Foremost, the friendliest service you're going to find anywhere. We had a junior high basketball event in Shellsburg and came here for supper afterward. The owners showed the kids gathered how to toss pizza dough, checked with us on how we were enjoying our food, and provided great conversation. Our server was prompt and attentive. And the pizza and other food we ordered was WONDERFUL ...and the pizza was a step above about anywhere I've been. Fair prices, great food, and the friendliest service you'll experience. A perfect stop - I look forward to coming back!

Dined-in last night with some close friends who had never had the pleasure of experiencing the borderline erotic pleasures of Cranky Hank's pizza. They were delighted! Though I'm an appreciator of a well-executed cheese pizza, they wished to walk on the wild side, adding a half "Kitchen Sing" and half "Love of Greece" pie to the order. Though quite skeptical, and having a strong resistance to pizza serving as a delivery system for an excess of meat, I can't deny both were quite tasty and satisfying! Service was prompt and attentive. But that's not what I want to share. First of all, my family and I have been passionate Cranky Hank's enthusiasts since they first opened at the Williams Boulevard location previously occupied (and later reclaimed) by Donutland. I immediately fell in love with their combination of thick cheese, delectable seasoning and chewy but never bready thin crust. They later moved to a location within Lindale Mall, and I happily followed. Sharing this passion with my girlfriend, now wife, it quickly became a traditional celebration of pizza indulgence between us. Closing their location at Lindale was a devastating personal blow. Their style of pizza scratched a very particular itch for me, leaving a gaping, rectangular hole in my stomach, and in my soul. Obviously, when it was announced they would be returning to glory in Shellsburg, my heart sang. But still, I digress. As a devout fan of the pizza, and one willing to work for just rewards, embarking on the 20 minute drive to Shellsburg from Cedar Rapids is of no inconvenience. A month or two ago, I made the quest to pickup an order for the family and showed up a little early. Waiting for my order, I popped a squat at one of the tables and enjoyed observing the locals congregating. A large party then entered, and recognizing the lack of available seating, I immediately vacated the table, posting up near the front and as out-of-the way as I could manage. Recognizing my move to accommodate, the owner (Keith) approached me, offering me his thanks and a complimentary beer of choice. As I was picking up my order, planning to immediately escort it home (and have an annoying penchant for turning down kind gestures), I declined his offer. But he insisted, offering the consolation of "half" a beer. Quite humorously, Keith returned with a full serving of his favorite selection, claiming he couldn't decide "which half" to serve me. "When in Rome", as they say... and I threw caution to the wind. Frankly, I wish I could remember his beer-of-choice, because it was delicious! Regardless of my questionable decision making, the gesture made an impression on me, further embellishing my love for the spot and the pizza. Enjoying the pizza is one thing, but appreciating the values and character of those kneading the dough? That's what supporting local business is all about. As long as Hank is still Crankin', we'll continue to go out of our way for quality pizza.

My wife & I had a phenomenal experience this past weekend. Outstanding pizza & the fried mushrooms were on point too. The Cheesecake was incredibly tasty as well. Keith even provided me with a sample of the Italian Beef, MELT IN YOUR MOUTH. Can't wait to return to try it all.

We've been going to Cranky Hanks since the first location and they are still our favorite. We love the Quade City style pizza and the Kitchen Sink is our favorite. The kids and I took my husband there for his bday and they came out signing with confetti and cheesecake. My teenagers laughed hysterically and had a great time, and the food and all of the beer choices on tap were perfect! It's worth the drive!