If you know me, you know that I love vintage things that are reused and repurposed into something new. That being said, you can imagine my delight when I first discovered the historic Hillsdale Bank Bar B-Q in Hillsdale. Here is a bit of its story:
Originally opened in 1906, the Hillsdale Bank was a Kansas City-suburb bank that was well known for its brick exterior and friendly service.
Hillsdale Bank BBQ The exterior wasn’t the only recognizable part of the bank, as the inside featured a large vault and distinct tin roof.
After closing and sitting empty for years, the historic building was purchased and repurposed by the Beverlin family, who in 1989 opened their popular Hillsdale Bank Bar B.Q. restaurant.
TripAdvisor
For the 26 years it was open, the family turned out several favorites including their tender pulled pork sandwich…
Hillsdale Bank BBQ
…wood-fired pizza…
Hillsdale Bank BBQ
…and the pièce de résistance: The Sauce.
Hillsdale Bank BBQ
In addition to bank seating, the restaurant boasted both an attached railroad caboose…
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…and serene garden area.
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Through the years, Hillsdale (and their sauce) has received a number of national distinctions, including being named one of Southern Living magazine’s 2012 “‘Cue Awards” finalists; receiving 1st place flavor at the “American Royal for the Hot;” and receiving 2nd place in the Fiery Foods and BBQ Magazine’s Scovie Awards!
Hillsdale Bank BBQ
Unfortunately, the Hillsdale Bank Bar B-Q closed in 2015 after the cancer diagnosis of founder Donna Beverlin, but you can still purchase “The Sauce” from several retailers (found here).
Hillsdale Bank BBQ
The exterior wasn’t the only recognizable part of the bank, as the inside featured a large vault and distinct tin roof.
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Yelp
For other delicious Kansas BBQ joints, check out These 12 Restaurants Serve The Best BBQ In Kansas!
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