The Hawks Nest

The Hawks Nest rocks the royal blue and orange of the local high school. Indeed, the entire place acts as homage to the Hanahan Hawks, from the cheerleader megaphones atop the fridge to the newspaper clippings and countless team photos dressing the walls.

So -- no surprise -- the menu showcases school-boy favorites: chicken fingers and cheese steaks, patty melts and hot dogs, burgers and fries.

Recently, the Nest closed shop for 1 1/2 months, reopening three weeks ago. But still it maintains a singular devotion to the Hawks. Honestly, there can't be too many shops left like the Nest, which is old-fashioned and unfussy, an enclave of sincerity rather than cynicism.

It's a throwback, for sure, only staying open past its 7 p.m. curfew (closing time) following Hanahan football games.

But nowadays, players, fans, and anyone else can feast on thick Angus burgers, like the Royale with cheese ($6.49), or the Double Royale ($8.99): 3/4-pounds of beef covered in cheddar.

The Silly Philly cheese steak ($5.99) contains a mess of onions and banana peppers draped in provolone and cream cheeses, while the rib-eye sandwich ($7.49) consists of grilled onions, mushrooms and a horseradish spread. Each dish comes with a "heapin' " of fries -- crispy critters dusted in seasoned salt.

Cecil's Cheesy Chicken ($6.99) sandwich smacks of cheese and bacon, though the charred chicken breast would benefit from a toasted roll. Meanwhile, the Coal Miner's Daughter ($5.99) sticks to its blue-collar roots -- just fried bologna and American cheese on white bread.

Of course, Hawks Nest also serves up ice cream, sundaes and hand-scooped, super-thick milkshakes, which all make for perfect after-school treats.

Address: 1238-4 Yeamans Road, Hanahan

Phone: 277-2030

Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

Web: hawksnestcafe.com