Buddy'z Pizzeria Review

Buddy'z Pizzeria in McHenry, Illinois
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Let me start off by saying that I love getting suggestions from friends and family on places to go eat. You guys sharing your food experiences with me allows me to do so with others, so please keep the suggestions coming. With that said, I have been urged by a number of my pizza-loving friends to try a place called Buddy’z Pizzeria in the downtown area of McHenry, IL. Buddy’z is a place I had passed by several times, but never had the opportunity to go in. That changed on Tuesday, as I accompanied a few of my close friends to the neighborhood pizza joint.

Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Buddy’z was started by the Scarnato Family in 2005, and has been serving northern Illinois fresh, top quality pizza for nearly 10 years. They describe themselves as “an upscale casual pizza environment”, offering up both pizza and non-pizza options. When it comes to pizza, one can choose from four different styles of crust (thin crust, hand tossed, butter crust pan, and deep dish) and a slew of toppings, or one of their Chicago-named specialty pizzas like the Navy Pier, the Grant Park, or the Soldier Field. Non-pizza options include a number of starters, house salads, wings/chicken, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and other entrees. One can expect to spend in the $15 to $20 on a standard pizza, specialties are more, and at least $10 on other menu items, but based on the quality of the food and the atmosphere, it’s priced fairly.

Having been to a number of pizzerias around the area, I know when a restaurant has done it right when it comes to location and atmosphere. Buddy’z McHenry, which opened in 2010 and is one of the franchises three locations (one in Algonquin and one in Queen Creek, AZ), is conveniently located in a busy downtown area, right along the Fox River. Having river access is a unique feature of the restaurant, as boaters can tie up and come in for a quick bite after a day on the water. The restaurant itself has ample indoor seating and a great outdoor patio area, which is great for a summer night. The full bar and daily drink specials are another added plus to the restaurant, giving people a place to go and relax with friends and family.

This being my first time, I had to get the great pizza I heard so much about. I went with an 18 inch thin-crust pie, half sausage, half pepperoni. The crust was crispy, but not too thin, and had some char on it, which I appreciated. The sauce to cheese ratio was to my liking (I like more cheese and less sauce), and all additional toppings were fresh. The pizza itself was in the $20 to $22 range, which is what you should expect when ordering an extra large, two topping pizza from an upscale place like Buddy’z. I can say that both me and the friend who I split it with left full with no room for anything else. Not even ice cream. I want to give a special shout out to Kristen Sircher, Trey Williams, and Brad Baron for joining me in this food adventure. Thank you for the suggestion and I am glad I got to experience it with you. If you are looking for a great place to get a quality pizza and relax, check out Buddy’z Pizzeria at 1138 North Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050.

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

BBQ King Smokehouse Review

BBQ King Smokehouse in Woodstock, Illinois
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Starting a food blog is something I had been meaning to get to for some time. I have always loved sharing my food excursions with others and giving them recommendations to places where they will be able to enjoy a great meal, so this venture has allowed me to do just that. One of the best parts of this whole journey, as new as it is, is the recommendations I get from readers, who clue me in on some of their favorite spots. This very notion brings me to my latest review on BBQ King Smokehouse, a McHenry County BBQ joint that has digs in the downtown Woodstock area. This town favorite was brought to my attention by Nick Andrus, a former classmate of mine at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, who said it was his favorite local place for BBQ.

BBQ King opened up its downtown Woodstock location two years ago, but has been catering events and participating in BBQ competitions for nearly a decade. They pride themselves on serving up top quality BBQ and being an establishment where people love to stop in and stay for a while. The menu is full of great food choices, including a variety of top quality, natural wood and charcoal-smoked meats, available in a sandwich or platter option, burgers, signature sandwiches, signature dishes, like King Mac (Pulled pork served with their rich mac and cheese) starters, like BBQ Nachos or Woodstock Fries (fresh cut fries topped with your choice of meat, cheddar jack cheese, BBQ sauce, and ranch), and a number of sides. One can expect to spend about $10-$15 here on a meal, but trust me; it is worth every penny and you will leave feeling stuffed.

The Meats in the Pig Out Platter: Chopped Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, and Smoked Sausage
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Having gone to school in Oklahoma for a period of time, I am fully versed in what the atmosphere of a real BBQ joint should look like. BBQ King fits the description and then some. It features a dark concrete floor, old signs lining the walls, wood tables, high ceilings, a chalk board menu, and that great smoky smell we all love. One of the coolest features of the restaurant is the bar, which stretches nearly the entire length of the place and is outfitted with big screen TV’s and a number of drink options. This is definitely the place to be for good food and a great night out.

This being my first trip to BBQ King, I felt the need to get my paws on as many menu items as I could. After scanning the menu, I opted for the Pig Out Platter, which gave me the choice of three meats, three sides, and included a drink for $19.50. For my meats, I went with chopped beef brisket, pulled pork, and smoked sausage, accompanying them with an order of fresh cut fries, two orders of mac and cheese, and a coke. Seconds after digging in, I could tell how much time and thought went into each thing I ordered. Each meat was excellent and had a great smoky flavor, but the smoked sausage was my favorite. It was thinly sliced and had a nice char on it, which went great with their sweet Carolina Gold sauce. The fresh cut fries were very good as well, but the mac and cheese was even better and unlike any I have ever tasted before. It was rich and cheesy, but had a spicy bite to it that offset the rich flavor very well.

After getting a box for the leftovers, yes there were leftovers, my mom and I just sat and talked, enjoying the establishment and all it had to offer. Being there felt as comfortable as home, which is why I will definitely be returning there in the future. I would like to thank Nick Andrus again for the great recommendation, and I look forward to sharing this special place with more people down the road. If you are looking for a great place to get food and relax, head to BBQ King Smokehouse at 125 E. Calhoun St. Woodstock, IL 60098. 

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Franks for the Memories Review

Franks for the Memories in Mundelein, Illinois
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

To me, there is nothing more enjoyable than good finger food. Due to its simplicity, finger food is ideal for a number of events, whether they be small or large gatherings at home, a night out with friends, or a quick lunch with co-workers. When it comes to everyone’s favorite finger food, opinions vary, but it can be said that the chicken wing is near the top. There is something about a chicken wing that is so easy, yet so unbelievably good, especially when done right. There are many great places to get wings around the Chicagoland area, but I figured I would go to the source, visiting Franks for the Memories in the Lake County suburb of Mundelein.

Franks for the Memories opened up shop at its downtown Mundelein location in 1984, approximately 20 years after the Buffalo wing came into existence at a Buffalo, New York bar in 1964. Owners and Buffalo natives, Jim and Carol Schultz, missed their home town food staple so much, that they decided it would only be fitting to bring it to their new home. Actually, the duo is said to have brought Buffalo wings to Chicago, as well as the Midwest, which is something us Chicagoans could not be happier about. In addition to serving up Buffalo wings by the half pound, Franks offers a number of other menu options, including hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and side orders/appetizers. The price range on all menu items is good, as one should expect to spend $5 to $12 on a meal. Like I have said in my other posts, spending the extra couple of dollars is worth it if it means you get great food in return.

One Pound of Buffalo Wings
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

The restaurant’s location in Mundelein’s downtown is smaller, but it stands out, a yellow triangular kitchen attached to a rectangular red, white, and blue seating area. The indoor seating area is smaller, but historic feeling, a number of New York-inspired signs and pictures lining the walls. The restaurant also has additional outdoor seating, which is ideal for nice summer days, like the one we experienced today.

 I have visited Franks several times over the years, and can say that it is one of the better wing places, if not the best wing place in the area. The wings Franks uses are bigger and meatier than those you would get at chain-type restaurants, and have a great taste. They are un-breaded and deep fried as opposed baked, ensuring you get a good crunch and no leftover fatty parts of the chicken. After the deep frying process, the wings are thrown into a bowl and sauced to your liking, with a choice of mild, medium, hot or extra hot. When I go, I usually order a pound of Buffalo wings tossed in hot sauce, seven wings in one pound, and top it off with a side of ranch and an order of cheese fries. I can leave here full and satisfied without breaking the bank, spending a mere $11 in the process. So if you are a fan of wings and desire to go to the place where it all began in the Chicagoland area, stop by Franks for the Memories at 645 E. Hawley St. Mundelein, IL 60060.

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Il Forno Review

Il Forno Pizzeria in Deerfield, Illinois
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Chicago is a city that is known for many amazing things. We love our business, our sports, and most importantly, our food. Whether you are a resident or just a visitor of the Windy City or the surrounding areas, you need to try the cuisine, namely an Italian beef, a hot dog, or some dynamite pizza. Sticking with the pizza theme, when one typically thinks of Chicago-style pizza, they think of thick, doughy, sauce-covered deep dish. Those who enjoy this style of pizza savor each bite to the tune of one or two slices, a complete meal to most. What many fail to realize is that there is another side to Chicago-style pizza, which is the polar opposite of deep dish, known simply as thin crust. Chicago-style thin crust features heavy cheese, light sauce, an abundance of toppings, if that’s what you’re into, and is served on cracker thin crust. The light and airy dish is perfect to share with friends and family after a long day at the office or after the game has ended. Among the many places who serve this food staple around the Chicagoland area, Il Forno, which has locations on Chicago's North Shore, is one of my favorite spots.

Pepperoni and Sausage Chicago-Style Thin Crust Pizza
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Il Forno has been serving up great pizza and much more on the North Shore since the early 1950s. Whether you are looking for a place to take a quick lunch break or are in a dinner time pinch, Il Forno has what you need. Their menu has plenty on it, but is nothing that would overwhelm anyone. They serve up pizza by the slice or full pies, thin crust or pan style, and provide customers with over 20 different toppings to choose from. They also have a number of sides, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, pasta dishes, salads, soups, chicken and seafood dishes, and desserts to choose from. Pricing on all items is fairly decent considering all the food you get. Pizza ranges from $10-$15 with additional toppings and specialty pies being extra. Everything else can be purchased for $10 or less, which is what one would be expected to pay for a standard meal at a non-fast food chain.

The location I visited in Deerfield, which is a North Shore suburb, is nestled in the downtown area among other restaurants and local businesses, which makes it accessible and in walking distance for town residents, business people, and those who are getting off the nearby train. It has a good amount of inside seating, the wood floors, high ceilings, and colorful atmosphere making it very inviting. There is also an outdoor patio area, which is great place to enjoy a nice summer day while you catch up with a close friend.

I have only known about Il Forno for a few months, but I can already say it is one of my favorite spots to get pizza in the state. Being one who is a huge fan of thin crust pizza, this spot gives me everything I look for in a pie; light sauce, lots of cheese, and a really thin, airy crust. When I go, I order an extra large 17” thin crust pie with sausage and pepperoni, splitting it with family or close friends of course. This meal runs in the $20 range, but the taste and amount of food you get makes it worth it. So if you’re in the mood for great Chicago-style thin crust pizza or are just looking for a new place to try, stop by Il Forno at 750 Osterman Ave. Deerfield, IL 60015. 

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Hickory Pit Review

Hickory Pit BBQ in McHenry, Illinois
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Most of us can agree that when it comes to good food, it is hard to resist outstanding BBQ. When it comes to this staple in American cuisine, there is so much to appreciate. It may just be meat and sauce to the untrained eye and palette, but if one takes a moment to appreciate the time and patience that went into making each thing great, they might enjoy their meal quite a bit more. With that said, I have had the opportunity to visit many outstanding BBQ restaurants all over the country and experienced some great tasting food along the way. While Illinois is not considered one of the typical “BBQ regions”, I have had my fare share of great BBQ-style food close to home in the Lake/McHenry County area. One of my favorite spots is Hickory Pit, a local BBQ joint near the downtown McHenry area.

Opened since 2012, Hickory Pit has been serving up quality food to guests for the past couple of years. Their simple menu and reasonable prices make it a solid option for those who want to have a nice, relaxing night out without breaking bank. The menu features four different kinds of meat: pork (pulled pork or baby back ribs), chopped or sliced beef brisket, chicken (pulled chicken or a half/whole chicken), and spicy sausage. These items can be ordered as sandwiches or platters, the most reasonably-priced option being the entree with two sides. Customers can choose between fresh cut fries, sweet potato fries, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, a corn bread muffin, or a fountain drink. Other menu items include eight different burgers, known as Pit Burgers, Tacos, Hickory Fries, which are Hickory Pit’s fresh cut fries topped with a meat and other goodies, and a couple other Signature Sandwiches. Guests can expect to spend $8 to $12 on average for a meal, which is very reasonable by BBQ standards.

Chopped Brisket Sandwich
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

The restaurant is free standing, has ample seating, and a great feel. Its cement floors, darker colored, picture covered walls, and country music playing in the background made me feel like I was in an actual BBQ joint down south, minus the accents. There is a only single flat screen television in the place, which gives me a good impression as a visitor in regards to Hickory Pit’s unstated message; you are here for the food and to enjoy eachother's company.

I have been a frequent visitor of this hidden gem since it opened and can say that I have not had a bad meal there yet. My go-to meal, which is featured in the pictures above, is a chopped brisket sandwich with fresh cut fries and mac and cheese, although I may sub out one of those for an ice cold coke if I'm feeling a fountain drink. The brisket is tender, has a great bark and smoke ring, and is excellent when accompanied by one of their four sauces (I chose Chipotle Maple). The fries were fresh and hot and the mac and cheese was on point. The best part; I left completely full and only spent $9.40. Considering what we are used to paying for mediocre food in this area, you are getting a steal. If you are ever in the McHenry area or just in the mood to get some good BBQ, be sure to visit Hickory Pit at 3102 West IL-120, McHenry, IL 60051. 

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area