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