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Friday, Nov. 20, 2009

Francar’s brings first-rate heat in Mercer Village

They say bigger isn’t always better. Tis true when it comes to Francar’s Buffalo Wings — and that’s a very good thing.

Located just off the campus of Mercer University, Francar’s is part of Mercer Village. (If the name sounds familiar, Francar’s was on Log Cabin Road for years prior to its recent move across town.)

The new location isn’t very big and has a college feel, with Mercer memorabilia and news clippings adorning the orange walls.

But the lastest incarnation of Francar’s hits the mark on just about every level.

The wings are the best in town, in my book. And they’re cheaper than most places. While not the biggest wings, they’re moist. and the meat that’s on them is very good.

If you want variety, Francar’s offers 33 different sauces ranging from Level 1 “very cool” to Level 4 “#%*@=”. (Those are the menu’s descriptions, not mine.)

My friends and I tried six of the sauces, and they were all good in their own way. Our favorites were Mercer Gold (a tangy, moderately spicy mustard-based sauce that was Level 2) and the Lemon Pepper w/Kick (a spicy lemon sauce that was Level 3).

Both of these were spicy, but not so much that you had to put out a fire on your tongue afterward.

Not so with the Grizzly Bear, a Level 4 sauce that a friend and I tried. When asked for a description of the sauce, the waittress said “it puts its claws in you.”

She was right. My friend had said “Francar’s can’t bring the heat.” Well, he wasn’t quite running from the Grizzly Bear, but he was sweating at the table and tearing up after only two wings.

I tried a bite of one and couldn’t feel my tongue for five minutes. Way to bring it, Francar’s!

You can get the wings in quantities ranging from five wings ($4.19) to 100 ($58.99). Feel free to mix and match the sauces. You can also get the wings as part of a combo meal. Five wings, fries and a drink costs $5.39. There are also family meal deals.

If you want something other than wings, the chicken fingers are somewhat heavily breaded, but good. A combo with five chicken fingers, fries and a drink is $6.95.

They have sandwiches and burgers, and I recommend the Philly Cheesesteak, which came with fries and a drink for $6.95. The steak was mixed with peppers and onions and covered in cheese — tasty. The fries are solid, but just your standard fare.

Francar’s also offers seafood. My friend ordered the shrimp dinner and said they were big, tasty and definitely worth the price ($5.75).

Bottom line — if you’re looking for really good wings, a quick sandwich or some basic seafood, give Francar’s a try.

Francar’s Buffalo Wings

Three and a half stars

Address: 1365 Linden Ave.

Phone number: (478) 741-3338

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 12-7 p.m. Sunday (also open late night on weekends)

Payment: Cash, credit

Smoking: No

Alcohol: Yes

Noise level: Moderate

Wheelchair accessible: Yes

Health rating: 100

Price range: $3-$10 (for individual meals)