The first thing you notice is RED. Frickers uses this primary color to stimulate your appetite for food and fun. They satisfy with affordable and tasty choices in an All-American setting.
Our first task was to count the TV sets in the Centerville location. Connie urged caution as Sandy made a desperate attempt at adding up the numbers. After two passes to ensure accuracy, we counted 50 TVs in the place, with a Really Frickin’ Big One in the middle of the bar. There were lots of games and other shows going on at once, and on top of that, music was blasting from the ceiling speakers. With all the commotion, we were still able to have a pleasant conversation (although Sandy would recommend, if anyone asked, that Frickers dump the music).
Our dinnertime odyssey began, as always, with beverages. Connie has now learned that Sandy will look for the goofiest drink on the menu to begin with.
Sandy touted, “Frickerita!” Connie shouted, “I want a Frickerita! (pause) What’s a Frickerita? Is that like a margarita?” Sandy answered, “It’s a frickin’ margarita.” (Hold the applause. It gets better.) The festive Frickerita comes in a Frickers Mason jar, celebrating the old Southwest. Topped with salt, it was refreshing and affordable ($4).
Continuing Sandy’s quest for pourous pints, she perused the poster of pilsners and found a fresh possibility. Yuengling Seasonal “Oktoberfest.” An avid lover of the nation’s oldest brewery, Sandy was giddy with the new discovery. The first taste was Oktober-y and packed with punch.
Having settled on beginning beverages, we scanned the selections to settle on supper. The vast menu has a little sumpin’ for everyone, young and old, and in serving sizes to fit any appetite. From the 1-pound Porterhouse Steak with side and roll ($13.99) to Lil Frickers kid’s meals ($4.29), any appetite can be appeased.
What we had:
- Frickles, $5.49: Yes, fried pickles. Now, if you've never had them, you have to try them. Sandy was afraid of fried pickles for years, when finally a good friend did the old "double-dare you, you big baby" routine and Sandy finally dove in. Best dare she ever took. Our delightful waitress delivered a couple dozen or so deep fried, dollar-size nuggets in a basket, with their signature Frickin' Dippity Sauce, which looked like Thousand Island dressing but tasted like a zesty ranch. After one bite, Sandy wimped out and opted for a side of cool ranch, which gives the Frickles a whole different taste. Connie enjoyed both. The Frickles are hot and crispy on the outside, juicy and pickle-y on the inside. We like to make up words when describing food.
- 10 Drums, $9.99: Frickers is known first and foremost for their Frickin' Chicken Wings. So being traditionalist, we dove in for the birds. Ok, let's talk about wings. Not all wings are made equal. That's why Sandy prefers just drumsticks. The medium sauce has a little kick, enough to slightly clear your sinuses, but not enough to cause tongue damage. Dipped in ranch dressing, Frickers Medium drums are definitely delightful. There are over a dozen flavors from which to choose.
As we were enjoying the drums, Connie said she wanted to try the Monkey Bites.
Sandy: “Monkey Butts? What on earth is that?”
Connie: “Monkey Bites! Cinnamon Monkey bread with white icing.”
Sandy: “Twist my tail…”
Connie: “Stop it! I’m laughing so hard that any minute I may have free range chicken comin’ out my nose …”
- Monkey Bites, $3.99: A warm dessert that is not shaped like a monkey. It doesn't make noises like a monkey. It doesn't have a tail. You don't need to be vaccinated before you eat one, so we're wondering why it's called that. We decided if it clings to your neck, you're enjoying it the wrong way. Its cinnamon flavor is slightly less sweet than a cinnamon bun. Served warm and very filling.
Most health-conscious diners enjoy a good salad, and that’s what you get with Frickers. Their Frickin’ Chicken Salad is one of their popular offerings. Diners who like shrimp will enjoy the Frickin’ Shrimp Salad, $7.69.
Not every food item has the word “frickin’” in it. Like the Jalapeno Bottle Caps. Beer battered, bite-size red and green jalapeno slices with your choice of sauce, $5.49. Or the Fried Bologna & Cheese, just like mom made for $4.29.
The “Lil Frickers” kids menu has a lot more choices than many. There are boneless wings & fries, cheese quesadillas, Dawg and fries, and corn dogs — for kids 10 and under, $4.29.
Last words: It's always a good time at Frickers. Their dedication to creating a family-friendly atmosphere with affordable prices is second to none. Their Vandalia location was damaged recently from the tornadoes what whipped through the northern part of the Miami Valley. As it's being repaired, there are 17 other locations to enjoy.
Sandy Collins of News Talk Radio WHIO (95.7 FM/AM 1290) and Connie Post of the Dayton Daily News are two of DDN’s Dining Divas; they agree that nothing is better than a laugh-filled meal with friends. Except winning the lottery. We’d love to hear what you think of Dayton dining, our goofy jokes and the food you enjoy in this feature. Plus any suggestions for lottery numbers would be greatly appreciated. Write to The Dining Divas at life@coxinc.com.
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