Where Franks of the World Unite
Flava Flav and Ketchup are visiting this weekend from Portland and Cleveland, respectively. Despite the bitter cold (high of 8º F yesterday), we ventured forth to explore some of the architectural wonders of Chicagoland. Empanada Boy had never been to Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio, so we decided to head out to Oak Park and take the tour. Admiring the detailed craftsmanship of one of Wright’s earliest structures, and battling the drafts of cold as we passed from home to studio, helped us work up an appetite. But where to go in Oak Park? Ketchup came to the rescue and called his friend Milk-n-Cola (one for health, one for fun!), an Oak Park native. We said we had a hankering for Chicago franks and other cheap, meaty fare. M-n-C’s advice: go to Mickey’s.
Like Budacki’s, which I wrote about a few months ago, Mickey’s is one of those classic Chicago locations that serves everything from baby back ribs to Italian sausage to liver and onions. I snapped some pictures of the large menu as we walked up to the counter. The guy at the register, who turned out to be the owner, barked out: “hey did you just take a picture of me?” I assured George (Mickey is only his business name) of my good intentions with regards to his restaurant. Once he understood what I was up to, he said we had to try the gyros and the ribs. But Flava Flav and I had our hearts set on hot dogs. We both got two hot dogs with fries for $3.99. It was a lot of food, but it meant Ketchup and Empanada Boy got some fries and a taste of the dogs. When I asked for tap water, Mickey called out, “one Lake Michigan!” to his waiting kitchen staff. Ketchup took M-n-C’s advice and got a Big Mickey’s, a double cheese burger with onions and pickles. Needless to say, the condiments were more important to the flavor of this dish than the meat itself.
Once again, EB couldn’t resist his old favorite and ordered the Italian beef. Mickey’s did a fine job, laying generous meat onto the crusty bun and topping it all with a spicy giardinera. As we were finishing our food at a plastic coated booth under a Casablanca mural, George popped out of the kitchen to see how the meal went. We voiced our approval. “You have to come back for the gyros and ribs,” he insisted again. I told him we would. And indeed we may— the next time we’re in Frank Lloyd Wright’s old neighborhood.
Mickey’s
Gyros, B.B.Q. Ribs & Chicken, Burgers and Hot Dogs
525 N. Harlem Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60302
708.848.3333
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