By Jerome Lindberg
Put the word
“delicious” in front of the following words: Spanakopita, Sweet
Potato Fries, Gyros, Subs, and Burgers. Sounds like lot of Buffalo Restaurants,
right? Lucky Us.
Now put the following word
into the mix as well: Inexpensive. That narrows down the field a little. Toss in the word “delivery,”
and you’re down to a few local spots, one of which is Fast Frank’s on Main and
Winspear.
From 10AM until closing,
Monday through Saturday, Fast Frank’s brings Buffalo its favorite dishes, hot
and fresh. With a menu that spans the globe under the title Greek and American
cuisine, Frank’s offers something for everyone. For the true Athenians, there’s
Souvlaki, a highly recommendable Gyro platter dripping with a terrific
Tzatziki, and some of the best handmade Spanakopita I’ve had. My roommate says
the secret taste is cinnamon, but I don’t know from spices. All I know is mmmmmm. Oh,
and it’s only three dollars.
From there, Frank’s menu
deviates to less exotic fare. Chicken wings, Tacos (note: try the chicken
finger taco), quesadillas, burgers, heroes, and a variety of phillies, Frank’s
promises to suit everyone’s taste.
Sweet potato fries served with butter and honey for a $1.85 are almost
good enough for dessert, but nothing can contend with Caroline’s personal
baklava recipe for honey-soaked goodness.
For the more adventurous with slim billfolds, Frank’s offers Poor Man’s
Wings, which are “freedom fries” slathered in hot sauce or barbeque.
You can’t really go wrong there. I’m
sure that in a few years time, major chains will pick up on this tactic to make
up for the loss of taste in their fries after the “trans fat” debacle, but for
me, it started at Frank’s.
Besides the competitive
pricing of most dishes, Fast Frank’s also offers several daily specials as well
as value meals. For $5, you can get a deluxe cheeseburger and fries, a loaded
pizza sub, or even a steak taco with Greek potatoes…And a drink. But if you really want a good deal, head
over or order some take-out on a Tuesday. Tuesday’s special is two dinners for
$12.99, a deal that becomes sweeter when you realize the dinner menu includes
Shrimp, Souvlaki, and even a mighty tasty Fish fry.
Like a lot of fast food
places, Fast Frank’s has a wide variety of 1/3-pound burgers to satisfy plenty
of palates. Prices are around $4 with chips, and $5.50 with fries. Another
thing that gives Frank’s burgers a nice touch is the use a classic fast-food
bun, rather than a roll. I don’t know why, but it looks better too. Cooked
quick and to order, Frank’s handles its burgers well, whether you’re a bacon
fan or patty melt muncher.
Fast Frank’s is in a tough
market; fast food seems lurk ’round every corner in this town, and larger
chains have a bit more advertising revenue than this small business. Aside from that, Buffalo has so many
small restaurants that do it right, that it’s sometimes hard to break away from
old favorites. Still, Frank’s is earning its place as a good burger joint with
reasonable prices and a healthy UB student clientele. But let’s not let Fast
Frank’s stay a UB secret.
Whether you’re looking for a
quick snack or a family dinner, Fast Frank’s delivers. Since coming under new
management four years ago, Frank’s has kept bellies and wallets full in the
heights. Unique dish choices and homemade classics keep the menu surprisingly
large and–more than most of the major fast-food restaurants in town–very tasty.
Next time you’re in the mood
for a quick snack or just don’t feel like doing the cooking, let Fast Frank’s
treat you to an affordable and delicious meal. My advice would be to pick up an
extra Sweet Potato Fries or Spanakopita and pop them in the toaster oven when
you’re looking for that elusive midnight snack. You won’t be disappointed.
12 Winspear Ave
Buffalo, NY, 14214
716.838.3874