Cravin’ Chicago Wings

Now, I love chicken wings. And I love rice. To have a place that serves both is just HEAVENLY. There’s a certain demographic that will be too happy to know that there is such a place that has both, and they have it in spades…
This place happens to be owned by our wedding DJ, Glen’s, family. When we walked in, we didn’t expect him to be working, but he was glad to see us and promptly asked us what we wanted. We ordered a couple of different flavors, garlic parmesan and spicy italian garlic, and an order of the waffle fries, and a large diet coke. When our food came out, he came and sat with us to talk about the business, and to just see how we’ve been doing since we last saw him, he introduced us to everyone that was working (everyone is so friggin’ nice), and we talked about the photos and paintings on the wall. If I remember correctly, his brother actually took the photos himself, and made the paintings! awesome Chicago sports memorabilia all over the place, and they do broadcast games.
so the wings aren’t good… they’re grrrr-​eat! Consider this… my wife normally doesn’t prefer to eat anything saucy, but she picked them wangs to the bone! All told, we ended up eating orders of spicy italian garlic, garlic parmesan, teriyaki, hawaiian and chicago fire, which were all awesome, loaded with plenty of flavor, were non rinky-​dink sized, and not served lukewarm (I won’t name names, but another place serves wings similar to my description). The best part? Because it was our first dining with them, they wouldn’t allow us to pay. Can’t complain about a great tasting meal for $free.99! The way I see it, it was their way of investing for future returns, because we will be back with a vengeance!

I flippin’ love this place! The family that runs this joint are so sweet and welcoming. Plus, their wings are amazing. Beware of requesting «hot,» because whoa does the hot make your nose run. In addition to deliciousness and a smile, it’s BYOB.
I can’t say enough about how great Cravin’ Chicago Wings is! Go there! Now! Seriously, now!

Now that Cravin’ Chicago Wings has finally made it to GrubHub I was able to order and try what they had for eats.
Spicy Honey BBQ: These wings definitely were spicy and had a kick to them. Are they going to make your nose run or cry? Probably not, but they do hit the spot.
Spicy Italian Garlic: Lots of oil, lots of garlic, and will leave you with enough dragon breath to burn down small cities and selected suburbs of Chicago.
Garlic Parmesan: Pretty standard here, garlic and parmesan caked wings with some crunch.
Bacon Cheeseburger: Not a bad burger not a great burger, a burger that will sate your appetite, the bacon is not the thick giant kind but a bit thinner so you may want to double down on the bacon.
Cheese Fries — Great surprise here, well seasoned and crispy. They definitely were the greasiest as they almost made the bag too soggy with oil.
Overall a total grease fest for those of you who are interested. Good flavor and value and next time I will try more varieties

We were thinking wings and I found Cravin’ on Unilocal!I can’t believe this is a couple of blocks away and I never saw it or knew it was in the neighborhood. I don’t even know when they opened but now that I know, I’ll be visiting more often for sure!
I called in our order and MaryAnn (I hope that’s her name) took my crazy order with patience and much helpfulness. We ordered a dozen boneless Garlic Parmesan and 50 traditional in Cravin’ Mild, Cravin’ Chicago Fire, Smoky Honey BBQ and Garlic Parmesan along with some fried mushrooms. Would have ordered the sweet potato fries or garlic cheese waffle fries but since it was take out, I decided against it and I’ll be back another day to try them in house, while nice and hot!
The wings were pretty good. All their flavors are fried which is not the way I like the regular hot wings. I’d prefer them not fried for caloric reasons but heck, if I’m eating wings, I’m probably not thinking of the calories. I really enjoyed all the flavors that we picked. In fact the fire wings were really hot, hotter than I expected, with chunks of jalapenos drizzled over them.
Hubby even ate traditional wings when all he originally wanted was the boneless. I snagged a boneless wing and it was pretty good. Lots of garlicky flavor. All in all, it seemed like everyone was happy with the wings and mushrooms and we’re all are thinking of the next trip to satisfy our cravin’ for some wings.

Unilocal said they open at 11am on Sunday so we came here at 1:30pm. The sign said closed and the door hours said 2pm. /​sigh. We decided to drive to a starbucks and just chill.
2:15pm, we come back and the gate is off the door. Unfortunately, the door is still closed and there’s a new written note that said, «=) Open at 3:00» … omg. pissed… why didn’t you say so before so that we didn’t waste our time coming back?
We lounged around a plaza somewhere until we FINALLY walked through the doors at 3:15pm. There was already a couple of people inside waiting for their food. The guy at the counter seemed really friendly and sweet. Unfortunately, it meant he was chatting up the guy in front of us and we waited about 10 – 15 minutes for one person to order.
We got to the front and finally ordered. He warned us that it’d be about 30 minutes for the food. After all this time, it’d be a waste to just walk away. So we ordered and waited. Didn’t get our food until 4:25pm.
My thoughts? The garlic parmesan was garlicky but no parmesan. I love garlicky but I also would like some parmesan with my garlic parmesan wings… Our sweet potato waffle fries were cold as soon as we received it so that was disappointing as well.
+1 star = really nice people
+1 star = really garlicky «Garlic Parmesan» wings
— star = no parmesan on «Garlic Parmesan» wings
— star = open whenever you feel like it
— star = after all the wait. the food wasn’t hot
All in all. It was decently good. but not 3 hours wait good. I might come back again because I love garlic but we’ll see…

Great wings, the best sweet potato fries! Just be ready for a wait.
Like has been said before, parking is horrible. I was actually blocked in and had to go find the car that parked behind me.
The wings were greate though. Just the right amount of crispy and sauce, I had the traditional wings in Chicago Fire and Honey BBQ. I asked how spicy the Chicago Fire was; response: if you are used to spicy foods, you’ll be OK. He was right. Just thre right amount of kick, but you are still able to enjoy it. The honey BBQ is great flavor too.
The sweet potato fires… OMG! I’m still thinking about them now and its been 6 hours ago. I wish there was a choice for large, I’ll get them twice over; again and again and again and again.
It did seem that there was only 1 person cooking in the back and the man taking the order. So it is a slow wait. He stated 15 minutes, but it was really 25. The sweet potato fries made it worth the wait… LOL!
Great place to eat or take home; will highly recommend!

I LOVE the waffle cut sweet potato fries. LOVE. They sprinkle this maple brown sugar on top of it, and I was a complete fatty and took an order to go even after I was done with my meal!!! –However, they messed up and gave me the regular waffle fries, at first I was disappointed because it’s not what I wanted, but then I tasted them… and DAMN, I stopped complaining! Just as good in it’s own way!
Wings were delicious, and the sauces had great flavors! The garlic parmesan was a little bit too garlicky for my liking, but the BBQ was delicious with a little kick to it.
Rice? At first I wanted it because I’ve never seen a place serve rice with wings before, and us filipinos love our rice! But it was just ok.
Parking is limited, but it was completely EMPTY on tuesday we were the only customers at like 6pm.
you must have sweet potato waffle fries.

Location is awesome due to it’s close by me. Not many wings place around here. I had the boneless wings and they are good. Much better than BWW. I can’t say anything yet on their bone in. I’d come here again and try the other sauces.
They have a very small parking lot but street parking is free and easy to find.

Yes, they have:
A small, shared, parking lot with very little street parking.
A large area that doesn’t really seem filled though, I can see it filled with kids after school
Many flavors– that may or may not work– bacon and cheese?
Staff that may be a lot more laid back from other places, but isn’t that every place of business?
All in all, a micro, small Buffalo Wind Wings. I work near by so I will be hitting this place more often, after all, they dole out the cheese sticks very heavily.
Oh, no beer. No BYOB.

I love wings. I also love beer; therefore, I usually go to B’dubs in Skokie, or the one in LP. I heard about Cravin’ Chicago Wings a few weeks ago, and have been wanting to check them out. The problem is: everytime that I drive by, I can never find a parking space in this very tiny lot.
Today, I was driving by late afternoon, and out of the corner of my eye, I see Cravin’ Chicago Wings… and, yes, a few empty parking spaces. I enter and was immediately greeted by Mary Lou & Gil. I think they’re the owners. Both were very friendly, explained the menu, and had me out with food in hand within about 10 minutes.
I opted for 8 bonless Thai Peanut. Yes, I did say Thai Peanut. A good quality of chicken, with a good, flavorful sauce that wasn’t overloaded as you may find at Wing Stop. These boneless wings are more tender than BW3, as their wings can be more crispy. I also got the seasoned waffle fries with cheese. Very good crisp (not overdone) fries. I hate soggy fries!
Price: Very reasonable. I think the 8 wings and fries were approximately $ 8 and some change. Free WIFI, and BYOB.
Now, I mentioned the challenge of finding parking. Don’t fret, as they do deliver. Without a doubt, I will be back!

I said it before and I will say it one more again. I am a buffalo wing aficionado, more precisely the hot spicy variety. In the land of wings there is a new kid in town. Cravin’ Chicago Wings brings the HEAT literally with the «Cravin Chicago Fire» flavor. It is sweaty forehead and burning lips hot. It is one of the hottest and flavorful wings I’ve ever had.
The great thing about this place is that it is not a one trick pony. The other flavors in this place give it variety that many wing places just don’t have. My favorites are «Hawaiian, Cheese and Bacon, and Garlic Parmesan.» I have also tried the Bacon Cheeseburger and it was surprisingly delicious, especially served on that pretzel bun.
There are also interesting sides available, which are the sweet potato fries, and rice. Yes that’s right… rice!!! As an Asian you don’t have to ask me if I like rice. Rice and chicken in any shape or form is a great combo. The restaurant is spacious, with a couple of TV’s for your sports viewing pleasure, and the service is great. The proprietor Gil is very friendly and outgoing, and he has a nice establishment. When you have great food and service it’s always a recipe for success.

Maybe they had an off night… But we just didn’t like these wings.
I was excited because it was a wing place I hadn’t tried, and they deliver — so perfect for our «stay-​in date night»… but sadly, these just weren’t what we were hoping.
Medium wings: these were okay. Nothing special. Though my man noticed a smokey-​tobacco taste to them that put him off.
Cheese & Bacon wings: okay, I really really really wanted to love these. They had an interesting flavor. They weren’t bad. But you lost all sense that these were wings. Honestly, if you took the meat off the bone and blindfolded me, I probably couldn’t tell between this and the same toppings on a beef patty.
Parmesan & Garlic wings: I think The Wing Stop has spoiled me on this flavor. These were just lacking.
Thai Peanut: AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Honestly. It just seemed like they put peanut butter on wings. We did not taste any sort of even an attempt at Thai flavors. Very sad. And gross. We tried doctoring these up at home to see if we could salvage them… but they were a lost cause. Went straight in the trash.
Normally… we never have leftover wings. If we do, they barely last the next day. These however? My man eats a whole lot, but he won’t touch these.
I’m sorry, but if you have other choices for wings, go there first. Sorry.

I really wanted to love it. I love supporting new businesses. I love checking out businesses in under-​trafficked parts of town (I *think* this is West Ridge; someone correct me). I love wings. This seems like it should be a slam dunk. But, it wasn’t.
One thing I really like: it has a homey quality. The night I went, families were watching tv, laughing, hanging out, and children were running wildly and screaming. This may seem like a bad thing but, I think, it’s a great thing. it shows life, familiarity and ease. Why so serious, indeed. There are a ton of flavors and varieties and the prices are reasonable. So, there’s little worry of coming here and not finding something that interests you.
Because I had spent the day lounging, eating and watching my weight increase… I was tired. I bet you thought I was gonna say, «I was going to eat healthy.» Nope. Not that time (but I am trying the healthy thing). I was so tired, in fact, I didn’t want to bother with eating chicken off the bone. I wanted to just pop the whole thing in my mouth and keep it moving. That’s tired… or slothful. One of the two. So, I decided on the Cheese & Bacon & Honey BBQ boneless wings. I also ordered a side of garlic waffle fries. The boneless wings were… there. They didn’t have much of a flavor impact. They filled me up, but I didn’t taste much. I looked at them, anticipated some meaty, seasoned goodness, put them in my mouth, chewed… and that was it. I don’t know that I tasted anything. Perhaps I chose poorly. The portions and price are fantastic, so you won’t lose the house if you choose poorly but my selections should have been home runs. They were more like a Hit By Pitch. And, then there’s the fries. They were dangerously greasy. As in, I was breathing heavy and felt discomforted with every bite. Each initial chew came with a squish. I should have stopped eating them… but I couldn’t. I have a biological imperative to clean my plate.
It’s probably worth another try. Different flavors. Wings on the bone. Cheese waffle fries. It’s likely that I just had the misfortune of ordering the wrong thing during each go-​round. One last thing: I almost got run over by a car full of speeding teens as I attempted to leave. Hide ya wife. Hide ya kids. And hide ya husbands too — cuz they running everybody over out here.

In tune of «If I A’int Got You» by Alicia Keys
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Some people just order burgers.
Some people just order wings.
As for tonight, I wanted a burger.
So let me tell you something…
When I got home, I looked inside the brown paper bag.
And what I found was not what I ordered for dinner.
Some people want it all,
but I don’t want nothing at all
If I ain’t got you bacon.
And I ain’t get you bacon
I just wanted some barbecue sauce, tomatoes, and onions,
but I ain’t got you baby.
No, I ain’t get you baby.
Some people praise Cravin’s service.
Some people praise their wings.
I’ve got a bone to pick with the burgers.
Yeah I ain’t praising everything.
Burger was meh, lacked flavor
and hugged by a dry bun.
Sad and depressed, cuz I had a burger
without cheese and onions.
Some people want it all,
but I don’t want nothing at all
If I ain’t got you bacon.
And I ain’t get you bacon
I just wanted some barbecue sauce, tomatoes, and onions,
but i ain’t got you baby.
No, i ain’t get you baby.
[Cue the piano]

Mom and I decided to drop in today to further explore the menu. Mom loved her cheeseburger. I had fried mushrooms and teriyaki wings. Loved the shrooms, but I think I prefer the wings with the bone in them,
The service is really great and the place is roomy and very clean. We really loved the music they play … Sinatra, Nora Jones, Beatles, etc. So refreshing compared to so many places that play hip hop, rap or mindless current junk (yes I’m an old fart, but one with good taste in music).
We will be back again soon. I want to check out more wing options and mom wants to try their salads. Bravo!!!

Theres nothing better after a long day of work than coming home to some stellar take out! What do I find tonight? A sampling of Cravin’ Wings bestowed upon the dining table. Glorious…
I usually pass this place on the way home from work and it seems like theyre open pretty late. I usually get in the neighborhood around 9 and their lights are still on with people inside as I pass through. I was surprised to notice one of the side-​by-​side filipino places closed and a wings place opened in its place. Low and behold its also owned and operated by filipinos! hahah. If I had known that I wouldve tried them sooner. Yes, Im filipino. but it doesnt mean I have to support my kinsmen necessarily. Since when have you had the chance to sample a wing place with a filipino take on it?
Wings are seasoned/​sauced pretty creatively. Yes, wings are quite small. fairly close to bww size; but like previously mentioned, flavor makes up for the size.
–Teriyaki is on point. The sesame seeds and chopped green onion garnishes make their appearance in great fashion.
–Hawaiian was pretty good with the chilli flake, and pineapple purée. Who woulda thought to topped it off with coconut shaving.
–Cheese and Bacon didnt meet my salt/​grease expectations. Give me more bacon grease or sharper cheddar. my heart should hurt after eating «cheese/​bacon wings». Theres so much potential for this.
–Garlic Parmesan is usually one of my favorites. But they take a different approach on these than the norm. Usually wings are swimming in a garlic butter sauce with a blizzard of parm. Theirs are in a sea of minced garlic w/​chicken grease. not much butter evident and a seemingly light sprinkle of parm.
–Medium was like any other buffalo wings. Im pretty much over heat in wings. Im out for more unique flavors.
Having only a sample of what they offer, I definately have to stop in.
A. because I had take out left overs.
B. because there is more on their menu.
C. because the mention of the friendly staff is inviting.
D. because the thought of having in house rice with my fresh wings has to be realized!
Hopefully sooner than later.

Awesome wings! Great staff. And it’s in the ‘hood!!!
If you like heat, get the Chicago fire. They have diced up jalapenos over them.
The owner (who was wearing a name tag) Gil, came up to my sister and I and informed us of the new creation (Chicago Inferno) he is preparing to debut in a week or so. I can’t wait!
Keep up the good work!

I have a good feeling about this restaurant…
The food is delicious, the people working have a positive vibe & IT SERVES CHICKEN WINGS! You must try the Hawaiian wings… different than anything you’ve had elsewhere. The other options are also tasty, but the Hawaiian one stands out.
My favorite though is the burger with mushrooms, swiss & provelone. Get a side of garlic fries with it.
For a restaurant that’s brand spanking new, it had a decent crowd on the 3 – 4 times I’ve stopped in. The word appears to be spreading on the street about this place…

This is the very first review I’m writing on Unilocal,and I think Cravin’ deserves it.
It just opened last week, and I’ve been there twice already! I love chicken wings and good company; I loved their wings and friendly staff the first time I went with a couple of friends and decided to go back 2 days later with 14 more friends for a birthday dinner.
I love their sweet potato waffle fries. The Spicy Italian Garlic wings were tasty & interesting. I also had Medium, Bacon & Cheese, Smokey Honey BBQ. The medium was good; different than other medium wings I’ve had but I liked it. As for the Bacon & Cheese, I’m not too big of a fan. And I love the BBQ wings; I got them again the second time I went, and I’m definitely going to keep getting them.
Also, you’re bound to meet Gil, the owner/​manager… He’s awesome; very friendly, welcoming, and has a great sense of humor. He’ll come over to your table to ask how everything’s going and maybe even chat with you a bit.
I brought 14 people to celebrate a friend’s birthday. I called Cravin’ an hour beforehand asking if they can accommodate our party; I’m pretty sure it was Gil that answered the phone. He said «Thanks for warning us!» When we got there, Gil already had a row of tables waiting for us. All my friends liked the food! When we were almost done eating, I brought in surprise cupcakes and we sang happy birthday. The staff all came by our table to wish him a happy birthday, busted out the disco lights, and even some karaōke birthday music. Thanks!
Forgot to mention, I love how they don’t charge for celery and ranch/​bleu cheese dressing. I love ranch & celery with my wings!
However, their wings are pretty small. I think they’re about the same size as Buffalo Wild Wings’. And they don’t give out free water. My friends were complaining about how they didn’t know they were going to get charged for bottled water until they had to pay. They started off with soda cans and water bottles, but now they have fountain drinks… so maybe they give out free water now?
Anyways, I’m definitely going back!

So after years (a couple decades actually) of Filipino stores and random dance clubs populating this little strip mall, a chicken wing place has descended from the meat heavens, hoping for success.
I tried the Hawaiian, garlic parmesan, mild, chicago fire, cheese and bacon, and BBQ. I must say the wings were hit and miss. The mild were pretty flavorful. The Chicago Fire wings supposedly are their hottest wings; they were pretty tasty, but not crazy hot as advertised. The Hawaiian had coconut shavings which was an inspired idea. The cheese and bacon wings tasted like a loaded potato wedge similar to the appetizers served in bars; they were pretty good. The garlic parmesan you can pass on, it was the blechs. The sweet potato fries were ok, but the rest of the fries were soggy and disappointing.
I give this place a skeptical 4, but more like a 3.61. It gets a boost to 4 because of the convenience and the very friendly and enthusiastic staff. Also, they were playing the Michael Jordan Flu Game from the 1997 NBA Finals on the TV, so I knew I was in the right spot.
I am anxious to try the burgers as well as the other items on the menu. I will definitely come back.