Fricano’s Pizza Tavern
1400 Fulton St, Grand Haven, MI, 49417
Fricano’s Pizza Tavern Menu
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Diabetics at TGI Friday
If you're a diabetic, then you must be extra careful while dining at TGI Friday. Try the salad menu at TGI Friday to keep your sugar and sodium intake in check. Soups are great to keep you full and satisfied without munching on the unhealthy greased meat-based dishes on TGI Friday menu.
Foods to Avoid at TGI Friday for Diabetics:
Sugar and sodium intake are crucial if you have diabetes. While the salads are the best option for you at TGI Friday, it is recommended to avoid the Pecan-Crusted Chicken Salad containing over 1000 calories and 1,650mg sodium. Also, skip Warm Pretzels with Craft Beer-Cheese dipping sauce as it contains more than 3000mg sodium. It is wise to skip the dessert for diabetics, especially the Brownie Obsession topped with Vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and pecans.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at TGI Friday
Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce
Nutritional Facts: 560 calories, 33g (Tans. Fat 1g & Sat. Fat 16g), 790mg sodium, 37g carbs, 2g sugar, 6g fiber, 27g Protein
Chicken Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken (Lunch portion) with Caesar Dressing
Nutritional Facts: 310 calories, 28g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 800mg sodium, 38g carbs, 3g sugar, 2g fiber, 11g Protein
Kids Meal Chicken Sandwich
Nutritional Facts: 310 calories, 14g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 700mg sodium, 26g carbs, 3g sugar, 2g fiber, 22g Protein
Kid's Side - Seasoned Fries
Nutritional Facts: 320 calories, 16g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3g), 810mg sodium, 40g carbs, 0g sugar, 5g fiber, 5g Protein
Kid's Side - Fresh Fruit
Nutritional Facts: 45 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 0mg sodium, 12g carbs, 10g sugar, 1g fiber, 1g Protein
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® - Tea - English Breakfast
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® - Tea - Mint Green
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
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High Blood Pressure at TGI Friday
Most foods served at TGI Friday are high in sodium and could be a health risk if you are concerned with your blood pressure levels. You can always opt for salads or soups. However, you must check the sodium levels in burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and desserts before ordering.
Foods to Avoid at TGI Friday for High Blood Pressure
While the salads are healthy at TGI Friday, you must skip the Pecan-Crusted Chicken Salad. You should also avoid Jack Daniel's Ribs and Shrimp at TGI Fridays for its high sodium content. Appetizers are the best to ensure that you don't eat too much while dining outside. However, you must skip Warm Pretzels with Craft Beer-Cheese Dipping sauce as one serving of this contains over 3000mg sodium.
Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at TGI Friday
Caesar Salad with Breadstick with Caesar Dressing
Nutritional Facts: 440 calories, 31g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 7g), 720mg sodium, 33g carbs, 4g sugar, 3g fiber, 9g Protein
House Salad with Breadstick
Nutritional Facts: 220 calories, 8g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 330mg sodium, 29g carbs, 5g sugar, 3g fiber, 8g Protein
Kid's Dessert - Vanilla Ice Cream
Nutritional Facts: 460 calories, 26g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 17g), 170mg sodium, 39g carbs, 5g sugar, 0g fiber, 6g Protein
Kids Meal Pasta & Marinara
Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 2g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 150mg sodium, 46g carbs, 7g sugar, 4g fiber, 9g Protein
Kid's Side - Carrots w/ Ranch 150
Nutritional Facts: 150 calories, 14g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 340mg sodium, 7g carbs, 3g sugar, 1g fiber, 1g Protein
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® - Coffee - Black/Decaf
Nutritional Facts: 5 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 5mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Espresso
Nutritional Facts: 5 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 5mg sodium, 1g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
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High Cholesterol at TGI Friday
Fat and calorie count are normally high at American diners and TGI Friday is no exception in that case. Too greasy and fried items will not only boost your calorie intake but also increase your bad cholesterol levels. You should make smart choices while dining at TGI Friday if you have cholesterol issues.
Foods to Avoid at TGI Friday for High Cholesterol
TGI Fridays are also famous for their ribs and steak. However, it is in the best interest of those concerned with high cholesterol to stay away from Jack Daniel's Ribs and Shrimp. Desserts are a big NO for you if you are worried about your high cholesterol levels. It is recommended to skip all kinds of desserts, especially the Brownie Obsession. You should also skip the meat burgers and sandwiches at TGI Fridays as these items are high in saturated fat which can elevate your LDL levels.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at TGI Friday
Traditional Wings BBQ
Nutritional Facts: 500 calories, 24g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 7g), 790mg sodium, 29g carbs, 24g sugar, 1g fiber, 44g Protein
Grilled Chicken Pecan & Blue Cheese Salad (Lunch portion)
Nutritional Facts: 480 calories, 21g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 870mg sodium, 30g carbs, 8g sugar, 10g fiber, 66g Protein
Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard ((Hand-Breaded)
Nutritional Facts: 440 calories, 33g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 700mg sodium, 26g carbs, 8g sugar, 1g fiber, 11g Protein
Kid's Side - Side Salad
Nutritional Facts: 45 calories, 2g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1g), 90mg sodium, 5g carbs, 1g sugar, 1g fiber, 2g Protein
Kid's Side - Mandarin Oranges
Nutritional Facts: 60 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 10mg sodium, 14g carbs, 14g sugar, 1g fiber, 1g Protein
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® - Tea - Apricot
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Grand Haven for healthy meals suggestion.
Q & A on TGI Friday
Can Vegans eat on TGI Friday?
TGI Friday has launched Vegan food options The Beyond Meat Cheeseburger, fries and salads which can be enjoyed by vegan lovers. Though we would advise you to get confirmation from the server at the TGI Friday outlet before ordering the food item.
Does TGI Fridays have vegetarian food?
TGI Friday have options of burgers made from plant-based ingredients which are grilled and seasoned with cheddar cheese, red onions, tomatoes, pickles and lettuce. One can also go for fries, salads or juices.
Does TGI Friday have happy hours?
The happy hour on TGI Friday happens every Friday. Chief marketing officer of TGI Friday says that “people now don't operate on a 9 to 5 schedule”. Thus the company is giving out one whole day when customers can enjoy their favourite meal at pocket-friendly rates.
Is TGI Friday closed on holidays?
TGI Friday is opened on most of the holidays except Easter Sunday and Christmas Day.
What are TGI Friday Opening and Closing Time?
The American restaurant chain is established on some of the largest cities like Miami, Las Vegas, Boston, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston etc. TGI Friday regular restaurant hours from Monday to Sunday is 11:00 AM – 01:00 AM.
How do I find the nearest TGI Friday Restaurant?
There are over 800 TGI Friday restaurants in the United States. The best way to search the nearest TGI Friday location is by using our Restaurant Listings Directory.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
About TGI Friday
TGI Friday is a casual dining American restaurant chain founded in 1965. The term “TGI” is an acronym for Thank God It's and together the name of the restaurant is often announced as Thank God It's Friday. Over the years of its existence, the TV commercials and other advertisement streams have also twisted the phrase a bit and used it as Thank Goodness It's Friday. The restaurant serves alcoholic beverages primarily. However, they are also known for their low-carbohydrate and low-fat menu items to promote a healthy lifestyle. TGI Friday also offers gluten-free items on its menu for those with gluten intolerance.
Besides the cool name, TGI Friday also has an interesting background story of its origin. The founder of the restaurant Alan Stillman lived in a New York-based neighbourhood full of a young crowd, especially girls from the airline and fashion industry. He started the first TGI Friday restaurant in New York in the hope of meeting single women as there weren't any such public place for young men and women to meet. He invested $5000 on his own and borrowed another $5000 from his mother to buy a bar named The Good Tavern and renamed the premise to Thank God It's Friday, inspired from an expression during his time at Bucknell University.
Healthy Food Options at TGI Friday
TGI Friday is a casual dining American restaurant chain serving burgers, sandwiches, steaks & ribs, salads, soups, and desserts. You got to be somewhat cautious while dining at TGI Friday if you are health conscious. You can always opt for light items such as salads or soups to start with. You can also prefer seafood over chicken or other meat to ensure a healthy meal at TGI Friday.
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Address :
1400 Fulton St
Grand Haven, MI, 49417 - Phone (616) 842-8640
- Website https://www.fricanospizza.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 12:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
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Cailey T.
I grew up loving Fricano's and still think it's really good. The only food offered is a one size thin pizza. I suggest ordering one pizza per adult if coming on an empty stomach since they don't make bread sticks or side salads. They offer a limited amount of toppings (pepperoni, sausage, green pepper, mushroom, anchovies) and they do not have ranch dressing or Parmesan cheese. They don't accept credit cards, but they do have an ATM machine inside so no worries if you didn't bring cash.
(4)Jerry C.
Best pizza in Michigan! Always great service, and the crust is like pastry. The toppings are perfect and never needs any extra help with like spicy peppers or salt. I love their quaint building, a lot of history and character!
(5)Ginger W.
Yum yum yum! Perfect size, perfect amount of toppings and sauce ( I got the mushroom and cheese). My husband who normally doesn't like thin crust loved it and gives it a very solid 10 :) I know the mushrooms are canned but I think it adds to the charm. I love it inside very old school pizzeria. My only complaint was waitress spent way more time sitting at the bar then she did refilling our drinks :( I would defiantly eat here again. P.s the kids making the pizza seemed to be having a great time. Fun atmosphere. :)
(4)Nick K.
Best pizza in the world. Nothing compares. Nuff said
(5)Sara H.
Greatest pizza I've ever had. I ate part of a double-cheese with a friend, looked up at him and we simultaneously nodded agreeing that we'd need one more pie to satiate ourselves!! Herby, thin-crusted heaven.
(5)Ted S.
Absolutely not your everyday kind of pizza, which is what makes it great. And people come from all over Michigan to get it. Get some for yourself.
(4)Scott J.
Pretty much the worst pizza ever. You're better off buying a 99 cent Jeno's at the grocery store. I don't get why people think this is good. Perhaps they've never tasted anything else???? As a side note, my 3 year old refers to this as the "yucky pizza place."
(1)Talisha J.
I love thin crust pizza but the toppings on the pizza were only fresh out of a can. The grease was real. If you prefer fresh toppings and a flavorful crust, save your money.
(2)CC J.
Pleasantly surprised that this pizza is thin crust and crispy. Excellent and real New York style pizza. We're from New York and Connecticut so we are pretty knowledgeable about our pizza! Thin crust is the best! Thank you Fricano's!!! We will be back!!
(5)Monica P.
My boyfriend and I went there for dinner tonight (around 915 pm) and were truly disappointed. After hearing and reading how great the pizza was here we were excited to try it, but were only let down. They don't take cards (have an atm there though that charges you) and don't have much choices for pizza. They are semi expensive for the bland flavoring. There isn't much sauce on them either so you are basically eating thin crust and and cheese. I won't go there again. Definitely not worth the one of he best in Michigan's rating.
(2)Tim L.
Good pizza! Really thin and crispy crust. We did take out. If you are feeding teens, then it is one pizza per kid. While I thought it was a little pricey, I thought the pizza was very tasty!
(4)Melissa M.
I grew up eating here and I like how little it has changed. Still local, still a wait, still cash only, still simple, still amazing. Don't like it? Go to a crappy chain restaurant:)
(5)John P.
The best pizza in the country! Really unique thin crust that you can't get anywhere else.
(5)MELEK L.
First things first. They ONLY serve pizza. They ONLY accept cash and check. The pizza is only served one style. Super thin. And there are only a few toppings; pepperoni, sausage, green pepper, mushrooms, anchovys. The pizza is good, but I like a little more variety. Salad? Garlic bread? This would be a 4 star review, but I sat and watched a girl who worked there. She sat down to eat then got up and handled the pizza, cutting them. Then she sat down and ate more and got up to cut more pizza. All without washing her hands. Now, I am no food safety expert, but I'm pretty sure that isn't cool. At least in my book, it's not!
(3)Johnny S.
Very fragrant pizza parlor. The aroma of oregano and other herbs are irresistible. The pizza is good but would be better if it was baked directly in the oven instead of on that saboteur of an aluminum tray which blocks the oven's direct heat and results in an undercooked limp crust. You can order your pizza well done, which helps the crust, but causes the top to be a bit too done for my liking. The limited old school toppings are a joy to behold as well as the authentic character of the space, no douchebag designer has had a chance to ruin this place yet. Overall a great local experience.
(3)Heidi P.
Pizza is my favorite food so I've eaten A LOT of it in my lifetime, and I consider myself to be quite the pizza efficienado. :-) Fricano's pizza is my favorite of any I've had, ANYWHERE in the world (including my own homemade pizza, which happens to be the favorite of my husband and 7 grandkids). I've eaten at the original Fricano's in Grand Haven SEVERAL times over the years, starting when I was a child (I'm 50 yrs old now). Imagine my delight when the one in Muskegon opened up! Though the atmosphere at each location differs greatly, there is no distinguishable difference in the taste or quality of the pizza between the two stores. The Grand Haven Fricano's is in an old, converted, two-story house. Back in the day, particularly during the summer months, it was not unusual when, 9 times out of 10, folks would be lined up out both the front and back doors. Until recent years, there wasn't even a/c but people didn't care because the pizza is THAT GOOD. The Muskegon store is in an old, renovated piano factory on Muskegon Lake, near Hartshorn Marina. If you are lucky enough to get a table near the large picture windows, the views of the lake can be spectacular, especially in the summer when you can watch the boats serenely gliding by or anchored in the harbor. Even if you aren't a pizza fan (Heaven forbid!), it's worth a visit just to see what they've done to the insides of the building and/or to admire the scenery on the lake. Now, more about the pizza itself. I've heard it said that people either love Fricano's pizza or they hate it. Thank goodness, I don't personally know anyone who doesn't like it; however, given it's uniqueness, I can sort of understand why there might be those (misguided) folks who don't care for it. The only food Fricano's sells (other than small bags of salty snacks...chips and the like) is pizza. They offer only one size (14"), only one type of crust (extremely thin), and only 5 different toppings (pepperoni, Italian sausage, canned mushrooms, green pepper and, surprisingly, anchovies). Also, because of their proprietary cheese blend, the pizzas tend to be rather greasy (nothing a napkin or two can't fix). Usually, when my family and friends go, most everyone orders their own pie; except, perhaps, the small children, as some of the adults will (rather reluctantly) share a slice or two from theirs. It's one of the few pizzas I've had that tastes ALMOST as good reheated as it does when it's fresh out of the oven (I'm extremely lucky, in that my husband doesn't like leftover pizza so I get his). They also have a fairly extensive bar with well drinks, mixed/blended drinks, wine, beer, coffee and, of course, soda (pop). At the Muskegon location, there is even an ice cream shop on the lower level of the building - A great place for a nummy dessert, on the SLIGHT chance that you have room left in your tummy after dinner.
(5)Jason L.
Fricanos is the first place I go to eat when I'm back home visiting GH. My favorite pizza.
(5)M S.
If you want thin crust pizza, this is the place- but be aware, that is all they serve. Thin crust pizza with your choice of five toppings. That's it. No appetizers.
(3)Gabbi J.
I know it's a favorite around Grand Haven but I found the pizza to be so thin & not crispy enough that it became kind of flimsy/limp and it had too much oregano seasoning for me. If you dislike this kind of pizza then I'd suggest somewhere else like Peppinos or Mr. Scrib's. Otherwise, enjoy!
(2)Steve K.
After reading various reviews of pizza places in and around Grand Haven, we decided to give this place a shot, and it was well worth it. I cannot say this was the BEST pizza we've ever eaten, but it was very, very good indeed. Thin crust, but NOT saltine cracker crunchy like many thin crust pizzas are. They DO only have five toppings, and DO only make one size (12") but they are all good. A tad greasy? Yup. But "old fashioned" pizza is SUPPOSED to be a tad greasy. Low brow? Yup again. But that sort of defines my expectations of a classic "pizza joint." Our bartender/waiter, Mike, was welcoming and a delightful young man, and while the cabernet we ordered looked to come out of a 5 gallon jug, it wasn't bad. Certainly as good as a typical chianti one might find at a pizza place. All in all, a great little hole-in-the-wall pizza place. I would DEFINITELY return. Cash only, but they DO have an ATM on-site.
(4)Meghann B.
First let me say this, my boyfriend and I are from the east side of the state and we have our favorite pizza places out there (i.e. Tomatoes Apizza, Supino's and Del's) We were out here for a vacation and decided that this place looked good, we were wrong. We arrive at the restaurant and are promptly ignored for a good five to ten minutes. It's a Friday night so hey, maybe they are super swamped (except they aren't). Someone finally comes up and tells us there's a table in the back we can have. Great! We get there and they don't have menus, what they have are place mats with topping choices on it, no prices, no sizes. Okay so they are trying to be kitschy. We see they also only take cash, ok... so they're saving money on menus, no credit cards and oh yeah paper plates. This pizza should be really good since they certainly aren't focusing on the environment. We FINALLY get our pizzas, ten minutes after the couple next to us who arrived five minutes after us got theirs, and they look great! Thin, crispy on top and the perfect amount of toppings. I pick up a slice and it droops down like a wet noodle, the bottom is raw. So the edges are burnt and crispy but the bottom is soft and soggy. Come to find out they cook the pizza on a serving tray rather than a cooking tray or no tray at all, so the bottom doesn't get cooked through. We ate as much as we could stand, not much, and left the rest for the garbage where it belongs. Thoroughly disappointed, we go pay (in cash) and witness them in the kitchen cutting their pizza with the same scissors for every pizza, yet another thing to save money on. All in all I would rather eat three day old frozen pizza than eat here again. If you're in Grand Haven and want pizza, save everyone the hassle, avoid these cheap so and so's and just order Jet's.
(1)Bill D.
The originals! Rated one of the best pizzas in the state. It has been a family favorite for generations! Nothing is like it!
(5)Robert D.
I didn't grow up on this pizza or in MI for that matter but to me this is the best pizza. I love thin crust which is all they serve. If you are a deep dish fan you'll be disappointed. The pizza only comes in one size but you can choose from the ususal toppings. Those who are used to having more choices ala Pizza Hut will not like it here. There is nothing fancy about this place or its location. You either love it or you hate it. I love it. P.S. no credit cards.
(5)Kristan W.
From most of the reviews you can gather that this place is an old standby, but I'm not a local and definitely not drunk on nostalgia. So this is an outsiders perspective, but a pizza lover none the less. I've had New York slices in the Big Apple, Deep dish in the windy city and every frozen pizza, pizza chain and pizza on a bagel in between. Okay, pizza cred established. This place definitely feels like you're stepping back in time - from the decor to the retro paper place mats. I enjoy that sort of thing though. What you might miss though, is that at the bottom of the place mat is the menu - it's THAT short. Pizza, one size, like 4 topping choices, no bread sticks, no dipping sauces, NO PARM, no credit cards. The limitation makes you feel somewhat claustrophobic, but it smells like pizza so you feel safe. Order two pies, one sausage and one pepperoni. The pizzas are the thinnest I've ever had and taste okay. Better than frozen on account of the fresher ingredients, but not something that blows you away. It was just ok and yeah I'd eat it again. I respectfully disagree with anyone that says this is the best pizza. I'm sorry, but you have to broaden your pizza horizons. This is perhaps the most middle of the road pizza I've ever had. I do want to make it clear that I am not dissing this place on its simplicity, only its mediocrity. Big difference.
(3)Amy M.
So this was my 1st visit to the Grand Haven location. I was surprised that the menu is different from the Alpine location in GR! The pizza was good, service was ok. We had 10 people - 9 of whom were drinking water and we had one carafe. Took a few times asking to get more. They were busy & our server seemed a little rushed which is a turn off for me. Her attempt to get us to order quickly was to suggest we start off with a few & order more later if we want more. I get it in a way but with only 5 topping options 1 or 2 minutes would have given us all the time we needed. The crust also seemed as though it could have been cooked a little bit longer which added to the feeling that they were in a hurry. This is in an old house so there isn't really an area to wait for your table & no air conditioning. Luckily we were seated by a bunch of windows so it wasn't too bad. There seemed to be a few other larger groups there that evening & everyone was seated relatively quickly, we waited about 15 min.
(3)Jackie L.
I have had alot of pizza... especially for the 8 months that I lived in Italy, and let me just say that fricanos tastes authentic. It is a very distinct taste, so I understand that it is not for everyone, but it is for those with tastebuds for pizza and actually enjoy FLAVOR. The sauce has seasoning yet slightly sweet, just like they do in Italy. Normally, I hate getting sausage on my pizza, but Fricanos uses the toppings to compliment the sauce, and the sausage does just that. Everytime I visit home (Grand Haven), my family knows my wish to have a night of Fricano's pizza.
(5)Shirley V.
My husband would kill me if he read my review of this place. My husband is from Grand Rapids originally and LOVES this place. He comes back to Fricano's every time he is in town from California. I thought that the people who worked here were super nice. It felt like a family business with these really nice people smiling as they took our orders and served our food. And I love the idea of having thing crusted pizza given that my husband is diabetic and I think, in general, having a thinner crust is better overall if you are concerned about carb consumption. With all that said, the pizza wasn't very good. I thought that the pizza seasoning that they topped the pizza with was just too much. I mean I like oregano and such but it was overkill and it did just that--killed the taste of the pizza. My kids LOVE pizza (who doesn't right?) but they did not like the pizza here. To give a point of reference, they love Costco pizza, Round Table Pizza (which is a chain out in California with yummy pizza), zPizza (which serves pizza with only organic ingredients), frozen pizza. But they both did not like the pizza here. I think that if they stuck with their standard pizza sauce with mozzarella cheese that it would've been good. But they just sprinkled so much of that pizza seasoning over it that it's all my boys and I tasted. I felt like they also added parmesan to it because it tasted saltier than the standard pizza. I have to say, however, that all of the Michigan natives who have grown up with this loved it the same way as they loved it years ago. So I will continue to follow my Michigan family here. My boys actually preferred the tacos that I had purchased before coming to Fricano's. Hopefully the next time we come, they'll hold back on that pizza seasoning and let the customers sprinkle it at their own discretion. Otherwise, we'll have to bring our own tacos. ;) That's another thing--they didn't seem to mind that I brought my own food!
(2)Andrew F.
Uniquely Grand Haven, serving ONLY pizza with ONLY five topping options. Very thin crust, very cheesy/greasy/excellent. Grand Haven is known to have many local cult favorites and Fricanos ranks among the most beloved. While outsiders may not "get" a lot of these cult favorites, the first-timer here will at least appreciate the uniqueness of the pizza and the small-town, hole-in-the-wall ambience. you owe it to yourself to try these pies and weigh in for yourself. Cash or check only!
(5)Dustin J.
Just moved back into Grand Haven for the summer and was looking for a good place to go grab a pizza. All my Google/Yelp searches kept pointing to this place. After seeing all the raving fans I figured I had to go try it while the summer was young and the lines were shorter. I have to say it was pretty damn good. I see where some people's reviews are coming from, but I'm not a terribly picky eater and I'm easy to please. I think the spices and the slightly burnt thin crust really topped it off for me, else I would have said it was an average pizza. I'll probably go back at least once before I leave the area at the end of the summer. After posting to Facebook I was surprised at the number of friends who recognized where I was. Growing up in west Michigan I'm almost slightly ashamed I had never heard of this place before.
(4)Julia D.
Fricano's is definitely uniquely west Michigan and if you want true Fricano's you really have to go to the Grand Haven location and not the others. Eating here and eating the pizza is an experience. The restaurant is a whole in the wall and service is mediocre. The crust is thin and pretty greasy and the toppings (although limited) are flavorful. If you are looking for a thicker crust pizza or Chicago style pizza, you aren't going to love Fricano's. We usually order 1 per person (depending on who is eating) and get it for take out. And you better have cash with you. Overall, if you aren't looking for the Fricano's experience in terms of a whole in the wall and thin crust pizza, you won't like it, but if you are open to trying something new and appreciating Fricano's for what it is - a local tradition - you'll probably enjoy it.
(4)Kevin K.
Very unique pizza place. They only serve pizza, and it's only one size, 12 oz. they only take cash or check, and they cut up your pizza with scissors. They charge for refills on sodas but the total bill for my, and my wife's dinner was $11. Despite the low price the pizza was outstanding. Very tasty and looks like something you would make at home. And by the way, all thin crust.
(5)Kathy G.
This place makes one thing and one thing only: thin-crust pizza. It's a bit greasy, but still good. They only offer 5 toppings - so you better like one of them : Italian Sausage, Pepperoni, Mushroom, Green Pepper, and Anchovies. It's not very filling, so if you have more than 3 people with you, I would order 2. Pizza is the only thing they offer on the menu, so don't expect to get any sides like breadsticks or salad. My friend made the mistake of asking for an appetizer and the waitress pointed to the bags of Doritos hanging on the wall. The atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired, so don't expect much. Old fashioned place that hasn't been updated in a long time.
(4)V S.
This place was started in 1949 and has served generations of Grand Haven families. For this reason, it is beloved by many locals. The decor and process is very old school. They cut the pizzas with scissors. The actual restaurant is a dilapidated house. But in a way this gives it kind of a cool vibe. The actual pizza is palatable enough but definitely not the best in Michigan. I wouldn't even call it the best in GH. Most of the ingredients aren't too fresh. It tastes good for the first slice or two but always gives me a gut ache.
(3)Jeanine B.
Wow. Okay, so pizza is a personal thing. And this place is MY kindof place. It is a thinner crust pizza. The menu has only 6 or so items to choose from. Very limited, but you don't need all those choices. It was phenomenal. Priced well also. I loved the pizza. And its history is the first pizzeria in western michigan. Open since WWI. Decor is outdated- and who cares? The place is packed! It opens at 5pm. I am totally hooked. Love this place.
(5)Dawn M.
Found this place via Yelp. Gotta say, driving over there, thought maybe we were in the wrong part of town - but kept going. Glad we did - pizza was the *best*. It took me 2 days to stop thinking about how yummy it was. I was ordering from a mobile device - so was winging the order - no menu, no experience with them. Asked for our normal order, and was told they don't have olives. So apparantly they have a somewhat limited list of toppings. Ordered good old pepperoni, with extra sauce. Was admittedly sceptical. Picked it up, ate it and wow! There was a great flavour of paremesan and the slightly burnt edge of the extremely thin pizza was the perfect compliment. Everyone loved it. Suggestion - double your order. (If you usually order 1x 13", order 2 here.) I didn't go inside. Hubby thought interior was "interesting" and said he wished we had gone in to eat.... hmm... So next time we're in Grand Haven, that will be what we do, just to check out the culture of the establishment. I suspect it's a bit "rustic" based on the outside. Recommend: Yes Return: Yes
(5)L. E. N.
I love this pizza!!! Very popular place located in a historic home. Always a good choice to eat.
(5)Timothy G.
The beautiful wife grew up in the area, and this pizza has some sort of opiate-like addictive quality for her. Now, I think it's pretty good (and really cheap). I like the flakiness of the crust and their sausage is really flavorful (but not spicy, if you fear that). Though as a East Coast type of guy, it's impossible to fold (but they cut the pies into eighths, so you really don't need to). The mushrooms are weird -- per their web site, they say they're imported (so I assume canned at some point), but there's just that inherit canned mushroom sliminess about them. Which isn't necessarily bad, but you sort of have to be in the mood for that (drinking helps). Finally, the sauce. Or lack therefore of. These are really lightly sauced pizzas, which again, isn't bad, but at the same time, I barely remember getting any tomato taste (then again, see the part about drinking). Overall, it's pretty damn good and I have no problem indulging the wife's addiction when we're in the area.
(4)Steve Y.
BEST PIZZA IN LIFE! I order one for my self every time.. the cheese is the secret ingredient. Make sure you bring cash because I'm pretty sure they only accept cash at this one.
(5)Food F.
Eating here is a local tradition, but the pizza is greasy and tasteless. Notice in the reviews people who like this place like it because they either grew up in Grand Haven, or visited here as kids. Come here for the memories, go elsewhere for good pizza.
(2)Rachel A.
Wow, this pizza was HORRIBLE. I thought maybe some of the bad reviewers just had an off night or something and gave it a try given the history and decent number of good reviews, but wow, this was terrible. I would have rather spent the $10 on a DiGiorno's from the grocery store. It was greasy, soggy, limp, overly salty and with poor quality toppings. I can think of at least 6 pizza places in my small Chicago suburb that all have far better quality pizza. Save your money and go to Meijer's frozen food section instead.
(1)Field R.
Fricano's is one of the places you either love, or you hate. It was the first pizza restaurant to have opened in Michigan. Gus and Tom Fricano came back from the second world war, could not find a job, so bought an old tavern in the factory district of Grand Haven. Being Italian guys, in a Dutch town, they had some problems... and beer was not quite enough to make it all work. Their mother suggested they add this thing called pizza... and the family has never looked back. You might have to wait awhile on a Friday or Saturday evening to get in, but it is worth it. They have never adjusted their "menu" (one item) to respond to trends. Not Chicago style... not "Deep Dish" ... But Fricano style! In Grand Haven, the people who have lived there for awhile are split into two "never the twain shall meet" worlds: fans of Fricano's. and fans of another place, the name of which will not be disclosed by me! My family have been fans since the 1940s. We make a complete meal out of our experience there by bringing in a fresh salad. This is something the restaurant encourages. They will even clean your bowl. We have on other occasions brought in birthday cakes! One more thing: they only have a few ingredients: cheese, mushrooms, green peppers, pepperoni, Italian sausage, anchovies. They have been "known to add more" if you bring other ingredients in! The pizza is a bit on the "oily" side, so I recommend ordering your pizza "well done, but not burned." The third generation are working there now. It is very likely the person waiting on your table will be a member of the family. One anecdote about this fun place: years ago, after a wine tasting, a bunch of us decided to go for pizza. We decided to have a pizza tasting. So the debate began, Fricano's, or "that other place." I knew Fricano's would not mind if we brought in pizzas from other places to try, so that is where we went. Needless to say, there was a bit of a stir over what we did, but as Tom Fricano, who was there that evening said, "well, we get the booze business, so, why not?" You will love it or you won't!
(5)M N.
As evidenced by the long waits even in the dead of the Michigan winter, Fricano's Pizza is indisputably a West Michigan institution. People around here grow up on the stuff, and for many natives of the area, no other pie will do. For the rest of us who've grown up elsewhere and experienced pizza in all its various incarnations across the US and beyond, Fricano's is usually a love-it-or-hate-it affair. Much to the chagrin of my West Michigan friends and colleagues, I am not shy in proclaiming my utter disgust at Fricano's brand of circular slop. While the service in any of the locations is usually mediocre (Waitstaff has a tendency to either be crabby and abrupt, or lavish you with saccharine nicknames like "Hon") the pie itself is a disgrace to its Neapolitan predecessor. As mentioned in other reviews, there are only five toppings available. The acrid tang of aluminum in every bite alerts us to the fact that these toppings all apparently come from a can. The sausage is incredibly processed and salty... and oddly similar to the nuggets of gristle, grease, and caraway that appeared on the pizza they served in the Jr. High cafeteria. Hmmm... With the exception of the crust, which is reminiscent of a Denny's pancake complete with sopping grease (or a burnt pizza box; order your pie "well done" if you prefer a crispier bottom), Fricano's pizza is barely in the same league as Schwann's, DiGiorno, Red Baron or any other similar processed-food frisbee. For what it's worth, Fricano's has the local competition soundly beat in terms of product quality. And at a whopping $9 per pie, they must be doing one helluva business. That's a respectable accomplishment in this fiscally conservative corner of the Empire. For that reason, and that reason alone, I award two stars.
(2)James S.
Bottom line; not my style. Service was slow and crappy, pizza was paper thin; resembled more like cardboard with sauce and the place was just too crammed. I've been to pizza joints in Chicago and New York and it just doesn't get better than there. I don't care how long this place has been in Grand Haven-it may be the locals favorite but not mine.
(1)Mel V.
We've been coming here for over 50 years when we make our regular visits to Lake Michigan from SE MiI. Highlight of the summer. Worth any wait. Glad they finally Got A/C.
(5)Mari K.
My boyfriend loves this place. I liked it fine but would have liked at least a salad to balance the carbs. They only have 2 veggie toppings; skip the mushrooms (they're canned). Like the thin crust.
(4)Mike J.
This place follows the rule keep it simple! One size pizza and only a few toppings (any combination). The pizza is very thin and very good. And, they have good beers from around the area. Prices are reasonable.
(5)ellen h.
you either love fricano's or you don't. i happen to love it, but i can't eat it all the time. when i do, though, there is nothing else like it. let a little grease drip off of your slices, and savor the thin almost pie-dough like crust. also, i only really like the grand haven spot. i think it's the ovens and the building - they've been baking the same pizzas for decades. yum!
(5)Scott R.
Fricano's is a Grand Haven original. I didn't like it so much as a kid but I grew to love it and now get it at least once a month. It's greasy and they have limited toppings but, in my opinion, that is what makes this pizza so good. I order it with everything (anchovies on the side) and a little well done. I can almost eat a whole pizza with one or two pieces left for breakfast.
(5)Sandi B.
Hands-down, Fricano's is the best pizza in West Michigan...7 inches of thin-cheesy-flaky-goodness. Like many others, I crave this stuff - It makes me happy. The pizza is heaven, the restaurant is plain, utter simplicity. Fricano's Grand Haven Tavern is an old house in the middle of a residential neighborhood/industrial area that serves perfect pizza on paper plates...and that's it. If that's enough for you (as it is for me)...Stop by the ATM (cash only) and get ready to burn your mouth on the cheese, and drink cold beer from a pitcher. Don't even think about sharing one...you'll want one all to yourself. The place isn't much as far as atmosphere...not for the picky diner: no apps, no salad, no kids menu...nothing but pizza...but it's Fricano's pizza!
(5)Kenn T.
Holy Frijoles Batman, Don't forget the Grease Bucket! As a local (have been, always will be) I have visited the institution of Fricano's many times. In Grand Haven, when you say Pizza, everyone knows it's Fricanos. The rest are just typical Ho-Hum Lower Peninsula Wannabes. You can tell a true Fricano's Pizza lover by the Pizza Stains running down the front of his/her shirt (mostly Grease, with a little sauce mixed in.) And did I mention the delicious gooey cheese? It'll stretch for miles when hot. But the real Fricano's connoisseur is best recognized the next morning nursing the wild case of heartburn brought on by the grease that didn't make it onto his shirt. Oh yes, the gift that keeps on giving. ENJOY, like a native!
(5)Michael V.
Since I listed this as my favorite pizza in my profile, I thought I should expand. I grew up on Fricano's, so I can't promise that neophytes will have the same reaction, but for my money, this is the ultimate pizza. Greasy, thin, burned on the sides and you'll still be tasting the sausage the next day. Probably best to take out -- the restaurant itself isn't big on atmosphere (or air conditioning, if I recall correctly). Take-out also lets much of the grease soak into the cardboard -- it truly becomes your "window to weight gain," as Dr. Nick once said.
(5)Dean K.
I love everything about it. Nice and homey (but hot in the summer inside) and the pizza is pretty unique and so tasty - especially the crispy thin crust. I also, for some reason, like the paper wrapper. Order a pizza per person, trust me.
(5)Cristin L.
This has to be the worst pizza I have ever had. When I lived in West MI, everyone would reccommend this place. As a Chicago transplant, I was sceptical. I took a date there, knowing I would not get the "good Chicago thin crust" I was raised on, but with the fanfare I was optimistic. There is one size and five toppings. My date and I can shamefully eat a 14 inch pizza together in chicago. We did not finish this pizza, that bad. The pizza was gooey and greasy and had canned veggies, and meat that was not made fresh (perhaps frozen) It was really a nasty taste Do not let the lines fool you. Drive up the road to Clover Bar for pretty good MI pizza.
(1)Caz S.
If I went to high school in Grand Haven my pre-prom date would be at Fricano's. Thin, greasy crust with enough cheese to clog a marathon runner's arteries. Some say New Orleans is the best for greasy, bad for you food, but I say Michigan's where it's at.
(5)Ben U.
Very limited menu. You can only get a 12-inch, thin-crust pizza with any of about 7 toppings. Food is cheap, but nothing spectacular. No credit/debit cards accepted.
(3)J S.
I do not understand the appeal of this place at all. Reading the other reviews here, I feel like I've entered the Twilight Zone. This place has the most disgusting pizza I've ever experienced. Borrowing a phrase from The Office, "its like eating a hot circle of garbage".
(1)Doug M.
Some locals we know in the area suggested this place and to be honest it didn't look like much from the outside, but that's ok, don't let that stop you. It looks like a neighborhood bar and thats pretty much what it is, only they serve some of the best thin crust pizza I've had in a long long time. You can get only 12" pizza's and some limited ingredients, but I'll tell ya...it was damn good and it washed own quite nicely with some ice cold beer on a hot summer day. Its a no frills kind of joint and thats ok with me, sometimes you just want to get in and out without a lot of hassle. There was actually a line outside, so I figured the locals must know somehing and I was right. Try it, you won't be disappointed. I always joke now about taking a roadtrip from IL just to get some of this pizza!
(4)