:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/The-Best-Buffalo-Wings-in-Buffalo-FT-Blog0824-Sidelines-4090be3dd19f4ee6ac2dada16d06073e.jpg?w=780&resize=780,470&ssl=1 "The Best Wings in Buffalo, According to a Native")
The City of Good Neighbors is known for a number of things: lake effect snow, the rowdiness of the Bills Mafia, and of course, the birthplace of the Buffalo wing. Located on the Western side of New York, Buffalo’s rich history dates back to 1789. It’s known for its grain milling and steel manufacturing, and it was America’s first city to have widespread electric lighting because of the harnessed power from Niagara Falls, dubbing it the “City of Light.” All of this history takes a backseat to Buffalo’s most beloved invention: the Buffalo chicken wing.
The origin of Buffalo wings can be traced back to the early 1960s when Anchor Bar is known to have served the first plate of wings in 1964. Looking to satisfy the cravings of late-night revelers, the owner Teressa Bellissimo fried up some spare wings, tossed them with a secret sauce, and the rest is history.
If you find yourself in Buffalo and want to do an unofficial wing tour, here is a list of tried and true spots that are popular with the locals. And pro tip: Don’t call them Buffalo wings (they’re quite simply wings), and make sure you request blue cheese rather than ranch, or be prepared to be chastised.
Wingnutz
Courtesy of Tori Allen
The level of crispiness on wings is up for debate as some prefer a crunchier wing than others. Those looking for the extra crispy style should definitely try Wingnutz. The jumbo wings are coated in a top secret spice blend and crisped to their standards, without being dry. If you can’t possibly choose from one of its dozen sauce styles, worry not because they offer a signature wing flight with one of everything including the Sriracha Honey BBQ and their signature savory and sweet sauce.
Macy’s Place Pizzeria
Courtesy of Tori Allen
Peanut butter and jelly? Wasabi and black sesame? Root Beer? Raspberry Bourbon? Macy’s Place Pizzeria is known for its off-the-wall wings sauce combos that typically go viral on social media. Sure you can get the traditional flavors, but it’s worth sampling from the 50+ options. The current featured wing style is a Buffalo mash-up of wing sauce and Bison Chip Dip, the locally made version of French onion dip.
Gabriel’s Gate
Courtesy of Gabriel’s Gate Restaurant
For 50 years, Gabriel’s Gate has served some of the best wings in Buffalo and is usually one of the first and most recommended spots to visitors. The restaurant is located in the historic Allentown neighborhood and was part of the Tift Row Homes built in 1864. The location also served as an antique shop, which explains the unique decor. If you’re looking for a bar with the best “feel” of Buffalo, definitely head to Gabriel’s Gate.
Sidelines
Courtesy of Tori Allen
Sidelines is one of the best kept secrets in Buffalo for its food menu, including wings. The popular sports bar has two locations — Downtown and in Depew — and both serve some of the most jumbo wings in town. The secret to the sauce is a high-quality butter and Frank’s RedHot, which create the creamy texture. Get a double taste of Buffalo’s iconic dishes with their “Weck & Wings” special, a Beef on Weck sandwich and five wings in sauce of your choice. Wash it down with a couple cold Labatts and you are eating like a native.
Moor Pat
Courtesy of Tori Allen
Come for the beer and definitely stay for the wings. Moor Pat (which is “tap room” spelled backwards) is one of the best beer bars in Buffalo that just happens to serve wings. What sets these wings apart from competitors is they are beer brined for 24 hours with a lager or pilsner before hitting the fryer to ensure a juicier wing with a slightly malt flavor. In true dive bar spirit, the bartenders work double-duty pouring beers and frying wings in the tiny closet-sized kitchen. Get there early though, only a limited amount is available each day, and they sell out fast.
Bar Bill Tavern
Buffalo wings from Bar Bill Tavern
Bar Bill Tavern possibly has the most recognizable wing in town. The signature serving style includes hand painted wings that are delicately placed in a circle with flats on one side and drums on the other. Head to the original location in East Aurora, but definitely be prepared for a wait. Beautiful wings take time. If you’re looking for a suggestion, order the honey butter barbecue Cajun style, which Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen proclaimed as his favorite wings in town.
Nine Eleven Tavern
A no-frills type of establishment, Nine Eleven Tavern is cash only, with no takeout, no separate checks, no reservations, and no groups of more than six people. Your only sauce options are mild, medium, and hot. Its simplicity is what draws devoted regulars to this dive bar in South Buffalo. Make sure you order a side of fries with the wings — they are among the best in town.
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