Best Wings in Buffalo

[Buffalo716]

1 minute ago, Virgil said:

If I can only do one for pizza, and I’m a straight pepperoni guy, which do you recommend while I’m in town for the game?

99% of every pizzeria in wny uses cup and char 

 

about 1 percent have big immigrant customer bases and uses beef pep , no cup and char

 

out of the 99% of places that uses cup and char 95% of those places use Margherita pepperoni… the other places use a local cup and char called battistoni 

 

[billsfan714]

As a transplanted WNYer, I can get good wings outside of Buffalo.   What I miss most are subs.   Subs where I live, the bread is doughy and the meat minimal.   The sub rolls in WNY are just superior.  Wegmans in State College PA will put out pizza with a sign saying spicy cup pepperoni vs the thin crap pepperoni you get down here, hell you dont even really taste the pepperoni.  How anyone likes some razor thin pepperoni is beyond me.

Edited September 19, 2022 by billsfan714

[boater]

44 minutes ago, billsfan714 said:

As a transplanted WNYer, I can get good wings outside of Buffalo.   What I miss most are subs.   Subs where I live, the bread is doughy and the meat minimal.   The sub rolls in WNY are just superior.  Wegmans in State College PA will put out pizza with a sign saying spicy cup pepperoni vs the thin crap pepperoni you get down here, hell you dont even really taste the pepperoni.  How anyone likes some razor thin pepperoni is beyond me.

Yea, agree. That thin pepperoni is a felony assault on good pizza.

[machine gun kelly]

9 hours ago, Virgil said:

If I can only do one for pizza, and I’m a straight pepperoni guy, which do you recommend while I’m in town for the game?

My favorite bud is Blasdell Pizza.  They have one in Blasdell, one in Hamburg on the same road leading to the stadium.  Large, pepperoni, well done light cheese, extra sauce.  That’s a little slice of heaven Virg.

[billsfanmiamioh]

Tried wingnutz yesterday for the first time. Very good but I think Nine Eleven and Bar Bill are still ahead for me. 
 

Wings were perfectly cooked, good crisp, very large and of very high quality. I ordered days ahead of time for a 2:30 pickup. Got there around 2:25 and I think the order came out around 2:33. Really appreciated that they weren’t already sitting in on the shelf for god knows how long. Seemed they are very cognizant of pickup time and making sure the timing of when they come out is right. 
 

The only drawback is that a couple of the flavors were too heavy on the sauce for my liking. They were totally drenched and it took some of the crisp off after some time. This was true for eating them right there on site. 
 

The wingnutz mild were the star of the show and next time I’d probably get a bunch of those only. Cajun and bbq sauces were good but nothing special. Wingnutz hot probably would have been really good if eaten right away but they too were drowned in sauce and were pretty mushy by the time we got to them at the tailgate. 
 

Overall would absolutely go back and probably just order different next time. Being able to schedule an order ahead of time was really nice for a game day. 

[Chicagobills]

First time in Buffalo this wknd for the game. We went to Gene McCarthy's Old First Ward Brewing Company and the wings were fantastic I highly recommend them! Very cool old classic neighborhood pub I liked this spot a lot. Only other wings I tried was sports bar downtown called Sidelines. Those were solid but nothing special 

[Buftex]

Of those that I have had, from this list (8), I have to say, Duff's are the worst.

Edited November 1, 2022 by Buftex

[Wooderson]

Klimek's Tavern in NT are still my favorite wings.  If I had to choose from this list, it's Bar Bill. 

[Not at the table Karlos]

17 hours ago, billsfanmiamioh said:

Tried wingnutz yesterday for the first time. Very good but I think Nine Eleven and Bar Bill are still ahead for me. 
 

Wings were perfectly cooked, good crisp, very large and of very high quality. I ordered days ahead of time for a 2:30 pickup. Got there around 2:25 and I think the order came out around 2:33. Really appreciated that they weren’t already sitting in on the shelf for god knows how long. Seemed they are very cognizant of pickup time and making sure the timing of when they come out is right. 
 

The only drawback is that a couple of the flavors were too heavy on the sauce for my liking. They were totally drenched and it took some of the crisp off after some time. This was true for eating them right there on site. 
 

The wingnutz mild were the star of the show and next time I’d probably get a bunch of those only. Cajun and bbq sauces were good but nothing special. Wingnutz hot probably would have been really good if eaten right away but they too were drowned in sauce and were pretty mushy by the time we got to them at the tailgate. 
 

Overall would absolutely go back and probably just order different next time. Being able to schedule an order ahead of time was really nice for a game day. 

I really tried to like them and Nine Eleven. I've tried both multiple times to make sure I didn't get a bad batch.  It's crazy how similar they are down to the bat**** crazy owners. I didn't find either places sauces appetizing, they're the only two places where I've eaten a couple wings and threw the rest out. The flour all over the wingnutz wings was not good and they lost their mind and lied about it when I asked saying they don't put any on(you could see them tossing the wings in flour in the kitchen) They're both in my bottom 3 with the boiled wing place in Canada. 

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

On 9/18/2022 at 11:11 AM, Heitz said:

Can not tell a lie, the Big Tree has some 🔥 wings - going back for round 2 (or is it 3?) this afternoon….  

 

Probably my favorite, too. With a close second to Bar-Bill

 

[goober]

6 hours ago, Buftex said:

Of those that I have had, from this list (8), I have to say, Duff's are the worst.

You don’t like Duff’s on Sheridan?

[Not at the table Karlos]

2 minutes ago, goober said:

You don’t like Duff’s on Sheridan?

They've gone down hill a lot in the last 5 years or so. 

[dollars 2 donuts]

Pony's in Middleport says hi.

 

If their Main Street in Clarence location 20 years ago just would have been better situated for the type of restaurant they were (to start in Erie County it should have just been a wing take out place.  Low overhead) they would still be a Buffalo staple today.

 

If out go there and try, or take some home I will guaranty* you will be satisfied.

 

 

 

 

 

(*  This guaranty is not backed by ****.  I am just getting the word out that these are really good wings with a little selling point.  For more on "guaranty" please watch the movie Tommy Boy)

 

 

[Bruffalo]

I've been on an Elmo's kick every time I head home to see my mom/siblings.  The double dipped Cajun/Honey Mustard wings are some of the best I've ever had.  

[Bruffalo]

1 minute ago, Bandito said:

The Anchor Bar is the worst especially the one in GA

Anchor bar has never been good. It's a tourist trap. 

[Canadian Bills Fan]

I change my vote to Bar Bill

[Gugny]

On 9/19/2022 at 4:43 AM, machine gun kelly said:

My favorite bud is Blasdell Pizza.  They have one in Blasdell, one in Hamburg on the same road leading to the stadium.  Large, pepperoni, well done light cheese, extra sauce.  That’s a little slice of heaven Virg.

 

About a decade or so ago, I got a pepperoni pizza from Blasdell without knowing anything about it.  I was drunk and hungry and their menu was in the hotel room.  Since then, a post-game pepperoni pie from Blasdell has become an annual post-game tradition.  

[Jauronimo]

2 hours ago, Not at the table Karlos said:

They've gone down hill a lot in the last 5 years or so. 

The last time I was there, 2 years ago, they were perfect.  It was the highlight of the weekend which included stops at Bar Bill, Gene McCarthys and Gabes Gate. 

 

The common theme here is one bad batch or off night can ruin a person's opinion of a wing joint.  

[Not at the table Karlos]

4 hours ago, Jauronimo said:

The last time I was there, 2 years ago, they were perfect.  It was the highlight of the weekend which included stops at Bar Bill, Gene McCarthys and Gabes Gate. 

 

The common theme here is one bad batch or off night can ruin a person's opinion of a wing joint.  

I wish it was only once at duff's. They were my favorite by far. So I gave them many chances. 

[Stevie Ray]

Was in a few weeks ago for the Pittsburgh game. Wanted to go to Bar Bill Saturday around 4pm and it was packed, not even a seat at the bar. So headed to Duffs in OP, equally packed. Bummed out I was going to drive around to see what bar I could find and just around the corner from Duffs was 240 South Grill. Not a lot of cars in the lot so I figured why not. The wings were crispy and pretty good. Bar got packed about an hour later. Really wanted to try Bar Bill or Duffs but I wasn't disappointed with 240 South.

[PayDaBill$]

Bar Bill in EA

[BillsBy50]

Bar Bill by a mile

[Gugny]

3 minutes ago, Stevie Ray said:

Was in a few weeks ago for the Pittsburgh game. Wanted to go to Bar Bill Saturday around 4pm and it was packed, not even a seat at the bar. So headed to Duffs in OP, equally packed. Bummed out I was going to drive around to see what bar I could find and just around the corner from Duffs was 240 South Grill. Not a lot of cars in the lot so I figured why not. The wings were crispy and pretty good. Bar got packed about an hour later. Really wanted to try Bar Bill or Duffs but I wasn't disappointed with 240 South.

 

We got to the Bar Bill at 4pm that same day (Saturday before the Steelers game).  We ended up waiting three hours for a table.  Granted, we had a party of ten; but three hours is definitely a record.  Luckily it wasn't unbearably cold and it wasn't raining.  And yes ... it was totally worth it!

[Stevie Ray]

1 minute ago, Gugny said:

 

We got to the Bar Bill at 4pm that same day (Saturday before the Steelers game).  We ended up waiting three hours for a table.  Granted, we had a party of ten; but three hours is definitely a record.  Luckily it wasn't unbearably cold and it wasn't raining.  And yes ... it was totally worth it!

Wow three hours!!!! I couldn't have waited that long after a 6 hour drive! I might have passed you at the door as I was walking out lol. But glad you enjoyed them. I'll get to them one day before I die!

[The Dean]

3 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

We got to the Bar Bill at 4pm that same day (Saturday before the Steelers game).  We ended up waiting three hours for a table.  Granted, we had a party of ten; but three hours is definitely a record.  Luckily it wasn't unbearably cold and it wasn't raining.  And yes ... it was totally worth it!

 

Outside?

 

I refuse to wait more than 10-15 minutes unless it is waiting in/at the bar. I can be coerced into a slightly long wait outside IF they'll bring  me a complimentary drink/beer/wine

[Gugny]

Just now, The Dean said:

 

Outside?

 

I refuse to wait more than 10-15 minutes unless it is waiting in/at the bar. I can be coerced into a slightly long wait outside IF they'll bring  me a complimentary drink/beer/wine

 

Outside, indeed.  Beers are $4 (Canadian draft) and they let you buy them at the bar and bring them outside.  I was totally fine with it.  Spent the first hour or so with my son; then the rest of the party came and we got to catch up, since we hadn't seen each other for a very long time.

5 minutes ago, Stevie Ray said:

Wow three hours!!!! I couldn't have waited that long after a 6 hour drive! I might have passed you at the door as I was walking out lol. But glad you enjoyed them. I'll get to them one day before I die!

 

Yeah, we drove 5 hours to get there.  Normally, I'd never wait three hours to do anything.  But this has become a tradition that I love.

[boater]

The Buyer for Duffs should get a raise. Their wings are the meatiest.

 

My problem with Duffs wings: they are too wet, even when you order them crispy. I like a crisp wing, not a soggy mess.

 

I wish I liked Duffs more--I live near one.

[Success]

I've eaten a large amount of wings, and just about everywhere.  For my money, the best I've had were at The Distillery in Rochester.  

[machine gun kelly]

7 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

About a decade or so ago, I got a pepperoni pizza from Blasdell without knowing anything about it.  I was drunk and hungry and their menu was in the hotel room.  Since then, a post-game pepperoni pie from Blasdell has become an annual post-game tradition.  

Gugs, I send cash to my sisters for their tris to Clearwater maybe 3 times a year each.  My order.

 

Two Blasdell pizza subs like the way I said you order the pizza, and a 12 pack of beef and cheese burritos at MT.  I froth at the mouth when coming.  Terrible for me, but I double my cardio to enjoy these guilty pleasures.

[Buftex]

10 hours ago, goober said:

You don’t like Duff’s on Sheridan?

No. I don't like their wings at all.

[Virgil]

It still bothers me that Duff's is in first.  Bar Bill and Gabriel's Gate are just so much better....

 

But I am impressed this thread keeps popping back up

[TheCockSportif]

8 minutes ago, Virgil said:

It still bothers me that Duff's is in first.  Bar Bill and Gabriel's Gate are just so much better....

 

But I am impressed this thread keeps popping back up

You are so right about GG.  No, no, not G.G. Allin.  Gabriel's Gate.

[The Dean]

1 hour ago, boater said:

The Buyer for Duffs should get a raise. Their wings are the meatiest.

 

My problem with Duffs wings: they are too wet, even when you order them crispy. I like a crisp wing, not a soggy mess.

 

I wish I liked Duffs more--I live near one.

 

 

The last time I was able to have Duffs (Sheridan Dr), the wings were served in a bowl of sauce. And they were as crispy as any order of wings I have even had. Properly cooked wings shouldn't lose their crispness due to an excess of sauce, IMO. For the record, I always order my wings Extra Crispy. Maybe that's the difference.

[goober]

46 minutes ago, Virgil said:

It still bothers me that Duff's is in first.  Bar Bill and Gabriel's Gate are just so much better....

 

But I am impressed this thread keeps popping back up

I like Gabriel’s Gate.  I haven’t had Bar Bill yet and I trust that they’re good, but i really have no interest in any of these fancy nouveau Cajun Leper Honey Butter type flavors.  

[Buffalo716]

2 minutes ago, BUFFALOBART said:

Most places undercook their wings. (The Anchor Bar wings are by far, the worst, that I have ever had)

The rule of thumb, was 'if they are floating, they are done'.

It is a $, and ¢ decision, but it is an incorrect one, in terms of quality.

When I was a college student in Rochester, I had a job as a short order cook, in (what I refer to, as) a 'Meat Market Disco', in Pittsford. (circa 1981)  I always violated the 'cook until they are floating' rule, to consistently rave reviews. Cooking really good wings isn't 'Rocket Surgery', but when you are manning the Fryer, or Stove, the only approach, is cook with *Love*, and Attention.

I could show anyone how to cook great wings, in a few minutes....

As you said I don’t think it’s not necessarily A can’t do thing…

 

Time is money And a place that puts out high volume wings needs to be expedient … 

 

If somebody asks for wings extra crispy… You could show them a little bit more love and stop and start fry them for 17 minutes make them nice and crispy

 

But most pizzerias… Like the one my friend owns… Doesn’t have the time

 

Now if you were solely a wing joint who focused on putting out top notch wings… Then You shouldn’t be putting out soggy wings

 

 

[Augie]

29 minutes ago, The Dean said:

 

 

The last time I was able to have Duffs (Sheridan Dr), the wings were served in a bowl of sauce. And they were as crispy as any order of wings I have even had. Properly cooked wings shouldn't lose their crispness due to an excess of sauce, IMO. For the record, I always order my wings Extra Crispy. Maybe that's the difference.

 

It is a national embarrassment that the bold had to be typed. Properly should suffice. 

[The Dean]

Just now, Augie said:

 

It is a national embarrassment that the bold had to be typed. Properly should suffice. 

 

Agreed. But you know that doesn't suffice far too often. Just like pizza. I make sure to order my food the way I want it. I find I have far fewer complaints that way.  I know people who complain about underdone wings/pizza on a regular basis. My first question to them is "Did you order it crispy/well done?" The answer is almost always, "No."  It only take a second to do. I highly recommend it!

[Buffalo716]

Just now, BUFFALOBART said:

I totally get it.

That's why I rate my wings so highly. I have the time to crank out several dozen, @ a tailgate, with no pressure.

Absolutely … and a wing made well with love… is tough to beat 

[Augie]

18 minutes ago, BUFFALOBART said:

I'm very particular about food, and I always specify how I want it to be cooked. In recent times, I have caught a vibe of annoyance from *some* wait staff, when I make polite requests. Sign of the times, I guess...

The last couple years have been crazy. Restaurants either closed or opening at 50% capacity for lack of staff. I met a “Temp Manager” at a Ritz in California. He lived at the Ritz and had a 90 day contract to manage dining floors.

 

They put up signs saying “be kind to the people who bothered to show up to serve you”. I have a few regular places with regular people, and you learn to appreciate that. A lot. 

 

But we want what we want for a meal, and we want it right. It’s not too much to ask. 

[Chicharito]

Mmmmmmmmm….. I just left Elmo’s . Hands down best wings in Buffalo!