Buffalo Wild Wings, often lovingly referred to as ‘B-Dubs,’ is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where food, sports, and culture collide. Since its founding, the Buffalo Wild Wings menu has become a staple in American dining, known for its signature wings, bold flavors, and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan, a wing connoisseur, or someone looking for a casual place to gather with friends, Buffalo Wild Wings offers an experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.
In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the extensive menu at Buffalo Wild Wings, exploring everything from the famous wings to unique appetizers, innovative sauces, mouthwatering burgers, and the overall dining experience that makes this restaurant chain a fan favorite.
A Brief History of Buffalo Wild Wings
Before we get into the food itself, let’s take a moment to explore how Buffalo Wild Wings became the cultural icon it is today. Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery, two friends craving authentic Buffalo-style wings, founded the chain in 1982. Unable to find a restaurant that served the wings they loved, they decided to open their own establishment in Columbus, Ohio. What started as a single wing joint quickly grew into a national sensation.
Buffalo Wild Wings didn’t just become famous for its wings; it became a destination for watching sports, grabbing beers with friends, and enjoying a variety of bold, unique flavors. The chain’s emphasis on sports is a major part of its identity, with large flat-screen TVs broadcasting everything from football to basketball, hockey, and beyond. Patrons can relax in a casual, lively environment while indulging in the wide range of menu offerings.
Wings: The Heart of Buffalo Wild Wings
At the core of Buffalo Wild Wings’ identity are its wings. Wings have become synonymous with the restaurant, and for a good reason. The variety of options, from traditional bone-in wings to boneless options, caters to every type of wing lover. Add to that the diverse selection of sauces and dry rubs, and it’s easy to see why Buffalo Wild Wings has become a mecca for wing enthusiasts. If you’re curious about all the different Buffalo wing flavors, you’ll find that they range from sweet to incredibly spicy.
Traditional Bone-In Wings
Traditional bone-in wings are a classic choice at Buffalo Wild Wings. Cooked to a golden brown, these wings have the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat. The bone-in variety tends to retain more moisture than boneless wings, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
What makes traditional wings so beloved is the experience of eating them. For many, there’s something deeply satisfying about grabbing a wing, slathering it in sauce, and indulging in the messy, finger-licking goodness that follows. It’s a primal, hands-on eating experience that has been enjoyed for decades.
Patrons can choose from a variety of flavors, ranging from classic buffalo to innovative twists like Mango Habanero and Asian Zing. The beauty of traditional wings is their versatility — whether you prefer mild or wild, sweet or spicy, there’s a flavor to suit your palate.
Boneless Wings
While traditional wings are beloved for their bone-in experience, boneless wings offer a different kind of appeal. Essentially fried chicken nuggets, boneless wings are easier to eat and perfect for those who prefer a cleaner experience without worrying about bones. The boneless wings at Buffalo Wild Wings are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, delivering the same great taste as their bone-in counterparts.
Boneless wings also lend themselves well to dipping and saucing. Since there are no bones to navigate around, you can simply pick one up, dunk it in a sauce of your choice, and enjoy. It’s a convenient, no-fuss option for those who love wings but want something a little less messy.
The Flavor Revolution: Sauces and Dry Rubs
Perhaps what truly sets Buffalo Wild Wings apart from other wing joints is the incredible variety of sauces and dry rubs available. With over 20 different flavors, the restaurant offers something for every kind of taste bud. From sweet and tangy to hot and fiery, these flavors are an essential part of the dining experience.
Signature Sauces
- Mild: A classic buffalo flavor without the intense heat, perfect for those who love the tangy flavor of buffalo sauce but want a gentler experience.
- Medium: A step up from mild, this sauce offers a traditional buffalo taste with a bit more kick, making it a favorite for many wing enthusiasts.
- Hot: Bold and spicy, the hot sauce at Buffalo Wild Wings adds a serious punch of heat to your wings while maintaining that classic buffalo flavor.
- Honey BBQ: For those who prefer a sweeter profile, Honey BBQ delivers a perfect balance of smoky barbecue flavor and the sweetness of honey.
- Mango Habanero: This sauce combines the sweetness of mango with the fiery heat of habanero peppers, creating a flavor experience that starts sweet and ends with a fiery kick.
These are just a few of the many sauces available. There’s also Asian Zing, a sweet and tangy sauce with hints of soy, Caribbean Jerk, which brings the bold spices of the islands to your wings, and the infamous Blazin’, made with Carolina Reaper peppers for those who want to test the limits of their heat tolerance.
Dry Rubs
In addition to sauces, Buffalo Wild Wings also offers dry rubs, which are perfect for those who prefer a more subtle, less messy flavoring on their wings. Dry rubs consist of seasonings that are tossed onto the wings after they’re cooked, adding texture and flavor without the wetness of sauce.
- Lemon Pepper: This dry rub brings a sharp, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of the wings. The lemon adds brightness, while the pepper brings a slight bite, creating a balanced and flavorful option.
- Buffalo: For those who love the classic buffalo flavor but don’t want the mess of sauce, the buffalo dry rub delivers all the taste with none of the sticky fingers.
- Salt & Vinegar: A nostalgic nod to salt and vinegar chips, this dry rub adds a tangy, puckering flavor to your wings that’s sure to satisfy cravings for something sour and salty.
Appetizers: Start the Meal Right
While wings are the centerpiece, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a wide variety of appetizers to get the meal started. These shareable plates are perfect for group dining, giving everyone something to munch on while waiting for the main course.
Mozzarella Sticks
Buffalo Wild Wings’ mozzarella sticks are a fan favorite. Deep-fried to golden perfection, these gooey, cheesy sticks come with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The contrast between the crispy coating and the melty cheese makes this appetizer a must-have for cheese lovers.
Fried Pickles
Fried pickles have become a popular bar snack across the country, and Buffalo Wild Wings does them right. Tangy pickles are coated in a seasoned batter and fried until crispy. They’re served with a side of ranch dressing, making each bite a delightful combination of salty, tangy, and creamy flavors.
Spinach Artichoke Dip
For a more classic appetizer, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a delicious spinach artichoke dip. The creamy, cheesy dip is loaded with tender spinach and artichokes and is served with warm tortilla chips. It’s a rich and savory option that’s perfect for sharing.
Burgers and Sandwiches: A Hearty Alternative
Though wings are the star of the show, Buffalo Wild Wings also offers a variety of hearty burgers and sandwiches for those craving something more substantial.
Cheeseburger
The classic cheeseburger at Buffalo Wild Wings is simple but satisfying. A juicy beef patty is topped with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, all served on a toasted bun. It’s a straightforward, no-frills burger that delivers on flavor and comfort.
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich
For those who can’t get enough of buffalo sauce, the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich on the Buffalo Wild Wings menu is a great choice. This sandwich features crispy fried chicken drenched in buffalo sauce and topped with ranch dressing, lettuce, and tomato. The combination of spicy, creamy, and crunchy elements makes this sandwich a hit with anyone who loves bold flavors.
Smoked Brisket Sandwich
Buffalo Wild Wings also offers a smoked brisket sandwich for meat lovers looking for something different. This sandwich features tender, smoky brisket piled high on a bun, topped with onions and pickles. The smoky, savory flavors of the brisket make this sandwich a standout option.
Tacos and Wraps: A Twist on the Classics
In addition to wings and burgers, Buffalo Wild Wings also offers tacos and wraps, providing a lighter, handheld option that’s still packed with flavor.
Street Tacos
The street tacos at Buffalo Wild Wings are simple but delicious. These tacos are filled with grilled chicken, lettuce, pico de gallo, and a zesty crema, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. The freshness of the ingredients, combined with the bold flavors, makes these tacos a great choice for a lighter meal.
Chicken Caesar Wrap
For a fresh twist on a classic salad, the Chicken Caesar Wrap wraps grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese in a flour tortilla. It’s a portable version of the Caesar salad, with all the crunch and flavor you love in a handheld format.
Sides: Perfect Complements to Any Meal
Every great meal needs sides, and Buffalo Wild Wings offers plenty of options to complement your wings, burgers, or sandwiches.
French Fries
French fries are a classic side that pairs perfectly with just about anything. Buffalo Wild Wings’ fries are crispy, golden, and generously seasoned. For those who want to take their fries to the next level, loaded fries are available, topped with cheese, bacon, and jalapeños.
Onion Rings
Thick, crispy onion rings are another popular side option. The sweet onions are coated in a crunchy batter and fried to golden perfection. Whether enjoyed on their own or as a complement to a burger, these onion rings are sure to satisfy.
Cheese Curds
For a taste of the Midwest, cheese curds are a must. These bite-sized pieces of cheese are battered and fried, creating a crispy exterior with a gooey, melty center. They’re indulgent, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
Desserts: A Sweet Ending
No meal is complete without dessert, and Buffalo Wild Wings offers a few sweet treats to finish your meal on a high note.
Chocolate Fudge Cake
Chocolate lovers will appreciate the richness of Buffalo Wild Wings’ chocolate fudge cake. Bakers top this dense, moist cake with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, making it the perfect indulgence for those who need a sweet fix after a savory meal.
Cheesecake Bites
Cheesecake Bites are another fun and shareable dessert option. Chefs fry these bite-sized cheesecake pieces to a golden brown and serve them with a side of caramel sauce for dipping. The combination of creamy cheesecake and crispy coating makes for a delightful dessert experience.
Drinks: Quenching Your Thirst
In addition to food, Buffalo Wild Wings offers an extensive drink menu, featuring everything from craft beers to signature cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Beer
Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its impressive selection of beers, and many locations offer a rotating lineup of local and regional craft brews in addition to national favorites. Whether you prefer a light lager, a hoppy IPA, or a rich stout, there’s a beer to pair perfectly with your wings.
Cocktails
For those who prefer cocktails, Buffalo Wild Wings has a variety of signature drinks that are perfect for sipping while watching the game. Favorites include the Buffalo Zoo, a fruity blend of rum, vodka, and juices, and the Top Shelf Long Island Iced Tea, a potent combination of spirits that packs a punch.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
For those looking for non-alcoholic options, Buffalo Wild Wings offers a variety of soft drinks, lemonades, iced teas, and more. These drinks are a refreshing complement to the bold, flavorful food.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Wild Wings
1. How many flavors does Buffalo Wild Wings offer?
- Buffalo Wild Wings offers over 20 different sauces and dry rubs, ranging from sweet and mild to extremely spicy. Popular options include Honey BBQ, Mango Habanero, Parmesan Garlic, and the intensely hot Blazin’ Carolina Reaper sauce.
2. Are Buffalo Wild Wings’ boneless wings made from real chicken?
- Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings makes its boneless wings from real chicken breast. The restaurant breads and fries them, offering a crispy, tender bite similar to chicken nuggets.
3. Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?
- Buffalo Wild Wings does offer vegetarian options such as the Southwestern Black Bean Burger and various sides like fries, onion rings, and cheese curds. However, the restaurant offers limited vegan options, and shared cooking spaces may lead to cross-contamination.
4. Can I customize my order at Buffalo Wild Wings?
- Absolutely! Buffalo Wild Wings encourages customization. You can choose your preferred sauce or dry rub for wings, opt for grilled over fried, or swap out sides for items like veggies or potato wedges. Many menu items, like burgers and sandwiches, can also be customized.
5. Do they offer delivery or takeout?
- Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings offers both delivery and takeout options. You can order directly from their website, mobile app, or through third-party services like Uber Eats or DoorDash.
Conclusion: The Buffalo Wild Wings Experience
Buffalo Wild Wings is more than just a place to grab wings it’s a full dining experience that combines bold flavors, a lively atmosphere, and a menu that caters to all kinds of cravings. Whether you’re indulging in crispy wings, savoring a juicy burger, or sharing appetizers with friends while watching the big game, Buffalo Wild Wings offers something for everyone.
With an extensive menu that goes beyond just wings, Buffalo Wild Wings continues to be a favorite spot for casual dining and sports fans alike. It’s the perfect place to enjoy great food, great company, and great entertainment.