When people think of Buffalo, New York, their minds often go straight to its world-famous food: Buffalo wings. This seemingly simple dish crispy, saucy chicken wings, often served with celery and blue cheese has grown into a nationwide obsession since it was first invented in Buffalo in the 1960s. Today, countless restaurants across the city serve up their own versions, from traditional classics to modern twists. For anyone planning a trip to Buffalo, tasting authentic Buffalo wings is a must. But with so many options, where should you go?
In this article, we’ll guide you through the best places to indulge in Buffalo wings in their hometown. Whether you’re after the fiery heat of classic hot sauce or unique modern flavors, Buffalo has something to satisfy every craving.
What Makes a Great Buffalo Wing?
Before diving into specific locations, it’s essential to understand what truly makes a Buffalo wing exceptional. Wings have long been celebrated for their combination of crispiness, heat, and flavor. But achieving that perfect balance isn’t easy. Here are the key attributes of a great Buffalo wing:
- Crispy exterior: A great Buffalo wing should be fried to perfection. It needs to have a crispy outer layer that can hold up to the sauce without becoming soggy.
- Juicy interior: Inside, the meat should be tender and juicy. The wing’s crispiness should never come at the cost of dry chicken.
- Balanced sauce: The sauce is perhaps the most important aspect. Traditional Buffalo sauce is made with hot sauce and butter, creating a tangy, spicy, and rich coating. However, more creative restaurants have begun offering unique sauces think garlic parmesan, honey BBQ, or even mango habanero.
- Heat level: Every diner has a different tolerance for spice. From mild to blazing hot, the best wings offer a variety of heat levels that balance spice with flavor.
- Blue cheese and celery: It’s nearly a law in Buffalo that wings should be served with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. The cool creaminess of the dressing helps temper the heat, while celery adds a refreshing crunch.
Buffalo wings have become so beloved that they’ve taken on a life of their own, with different cities across the United States (and even the world) offering their own variations. However, nothing beats the real deal from Buffalo. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, knowing where to get the best wings in Buffalo is essential.
Anchor Bar: The Birthplace of Buffalo Wings
Any serious Buffalo wing pilgrimage must start at the source: Anchor Bar. This unassuming bar and restaurant is where, according to local legend, Buffalo wings were born in 1964. The story goes that Teressa Bellissimo, the bar’s owner, created the dish one night when her son and his friends arrived at the bar hungry. Looking for something quick to serve them, she deep-fried some chicken wings, tossed them in a simple sauce of hot sauce and butter, and served them with celery and blue cheese dressing. The wings were an instant hit, and soon customers were requesting them by name.
Today, Anchor Bar is a Buffalo institution. The restaurant still serves its original Buffalo wings, and despite the decades that have passed, they remain remarkably consistent. Their wings are lightly crispy on the outside, with a rich, buttery, and slightly tangy sauce. For anyone visiting Buffalo, trying Anchor Bar’s wings is a must not only for their historical significance but also for their flavor.
The Anchor Bar remains fiercely proud of its status as the birthplace of Buffalo wings, and it has even expanded with locations in other cities, though many will argue that nothing compares to the original. If you’re interested in learning more about the origins of Buffalo wings, read this article on the history of Buffalo wings.
Duff’s Famous Wings: Rivaling the Original
While Anchor Bar may have invented Buffalo wings, many locals argue that the best wings in Buffalo can be found at Duff’s Famous Wings. Duff’s first opened its doors in 1946, and while it started as a small neighborhood tavern, it quickly gained fame for its wings. In fact, the rivalry between Duff’s and Anchor Bar has become one of Buffalo’s most famous culinary debates.
So, what sets Duff’s wings apart? For one, Duff’s is known for serving wings with serious heat. Their sauce levels range from mild to Death, with Medium at Duff’s being about as hot as the Hot wings at many other places. Despite the heat, Duff’s wings are remarkably balanced. The heat doesn’t overpower the flavor, and the wings themselves are consistently crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Signature sauce levels: Mild, Medium, Hot, Super Hot, Death
- Crispy and spicy: The perfect blend of heat and texture
- Local favorite: Duff’s consistently tops lists for best wings in Buffalo, beloved by locals and visitors alike
One of the best parts of visiting Duff’s is watching diners debate just how spicy they can handle their wings. Whether you go for mild or test your limits with their hottest sauces, you won’t be disappointed by the flavor.
For more culinary inspiration from Buffalo, be sure to try out some other regional favorites, like rotisserie chicken recipes, which showcase the same dedication to flavor that you’ll find in every wing at Duff’s.
Gabriel’s Gate: Buffalo’s Hidden Gem
While Anchor Bar and Duff’s are the two most famous names in Buffalo’s wing scene, there are plenty of other spots worth visiting. One of those places is Gabriel’s Gate, a cozy pub located in the heart of Buffalo’s Allentown District. This historic neighborhood is known for its charming architecture, vibrant arts scene, and of course, its food.
Gabriel’s Gate might not have the same level of fame as Anchor Bar or Duff’s, but it is beloved by locals for its relaxed atmosphere and consistently excellent wings. The wings at Gabriel’s Gate are large and meaty, with a perfectly crispy exterior that holds up well to their generous coating of sauce. Whether you opt for their traditional Buffalo sauce or one of their other flavor options, you’ll find the wings flavorful and satisfying.
- Juicy wings: Known for their generous size and perfect balance of sauce and crunch
- Charming pub atmosphere: Gabriel’s Gate offers a relaxed, friendly setting ideal for unwinding with friends
If you’re also interested in more exciting local dishes like tacos, don’t miss trying the renowned Birria Tacos, a flavorful Mexican dish that has captured the hearts of food lovers everywhere.
Bar-Bill Tavern: East Aurora’s Wing King
Located just outside Buffalo in the charming village of East Aurora, Bar-Bill Tavern is a must-visit for wing lovers willing to make a short drive. Despite its small-town setting, Bar-Bill consistently ranks as one of the best places for wings in the Buffalo area. What sets them apart is their attention to detail: each order of wings is hand-painted with sauce, ensuring that every wing is evenly coated and packed with flavor.
Bar-Bill Tavern offers both traditional Buffalo wings and a variety of specialty sauces. One of their most popular options is the Bar-Bill Special, a sweet-and-spicy sauce that’s a perfect blend of heat and sweetness. The wings themselves are large, crispy, and incredibly flavorful, and they’re served with the traditional sides of celery and blue cheese.
- Hand-painted wings: Attention to detail ensures consistent flavor with every bite
- Specialty sauces: The Bar-Bill Special sauce is a must-try for wing lovers
Tavern: The Local Favorite
Sometimes the best places to eat aren’t the ones that get the most attention. 9-11 Tavern is one of those spots. Located off the beaten path, this small neighborhood bar is a hidden gem known for serving some of the best wings in Buffalo. What makes 9-11 Tavern’s wings special is their simplicity. The wings here aren’t overly saucy or flashy, but they are perfectly fried and seasoned.
Unlike some of the more touristy spots, 9-11 Tavern has a low-key vibe that appeals to locals. The wings here are served with just the right amount of sauce, allowing the flavor of the chicken to shine through.
- Simple, flavorful wings: 9-11 Tavern keeps things classic with perfectly fried and seasoned wings
- Local hidden gem: Frequently recommended by Buffalo natives for its authenticity and high-quality wings
Gene McCarthy’s: Wings and Craft Beer Heaven
If you’re a craft beer enthusiast who also loves wings, Gene McCarthy’s is the place for you. This popular bar and brewery in Buffalo’s Old First Ward neighborhood boasts excellent wings and an impressive selection of house-made beers. Gene McCarthy’s offers a unique take on wings with their beer-battered wings, which have a crisp, flavorful coating that pairs perfectly with their wide range of craft brews.
The bar has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot to kick back with friends and enjoy some top-notch wings. Whether you’re there for their classic Buffalo-style wings or their beer-battered version, you’re in for a treat.
- Beer-battered wings: A delicious twist on the traditional Buffalo wing
- Craft beer selection: Enjoy a variety of house-made brews that pair perfectly with the wings
Other Noteworthy Wing Spots in Buffalo
While Anchor Bar, Duff’s, and the other spots mentioned above are the most famous, you can find many great places in Buffalo to get wings. Here are a few other noteworthy restaurants where you can enjoy some of the best wings Buffalo has to offer:
- Imperial Pizza: Known for their pizza and wings, Imperial Pizza is a popular spot for takeout. Their wings are crispy and saucy, and their pizza is among the best in the city.
- Lenovo Pizzeria: This local pizzeria has been serving up wings and pizza for decades. Their wings are big, meaty, and available in a variety of sauces, from traditional Buffalo to garlic parmesan.
- Wingnutz: A relatively new addition to Buffalo’s wing scene, Wingnutz has quickly gained a reputation for serving some of the best wings in the city. Their wings are crispy and packed with flavor, and they offer a variety of unique sauces to choose from.
How Buffalo Wing Sauces Have Evolved
One of the most exciting aspects of Buffalo’s wing scene is how it has evolved over the years. While traditional Buffalo sauce will always be a favorite, many restaurants have started offering new and creative sauces that add a unique twist to the classic wing. Some popular sauce variations include:
- Garlic Parmesan: A creamy, savory sauce made with roasted garlic and parmesan cheese.
- Honey BBQ: A sweet and tangy sauce that’s perfect for those who prefer a milder wing.
- Mango Habanero: A sweet and spicy sauce made with fresh mango and habanero peppers.
These innovative sauces are often a hit at Buffalo’s annual Buffalo Wing Festival, where restaurants from across the country compete to see who can come up with the best wings. You can learn more about this festival here, where wing lovers from all over gather to celebrate this iconic dish.
Wing Competitions and Events in Buffalo
Every year, Buffalo hosts the Buffalo Wing Festival, a massive celebration of all things wings. This event draws thousands of visitors from around the world. Additionally, it features wing-eating contests and live music. Of course, there are plenty of wings to sample. The festival is a great way to experience the best of Buffalo’s wing scene in one place. Furthermore, you can see how creative chefs can get with their wing flavors.
- Wing-eating contests: Watch (or participate) in competitions to see who can eat the most wings in a set amount of time.
- Creative wing flavors: Many restaurants debut new and innovative wing sauces at the festival.
The Buffalo Wing Festival is a must-attend event for any wing lover. It’s a great way to experience the vibrant wing culture of Buffalo and enjoy some truly delicious food.
Tips for Ordering Buffalo Wings
Ordering Buffalo wings might seem straightforward, but there are a few tips and tricks to ensure you get the best possible experience:
- Ask for extra crispy: If you prefer your wings extra crunchy, don’t hesitate to ask for them to be cooked a little longer. Most restaurants will happily accommodate this request.
- Mind the heat levels: At places like Duff’s, even the mild wings can be pretty spicy, so if you’re sensitive to heat, opt for a milder option.
- Don’t skip the blue cheese: In Buffalo, blue cheese dressing is the traditional accompaniment to wings, and locals take it seriously. Even if you’re a fan of ranch, give the blue cheese a try it perfectly complements the heat of the wings.
- Pair your wings with the right drink: Wings pair well with cold beer, but a glass of water or a soda can help balance the heat as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Buffalo wings, and where did they originate?
- Buffalo wings are deep-fried chicken wings coated in a tangy and spicy sauce made from hot sauce and butter. They originated at Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, in 1964, when Teressa Bellissimo created the dish for her son and his friends.
2. Why are Buffalo wings served with blue cheese dressing and celery?
- Blue cheese dressing and celery are traditionally served with Buffalo wings to balance the heat of the sauce. The cool, creamy blue cheese helps temper the spiciness, while the celery provides a refreshing crunch.
3. What’s the difference between Buffalo wings and regular chicken wings?
- Buffalo wings specifically refer to wings that are coated in the classic hot sauce and butter mixture, while regular chicken wings can be served plain or with various other sauces like BBQ, garlic parmesan, or sweet chili.
4. How spicy are Buffalo wings typically?
- The spice level of Buffalo wings varies depending on where you go. Most restaurants offer wings ranging from mild to extremely hot, allowing you to choose your preferred level of heat.
5. What is the most popular Buffalo wing flavor?
- The traditional Buffalo sauce made from hot sauce and butter is by far the most popular flavor. However, newer flavors like garlic parmesan, honey BBQ, and mango habanero are also gaining popularity.
Conclusion
Buffalo is not only the birthplace of the Buffalo wing. Furthermore, it’s also home to some of the best wings you’ll ever taste. Whether you’re visiting Anchor Bar or Duff’s Famous Wings, you’re in for a treat. Additionally, there are many other fantastic wing spots around the city. Buffalo wings have become a cultural icon, and the city takes pride in offering the best of the best.
If you’re feeling inspired, bring a bit of Buffalo’s culinary magic into your kitchen. Don’t forget to check out other hearty dishes. For example, try rotisserie chicken recipes. They offer the same blend of comfort and flavor. Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, Buffalo’s wing culture is something every food lover should experience. Moreover, it’s an experience you should have at least once.
Enjoy your journey into the flavorful world of Buffalo wings and let your taste buds savor the spicy, tangy, and delicious legacy of this iconic dish!