Wings in and around the Buffalo, New York area and the 10 best places to get them.
Each major city has its signature food. Chicago has its deep-dish pizza, while Boston has New England Clam-Chowder and Philadelphia: Philly Cheesesteak. Wherever you may travel, it’s a must to try the signature food of the area.
Everyone knows about one of the greatest food feats in history: the invention of Buffalo Wings. Buffalo, New York is a city full of people who are passionate about their city and about their famous wings. Whether you call them “chicken wings,” “Buffalo Wings,” or just “wings,” the number one place to find the best of the best is none other than Buffalo and the surrounding area.
We Buffalonians are very prideful about our wings and one of the best parts about it is that preferences can stir a lively debate. These debates are often best over wings and beer. Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are the ten best places to get wings in and around Buffalo.
***Disclaimer: This list is based on opinions from multiple people from the Greater Buffalo area***
1. The Anchor Bar
It’s only right to begin with the place that started it all. The Anchor Bar in downtown Buffalo is credited with being the birthplace of the famed Buffalo Wings. Being the flagship restaurant of this world renowned food, this restaurant is a big tourist attraction for people visiting the Queen city. It’s one of the oldest and most authentic places to get Buffalo wings, with a variety of different flavors to choose from.
The Anchor Bar also offers a number of other Buffalo famed foods like Beef- on-Weck. There are now a couple different locations: the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Las Vegas, and Williamsville, NY, but the original location is downtown Buffalo at 1047 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14209.
2. Duff’s
Probably the Anchor Bar’s most direct competition in popularity is Duff’s. It is another Buffalo famed wing joint. Duff’s is known for having a super -hot sauces. As their website says, “WARNING! MEDIUM IS HOT! MEDIUM HOT IS VERY HOT! HOT IS VERY, VERY HOT!” Since they’re in constant competition with the other joints in the area, they have opened up more locations and have started franchising. You could open your very own Duff’s! The original location is on the corner of Sheridan Drive and Millersport highway in Amherst, NY.
3. Nine-Eleven Tavern
Nine-Eleven Tavern, located at 11 Bloomfield Ave, Buffalo NY/South Buffalo, is a local favorite in South Buffalo because of their homemade (and secret recipe) sauce. It’s nothing like you’ve ever tried before. Their unique wings and sauce has put them on the map as one of the best makers in Buffalo, a title that only a few places get to boast of.
4. Brennan’s Bowery Bar
Brennan’s Bowery Bar is one of my personal favorites when it comes to wings and atmosphere. Brennan’s is located at 4401 Transit Road, Williamsville, NY 14221. Being one of the many Irish bars in and around Buffalo, it is known for Buffalo favorites like Fish Fry and, of course, wings. Their medium wings are classic and their BBQ wings are dipped in sauce then grilled to give it a smoky taste. 100% recommend!
5. La Nova Pizzeria
If you’re from the Buffalo area, you know that ordering pizza goes hand in hand with wings on football Sundays and for family gatherings in summer or winter. No matter what time of the year this pair is a must in the Buffalo area. Surprisingly, some of the best wings come from pizzerias and one of the more well-known is La Nova Pizzeria. Their BBQ wings are fan favorites. They’re located at 371 W Ferry St (at Hampshire St.) in Buffalo, NY 14213.
6. Randy’s Up the River
Straying away from the Nickel City for a moment, we are headed down to Allegheny, NY where there is a place “up the river” that has some great wings and sauce. Even the sauce on crinkle-cut fries, or “Irish fries”, is the perfect wing fix, especially if you don’t eat meat. They’re known for their huge and fresh wings as well as other Buffalo favorites like Fish Fry. They offer a variety of sauces and it’s a good place to go if you happen to venture down to the Southern Tier. They’re located at 3767 South 9 Mile Road, Allegheny, NY 14706.
7. 3rd Base
Also located in the Southern Tier, 3rd Base in Olean, NY is a small bar where many Alumni from St. Bonaventure University, who are also from Buffalo, NY say their wings are some of the best they’ve ever had. Their “gold sauce wings” are one reason for their fame in the area for the best wings. They’re located at 1302 W State St, Olean, NY 14760.
8. Darrow’s
A recommendation from a friend of mine for this list, Darrow’s is another diamond in the rough for wings. Located in Alden, NY at 13192 Broadway Alden, NY 14004, they have a variety of wing sauces as well and the one that was recommended to me was their Garlic Parm sauce. Although we stray away from the classic wing sauce, it is always fun to note that every place has a unique twist on wings that make them even better.
9. Pesci’s Pizza
Pesci’s Pizza, a small pizza joint located in Williamsville, NY, has some of the best pizza and wings duo in the area. If you’re looking for a simple solution for all your pizza and wings needs, Pesci’s is definitely a great place to go. It is located at Transitown Plaza, 8065 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14221.
10. Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
Last but not least, Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, located on the end of Pearl Street right before Canalside in Buffalo, is yet another place known for great wings and even better craft beers, which they make at the brewery attached to the restaurant itself. During events at the Brewery their wings are a popular item to order from the menu.
Now that this list has made me a bit homesick and hungry for wings, as I hope it did for you as well, I definitely recommend all of these places for someone looking for authentic wings in and around Buffalo, NY. While the famed Anchor Bar and Duff’s are classic choices, there’s no reason not to try the places that haven’t gotten as much attention. There are so many varieties to try and you should taste them all. because, as I said before, we Buffalonians are proud of our wings.
So whether you want to burn your mouth and then cool it down with blue cheese and a great brew or you are looking for the best BBQ wings in the area, venture out of your comfort zone and try these places. Hey, maybe Wing Fest will be in your future. Enjoy the sauces and enjoy Buffalo with our tasty famous wings.
