My Chicken Wing Scorecard
It's an entertaining article but it’s pretty dated, so I thought I'd make it my winter's work to update it. This will include sampling wings at all the old classics, as well as the newcomers. But I cannot just rush into this blindly. I must methodically document and reason, thoroughly research and create a standardized assessment through which I can objectively choose the superior chicken wing. To that end, I created categories for score-worthy components of a delicious chicken wing.
First up is Pearl Street Brewery. I thought that their wings were mighty fine. So I will rate the Pearl Street wing by the categories I have devised.
1. Size: Some people complain about small wings. I personally find the huge, hulking ones pretty creepy. I feel like they came from some genetically-modified, hormone-high chicken. Plus, I like a high skin-meat ratio. Not enough surface area on those big ones. So these wings were right in the middle, just fine by me.
2. Crisp: Under-fry a wing and they are a soggy mess and the veins are much too flaccid. Over-fry a wing and you have something that resembles a pork rind more than a chicken wing. They must be perfectly fried to avoid either one of those outcomes and be able to soak up the sauce and still retain a bit of that crispy exterior. Pearl Street did this marvelously.
3. Wing Sauce: It has to be Frank's Red Hot and butter! There cannot be any skimping on the butter. And oh my, they did not.
4. Blue Cheese: First of all, does it come with blue cheese? If not, they are not wings! Second, is the blue cheese laden with blue cheese chunks? Is the mayonnaise base redolent with garlic? This is a downfall of most places; I often have to resort to bringing an emergency container of Marie's Extra-Chunky Blue Cheese. Anyway, Pearl Street did not receive high marks in this category. The blue cheese was middle of the road.
5. Carrot/Celery: I don't think this category carries as much weight as the others but it's part of the experience. Many wing joints skimp here too, throwing a few anemic-looking celery sticks and dried out carrots on the plate. Kudos to Pearl Street; the vegetables were fresh and ample.
6. Double vs. Single: I don't know how else to describe them. You know, there are the wings with one bone and then the double-jointed guys. I used to favor the drumstick-like wings, now I think I prefer the doubles. I'll eat both but some people are fanatics about only eating one type or another. Cast your vote please.
I'd like to see some comments about your personal preferences and secret haunts. And I promise to keep you posted about my next chicken wing experience.
76 Pearl Street, Buffalo 14202
716.856.2337
What Others Have To Say
What Do You Think?
Related Articles
-
Tabree Terrifique
Being in the Bay area and Northern California for the last 2 years, I can see my already beloved Buffalo with new eyes. More importantly, after studying culinary arts and working within the field, I can taste the city with a new palate. I have had the fortunate opportunity to get my first bite of Buffalo at the new Tabree restaurant on Elmwood. My guest and I had the privilege to indulge in an amazing tasting menu off of their abbreviated menu during the soft opening.
Tabree i … - Yesterday, 10:44am
- Continue Reading
- 2 Comments
-
Taste of Buffalo Celebrates 25 Years - What Did You Think?
There were so many exciting changes this year at the Taste of Buffalo, I was anxious to listen to the bands, watch the cooking demos and taste all of the wonderful food. I had so much fun on Saturday that I went back the next day; the turnout for both days was pretty incredible. The heat and threat of rain didn’t seem to deter anyone from attending the Taste. I saw many people who either watched the cooking demos (to get away from the crowds) for a while or sought shelter on a n … - Jul 16th, 2:39pm
- Continue Reading
- 28 Comments
-
Red and Blue Blitz
Buffalo loves its Bills, but does it love brownie bites and fudge swirls? Perry's Ice Cream is hoping so.
The local ice cream maker officially unveiled its newest sports-inspired flavor, Buffalo Bills Brownie Blitz. Kicking off the new flavor with a press conference at Tops Friendly Markets on Elmwood, Perry's Ice Cream and the Buffalo Bills joined together this past Monday to offer media, shoppers and fans a free sample of Brownie Blitz.
Combining fudge swirls with brownie ch … - Jul 16th, 9:19am
- Continue Reading
- 8 Comments
-
Five Places I Can’t Live Without
While eating lunch today at Romeo & Juliet’s, a strange thought occurred: what would I do if this place ever closed? Have you ever noticed how happy people are when they walk in there? I assume it’s because they know they’re about to have a great meal, and the charming atmosphere doesn’t hurt either (I dig that Italian music).
Anyway, I started to think of the restaurants in Buffalo I couldn’t do without. What if for some bizarre reason I could only choose five plac … - Jul 13th, 9:51am
- Continue Reading
- 40 Comments
Comment Options
stephenjames716
bar bill in ea!
Report this
Finch
Gabriel's Gate on Allen St has one of my favorite wings
Laughlin's on the corner of Franklin and Tupper are also quite good.
Shannon's Pub on Niagara Falls Blvd. in Amherst is also quite enjoyable
Report this
Wilby
Might I suggest: Hot Wings Cafe with three locations - Melrose (off La Brea) Glendale and Old Pasadena
Best wings west of the Mississippi!
Report this
WeLovePanos
Century Grill across front the Hyatt has the best wings around, and the most beautiful building to boot...
Report this
Laramy
Not sure where it started, but I've heard the drumsticks called "Shirleys" and the other part called "flats" as in, "I like flats and my wife likes the Shirleys". Mmmm, I could go for a nice bucket of flats right now.
Report this
chris_h_23
Sal's Lounge in Depew has the best wings in the area. Not too many people know about this place but it is defintely worth the trip for them. I would have to say 2nd place would be Charlie O'Brien's in South Buffalo...you have to try their wings!
Report this
Schoebdoo
The "Day After Factor" deserves some recognition. The truly great wings are even better when eaten cold the next day, after an overnight stay in the fridge. Also, while not in the category of "Hot Wings" La Nova's Grilled BBQ wings are sensational. Gabriel's Gate has the best traditional Buffalo Wings.
Report this
BackInBuffalo
Only an excellent writer could verbally/semantically dissect a chicken wing into such unappealing components (i.e. flaccid/flat/hormone/cheese chunks,etc.). I'm anxious to read your revised article on an empty stomach.
If I may suggest another rating - how about the best non-fowl wing. The tastiest faux-wing around; perhaps something along the line of the breaded eggplant "shirley" at Off-The-Wall.
Report this
inferno
Best wings around can be found at Kilmek's in North Tonawanda.
Report this
ChristaSeychew
I've heard them referred to as "clubs" and "flats", but "Shirleys" is way more fun...
Report this
RaChaCha
Interesting that neither the article nor comments as yet have mentioned the 'A' word. No, not that 'A' word - I mean the Anchor Bar. When I first did a project for a Buffalo client several years ago, I natch took the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to the wing's ancestral homeland at Main and North. Although I don't regret that I went, I came away disappointed in both the service and the product, and was surprised in subsequent days how many Buffalonians told me they felt the same way. I felt like I had stumbled across an open secret - that despite the legendary role of the Anchor Bar in launching Buffalo to food superstardom, it doesn't seem to be the place most Buffalo folks prefer to go for wings. In fact, I have yet to find anyone in Buffalo who gives the Anchor as their favorite place for wings. Frequently folks mention Duff's, or Gabriel's Gate (already mentioned above). I haven't declared a fav yet, which is a perfect excuse to sample a new place every time I'm in town.
About Pearl Street: don't miss the opportunity to try the beer & cheese soup - order a bowl and ask for fresh bread with it - it's a great warm-up on a blustery day.
Report this
simcoe
Has anyone tried KFC's boneless chicken wing? It's awesome, esp at the Elmwood & Bryant location. They make 'em extra special there.
Report this
chris_h_23
simcoe -- thanks for bringing some laughter into my day. :)
Report this
HelloKitty
Sneakers out in Crystal Beach Ontario has the best wings.
Report this
xosder
Actually, I think just the tourists hit the anchor bar. I don't know any locals who go there for the wings. I give a vote to KGallagher's on Allen.
Report this
BuffaloRox
Real test is consistency. Go back a couple of times and see if Pearl Street wings taste the same or if you just had the right cook.
So far, only Duff's in Amherst consistently has decent size wings that are crispy but not overcooked. The cooks come and go over the years but the wings are excellent. Every time without fail. Don't ever have to worry about being disappointed. They are expensive and a tad too saucy, but they are the best IMO. Honorable mention to Gabriel's Gate (consistent, good size and sauce but not crispy enough). Recently, I had wings at Washington Square on Washington St. (downtown across from Ellicott Square Bldg). Excellent wings!!! Need to go back though to check consistency. Anchor Bar is very hit or miss.
Report this
mbhxam
Yeah, service totally sucks at anchor bar...and simcoe, i literally laughed out loud reading your post...nice!
Report this
cia
Colter Bay, Best Wings, End of Story. Always crisp, hot is actually hot, never a bad wing...
Report this
inferno
Duff's needs to get rid of that mild is hot medium is extra hot etc. crap. Their wings are not very hot at all. It's tough to find wings that make you actually need water or bread after you eat one.
Report this
JAramini
To differentiate wing types I've heard people refer to them as "flats' and "rounds." "Round" makes more sense to me than "shirley."
Report this
Hoss
They are indeed called 'Flats', or 'Clubs'.
Gabrielle's Gate are my favorite so far, but I've only tried them at about 5 different places.
I like when you can order just flats, or just clubs. I'm a flat man myself.
Report this
chris_h_23
Inferno -- If you want some truly HOT wings then you want to go to the Sadakonee Restaurant on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation next to Jan's Smokeshop --- (Sadakonee. 383 Bloomingdale Rd, Akron, New York) --- I like my wings VERY VERY VERY HOT and this place has the hottest wings I have ever had anywhere. So hot in fact I could only eat two wings. I couldn't make wings hotter if I tried to and I have some insanely hot sauces. Anyone else know of any other places with some TRULY HOT chicken wings?
Report this
ablejack
As for TRULY HOT wings, it's pretty easy to do. Use TRULY HOT peppers for the sauce. Monk's in Philadelphia (best beer bar in the world) has the hottest wings I've ever had. They use habaneros. But heat is not what I'm after. Crispy yet tender with balanced flavors is the goal for me. As for type names. I've been calling them male (clubs) and female (flats). Works for me. I like them both but prefer female. Finally, as for the best I've had ever, my brother and I make 'em. Nothing else has been close (yet). Laila might find them "pretty creepy" cuz they're big and inauthentic cuz there's NO sauce. We dry rub, then BBQ slow and low for hours over hardwoods. Served with Marie's BC.
Report this
chris_h_23
ablejack -- Sounds like some good wings you guys cook up. The ones at the Sadakonee are marinated and rubbed as well. Then a light sauce is put on them when served.
Report this
ablejack
Chris- Sounds good too, I'll check them out. Oh yeah, here's some HOT sauces, millions of Scoville units! Seriously be careful. http://www.chez-williams.com/Hot%20Sauce/hothome.htm
Report this
WeLovePanos
Simcoe, those arent wings at KFC on elmwood/bryant... the rats there have legs bigger than chicken wings... and the employees are so cleanly!
Report this
rb66
The Swannie House are great. They are the best on Sundays. MMMMMMMMMM!!!!!
Report this
RisingDamp666
Dip them in Hummus. Really. Not only is it surprisingly good, but your neighbors will be greeted the next morning with an incredible set of 'Bombay Bagpipes'.
Report this
808
mothers has grat wings, all around crispy frried goodness
Report this
stevip13
By far my favorite wings are from the Bar Bill in East Aurora, they are a perfect size, always cooked to perfection and they have a great variety of flavors. And whoever was looking for truly HOTHOTHOT wings, try their suicidal wings. My husband can eat super hot things and even that is a bit much for him. My favorite is the spicy BBQ. I wasn't sure if Sal's in Depew was still open, are their wings still breaded and covered in BBQ sauce? YUM!
Report this
chris_h_23
Bar Bill eh? I don't know that area too well, where is it located? Sounds like it might be a good place to try! I haven't been to Sal's in a while but last time I was there you could get them breaded or non breaded. I usually ordered the breaded ones xtra hot. I will have to take a trip out that way to see if they are indeed still open.
Report this
joshfromsb
I'd like to recommend Nine-Eleven location at 11 Bloomfield Ave. in South Buffalo (14220). They have incredible wings, possibly the best I've ever tasted, and they are presented beautifully. The kitchen stays open late. If you want good wings, go here. You will not be disappointed.
Report this
JAM
Most of my favorite wing places have already been mentioned. Century Grill, Gabriel's Gate and Laughlins are great. Another great place for BBQ wings is "One Eyed Jack's" up in Lockport. They smoke their wings and the meat literally falls off the bone. Brennan's in Williamsville and Coles in Buffalo are also excellent. In response to someone's question of where to get hot hot wings, I think Buffalo Wild Wings gets pretty hot when you get into their "blazing" sauce. Might not melt the skin off your face, but they're hotter than any of the places I've already mentioned. For a chain, Buffalo Wild Wings is pretty good.
Report this
rheumpa
BarBill in East Aurora. They have the best Italian style wings, sprinkled with parm. So good...
Report this
chris_h_23
joshfromsb -- I have heard that Nine-Eleven has good wings as well. I have never been there surpisingly since I too live in South Buffalo. Another place I will have to try.
Report this
drohde
Male (1) and female (2) wings. Both are amazing. Pearl Street has great wings i agree. Its an all around great place to drink eat and hang out with friends.
Report this
gregmasters
Let's end this once and for all. GO TO DIMARCOS ON ENGLEWOOD AND KENMORE AVE. They have the best wings. And here hot is smokin give me a drink hot. Better try medium first.
Report this
AndrewGalarneau
Duff's. Calvin Trillin was right.
Pearl Street? They're all right, if you're already in the place drinking Lake Effect IPA and you get a craving. But honestly, Washington Square on Washington Street is better and even closer to HSBC before a Sabres game.
Report this
geovone
Such a delicious topic! North Buffalo has gone down hill as far as pizzerias go. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to go for good wings in North Buffalo?
Report this
ChristaSeychew
I love the wings at Washington Square and Gabriel's Gate. At the Gate you have to order them "crispy" or the skin texture is too rubbery, IMHO. I'm not one for insanely hot wings; I don't really get off on the endorphin rush that your body goes through while it's in full panic from the assault imparted by the sauce. That level of heat trashes my palate anyway, so all of the fun is lost.
Report this
Jeffshome
I was glad to see that Shannon’s on NFB was mentioned, I love the place. Gabriels Gate and Duff’s are right there in consistency and quality.
A bit off topic on this but if you have never had the cheeseburger special at Duff’s you have missed something as well, Costanzo roll and great fries w/ gravy.
Could not agree more on Anchor Bar being a tourist trap now, thanks for inventing them and putting Buffalo on the map but there should be some sort of disclaimer and map to other places for tourists to get some good wings.
Report this
NBJOHN
Sterling in NoBo has great wings....
leave the credit card at home.... John and Judy only take the dead presidents
Report this
massfour
dimarcos on englewood has the best and the hottest damn wings around
Report this