Buffalo wings aren’t just food—they’re a way of life in Western New York. Born in this snowy city back in 1964, these saucy treasures have sparked countless debates about who makes them best. Every local has their favorite spot, and trust me, they’re not shy about defending their choice. Ready to discover the wing joints that have Buffalo residents lining up, rain or shine?
1. Anchor Bar – Buffalo
Walking into Anchor Bar feels like stepping into wing history itself. This legendary spot claims the crown as the birthplace of Buffalo wings, thanks to Teressa Bellissimo’s late-night creation in 1964.
The original recipe still graces every plate today, featuring that perfect medium sauce that started it all. Locals often bring out-of-town visitors here first, like a rite of passage.
Head to the original Main Street location and order a half-dozen medium wings. You’ll taste exactly what sparked a worldwide obsession over half a century ago.
2. Duff’s Famous Wings – Amherst & multiple locations
Duff’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to heat levels and crispiness. Their wings arrive with skin so perfectly crispy it practically crackles, while their sauce runs significantly hotter than most competitors.
The Amherst original opened way back in 1946, though wings came later to the menu. Locals know to take their heat warnings seriously here.
Medium-hot packs serious punch, so don’t let pride override common sense. Their “medium is hot, hot is very hot” motto isn’t just clever marketing—it’s a survival guide for your taste buds.
3. Gabriel’s Gate – Buffalo (Allentown)
Tucked inside a charming 1864 building, Gabriel’s Gate serves wings that locals consistently rank among Buffalo’s finest. The neighborhood tavern atmosphere makes every visit feel like catching up with old friends.
Their medium sauce strikes that perfect balance—tangy without overwhelming, spicy without punishment. The plump wings arrive generously coated and steaming hot.
Winter visits hit differently here, with the rustic interior providing cozy refuge from Buffalo’s notorious weather. Perfect spot for a wing crawl pit stop when temperatures drop below freezing outside.
4. Bar-Bill Tavern – East Aurora & Clarence
Bar-Bill has achieved cult status among wing enthusiasts, partly due to their unique hand-painted sauce technique. Each wing gets individual attention, ensuring perfect coverage every single time.
The East Aurora original location pairs wings with their equally famous beef on weck sandwiches. Clarence offers the newer outpost for those seeking the same quality closer to Buffalo.
Smart locals order half wings, half beef on weck for the complete Bar-Bill experience. Both specialties showcase why this place maintains such devoted following among Western New York food lovers.
5. Nine-Eleven Tavern – South Buffalo
Nine-Eleven Tavern keeps things refreshingly low-key while serving wings that inspire fierce local loyalty. Their secret lies in a slightly sweet, peppery sauce that sets them apart from typical Buffalo offerings.
The small dining room creates intimate atmosphere but fills up lightning-fast, especially when Buffalo sports teams take the field. Regulars know timing is everything here.
Arrive early to snag a table, particularly on game days when the entire neighborhood seems to converge. The wait proves worthwhile once you taste what keeps locals coming back week after week.
6. Elmo’s Bar & Restaurant – Getzville
Elmo’s has built a devoted following around their signature Cajun-honey-garlic wings and consistently meaty portions. The double-dipped coating creates layers of flavor that regular sauce simply can’t match.
Wings arrive with perfectly crispy edges that locals rave about online and in person. The unique sauce combinations set this place apart from traditional Buffalo joints.
The Cajun-honey-garlic combination is absolutely essential ordering—don’t even consider skipping it. Just prepare for potential waits during dinner rush, as word has definitely gotten out about this suburban gem.
7. Wingnutz – Buffalo (Lenox Grill inside Best Western on Delaware Ave)
Wingnutz represents the new school of Buffalo wings, operating inside the Best Western but earning serious respect from locals. Their large, perfectly cooked wings rival any traditional joint.
Creative sauce options like “Cajun BBQ Hot” showcase innovation while respecting Buffalo wing traditions. The quality consistently impresses even the most skeptical wing purists.
Pre-ordering for pickup saves considerable time, especially on weekends when they frequently sell out. Don’t let the hotel location fool you—these wings compete with Buffalo’s best establishments.
8. Macy’s Place Pizzeria – Cheektowaga
Macy’s started as a pizza joint but has gone locally viral for their over-the-top wing flavors and massive “monster” sized portions. Their creativity knows absolutely no bounds here.
Wild flavor combinations like peanut butter and jelly wings sound crazy but somehow work perfectly. The “Hot Garlic Parm” offers more traditional appeal for cautious eaters.
Order one classic flavor alongside something adventurous for the full Macy’s experience. The monster sizes mean you’ll definitely have leftovers, assuming you can stop eating these addictive creations long enough.
9. Big Ditch Brewing Company – Buffalo
Big Ditch proves that craft breweries can serve serious Buffalo-style wings alongside their inventive beer offerings. While not a traditional wing origin spot, they’ve earned local respect.
Their solid Buffalo-style preparation honors the city’s wing traditions without trying to reinvent the wheel. The brewery atmosphere adds modern twist to classic wing consumption.
Pairing wings with their Hayburner IPA creates the ultimate Buffalo flavor combination. The hoppy beer cuts through wing sauce richness while complementing the spicy heat perfectly for a memorable local experience.
10. Mr. Goodbar – Buffalo (Elmwood Village)
Mr. Goodbar closes out wing crawls perfectly with their extensive menu featuring over twenty different sauces and dry rubs. Late-night hours accommodate Buffalo’s nocturnal wing cravings beautifully.
The Elmwood Village location buzzes with energy from college students and locals alike. Adventure-seekers find plenty of unique options beyond traditional Buffalo sauce.
Try a dry rub or hot-honey combination to finish your night with something memorable. The variety ensures even the most experienced wing enthusiasts discover new favorites at this crawl-ending destination.
