Winter/Spring 2021 Chicken Wing Power Rankings (1-69) & Tiers
Covid has really sucked. Obviously that statement holds true in more ways than be counted but for the purpose of this post I’m referring specifically to chicken wings. Being a life-long Buffalonian currently (emphasis on that word “currently) residing in Florida, Covid severely hampered my ability to get back home to Western New York regularly … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: The Yelling Goat
The Yelling Goat is located on Central Avenue in Lancaster and has been around for—actually I have no idea. It feels like it’s been around for quite a while and is quite comfortable inside. I went with a few friends who got things other than wings (blasphemy) including chicken fingers, calzones and a thin crust … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Sports City Pizza Pub
Sports City Pizza Pub is a restaurant/bar on Niagara Street on the west side of Buffalo serving wings, pizza and craft beer that’s been around for a little over four years. They probably have a more expanded menu but frankly, I don’t care and didn’t look. Y’all already know what I’m about. I’ll be honest … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Prohibition 2020
Prohibition 2020 is located in Orchard Park, almost directly next door to Highmark Stadium (I still call it the Ralph but I digress). It was former called Biergarten and Tailgaters and who knows before that. I’ve had wings there under previous regimes and quite frankly thought they kinda sucked. Will Prohibition suffer the same fate? … Read More
Winter/Spring 2020 Chicken Wing Power Rankings (1-67) & Tiers
I’m switching things up, sort of… I’m still ranking each chicken wing spot I’ve tried, 67 as of this posting from first to worst. However, I’ve added a new wrinkle to my extremely unscientific formula—tiers. Seven to be exact. The reason is quite straightforward. While still assigning a numerical ranking to each, in reality many … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Moor Pat
Moor Pat is a spot in Williamsville with a really cool name and I’ve had several patrons there suggest I add them to my growing list of wing joints to try and rank. Who am I to deny their fans? I didn’t do any prior research and therefore had no idea I was walking into—it’s … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Brunner’s Tavern
Brunner’s Tavern, located on Main Street in Buffalo/Amherst was one of the more requested places I try that I haven’t been to yet. They’re not specifically known for wings (more on that below) but enough people have praised them to get me intrigued enough to give them a whirl. The bar and atmosphere were certainly … Read More
Summer/Fall 2019 Chicken Wing Power Rankings (1-60)
If you listen regularly to my Moran-Alytics Podcast, read my blog wing reviews here or follow me on Twitter (@PatMoranTweets) I’m sure you’re aware of my fondness for chicken wings. In fact, perhaps the only thing I enjoy more than eating wings is power ranking them. This cliff notes version is I was born and raised in … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Mooney’s Sports Bar & Grill (Military Rd)
I’m a big sports bar guy and quite frankly there’s a lack of good ones in Western New York. Lots of spots slap up memorabilia on the walls and call themselves a sports bar, but Mooney’s Sports Bar & Grill on Military Road actually feels like one. I love going to this place for that … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Potter’s Field
I’m not sure if Potter’s Field is actually located in West Seneca or South Buffalo. What I do know is I’ve been there probably a dozen times to enjoy several alcohol refreshments, especially annually around St. Patrick’s time. What I’ve never done is try their wings, or if I have I was blacked out and … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Wiechec’s
The euphoria of feeling like I’m uncovering some of the biggest hidden gems for great wings has been my single-favorite part of visiting so many places during this recurring series. I’ve been to Wiechec’s in Lovejoy on multiple occasions and for me, their Beef on Weck straight up rivals Bar Bill, Charlie the Butcher, Kelly’s … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Connor’s
I get tons of suggestions on my Twitter or Facebook on spots to hit, too many of course to ever realistically visit every place mentioned. Ironically, not a single person mentioned Connor’s in West Seneca, other than my buddy who lives in the area and wanted to get together for a lunch literally in my … Read More
EP 144: Wings With Jay Skurski
On this episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast presented by Pulse Cellular, the summer “Wings With” series continues as Patrick Moran meets up with Jay Skurski, Buffalo Bills beat reporter for The Buffalo News at Snyder Bar & Grill in Amherst for wings and a discussion on a variety of topics. Jay’s go-to neighborhood spot for … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Wingnutz
Be patient, wing fans because there’s a lot to unpack with this review than any other. Of all the wing joints in Western New York I’ve tried and with this posting we’re closing in on 60, Wingnutz in Kenmore presents the undisputed biggest conundrum yet. It’s located literally inside the Knights of Columbus and is … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Snyder Bar & Grill
I keep things honest with y’all when doing these. I never even heard of Snyder Bar & Grill in Amherst until Buffalo News sportswriter Jay Skurski suggested we meet up there to have wings before taping a podcast immediately after. I get countless recommendations from fans of places on Twitter and can confidently say this … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: The Blackthorn Pub
The Blackthorn Pub is one of if not South Buffalo’s most popular bars and compared to Seneca Street competition, certainly the most upscale. An insanely popular spot among locals there’s a full menu and tons of room to sit at a table for dinner, enjoy a large patio during summer or plop yourself at the … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Klimek’s Tavern
My parents taught me to never judge a book by its cover and fortunately I heeded those lessons. Unless you’re from or at least know the neighborhood well, Klimek’s Tavern in North Tonawanda is not an enticing place, outside or inside. There’s not a lot around it either, especially compared to the scenery of a … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Dwyer’s Irish Pub
Of all the wing places I’d yet to try, wing fans overwhelmingly told me Dwyer’s Irish Pub in North Tonawanda is the place I needed to hit up. Seeing it’s popularity in web articles not to mention Twitter, I finally made a point to take the ride and check them out. My buddy and I … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: KO Sports Bar & Grill
Don’t worry, KO Sports Bar & Grill. I won’t penalize you for being closed on Sundays despite the internet claiming you’re open. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way after an Orchard Park to North Buffalo early Sunday evening drive to KO was wasted. But hey, I got to see some interesting characters strolling … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Bases Loaded
There’s enough context in the following paragraphs to need a tantalizing lead in. You already know what’s coming, so just read on already… PROS: These were good wings—well above average. I got both medium and medium Cajun and both were cooked well with a solid amount of crisp without blatantly overdoing it for effect. The … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Essex Street Pub
In the interest of full disclosure I personally know the owner of the Essex Street Pub and have been friends since playing little loop football on the West Side together literally 40 years ago. I taped an episode of the Moran-Alytics Podcast recently here with Joe Yerdon from The Athletic and while most appreciative for … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Buffalo Tap House
Most my wing trips are at least semi planned out. Buffalo Tap House was definitely not one of them. After spending a Saturday afternoon on the Hertel Avenue strip with a buddy hanging out at a couple patio bars enjoying the day we eventually ventured towards downtown. We met up with more friends at the … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Glen Park Tavern
I took a drive from Orchard Park to North Buffalo on an early Sunday evening to hit up KO Sports Bar & Grill for wings. I was excited all the way until walking up to the door and finding the place was closed. Dejected and also wing hungry in the car I started thinking of … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: The Wellington Pub
I met a friend at the Wellington Pub one week earlier and didn’t have wings, reason being I didn’t see them on the menu and assumed they weren’t available. Perhaps I should’ve read the thing a little more focused because there’s most definitely wings to be had. I went back again the following Saturday after … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Adolf’s Old First Ward Tavern
Adolf’s on South Park Avenue in the heart of the Old First Ward isn’t designed for outsiders. Don’t get me wrong, that’s not to say people from neighborhoods other than the Ward aren’t welcome, but it’s blatantly obvious the locals are the one buttering the bread here. It’s old and run down, just like we … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Recommendation: Macy’s Place Pizzeria
I don’t have much, if any expectations when it comes to chicken wings from pizzerias. They typically range from decent to tolerable or worst. Sorry, I’m just being honest here. A longtime good friend loves the wings at Macy’s Place Pizzeria and recommended I try them, which considering my history with pizzeria wings had me … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Gene McCarthy’s
Folksssssssssssssssss. I didn’t come to this review alone. My man Maniac and DJ Supreme from Trainwreck Sports joined me for a little Moran-Alytics Podcast collaboration. I didn’t see the inside of the bar because I went with Supreme to set up gear for their “Wing Reviewz” video series nearly while Maniac ventured in to pick … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Goodbar
Goodbar is part of the legendary Elmwood strip on the west side that has served legions of drinkers for several decades. As a Buffalonian I don’t call it a stretch to call it part of the fabric of the city of Buffalo. But—– how were the wings when I tried them? Read on to find … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Coles
Quite literally I’m writing the exact same lead-in I did for its next door competition/counterpart, Goodbar. “Is part of the legendary Elmwood strip on the west side that has served legions of drinkers for several decades. As a Buffalonian I don’t call it a stretch to call it part of the fabric of the city … Read More
Wing Review/QB Comparison: Wales Center Hotel
Of all the spots I didn’t get to among the first 40 wing reviews I’ve done, the Wales Center Hotel in is among the most requested, which made me realize I can’t have a serious review/ power rankings list without trying them. Are these wings worth the considerable hype I read on Twitter or do … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Blasdell Pizza
Blasdell Pizza has four locations throughout Western New York: Hamburg , South Buffalo, Dunkirk and Blasdell. Regretfully I’ve had wings at three of them, two on multiple occasions. Yes, that’s an ominous start and seeing this review won’t get any better, let’s just get this over with. PROS: If I’m being completely honest, nothing. CONS: … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Jokers
Located on Electric Avenue in Lackawanna close to the Blasdell border, Jokers has a classic dive bar feel, although the interior is actually quite impressive and makes up for the terrible parking options outside. The establishment has been around forever although it’s only been called Jokers for the past few years. They have a nice … Read More
Summer 2019 Chicken Wing Power Rankings
I love chicken wings and love power rankings things even more. After spending my entire life in Buffalo I moved to Florida in the summer of 2016. After trying wings at a half dozen Florida spots and detesting each I quickly realized how much I took wings back home for granted. While living in the … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Bar Bill
On a national level it’s Anchor Bar or Duffs that’s most associated with chicken wings. However, if you’re a Western New Yorker, Bar Bill in East Aurora is widely known as the most popular spot. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s dig in. PROS: Umm, yes it lives up to the hype. I … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Kelly’s Korner
One of my favorite things about wing spots is that much like the food itself, they come in all sorts of varieties. You got your fancy spots and your (affectionately known as) holes in the wall. Kelly’s Korner definitively falls in the latter. Located on Delaware Avenue and Hartwell in the heart of North Buffalo … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Anchor Bar
The first time I had Anchor Bar wings a few years ago I enjoyed them a lot. So much, in fact that I had them Power Ranked in my Top 15 and also ahead of Duffs. To say that caused a shit storm in my Twitter mentions is an understatement, but I don’t care. My … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Big Tree Inn
Because so many current and former Buffalo Bills as well as various sports media members can be found regularly at Big Tree, with the close proximity to the stadium a big reason why, it’s easy to assume their wings are overrated. People probably go and eat wings there because it’s right next to where the … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: La Nova Pizza
As someone raised on the west side and actually having delivered pizza at the original location as a teenager I’ll always have a huge soft for La Nova. However, as a much respected journalist and host of the future award winning Moran-Alytics Podcast, I’d be doing legions (or dozens at least) of fans a huge … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: M.T. Pockets
As someone who lived most my life in Buffalo, grew up on the West Side and spent plenty of time living in North Buffalo there’s few things I enjoy more than Hertel Avenue. I’ll take a beautiful spring or summer day of sitting on a patio and enjoying a cold one at a Hertel Ave … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Mammosers
It was a family affair as I journeyed to Mammosers with four family members in tow. Each wanted their own take on the wings so we ended up going with a bucket to divvy up, five flavors total. In the interest of fairness to other places I rate and review, as always I only judge … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Dalmatia Hotel
Hotel Dalmatia is located in Riverside and I hit up in the early afternoon during the week with reinforcements. My wife, daughter, her boyfriend and my son joined me. Because of my extensive company we tried five different flavors, though in keeping with my own rules I only counted the medium plus one signature (in … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: O’Neill’s Stadium Inn
When one thinks of O’Neill’s Stadium Inn the first thing that comes to mind is certainly not chicken wings. That distinction belongs to heavy intoxication before, during or after Buffalo Bills games. Makes sense seeing the locale is literally across the street from New Era Field. For those who don’t come around other than eight … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Elmo’s Bar & Restaurant
Elmo’s Bar & Restaurant is located in Amherst—or is it technically Getzville? Does it really matter? Anyway, it’s a joint that didn’t become mainstream for their wings until recent years, when former UB football star Khalil Mack helped put them on the map on a national scale. Let’s dig in. PROS: The Cajun Double-Dipped wings … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Gabriel’s Gate
Garbriel’s Gate is a trendy spot in the heart of Allentown known for wings as well as other eats and beverages. It’s a favored wing spot for many sports media folk, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s dig in. PROS: I really liked this place. It’s nice without being overly fancy and just … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: The Lenox Grill
You can have Christmas, New Year’s, family time and all that other shit. When I get a chance to come back to Buffalo for any reason, I’m here for the chicken wings. Since moving to Florida roughly two and a half years ago, I realized how much I took having wings in Buffalo for granted, … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Amherst Pizza & Ale House
I like podcasting, as evidenced by my future award-winning Moran-Alytics Podcast taking over the world. I’m also quite fond of chicken wings of late, as evidenced by a need for a better fitting wardrobe after this six week trip back to my hometown of Buffalo and subsequent binge that’s led me to 14 wing joints in … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Ebenezer Ale House
I can’t think of many things more fun to do on a Tuesday night than go out for chicken wings. Then again, I haven’t been able to think about much of anything other than chicken wings. This trip marks an even dozen occasions over the past 17 nights I’ve indulged myself with chicken wings. For … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Audubon North In Amherst
This wing review needs a back story because this Cinderella was never supposed to be happen. On Sunday evening I convinced my buddy Ryan to a take a drive (his truck and gas of course) with me out to North Tonawanda and finally try the vaunted Dwyer’s Pub chicken wings I’ve heard so much about. … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Sal’s Lounge In Depew
I’ve been in a wing slump lately. Three times earlier in the week I went out for chicken wings during this binge (which will end on August 17) and three times I’ve left disappointed. Hoping to end this funk, I hit Sal’s Lounge, 283 Olmstead Avenue in Depew on Saturday night. Here’s the lowdown on … Read More
Chicken Wing Review/QB Comparison: Pappas In West Seneca
I’ve had a rough go of the chicken wing game lately. Previous stops this week at Pour House and Danny’s South produced substandard eating experiences and if I don’t hit on Pappas in West Seneca I’ll officially find myself in a slump. Three straight non-enjoyable chicken wing trips in Western New York isn’t quite the … Read More