With football season starting, it seems that the one thing on everyone's mind is always finding the best Buffalo wings. A dish that is said to have originated in New York, specifically the upstate city of Buffalo, wings are a tried and true snack that's to sports as cookies are to Christmas time. While wings are great in any capacity, it's definitely not true that all wings are cooked equally, as the last few decades have been somewhat of a battleground for which restaurant, bar, and pub can produce that country's most delicious chicken.
It's not surprising that some of the best wings in the country come from states that are within close range of each other, but hey - sometimes, in order to try the best of the best, travel must be an option. From secret sauce recipes to finding the perfect crunch and tender, buttery interior, these wing stops are a must-visit for fans... And for football season.
Nine-Eleven Tavern In Buffalo, New York
Starting off with a bang is Nine-Eleven Tavern located in none other than the origination of Buffalo wings, Buffalo, New York. This tavern is known for its sauce which is wholly a secret to fans, but trust us - there's definitely enough of it and it's nothing short of perfection. Luckily, this heavenly sauce can be purchased at Nine-Eleven Tavern, much to the joy of fans looking to recreate their own wings at home or simply douse everything they eat in it.
As for the wings themselves, they're tender while also exuding the perfect crispy consistency, add a bit of crunch to the outside as you take the first, delicious bite. This in itself is a feat and also a sign of serious wing skills, as it takes somewhat of an expert to fry up a good wing and keep its texture.
Delaney's Hole In The Wall In North Conway, New Hampshire
Voted the best wings in all of New Hampshire, Delaney's Hole in the Wall is also one of the best places for wings, period. New England isn't normally the first place many would peg for finding delicious wings, but Delaney's is fryin' 'em up and plating them with a traditional sauce that's just good, satisfying, and the perfect balance between flavor and kick. These wings are a must-try for those in the New England area and are well worth the trip to get there, especially with such scenic vistas surrounding North Conway.
J. Timothy's Taverne In Plainville, Connecticut
Almost coming in as the best wings in the country, J. Timonthy's is serving wings in a way that's both innovative and slightly crazy, resulting in some of the most flavorful and robust wings you'll have ever had in your life. Despite the fact that this is a full-on restaurant, the wings at J. Timonthy's are still coming in clutch as one of the most popular items for regulars and newcomers. The trick to their brilliant method is the sauce routine - which comes into play twice during cooking.
The wings are not only coated in sauce prior to frying but are also doused in an additional layer of sauce when they come out of the fryer, hot and crispy. This results in a dual-layer of flavor and boldness, making them all too memorable when compared to other traditional chicken wings. This method of double-saucing has since become more popular, but no one is cooking them up quite like J. Timothy's.
Anchor Bar In Buffalo, New York
The Anchor Bar already has a reputation for some of the best wings around so it's no surprise that it's still one of the reigning heroes of the wing world in 2020. It's a true Buffalo experience and a great one, even for those who aren't huge fans of Buffalo wings... You simply can't visit Buffalo and not make a pit stop at this local joint. Supposedly, the wing crazy started at the Anchor Bar, making it the original wing stop destination.
It's the perfect place to get some wings that are just altogether delicious, not overly spicy, and perfectly balanced, along with a brew. In fact, some might argue that it's a rite of passage to stop at the Anchor Bar and make a toast to some of the best wings in the country.
Duff's Famous Wings, New York State
Of course, Duff's is still the reigning king of Buffalo wings. Even those who aren't from New York will likely have heard of Duff's Famous Wings, as it truly is famous for their style, flavor, and overall delivery of the best wings in the country. They're so popular that there are now several locations around New York State where fans can get their hands on these dream-worthy chicken wings.
The beauty of these Buffalo wings is that they maintain every important aspect of the dish from a crispy exterior to a tender and juicy interior, all soaked in a sauce that's second to none. Fans of Duff's would likely eat this sauce by the bucketful (okay, maybe not to that extent), as it's one of the best around, especially when it slowly seeping into every crispy crevice of a chicken wing.