The Chicken Wings At This Texas Spot Are Legendary Enough For A Road Trip
Texas has no shortage of places serving up good food, but some spots earn a reputation that stretches far beyond the neighborhood.
At Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House in Dallas, the chicken wings have reached legendary status, drawing fans who swear they’re worth every mile of the drive.
Perfectly crispy, boldly seasoned, and paired with the lively atmosphere of a true Texas hangout, these wings turn an ordinary road trip into a flavor-packed destination.
1. East Dallas Gem Since 2011
Tucked away in a cozy corner of East Dallas, Goodfriend has been serving up wing perfection since opening their doors in 2011.
The unassuming exterior gives no hint of the flavor explosion waiting inside. Local food enthusiasts quickly turned this neighborhood spot into a destination.
Their wing recipe hasn’t changed in over a decade because, frankly, perfection needs no improvement.
2. Culinary Masterminds Behind The Magic
Matt Tobin and Josh Yingling, the brilliant duo who co-own Goodfriend, bring serious culinary credentials to their wing game.
Their combined experience in both upscale dining and neighborhood pubs created this perfect sweet spot of gourmet taste in a laid-back setting.
The pair personally developed the wing recipes through countless taste tests. Their dedication shows in every bite.
3. Double-Fried Technique For Ultimate Crispiness
Forget everything you know about chicken wings. Goodfriend employs a special double-frying technique that creates the perfect texture – impossibly crispy on the outside while maintaining juicy meat inside.
Wings take a full 24 hours from prep to plate. First brined in a secret spice blend, then fried, cooled, and fried again before being tossed in your choice of housemade sauces.
This labor-intensive process explains the extraordinary result.
4. The Famous “Bourdain” Wing Sauce
Named after the late culinary icon Anthony Bourdain, this signature sauce has achieved cult status among Texas foodies.
A complex blend of smoky chipotle, local honey, and bourbon creates a flavor profile that’s simultaneously sweet, spicy, and deeply savory.
Legend has it the sauce recipe came to the chef in a dream. Whether true or not, the Bourdain sauce pairs perfectly with their equally famous “Bourdain Burger.”
5. Craft Beer Pairings That Elevate The Experience
Wings this good deserve exceptional beer companions. With sixteen rotating craft taps plus an extensive bottle and can selection, wing enthusiasts never lack for perfect pairings.
Staff members undergo serious beer education and can recommend the ideal brew for each wing flavor.
The hoppy bitterness of their Texas IPAs cuts through spicy wings, while their creamy stouts complement the smokier varieties.
6. Award-Winning Food In A No-Frills Setting
While Goodfriend’s burgers grabbed headlines in D Magazine’s “Best Burgers” (2015) and their bar earned “Best Bars” (2017), insiders know the wings are the unsung heroes.
The unpretentious atmosphere makes the gourmet-quality food even more surprising. Picnic tables, string lights, and friendly servers create the perfect casual vibe.
No white tablecloths or fancy presentations – just extraordinary wings served in metal baskets lined with checkered paper.
7. The Neighborhood Renaissance Starter
Before Goodfriend arrived at the corner of Peavy and Garland, this area wasn’t exactly a dining destination. Their success sparked a food renaissance that transformed the neighborhood into a culinary hotspot.
Locals credit Goodfriend with jump-starting the area’s revitalization.
What began as a wing pilgrimage often turns into an entire day exploring the now-thriving East Dallas food scene that grew around this pioneer establishment.