Why Locals Say This Buffalo Wing Spot Is The Best In New York
Buffalo wings in New York aren’t just food—they’re a way of life, practically a religion for those who crave that perfect bite of crispy, saucy goodness. Over the years, I’ve traveled across the state on a mission to find the ultimate wing, from small-town taverns to bustling city bars.
Time and again, locals point me toward the same legendary spots, each with its own devoted following.
But what really makes a wing joint unforgettable? It’s not just about size or spice—it’s the magic blend of crunch, flavor, and atmosphere that keeps New Yorkers coming back, plate after plate.
Anchor Bar — The Original Legend
Nothing beats standing where Buffalo wings were born! The first time I bit into an Anchor Bar wing, I felt like I was tasting a piece of American food history. Established in 1935, this place became legendary when Teressa Bellissimo created the first Buffalo wings in 1964.
What amazes me is how they’ve maintained their quality for decades. The wings arrive perfectly crispy outside, juicy inside, with that signature buttery-spicy sauce that started it all. The classic blue cheese dip still follows the original recipe!
Every bite feels special when you realize you’re eating at the birthplace of a national obsession.
Duff’s Famous Wings — Hotter and Crispier
“Medium is HOT. Hot is VERY HOT. And very hot is DEATH!” The famous warning at Duff’s isn’t just clever marketing – it’s genuine concern for your taste buds! My first experience with their Death Sauce left me sweating, crying, and oddly wanting more.
Founded in 1946, Duff’s has perfected wings that snap with crispiness while delivering serious heat that builds rather than overwhelms. The meat stays juicy despite the extra-crisp exterior – a technical achievement that keeps wing fanatics returning.
Their consistency is legendary; whether you visit at noon or midnight, the wings never disappoint.
Wingnutz — Texture Fanatics’ Paradise
My texture-obsessed friend dragged me to Wingnutz, promising “wings unlike anything you’ve ever tried.” He wasn’t exaggerating! These aren’t ordinary wings – they’re massive, double-fried creations with a crunch you can hear across the room.
The secret spice blend creates an almost candy-like shell around impossibly juicy meat. Their signature move is letting you sample multiple sauces via their wing flight – genius for indecisive eaters like me.
Originally hidden in a Knights of Columbus hall, this cult favorite earned its following through texture perfection alone. One bite of their garlic parmesan wings converted me into a lifetime fan.
Elmo’s — Double-Dipped Flavor Bombs
“Double-dipped” sounded like marketing jargon until I watched Elmo’s unique wing process in action. These wings undergo a flavor metamorphosis: fried first, then sauced, then grilled, then sauced again!
The result? Layers of flavor that ordinary wings can’t touch. The grill marks caramelize the first sauce layer, creating smoky complexity that elevates everything. Tucked inside an unassuming strip mall, Elmo’s doesn’t need flashy decor when their wings speak so loudly.
My personal addiction is their Cajun-honey-butter double-dip – a sweet-spicy combination that should be illegal for how good it tastes.
Gabriel’s Gate — Historic Ambiance, Juicy Wings
Stepping into Gabriel’s Gate feels like entering a time capsule of Buffalo history. The 19th-century building in Allentown creates an atmosphere that modern wing spots can’t replicate – all wooden beams, vintage decor, and character.
But atmosphere alone wouldn’t earn them this spot. Their wings achieve that perfect balance: crispy exteriors protecting ultra-juicy interiors, with sauce that clings rather than pools. The portions are generous enough to satisfy but not so massive that quality suffers.
My Buffalo-born friend claims these wings represent the platonic ideal of what Buffalo wings should be – traditional, unpretentious, and absolutely delicious.
Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill — Homey Comfort with Sauce
Sometimes greatness hides in plain sight! Sidelines doesn’t have national fame, but locals pack this neighborhood sports bar for wings that outshine many famous competitors. Their jumbo wings arrive smothered in that perfect butter-Frank’s RedHot ratio that defines authentic Buffalo style.
What sealed my love for Sidelines was discovering their “Weck & Wings” special – pairing Buffalo’s two iconic foods in one glorious meal. The kummelweck roll with rare roast beef alongside perfectly executed wings represents Buffalo cuisine at its finest.
The family-run atmosphere adds that special something that corporate wing places can never capture.
Nine Eleven Tavern — Dive-Bar Simplicity Done Right
Mark Gress, the owner of Nine Eleven Tavern, hand-makes every single batch of wings himself. This dedication becomes apparent with your first bite – these wings aren’t trying to reinvent anything, they’re just executing the classics to perfection.
The South Buffalo dive bar atmosphere adds to the experience. No frills, no fancy menu, just wings ranging from mild to hot with blue cheese that’s actually worth eating. Their fries deserve special mention – hand-cut and perfectly crispy.
What I appreciate most is the consistency. These wings taste exactly the same every single time, a testament to Mark’s hands-on approach and unwavering standards.