It's Always Wing Night Here In NYC

This is a collection of the top wings you will find in Manhattan and the boroughs of NYC. I will share my top picks, descriptions, unique flavors, and personal ratings of all of the delicious wings I come across in my journeys. I'll also feature top picks from my favorite places out of town as well!

[itswingnightinnyc]

**SPECIAL FEATURE** Hot n’ Honey Wingsgiving by Cousin Alex Hayden  |  Blue Bell, PA  |  Invite Only

Heat / Flavor:  ++++

Sauce / Rub:  +++++

Overall Cook:  +++

Messy Factor:  ++

Pricing: -

Overall Rating: ++++ (4.25 / 5.0)

This posting is a special feature, as I had the absolute honor of consuming my cousin’s special Hot n’ Honey wings for Thanksgiving and yes, they were most certainly blog-worthy.

A few years back, Alex has introduced me to the world of the regionally popular, Philadelphia-famous, hot n’ honey style of wings at the Bridgeport Rib House. Naturally, I fell in love with this sauce and don’t typically find anything close elsewhere. Since then, Alex has mastered this craft with his own hot n’ honey formula and process steps, making Thanksgiving 2017 the year he absolutely nailed it.

Starting by bringing his sauce to a healthy simmer and applying a double-coating of flour, the wings are fried with a table-top fryer, sauced liberally by brush, and broiled within a very temperamental time frame. The quick broiling perfectly caramelizes the sauce to the skin, giving it a sweet and crunchy texture while also adding a bit of smokey char. This was by far my favorite part of the experience. The skin was like candy.

The sauce was absolutely beautiful; I’m drooling as I type. A true hot n’ honey where there was just enough heat and the honey flavor actually shined through, which is somewhat difficult to do successfully. The meat was piping-hot and juicy, almost to a fall-off-the-bone consistency. I personally enjoy chicken a little “well-done” but this can be difficult to accomplish without compromising the other textures and flavors. This is also a personal preference I don’t share with many others.

Well done, Alex. Well. Done. If any readers ever have the honor of being invited to my family’s Thanksgiving celebration, these wings will be ready and waiting for you.

[itswingnightinnyc]

BIER CAB | www.BierCab.com/en/ | Carrer de Muntaner, 55, Barcelona, Spain

Eixample District

Heat / Flavor:  ++++

Sauce / Rub:  +++

Overall Cook:  ++

Messy Factor:  ++

Pricing: +++

Overall Rating: +++/ (3.75 / 5.0)

My recent travels through Barcelona were met with absolutely stunning mountain-top views, blue-water beaches, Gothic history and architecture, and of course, incredible eats. Being such a cultural mecca for any and all types of Spanish cuisine, I assumed it would be almost inevitable to come across a plate of wings worth recommending. And although I wouldn’t classify these as Spanish, I still found my wings.

Bier Cab isn’t at all your traditional pub, sports bar, or tapas restaurant. In fact, it doesn’t provide much of a warm and fuzzy atmosphere at all. But aside from the expensive list of beers across the globe (ranging from 12 to 120 euro) the Cab gave me an interesting taste of upscale bar food, served tapas style. And with a tapas menu like this, it’s easy to go crazy.

I was able to snag the very last order of the “BatWings” they were serving up as this week’s promotion. A bit disappointed, I ordered my single serving and supplemented the rest of my stomach with other fillers. BatWings are crafted with an Asian Hoisin sauce glaze and topped with freshly minced chili. You can also see a sprinkle of chili seeds on top for quite an extra kick.

The glaze gave me everything I could want in an Asian-inspired wing. The perfect amount of thickness and flavor to the sauce greatly complimented the cook and juiciness of the meat. The chili seeds really gave these wings a well-needed punch and I could not eat them fast enough.

My only gripe here (aside from the shortage of supply) was the size of the actual wing. I’m sure you can also share in my disappointment when a highly anticipated plate of wings are put down before you, only to reveal a half-dozen micro-sized wings. There is a perfect size and quality of wing, and this missed the mark.

All in all, I was very pleased to have gotten my wing fix while overseas. I would recommend paying Bier Cab a visit, however I believe these wings will only be an occasional promotion. There is plenty else to see and eat in Barcelona, so safe travels and watch for pickpockets.

[itswingnightinnyc]

Mudville 9 | www.Mudville9.com/ | 126 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007

Subway: 1,2,3,A,C (Chambers St.)

Heat / Flavor:  +++++

Sauce / Rub:  +++

Overall Cook:  +++

Messy Factor:  ++

Pricing: ++

Overall Rating: +++/ (3.75 / 5.0)

Photo 1: Mudville 9′s “Super Wow” hot wings.

Photo 2: “Butterscotch, Bourbon & Bacon” (front) and “Jamaican Jerk” (back)

Photo 3: The Wings-Giving Hot Wing Challenge Promotional Card

Excited to share regarding one of the most fun and high-energy wing experiences I’ve had. I was invited to “Wings-Giving,” an annual event hosted at Mudville9 that raises money to combat Prostate Cancer. A percent of all wing (and certain beer) sales for that day are donated, special guests are invited, raffles/prizes are hosted, and it’s an all around awesome time with incredible people! I love wings and the fight against cancer is very personal to me, so it was a win-win. This was also my first time at Mudville9.

A very quick bit about the bar itself; a high-energy, intimate, “good-vibes” type of establishment with an enticing higher-scale bar food menu and an impressive beer list. They also offer "The Wing Ding” which is 2 hours of All-You-Can-Eat wings, fries, and unlimited (select) beer growlers for $35. It requires a table of 6, but I’ll certainly be back for this.

**THE HOT WING CHALLENGE:** So, the premise of this challenge was; what are you willing to do to support the fight against prostate cancer? No time limit, no fancy prizes, only 5 wings, some good laughs and the satisfaction of helping the cause.

Every year, the chefs of Mudville9 whip up a slightly modified and hotter version of their “Super Wow” sauce. I love spicy, but these are definitely not for the weak stomached. It’s tough to say they were ‘delicious’ when your taste buds have been demolished, but I truly did enjoy the adventure. I finished my plate very quickly and dealt with the residual heat lingering on my palette for the next 20 minutes. Others at my table attempted but only made it half way through. It’s the most milk we’ve all drank since we were wearing diapers.

To “cool down” we tried a couple of other flavors offered: The Butterscotch Bourbon & Bacon, and the Jamaican Jerk. Overall, Mudville9 cooks up some solid bar wings, with a hot, thorough cook on the meat, not too mushy, not overly crispy, and the proper toss of sauce. We’re not talking anything absolutely “groundbreaking” here but you will satisfy your cravings here for sure.

The Jamaican Jerk was nicely sweet, but lacked a bit of that extra heat you might expect from other chefs. Or perhaps my mouth was still recovering? The Butterscotch, Bourbon & Bacon, although an exciting concept, seemed to disappoint us a bit. Signing up for the whole “sweet wing” experience, the glaze tasted a bit more oily than sweet. The flavors were subtle and it was difficult to sense any bacon in the recipe. Don’t worry, they still didn’t go to waste.

**FINAL THOUGHT:** Whether it’s for wings or not, GO! You’ll have a good time, and if you order a few rounds of wings, you’ll have an even better time. You will not be disappointed with the menu and the staff, from my experience, was lovely and accommodating.

Happy Wings-Giving!

buffalowings bbqwings jacksfiredepartment jacks wings teriyaki chickenwings johntaffer barrescue queens sunnyside wingnight barfood foodporn nyc manhattan bbq grilled

[itswingnightinnyc]

Jack’s Fire Dept. Ale House | www.JacksFireDepartment.com/ | 39-46 Skillman Ave. Sunnyside, NY 11104 (Queens)

Subway: 7 (40th St.)

Heat / Flavor:  +++

Sauce / Rub:  ++

Overall Cook:  ++++

Messy Factor:  ++

Pricing: ++

Overall Rating: +++/ (3.25 / 5.0)

After being featured on John Taffer’s television show Bar Rescue, a group of friends and I were a little curious to witness the fruit of his labor; Jack’s Ale House.

In my opinion, the show’s success would be the main reason anyone ventures out to this spot in Sunnyside, which is a very remote, bright and pleasant, family-oriented part of Queens. However, not an ideal spot for a bar (there’s a school and a playground a block away). But, if there are wings on the menu, why would this ever stop me from giving it a try?

As I mentioned the phrase in my previous post, these wings just made the cut of “Blog-Worthy,” which to me is a rating of 3 or higher.

To get the basics and pleasantries out of the way, the decor successfully sticks with the fire department theme, featuring a huge front end of a firetruck above the bar and various pictures and fire gear on the walls. Certainly not a trendy look the Queens and Brooklyn hip crowd looks for. Happy hour featured some great discounted deals...they also have Kona Big Wave on tap! Score! I will mention though, that for the 2-3 hours we were hanging out, only about 10 patrons visited, if that. Most seemed to be friends/family of the bar.

Okay, so the wings and fries finally arrive, let me tell you what I thought! The menu features “Charred Grilled Wings” available in the Fiery Hot flavors of BBQ or Teriyaki. I chose the latter. For those with a fear of heat, they weren’t hot...perhaps between a mild and medium.

You may know by now that I prefer a rather well-done cook on the meat as opposed to an overly-juicy wing. They certainly came through with this; hot, crispy and generously (but not overly) charred on the outside with plenty of meat on the bones. As far as natural chicken wing, smokey grilled flavor goes, there was plenty of it. This aspect of the wing was done pretty well.

However, I ordered Teriyaki wings, not a naked dry-rub wing. The little bit of Teriyaki glaze on these wings was a nice flavor, but I wanted more, way more. You will see in my picture above that any bit of sauce seeped to the bottom of the plate and was soaked up by the serving paper. Toss these wings in a bit more sauce or lather them up while still cooking on the grill, and these babies could be a 4 out of 5, easily!

You’ll find a plate of wings and cool cucumber ranch for a modest $9. I personally enjoy the menu and drinks as well. If you have a car or want to make a special trip to check out Jack’s wings, go for it. But I wouldn’t expect this to become a regular stop for me.

[itswingnightinnyc]

Dan & John’s Wings | www.DanAndJohns.com/ | 135 1st Ave., New York, NY 10003

Subway: 6 (Astor Place) or L (1st Ave.)

Heat / Flavor:  ++++

Sauce / Rub:  ++++

Overall Cook:  +++++

Messy Factor:  +++

Pricing: +++

Overall Rating: ++++/ (4.5 / 5.0)

Dan & John’s has been a bucket list item to a co-worker and I for months now. Yesterday, the planets and our schedules aligned so that we could finally taste a bit of Western New York.

Built from the ground up, Dan & John came to Manhattan disappointed with the wing selection available, and therefore decided to bring Buffalo, NY flavor to the east coast. With one small store front and multiple pop-ups, I’d say they’re kicking ass so far, claiming to have sold over 10,000 wings during the Superbowl.

It’s been a while since I’ve had, what I call “Blog-Worthy” wings; ladies and gentlemen, the dry spell is over.

One can simply suspect from my picture that these wings are cooked, crisped, and sauced to perfection. We ordered a 20 pc and split between the BBQ Sweet and BBQ Spicy. Other flavors included mild, medium, hot, inferno, and insane (which I will try next time).

BBQ Spicy was certainly the more memorable flavor, however every wing possessed a flawless crisp, slightly charred on the outside with a steaming, mildly juicy chicken inside. I’m not always a fan of heavily sauced wings, but when the formula is done right, bring it on. Every bite put me in a euphoric state over and over again. Crunch, sauce, meat, crunch, sauce, meat.

The sauce was a finely blended swirl of spicy buffalo and tangy BBQ, almost alternating on my taste buds every other second. Truly the best of both worlds.

My only qualm was that I wish these wings themselves were a bit larger, but I suppose this is because it was difficult to get enough. Take it as a compliment.

The verdict: yes, please do yourself a favor and take a visit. Make sure to say hello to the staff; we had a great chat with John himself as we ate. The location is small with only a few seats so plan on taking these babies to go. You’ll be looking at about $25 for 20 wings...but it’s true, money can buy you happiness.

[itswingnightinnyc]

The Spinning Room Bar | www.TheSpinningRoomBar.com/ | 5975 Main Street, Tannersville, NY 12485

Subway: You’re going to need a car for this one...

Heat / Flavor:  +++

Sauce / Rub:  ++++

Overall Cook:  ++++

Messy Factor:  +

Pricing: ++

Overall Rating: ++++ (4.0 / 5.0)

Ah, the Spinning Room, or “Spin Bar” as we call it; always good for a night of over-indulging on colossal sized burgers, taking tequila shots off of a ski blade, seeing some amateur pole dancing, and meeting new people at the pool table. There are a few other bars in this small town when we come to Hunter Mountain to snowboard, but we only choose Spin Bar every time.

I had been here a handful of times in the past and always went for their absolutely incredible Buckaroo Burgers: complete with BBQ sauce, 2 motz sticks, 2 onion rings, bacon and cheese. Being that we spent two nights at this bar, I decided to try some wings. Now I believe they offered a standard variety of house wings (hot, bbq, etc) while also advertising their “Specialty Houston Wings.” Sounded good, but I will have to try these next time because immediately underneath, I spotted their 2nd Specialty wing dish...”Waffle Wings.”

All I could think was “I need to see what in the world these wings are all about” while I’m always up for trying something unique. Spin Bar’s Waffle Wings are dipped and fried in waffle batter, naked and unseasoned, but paired with a generous cup of a hot maple sauce. The waffle batter was full, crispy and the perfect amount of crust, covering a juicy, piping hot, and perfectly cooked chicken. The maple sauce completed the experience with that super sweet, but not overbearing glaze. There was a very mild kick, something just enough to let your taste buds know this wasn’t breakfast time. In summary, these wings are “Chicken n’ Waffles” all in one bite.

Now don’t get me wrong, these wings were absolutely delicious and deserve this rating. As far as basic flavor goes, I’ve certainly tasted more mind-blowing wings featured in this blog; wings with sauces and seasonings unlike most others. However the sheer creativity and simplicity of this dish, something I have not come across yet, earned these wings their 4 stars.

You get 10 of these bad boys for $11. Don’t pass this opportunity to try something incredibly unique. I wouldn’t recommend sharing either.

[itswingnightinnyc]

Calexico | www.Calexico.net/ | 645 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Subway: G (Nassau Ave.)

Heat / Flavor:  +++/

Sauce / Rub:  ++++

Overall Cook:  +++

Messy Factor:  ++

Pricing: +++

Overall Rating: +++/ (3.75)

I thoroughly enjoy coming to Calexico and have visited the Greenpoint location a handful of times now. The drinks and happy hour specials are on point and the tacos are absolutely to die for (Chipotle Pork being highly recommended). Beware of the nachos, however. They’re a perfect blend of every Mexican-style flavor you could ask for, but the portions are colossal and you will not finish your main courses.

I feel that I say this often, but Calexico is another great place to come with 3 or 4 friends, line up at the bar and shoot the shit for a few hours.

This visit was my first trying the wings. Of course, thoughts and fantasies as to how they will taste encircled my mind throughout the day. You get about 8 or 9 wings for $12 along with blue cheese and a miniature cauldron-like bowl of extremely spicy, pickled jalapenos and other assorted vegetables. Be careful, they’re HOT.

The house chipotle sauce is lovely and tossed perfectly; a nice mild to medium kick with a Mexican twist that differentiates their dish from your standard buffalo sauced wings. The wings themselves are generously meaty and give you plenty to bite into with a flavor that carries through. The cook on the meat itself was fine but the skin on the outside was where I could have desired more “crisp” or texture. Of course, call it personal preference but I would say these wings need to be ordered “well-done” next time.

All in all, I was not disappointed and highly recommend Calexico whether you’re here for wings, drinks, tacos, or all of the above. Adios!

[itswingnightinnyc]

The Royal | www.TheRoyalNYC.com/ | 127 4th Ave, New York, NY 10003

Subway: 4,5,6,N,Q,R,L (Union Sq, Astor Pl.)

Heat / Flavor:  ++

Sauce / Rub:  +++

Overall Cook:  +++++

Messy Factor:  ++

Pricing: ++

Overall Rating: +++/ (3.5)

Oh, The Royal...nestled a couple of blocks south of Union Square on the forgotten 4th Ave. This is your slightly classier than typical sports bar; candle lit wooden tables, stone walls with neon accents, plenty of room to lounge and more TVs than you can handle. Service is somewhat warm and pleasant, the food and drinks are delicious, and the atmosphere (at least on a Thursday) isn’t overly intimidating.

But, enough...I’m here to rate the wings. I was here with my colleagues doing a promotion for our new start up (the owners / management / Security were very accommodating and I thank them for all). As the night was winding down, I didn’t have to look very far down the menu to discover (and later order) the wings.

I went with the Honey Teriyaki wings (other options included buffalo and BBQ). First of all, let’s take a moment to look at the presentation. There’s a reason why people enjoy looking at food porn all day at the office. You are able to physically see that the skin is crisped to perfection, is not too thick or overly breaded, the coloring is on point, and the chives simply always make a dish of wings look impressive.

So, yes I was absolutely thrilled with the cook on the meat, inside and out. The amount of sauce and seasoning was just about right, as it’s easy for wing-joints to go stingy on the flavor. What could have used improvement however was the flavor itself; enjoyable but nothing to absolutely “wow” me from others I’ve reviewed. The focus was a bit too much on the Teriyaki side for me and not enough on the honey. I’m also partial to anything with some heat to it. A little black and red pepper would make these a bit more exciting. 

You get 10-12 wings for $11 and some solid, thick cut carrots and celery with ranch; none of this shoestring vegetable crap. The spring roll platter looked fun too but I did not end up ordering. The final verdict is: this is a sweet spot to come after work on a weeknight, watch the game, and relax. Do yourself a favor and start with the wings...you’ll thank me.

And I’m out of here!

[itswingnightinnyc]

Hometown BBQ | www.HometownBarbque.com/ | 454 Van Brunt St Brooklyn, NY 11231

Subway: F,G (+12 minute walk)

Heat / Flavor:  +++++

Sauce / Rub:  ++++

Overall Cook:  +++++

Messy Factor:  ++

Pricing: ++++

Overall Rating: ++++/ (4.5)

Voted the best BBQ joint in New York by Thrillest.com in their search across all 50 states, I instantly became curious. Once I researched the menu and discovered their Sriracha Wings, it give me that much more of a reason to make the trip.

Hometown features counter service with a relatively large seat-yourself dining area, a full bar with extra seating, and a back room area where you’ll find a small stage with live music. On a weekend, you’ll be in for a 30-40 minute wait on line...but please, your patience will be worth it.

At the counter, you’ll be greeted with a sample piece of brisket. Immediately, I knew the trip would be worth it; taking in the juicy, pepper-crusted, smoky flavor. Be ready to spend a bit of cash, but coming to Hometown should always be a “Treat-Yourself” type of outing anyway. I ordered the wings along with the Korean Sticky Ribs, Texas Queso Mac & Cheese, their Signature Coleslaw and an incredibly perfect cup of banana cream pudding.

Now the wings; they must not receive too many orders, as I had to wait 10 minutes for them to come to my table separately, made to order. As the server found my order number and placed the tray beside me, instant joy and excitement took over. The flawlessly crispy exterior, piping hot with a healthy glaze of Sriracha and sesame seeds gave way to a steaming, juicy meat inside. The Sriracha flavor was a perfect amount, not the generic type of chili taste you will find with cheaper wings. Let’s just say I was extremely happy.

You get 6 wings for $9 and the price is absolutely worth the quality and presentation you will receive. I also highly recommend trying the Korean Sticky Ribs as well...you only get 3 ribs for $12 but again, this isn’t a night to be stingy. I will certainly be back to try the other menu items I missed out on this time but please, do yourself a flavor; plan your trip immediately!

[itswingnightinnyc]

Mokja | www.MokjaNY.com/ | 35-19 Broadway, Queens, NY 11106

Subway: N,Q (Broadway Stop)

Heat / Flavor:  ++++

Sauce / Rub:  ++++

Overall Cook:  +++++

Messy Factor:  ++

Pricing: ++++

Overall Rating: ++++/ (4.5)

Get ready, folks...this one is definitely a new favorite. Mokja is a trendy, casual, corner-building Korean Eatery I’ve walked by dozens of times and always “meant to stop in.” When I saw a recommendation for their wings on the Awesome Astoria Facebook page, well...I didn’t need any other reason.

So, in my recent unofficial quest for Korean chicken wings, I can safely say that Mokja has provided me with the best overall Korean-style wing I’ve tasted thus far. I will also give a brief mention to the rest of the menu...I was left deciding between at least 6 different items I thought to be worth sampling. As my main course, I settled on the Combo Bibimbap (which is a hot-stone rice bowl covered with all the usual fixin’s, pork, chicken, and beef) which was hearty but could have used a bit more flavor. The spicy beef noodle soup is one to try also.

Okay, enough. Let’s get to the wings. Like most Korean-style wing places, Mokja offers Spicy, Soy/Ginger, or a half & half option in plates of 6,12, or 20 (and they deliver!). Although the Soy/Ginger was pleasant, the Spicy wings made my experience, hands-down.

My issue with previous Korean wing experiences has been the lack of flavor and glaze. It’s almost as if most restaurants will tease you with a very slight coating of a delicious sauce, focusing more on the breading. In addition to a healthy coating of spicy sauce, Mokja’s seasoning was lovely as well (note the red pepper flakes just chillin’ on top). The flavor, which was a nice, warm, healthy dose of heat, carried through the entire wing, where as sometimes I will find myself eating plain chicken by the time I reach the bone at other restaurants.

The crispiness of the skin was just right...not soggy, not overbearing, not too flaky or thick...just right. Once you bite through the perfect skin, the meat inside was steaming hot, the right amount of juicy, fresh, all the above.

Prices aren’t wing night specials here by any means but you can score a dozen of these bad boys for $12.95...well worth it if you’re looking to treat yourself. I can finally say that I’ve found wings that I’m actually excited about in Astoria. If you’re walking down Broadway, definitely give Mokja a try!

Enjoy!

[itswingnightinnyc]

Bridgeport Rib House ^_^ | www.ribhouse.net/ | 1049 Ford Street, Bridgeport, PA 19405

Subway: This one is out of town. I recommend driving.

Heat / Flavor:  ++++

Sauce / Rub:  +++++

Overall Cook:  ++++

Messy Factor:  ++

Pricing: ++

Overall Rating: ++++/ (4.25)

Sometimes you need to go out of town to find the next best wing. I was visiting family somewhere near the Philadelphia outer region and my cousin knew it would be a good idea to show me some of what he thought to be the best wings in town. Well, damn...spot on!

The Bridgeport Ribhouse looks like any other typical Pennsylvania dive; 8 local regulars scattered around the bar, wooden infrastructure, local sports team memorabilia on the walls, Yuengling on tap, etc. One thing you can’t always get in New York, however is a decent wing deal on a Sunday afternoon: 1/2 dozen wings, breaded or naked for $3.95.

It’s been a very long time since I’ve found a hot, delicious, pit-smoked wing with just enough sauce where it almost boarders being a dry rub. Just the way I f***in like it.

I was told that there is a unique flavor profile that is practiced in this region and supposedly Rib House is the place that nailed the formula. They call it “Hot & Honey” and I think I’m head over heels in love. I just knew by looking at and feeling the texture of the wings that these were going to give me a wingasm. The first bite was the perfect blend of sweet and smokey. As you continue to chew, the (moderate level) heat begins to creep up on you in the most pleasant way. It dances on the tip of your tongue with hints of black pepper and paprika. As you continue to eat your way to the bottom of the basket, there is a constant switch between sweet and spicy, making it difficult to get bored of this flavor.

Well, I believe I’ve said what I’ve had to say about these wings...the flavor, the cook, the very clean (2-napkin) experience for a decent price...you will absolutely need to make the trip here if you’re anywhere near Bridgeport, PA. Next time, I’ll need to pair these wings with a 1/2 rack of ribs.

Y’all come back now!

[itswingnightinnyc]

Seoul Chicken | www.seoul-chicken.com/ | 71 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002

Subway: J,Z,M,F (Delancey St.)

Heat / Flavor:  +++

Sauce / Rub:  ++++

Overall Cook:  +++

Messy Factor:  ++

Pricing: +++

Overall Rating: +++/ (3.5)

Seoul Chicken was a spontaneous dinner choice which lead to some damn good wings. This newly established gem, featuring Korean-Style cuisine sports a small, full-service bar, a few tables (not recommended for parties of more than 4 or 5) and a knack for cooking up some tasty and unique flavors. Our attention was caught from the outside and the boys we’re whining about not eating for a while...so in we went.

I suppose I’ve taken a break from the traditional American style wings, as my last entry spoke about a Korean-Fried wing spot on the lower east side. However, Seoul Chicken strays from the stereotypical fried wing the Koreans are so well-known for. You also here have the option to eat your chicken as is or “wrap it up” with lettuce and additional fixin’s.

You get 5, jumbo, full, meaty chicken wings with a smooth, almost baked texture; not the flaky and crispy skin found elsewhere. I’m quite partial to anything Honey Sriracha, so this was my weapon of choice for the evening; a thin yet creamy, well-balanced, mildly spicy blend. Some might say this flavor is overused and perhaps mainstream...but in NYC, they know how to get it right. I could have used a bit more heat, but the sauce to meat ratio was on-point and the consistency of the meat, brilliant. 

Call me a wing-snob, but when I go out for wing night, I like to power through my meal. As delicious as these wings were, Seoul Chicken serves up the full-style of wing, which in my opinion gets messy and requires more work. I must be the laziest mother f$%@er in the world, right? I like to stick with the smaller, traditional style, that’s all. I also tasted a sample of the Szechuan Pepper style boneless chicken....very peppery. Certainly a flavor you need to have a liking for but I like spicy and I like tears rolling down my eyes. Understanding that this is specialty, carefully prepared “Seoul Food,” the pricing is still a bit on the high side for what you get. As you can see from my picture, you get about 5 decent size wings (the 1/2 pound order) for $9. A full pound order will run you around $15 but a lot of that weight is attributed to the skinny, chewy part of the full-wing. 

Let’s sum it up: Definitely a delicious menu from an 8-month old restaurant with a unique beer selection, friendly and accommodating staff, and a fun menu! Small spots like this are the reason NYC is the food capital of [my] world. Clinton and Delancey St. are surrounded by great nightlife and a lot of high-energy, friendly bars. Certainly stop by here to start your night and prep your stomach properly for long night of drinking. Stay Spicy!

[itswingnightinnyc]

BOKA

Boka | www.BokaNYC.com/ | 9 St. Marks Place New York, NY 10003

Subway: 6 (Astor Place Stop)

Heat / Flavor:  ++

Sauce / Rub:  +++

Overall Cook:  +++++

Messy Factor:  +

Pricing: +++

Overall Rating: +++ (3.0)

Way overdue for a Wing Night, some friends and I ventured to the East Village. I needed something new, so we came across Boka, known almost entirely for their Korean-Style Fried Chicken Wings & Drumsticks. I typically favor the pit-smoked or baked wings smothered with a hearty amount of sauce and seasoning, but curiosity got the best of me; I was willing to give fried another chance.

Now I'm not talking about the generously burnt, quadruple-fried bowling alley style wings (these types of wings have put a "bad taste in my mouth" for fried wings offered at restaurants). We're talking light, flaky, hot and crunchy extra-large wings. 

Boka has a simple wing menu, and I'll state the truth, although I appreciate simplicity, I wanted a little more. You have the choice of wings, drumsticks, or a combination. Similarly, they offer 2 sauces; Soy & Garlic, Spicy, or "Half & Half" for the indecisive wing-lover such as myself. Predictably, I treated myself to the Half & Half Medium Combo which featured 6 wings and 3 drumsticks ($12.95). Had I been intoxicated, I may have opted for the large...but I wasn't looking to potentially upset my stomach quite yet.

All right, so let's get down to it. I was fully satisfied with the Korean-Style breading and would not have changed a thing. The cook on the meat inside was flawless; hot and juicy for the wings and ever-so-slightly dryer for the drumsticks. Both the soy & garlic and spicy sauces were tasty, but Boka was a bit stingy on the glaze. Not that I am looking for wings that are drowned in sauce, but I was disappointed that the glaze was spotty; not enough flavor to carry you through to the bone. Some would say that this style of wing is not intended for heavy sauce coverage. But Boka, please take this as a compliment; the sauce was lovely.

I would have also liked the option to create a "Spicy Soy & Garlic." We can't have it all, though.

The spice level was between a mild and a medium and because of the lack of sauce, I wasn't going to complain that I only needed 2 napkins throughout my meal. If I'm being honest (which I'm sure you're all expecting of me) then Boka's wings we're slightly bland for my taste, then again I am partial to the All-American, pit-smoked, charred pieces of heaven I've reviewed in the past.

The rest of the menu looked very interesting as well featuring some very unique drink options and elegant looking appetizers. You can enjoy a dim, cozy atmosphere here with plenty of room for large parties. I would certainly visit Boka again so please give them a try if you're in the mood for a cheat day. 

Annyeong!

[itswingnightinnyc]

CAMPEON ^_^

Campeon | www.Campeonnyc.com/ | 9 E. 16th St, New York, NY 10003

Subway: F, L, M, N, Q, R, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (Union Square Stop)

Heat / Flavor:  ++++

Sauce / Rub:  +++++

Overall Cook:  +++++

Messy Factor:  ++

Pricing: +++/

Overall Rating: ++++/ (4.0 / 4.5)

My father, sister, and I were walking around the Union Sq. area looking for something new to eat. I will admit I had my doubts from the outside, as it merely looked like a sports bar where a few friends will get a buzz after work. I was certainly wrong, as the interior was beautiful, the staff were lovely to say the least, and the food was quite satisfying.

Campeon is and upscale Mexican Restaurant / Sports bar with all the necessities; fresh guac, pork tacos, and of course, W-I-N-G-S (with about 6-8 flavors I might add)!

The second the wings hit the table, I could simply tell that they would be worth sharing with you. I decided to go with the Pineapple-Habanero sauce, which was noted to be "Hot & Sweet." I could see the slight black char on the skin of the wings. I saw that instead of being over-globbed with sauce that they were nicely glazed with a brush. They were baked but almost with the flavors and aroma of a smoked wing. Keep in mind this entire thought process was occurring before the server set the basket on the table.

The flavors were incredible and a perfect balance between sauce and meat. You could taste the pineapple without it being overbearingly fruity while the habanero spice added a mild heat. The chicken itself was cooked just the way I like it, not too soft, no too chewy. What a treat!

The reason for my 4-rating is simple, and no deal breaking. I could have used a bit more heat on the wing for the type of sauce I was expecting. This does NOT mean I would desire any more sauce; this they got perfectly. The wings had great flavor but lacked in that kick that makes you go "wow!" I also do not remember the pricing exactly but these were not your typical wing night prices. You could order in quantities of 10, 20, and 30.

Let's say that yes, I will definitely be bringing my wing-loving buddies here. The wings are slightly on the smaller side so make sure that you order enough if you're sharing.

Adios!

[itswingnightinnyc]

BLUE SMOKE ^_^

Blue Smoke | www.bluesmoke.com/ | 116 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016

Subway: 6 (28th St. Stop)

Heat / Flavor:  ++++

Sauce / Rub:  +++++

Overall Cook:  ++++

Messy Factor:  ++++

Pricing: ++++

Overall Rating: ++++/ (4.5 / 5)

Okay, I know I said I don't trust restaurants that only off their wings in one sauce or flavor. I'm sorry. I take it back...at Blue Smoke, you only need one option.

Blue Smoke's "Chipotle Chicken Wings" with Blue Cheese dip was an outstanding birthday treat that blew me away with flavor. My family took me here for some incredible BBQ (and Mac & Cheese to die for) but I couldn't leave without trying the wings. It's been a while since I've found a real winner.

A word about this place; Blue Smoke is a southern feeling, smokey BBQ smelling, plaid shirt wearing restaurant paired with a passion for jazz/blues music. They feature live music many days out of the week and serve up some killer wines and cocktails.

These Chipotle wings are not for the mild lovers; they do pack a nice bit of heat, but not overbearing by any means. The flavor simply explodes on your tongue and the spice combines with the smokey aroma to deliver a near-perfect bite.

The chicken itself is succulent and cooked through nicely. There is a decent coating of sauce and spice on the skin...just enough to carry through each bite. And let me say, there is a lot of meat on these bones. You can actually pinpoint the distinct chipotle flavor in these wings unlike some of the cheaper options at other wing chains where you simply taste "heat" and nothing else. The flavor here is real. Yes, you will need some napkins but certainly worth the mess.

So why the 4.5? Why not the full 5? Simple! Just a matter of opinion. The meat was extremely fresh and juicy, however I would have preferred a slightly firmer cook on the wing...not a deal breaker by any means. I'd also prefer an ever so slightly crispier skin; I'm not talkin' "crunch" but rather a firmer outer texture. These wings were a tad on the soft side.

None of this will keep me from visiting again very soon.

The pricing is on the higher side but for good reason. You get 9 wings for $12, but remember where you are. This isn't the type of place you typically stop by for a beer and some wings. You'll want to make a full meal and an experience out of your visit! The upside is that the wings are a decent size, but you'll still want to avoid sharing with more than 1 person ;)

Final word: I think I've said it all...you need to go. Now. Stop reading and go!

Ya'll Come Back Now, Ya Hear?!

P.s. Make a reservation first!

[itswingnightinnyc]

BOURBON STREET BAR & GRILLE

Bourbon St. Bar & Grille | www.bourbonny.com/ | 346 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036

Subway: A,C,E,N,Q,R,1

Heat / Flavor:  +++

Sauce / Rub:  +++

Overall Cook:  +++++

Messy Factor:  ++

Pricing: ++

Overall Rating: +++/

Bourbon St. was recommended to me by a co-worker, and naturally, I'm not going to pass up and excuse to try some new wings! It has been a while since I have found a wing-worthy establishment, and I'm glad to be back. Bourbon St. is a nice "after-work" stop for good bar food, a decent happy hour, and an open, casual environment. You may have guessed they have a bit of a New Orleans feel happening...correct!

A little pet-peeve of mine is when a restaurant will only offer you one flavor of wings; Bourbon gives you 4. I chose to sample the Honey Bourbon BBQ, and the Thai Chili, both moderately priced at $10 for 11 wings (my scoring above looks at both flavors and takes an average).

Let's start with the good. The chicken itself, was cooked beautifully. Not too juicy, but not dry...I like the meat to be a little firm though. The skin was thin, crispy, and I did not feel like I was eating a low-grade wing by any means. There was not an overabundance of sauce either...we're talking 2 napkins at most here. The flavors were lovely. The Honey Bourbon BBQ was the right amount of sweet, and you could taste a subtle glaze of honey on the skin, which was my favorite part. The Thai Chili packed a modest level of spice, and was equally as sweet, not overbearing by any means. Actually, this is where there was room for improvement; I wish that the wings could have packed in a bit more flavor...

When you bite into a wing, you want enough sauce/flavor to carry you through the entire bite of meat you are chewing. With Bourbon's wings, the first taste is quite satisfying but fades rather quickly like a piece of double bubble chewing gum. I wanted more! Take it as a compliment, though...

Final word: If you're in the area, please check it out and give these wings a try. You will not be disappointed and the price and atmosphere is very fair. I would not however make the special trip from the outer boroughs just for the wings. Very good, but not a top 5 for me.

Enjoy!

[itswingnightinnyc]

CASSIDY'S ALE HOUSE

Cassidy's Ale House | www.yelp.com/biz/cassidys-ale-house-east-elmhurst | 7502 31st Ave Jackson Heights / Flushing, NY 11370

Subway: R,M,E,F,7 (be prepared for a bit of a walk)

Heat / Flavor:  ++++

Sauce / Rub:  +++

Overall Cook:  +++

Messy Factor:  +++

Pricing: +++

Overall Rating: +++/

Cassidy's Ale House was the first (and closest) bar my roommates and I visited when we first moved to Woodside. Being a heavily residential area with a family oriented and culturally diverse demographic, good bars and hang outs are scarce. You have to make the walk or drive to Astoria for a lot of the fun spots.

Cassidy's isn't exactly the type of place you take your friends from out of town to show them a good time either. It's your average, 40-55 yr old crowd with a clean, wood/rustic feel bar and a few televisions. However, if you are in the mood for some exceptional bar food with a few friends, then absolutely feel free to stop by! The staff is always extremely friendly and accommodating, too. You'll feel cozy and welcome here.

As far as bar wings go, you'll be highly satisfied with Cassidy's batch. The cook on the wing is a strong average, slightly on the chewy side, but with that crispy skin. If you're really bold, ask for them well-done or extra crispy!

The sauce is the real selling point with these. I will usually indulge in the medium or BBQ. But the range of buffalo sauces (especially medium) have that sweet AND spicy flavor where you're almost tasting buffalo mixed with a hint of BBQ. The flavor does leave you wanting more I will say, and needing a few extra napkins. I have not yet ventured to try the "Nuclear" flavor.

Now, Cassidy's is not a wing place. You will find wings 10x more delicious from other selections on my blog. However, as far as my experience with ale houses and sports bars go, the wings here are worth the honorable mention. You can score about 8-10 of these for $9. Pair them with a darker beer to compliment the flavor. Ciders will be too acidic combined with the sauce here and sting a bit!

Enjoy!

P.s. Make sure to try the burgers, french fries, and cheesecake here as well. These guys whip up some solid bar food!