Best Wings in Buffalo (2025)
Gabriel's Gate
American restaurant · Allen
Allentown’s quintessential wing bar in an 1864 row house, known for crisp, classic Buffalo wings and a timeless tavern vibe. Featured on the Buffalo Wing Trail and praised by Bon Appétit and local travel editors.
Bar-Bill Tavern
Restaurant · East Aurora
Family-run legend where every wing is hand-painted with sauce and matched with homemade blue cheese. Frequently lauded by national food writers and highlighted by the region’s official wing trail.
Elmo's
Bar & grill · Erie County
Beloved UB-area sports bar credited by Buffalo News with popularizing Cajun wings and the grill-finished double dip. Roadfood and many locals swear by Cajun plus honey mustard or hot BBQ combos.
Nine-Eleven Tavern
Bar · Buffalo
Nine-Eleven Tavern - Review - South Buffalo - Buffalo - The Infatuation
At Nine-Eleven Tavern, it’s cash only, no takeout, no reservations, and no air conditioning—just pure old-school South Buffalo wings, served exactly how they’re supposed to be. Fried to perfection with a brittle, golden crust, these jumbo wings are slathered in buttery hot sauce for a satisfying tang that doesn’t drown the texture. There are no fancy flavors here—just classic hot wings, done right. Grab a spot on the back deck or settle into the main room where the walls are filled with old sports memorabilia. photo credit: James Pici photo credit: James Pici photo credit: James Pici photo credit: James Pici Pause Unmute - David Neimanis
Kelly's Korner
Bar & grill · North Delaware
North Buffalo stalwart since 1967, newly added to the official Buffalo Wing Trail. Known for a distinctive house hot sauce and late-night neighborhood energy; frequently praised by local writers.
Doc Sullivan's
Irish pub · Abbott Mckinley
Doc Sullivan’s - Review - South Buffalo - Buffalo - The Infatuation
Buffalo’s two most iconic culinary staples—chicken wings and beef on weck—collide at Doc Sullivan’s. They’ve created jumbo beef on weck wings that come glazed in a creamy horseradish sauce and finished with the same flaky salt and caraway seeds that top a kummelweck roll. You should also prioritize their signature Smitty wings, too—these are exceptional hot wings with a zesty, peppery punch from their secret sauce. photo credit: James Pici photo credit: James Pici photo credit: James Pici Pause Unmute - David Neimanis
Gene McCarthy's Old First Ward Brewing Company
Brewery · First Ward
Gene McCarthy’s Old First Ward Brewing Company - Review - First Ward - Buffalo - The Infatuation
With a beer garden, its own brewery, and loyal regulars sipping Labatt Blue, there’s a lot to love at Gene McCarthy’s. That includes the wings, which are meaty, expertly fried, and drenched in just the right amount of sauce to keep things flavorful without overwhelming the crunch. While unique flavors like mandarin sesame and Thai chili garlic bring something different to the table, the real standout is the house specialty: sweet and spicy BBQ wings topped with crumbly blue cheese for a perfect combo of vinegary, smoky, and creamy. photo credit: James Pici photo credit: James Pici Pause Unmute - David Neimanis
Wingnutz Bar and Grill
Restaurant · Erie County
Started at a Knights of Columbus and now a local mini-chain, still independently owned. Food & Wine spotlighted its jumbo, ultra-crispy wings and adhesive sauces; current locations in Williamsville and Cheektowaga.
Macy’s Place Pizzeria
Pizza restaurant · Cheektowaga
A creative pizzeria that doubles as a wing playground, with flavors like raspberry bourbon and PB&J noted by Food & Wine. Char options and heat levels keep wing nerds busy.
Moor Pat
Bar · Williamsville
Village beer bar recognized for beer-brined wings that often sell out, applauded in Food & Wine’s Buffalo wing guide. A favorite for craft taps and limited wing runs.
Adolf's Old First Ward Tavern
Bar · First Ward
Adolf’s Old First Ward Tavern - Review - First Ward - Buffalo - The Infatuation
This old-school spot has all the hallmarks of a classic Buffalo wing joint: housemade blue cheese, Canadian beer, vintage Buffalo Bills gear, and jumbo wings fried to perfection. The hot drums and flats here are the gold standard—perfectly balanced with a buttery kick and just the right amount of heat. You should also try Sully’s salt and vinegar wings. Dry-rubbed with salt and vinegar powder, they deliver a sharp bite reminiscent of the chip flavor they're modeled after while staying fall-off-the-bone tender inside. photo credit: James Pici photo credit: James Pici photo credit: James Pici photo credit: James Pici photo credit: James Pici Pause Unmute - David Neimanis
The Blackthorn Restaurant & Pub
Irish pub · Abbott Mckinley
South Buffalo Irish landmark known for South Buffalo–style wings and house blue cheese. Recognized by the Buffalo Wing Trail and local media; expansive patio adds to the neighborhood draw.