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
Cash-only South Buffalo institution with limited hours, no takeout, and a cult-favorite sauce recipe carried on by the founder’s family. Celebrated by The Infatuation and Food & Wine for purist-perfect wings.
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
Irish-American tavern synonymous with Smitty wings—a spiced South Buffalo style—and playful beef on weck wings. Covered by The Infatuation and featured on the region’s wing trail.
Gene McCarthy's Old First Ward Brewing Company
Brewery · First Ward
Historic First Ward pub-brewery with McCarthy’s-style wings that fold blue cheese into the sauce. Spotlighted by The Infatuation and Buffalo News for its neighborhood roots and hearty tavern fare.
Wingnutz Bar and Grill
Bar & grill · 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
Old First Ward time capsule pouring Guinness and turning out textbook hot wings plus fan-favorite salt-and-vinegar dry rub. Newly featured by The Infatuation, with house blue cheese locals rave about.
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.