Buffalo Joe's - Clark St.

I've been coming to Buffalo Joe's for over 20 years, and it's still hands down one of the best spots for wings anywhere. This place is a true local staple—no doubt just ridiculously good food. The wings are unmatched—crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor that hits every time. It’s a cash-only joint, but they’ve got an ATM inside, so it’s never a hassle. Whenever someone asks where to get great wings, this is the first place I recommend. If you haven’t been, you’re missing out.

Buff Joe’s is amazing. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. Owner Joe and Manager Dean is very nice. Very well run restaurant in a college city. The restaurant is in good condition. Amazing wings. Must come back. 10/10.

This place used to be legendary and now I don't know what to call it. The sauce is still great but the wings are now tiny micro-wings. Grown from impossibly sized micro-chickens. It's not worthy of the name Buffalo Joe's anymore. Don't waste your time or your cash, go find some normal sized wings.

It had been over 10 year's since my last time there. My daughter suggested we stop there, since I live further away now, I got a double order of spicey wings, and tried the stuffed potato 🥔 the wings were lacking with the sauce. Kinda dry, the cheese on the potato was a artificial type cheese 🧀 had to apply my own cheese and soften the potato. For 6$ the potato could have been better. Next time I will check my wings before I leave the restaurant. The eating area could use a make over,.

We love chicken wings with suicide sauce. Wings are crispy. Sauce is tasty, not too spicy. Even though, it’s suicide level but the level of spicy is not crazy. You still can enjoy it. It looks old inside so most of the customers order takeout. They accept cash only. So, have your cash ready or ATM is available inside the restaurant. Parking lot 🅿️ is available on side of the restaurant. Very easy to access!

The suicide wings were really good. They weren’t super hot, they could go for regular hot wings. I did not like the cheese fries at all, they seemed a bit salty and not all the way melted. But I give this restaurant a thumbs up for sure! Employees were definitely working hard.

Been going here for ages and hadn't been since COVID, so it was nice to see that things hadn't changed much. The atmosphere isn't much, it's pretty bland, but the main reason anyone goes here is the food. I usually get a single order of BBQ wings, while my brave wife likes to get a single order of the Suicide Wings and even though it's been ages, it was just as great as the first time I've had them. It's a cash only place, so be sure to bring some cash and you can always bet that if you go in the evening and it's football season, be assured that a game will be on the TV in the back.

One of our favorite spots in Evanston, but sadly, the recent visit shows decline in the quality of food. It wasn't even a busy day. But the size of wings was remarkably skinny like wings from a chick 🐣 that just hatched. Burger was so so. The online that was good was the salad. 😅 I don't want to think we have the good memory of BJ's because we were hungry college kids...The food was not this quality when we visited during the pandemic. Maybe it was just one of day...We will go back to try it again.

My favorite wings around. I found this place in college and I've been going here ever since. Whenever I'm in the chicagoland area I make sure to hit this place up. There is nothing magical about the restaurant except for the wings. The restaurant itself is just a walk in storefront. Food is walk up to order. A few places to sit in the back. Service is simple.. not much. Wings are awesome. Several different spice levels. Full of vinegar goodness. I love these wings. Give this place a try if you love wings!

Buffalo Joes in Evanston! We heard nothing but amazing reviews about this place so we went to go check it out! Be warned you will have to wait 30 minutes to an hour if they're busy like we did! The wings were good, they had great flavor and were yummy, they were just tiny! Definitely can't be too hungry when coming here unless you want to spend money that's our recommendation!

A friend of mind introduced me Buffalo Joes! I have to say I am highly happy that he did. Let me get into it! Food: Hands down the best chicken wings! The flavor and the freshness was great! Each time I have come I always feel satisfied. Service: The speed of how quickly the food comes out and how the cashier is very chatty and how they walk you thought the menu is great. Atmosphere: Or ambiance like I call it, the decor really matched the shop vibe! I really like walking in as it makes me feel I am going back in time. Overall, I would visit Buffalo Joes any time I am in the area. I love the food and how friendly everyone is.

I just came back to buff joes after a several year hiatus. Wings: top notch. Excellent. Worth the long wait time. Freshly fried, tender, juicy and super flavorful. Fries: waffle fries. Can get with or without cheese. Cheese sauce is super thick - maybe not in a good way lol. Service: quick, not especially friendly, though the food more than makes up for it! Cash only. Long wait times. Ambience: worn out interior. Tables with benches. Avoid sitting too close to the restrooms as the cleaning solution scent is off putting.

I thought it was pretty good. It's been awhile since I've been to any Buffalo Joe's and I don't think I've been to this one. This is a low down greasy wing place which isn't a criticism. It's true homemade wings and sauce. While o think it's a little on the expensive side, you do get a pretty generous order of wings. I thought their spicy was going to be hotter. I guess I need to try the suicide flavor. The biggest surprise were the waffle fries. Nice and crunchy with some seasoning (pepper?). Complemented the wings and was awesome dipped in said sauce. While people have complained about the service, they treated me quite well, especially since I didn't know what I was doing. The woman who took my order was so helpful! Sometimes you just want wings. This is the place for some down and dirty wings made with love. I'll probably be back, but you gotta bring cash!

I used to love Buffjoes in my teens and 20's, I think it was maybe 10 years or more since I last had it. And I gotta say, it has not changed at all. The suicide sauce is still FUEGO. The suicide sauce has my heart. It's not that spicy, but has all the flava. And cheddar chips are a necessity. The inside has not changed in the last 20 years. You order at one end of the counter, then wait for your food. Once your food's ready, pay at the register. Grab an oatmeal chocochip cookie if you can! Parking in the area is usually not too difficult. Oh and bring cash! They're cash only, but they do have an atm inside.

Haven't been here in over a year. Street parking only. Went around 7pm Wednesday they had a few spots right in front. It's cash only they have a atm inside. The place could use a remodel. The men's bathroom was out of order with a strong sewer smell coming out of it. Good and quick service. We ordered buffalo chips and double order spicy (wings). Sauce taste great as usual but the wings were on the small side compared to last time. The Buffalo sauce just taste so good. I'll be back!

I've been coming here since I was a little kid and honestly it's the place to go for wings! They have other menu items, but really most people get the wings. I most recently ordered both mild and spicy and loved both. The sauce doesn't have a super vinegary flavor like some places and it is well balanced. Even the spicy wasn't too spicy for me. The chips aka fries pair nicely with the wings. The wings themselves are on the smaller side and fried to perfection. Nice and crispy. The celery came with them and it was a nice palate cleanser. Don't expect much from the interior here, but come for some of the best wings. It is cash only.

This place is cash only but has an ATM inside. The inside doesn't look much. Definitely has fast food joint vibe. We ordered at the counter and when our food was ready we paid with the cashier. Ordered the spicy Buffalo wings and waffle fries. Wings are crispy, saucy and delicious. Definitely had an amazing heat level for the spicy lovers. Fries are definitely nicely crispy, crunchy and salty. Prefect combination with the wings. I definitely need to try some of the other sauce they have available.

The best wings in the entire world. Been coming here since around 2004. Never fails. Best sauce. Love the small crispy wings. Never change buff joes.

This is a home town staple. Hubby and I go to Chicago twice a year from California. When we were looking for some thing to eat, my husband said how about Buffalo Joe's. As I looked at him, he says I am drooling right now. Just thinking about it. So we went. It wasn't as busy as we anticipated but the surprising thing is one of the workers was still there, a bit older, he's been around since I was working in a salon in downtown Evanston many moons ago. We ordered a double order, medium spice with a side of cheddar chips. It was really really good and just brought back memories from high school. However, since I am 25 years older, I definitely felt the heartburn the next day. Though the memories are still fresh in my mind my stomach lining is definitely a lot older. Great place to be.

I was ridiculously determined and excited to try this place. Literally burned half a day on my short vacay to come here. I didn't order ahead and the cashier almost tried to dissuade me from ordering. I literally flew across the country to come here so I was staying. The wait was less than they stated so I was glad for that! But the food. Wow. Worst wings I have ever had. Very average cook, but the sauce. Borderline GROSS. It was gloopy and smelled weird. "Suicide" sauce was the blandest, mildest sauce ever. I've had THOUSANDS of wings all over the US and these were horrible. So annoyed I wasted so much time going there. For $26 I tried to eat as much as I could suffer through and then just threw it all away. Felt gross all the way back to the hotel. Grosssssssssss.

I would like to publicly say that these are the BEST wings I've ever laid my mouth on. I literally travel 45 mins for these wings. My family and I needs Buffalo Joe's to sponsor us. We eat these wings 3 times a week. When I say FYE & cooked to perfection, I'm not Lying. Service is SUPERB! DEF RECOMMEND! 5 stars

This was my second time to Buff Joe's and it was great! The service was fast, efficient, and they make sure you get your food quick! The wings were crispy, and the sauce on the wings is nothing like I've ever had before. I really can't describe what it tastes like but it's a spin off on Buffalo Sauce. It has a hint of pepper in the sauce that makes Buff Joe's so unique. I would go back in a heartbeat and get the wings again. The waffle fries have a fantastic crunch to them and pair well as a side. Some of the wings are on the smaller size but with the chicken wing shortage it's not surprising. If you're looking for some top notch wings, this is the place to go!

Best wings in the world. My go to anytime I come home. Never changes and the vibes are great.

Really not my go to for wings ordered from her one time for lunch at work and I was disappointed small ass wings

come here if you want the best wings and chic chip oatmeal cookies. These wings are amazing! Dean and staff are always taking care of customers

They have MASTERED Buffalo wings. Their spicy buffalo sauce is SOOO good. I will drive 40 min to the Evanston location from downtown and have no regrets. The orders are made pretty fast and the wings are on the smaller side but they give you a lot. And the waffle fries are good too! Generous amount given there too. Only downside is the place is cash-only but worth taking out cash for.

Have Wings, Will Travel I asked someone who lived in Evanston what food they missed the most and they mentioned Buffalo wings Buffalo Joe's takes the original wings recipe and brings the signature spicy and tangy flavor to the Midwest The affordable order has long been a campus favorite and I was glad to finally try authentic Buffalo wings...freshly deep fried and a strong vinegary sauce I found the spice level mild but they also have BBQ and suicide spicy levels Single Order, Mild $10.99 and Single Order, Spicy Buffalo Wings $10.99 Buffalo Joe's (Evanston, IL) Buffalo Joe's accepts CASH only.

With my boyfriend claiming his last meal on Earth would be Buffalo Joe's, I had high expectations for this joint. And Buff Joe's delivered! Definitely my favorite buffalo flavored meal, since their sauce isn't crazy strong and has more of a cheesy flavor. The chicken patty is fried with a thin coating and not a crunchy (or soggy but thick) shell of batter, doused in the sauce, and perched on a bed of lettuce and tomatoes. The hamburger bun is nothing special, so all the magic was the chicken and the sauce! I think taking the tomatoes out helps you taste more of the flavor but that's just me (and everyone else in my group)! The the meat was tender and so, so good. The fries were ahhhh-mazing. Even though the waffle fries really crispy at all, the salt and pepper seasoning combo was addicting! Definitely not the healthiest choice, but a combo of their sandwich and seasoned fries is definitely a new favorite of mine :D they also have a bunch of other items like award-winning chili-- check them out for some Om nom noms!

There's a reason buff joes is award winning and it's their sauce. The vinegary, spicy buffalo sauce is to die for and unique from the everyday buffalo sauce you'll find elsewhere. The GM, dean is a great guy beloved by the community and been there forever. The wings are on the smaller end but a single order with waffle fries is plenty enough food that won't make you feel bloated after and comes out to around $16 nowadays. (Inflation and such). There's only one thing to get at buff joes and it's their spicy wings and if you feel crazy, suicide wings with the jalapeños on top. Pro-tip: come with cash because it is a cash only establishment

Stopped here to grab a bit to eat on our way to Glacier National Park and were very impressed with the delicious food, western decor and fantastic service!

Rib tips- the rib tips are AMAZING! The prices aren't bad and they give you ALOT of food. Shrimp- my God they're HUGE and good. Draw back: they only accept cash, but they have an ATM in the store.

Ordered: grilled chicken salad, no carrots; dressing: blue cheese. Received: ranch, tons of carrots. Ordered: grilled chicken sandwich (comes w/lettuce, tomato and mayo by default) specifically as a lettuce wrap, no bun. Extra mayo on the side. Received: mayo-less bread bun - can these culinary geniuses read? - chicken breast w/no tomato. No mayo on the side. Even as a regular sandwich, it would be woefully incorrect. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, until I was able to receive a refund per Grubhub. Please stay in school.

I took a flight from California for food only! I will be headed back at 9am in the morning. I came here only for Pan of suicide wings to be lead to think they close at 11pm . I called this location from Howard Street location and they wouldn't take my order. I explained the situation and the young girl wouldn't take my order saying. " we're cleaning". I extremely saddened bcuz they won't be open before my flight leave in the morning. Surprise they wouldn't accommodate me

It's a staple in Evanston but has fallen flat. The food isn't what it use to be. The prices are higher and the the wings are smaller. They have a demographic they cater to.

The wings are hand down the best! They were cooked, seasoned and sauced to perfection. I would come back if I was closer. It's easier to eat inside if you do not live close. It's cash only. The burger was disgusting. They should consider doing wings only. Will be back for sure. The service was cool.

Buffalo Joes is so good, I wish they opened until midnight. The chicken is so good, and whenever I crave a nice hearty burger, they deliver so well! Also, it's cash only, but the price is so good for the quality and amount of food. Everything here is so good and the people inside are super nice. They also prepare the food really quickly! Definitely recommend :)

service is trash, these people don't ever care don't listen and always mess your order. if it wasn't for how delicious the wings are I woild never come to this mediocre place. Ambiance is your typical fast food restaurant not a first date kinda place.

Every time I'm in Evanston Buffalo Joe's is a must. Suicide wings and cheddar waffle fries are the staple and they are done so well! Cash only FYI

First and last time to visit. Place is dirty and the staff/cashier were eating while working and licking fingers then touching food. Wait was long, so we got to observe the stomach turning display of the help.

GO HERE!! YOU WILL LOVE IT!! Been going here for 33+ Years!! Great service! Very friendly! Consistent! Best wings around for sure!! GO HERE!!

My favorite wings in the Chicago area no doubt but it has become the Spirit Airlines of wing joints in the last decade or so that I've been eating there. Raising prices is only natural, plus with the supply chain issues surrounding meat and the tight labor market it is a absolutely necessary to stay alive. I get it. Last year they stopped offering tap water. Annoying but I get that too. Drinks are a core piece of margin and profitability in every restaurant, and without them the owner will either be forced to charge you more for the food, or decrease the quality in an effort to maintain price. Only thing is Buff Joe's has both increased the price, shrank the food, and makes you pay for water but again, it's a tough time in a tough industry. Also, contrary to popular belief, it is only illegal for a restaurant to refuse serving free water if they sell alcohol; Buff Joe's does not. Cash only in an increasingly cashless world. I get it, why would you want to pay 1.87% to Visa and MasterCard when you can instead earn a fee off the ATM machine. Not sure how places like this don't get audited all the time but whatever, it is what it is. As for the place itself I personally like it the way it is and don't want it to change. Okay maybe the restroom is a bit gross and I guess they could do a bit better of a job wiping down tables given COVID but honestly, it's all part of the experience. And finally, they stopped providing wet naps during the pandemic. That's where I drawn the line. Like COME ON! Really? It's a wing restaurant. Charge me a quarter if you must but don't not have em. It's absolutely ridiculous. It is $22.59 for a double order that is the same amount of food as a single order everywhere else, which really means it is $25 with tip before you even order fries, a drink, or anything else and you can't offer wet naps anymore????? This is where it's really starts to feel like Spirit Airlines. The rest of it makes sense and is a product of unfortunate realities, but taking the wet naps away borders on robbing the customers of their dignity. I hate sounding like a 'Karen' but it's true.

Here's why..... Chicken had a bad odor when I bit into it. Their Buffalo sauce has absolutely no flavor. Their ranch sauce was definitely not ranch. Waffles fries were old. I was so excited to try this place out. I would never go back. Also management should enforce employees to tie their hair back when making food. -do not recommend

Best wings known to man kind and its not even remotely close. 2 things though Cash only They will not specify your order with either only flats or drums or a specific amount of each. They have been going strong since 84. INCREDIBLE!

Buff Joe's is the best wing place I've ever had!! Tbh do not get anything other than the wings (it's still fairly good) but the wings are what you want to come here for! Trust me when I say, get the mild barbecue mix flavor! It isn't really spicy, but it has a good flavor kick! It is absolutely phenomenal. Coming from California, I've had my fair share of wings. This place tops them all! The service is mediocre & the place isn't the nicest, but none of that matters when you have the best wings ever! This is a must have when visiting Chicago!!

There was a giant hair in the bottom of our bbq wings. Probably will not try this place again since the quality of wings did not make up for it. I was pretty excited to try this place since I've heard lots of good things. But was pretty disappointed - might have come in with too high of expectations. We ordered the spicy and the bbq. Their style of buffalo is tasty but the spicy had basically no spice. But the wings were prepped pretty whatever. The outside didn't have a good texture and the sauce made them pretty soggy. The bbq sauce was also nothing special. Very mediocre wings for the hype.

The sauce, the sauce, the sauce!! These wings are so delicious because of the sauce. It is cash ONLY! so come prepared. I've tried the suicide and it is too spicy for me to handle but you can definitely appreciate the flavors even though the spice stays on your tongue. BBQ has a ring to it as well so I play it safe and always get mild.

they always good when i go but the last time i went i was a lil disappointed but the service was good and hospitable like always but the size of the chicken wings had me pissed lookin like lil strong ass pit bull arms. get them wings back down to normal size i was happy wit the size but yall always good. get it together

The food is consistently good and the staff is friendly and inviting. Cashier by the name of "Mercedes" is always greeting me and providing me with the best customer service!

I write this review with great respect. I start by saying I've been going to BJs since 1994. The food was always consistent hot and good. I am sad to say my recent visit which takes me one hour drive. The wings was not hot but even more the wings are the size of a female pinky finger. I am sad to say It's a no for me.

It's a hit and miss, you would think for a place specializing in wings, the quality of the product would be better, don't even call and complain, you're not getting a refund, very bad business practices.

I would have given them a 5, because the taste is still there, but it seems as if their wings keep getting smaller. I swear I can probably finish a party pan by myself. In fact I probably almost have, lol. Get some bigger wings.

Always one of my favorites!! Absolutely love Buffalo Joes. Mixed bbq and mild easy sauce every time

Being an alumni to a local university here, I have a lot of nostalgia for this place. That being said, I only order one thing when I'm here - and it's the waffle fries hahaha. The wings are usually good too, but man, I just love them filling up an entire bag of fries for $2. Maybe it's my smile, but I just really love the fries. Buff Joe's has a lot of charm to it too. Their workers have personality and gusto, so it feels more lively than maybe a Chipotle or one of those new bougie acai bowl places. Maybe not for everyone, but there for people who know :) So yeah, the waffle fries, charm, and I guess the buffalo wings make this joint pretty much integral to Evanston. Can't imagine the place without it!

It's a no frills place but they do good wings! We had a single order of wings, and it's probably up there for top buffalo wings I've had.

Truly a 3 but added one star for the price. honestly, this place needs to be revamped. Everything I touched felt like it's never been cleaned before. The bathroom was appalling so don't go in there if you want to have an appetite. None of the workers seem to like their job either but again, The Wow factor here is the price!!!! The sauces for the wings we ordered were good. Hot, bbq, and hot bbq. Orders come with celery. And we got fries with the cheese on the side, which is the best idea bc the cheese hardens and does not appear as appetizing. No free water here, No card payment either. There is an atm by register though! There is one small television.

Excellent wings! Best I've had. We ordered the traditional buffalo sauce that has a certain soft grit that holds this burst of flavor. On your first bite it affirms this is something special. I would have liked to be able to split the sauces they only have two kinds but even at a double order of 20 wings, I was not allowed to do so. Because of Covid it's take out only. Why 4 stars? There was a certain lethargy with taking the phone order and difficulty in spelling my name. Then when my wife came to pick it up the wings which were ready, she was delayed because it took time for them to get the 2 fountain drinks.

I should really give it a 3.5 but can't. Our kids love their wings, and the waffle fries are great (although our most-recent order should have been cooked more; they were soft). This is a classic, greasy, spicy meal, and you're going to need some wet wipes or at least a lot of napkins. I'd love to see them ditch the styrofoam take-out containers, but that doesn't affect my rating. Cash only, so hit the ATM.

So good! My boyfriend and I walked in and ordered suicide wings and waffle fries. We didn't have to wait that long for our food and it really hit the spot. The wings were juicy, good size, crisp, and drenched in sauce, as they should be. There's something about the buffalo sauce that's just so good especially with the ranch. Even though they're called suicide wings, it wasn't deadly spicy and I'm not great with spice. The waffle fries were okay to me, I've had better but they're a good side. My only complaints is that the place was a little dirty and hot on a summer day. They only take cash which can be inconvenient, but just keep that in mind when you go. But definitely still worth the try if you're in the area!