Daniel B.
Yelp
I was expecting to hate the Detroit Wing Company. Maybe I even wanted to hate it. I mean... I'm from New York. What does Detroit know about wings? And we're in the midwest, so spicy things here kind of leave me flat.
For New York standards, DWC is probably three stars, and I would recommend against them expanding into Buffalo. Still, I have to say, there was a lot that impressed me on my first visit. And without a doubt I am going to return for a second.
Here's the thing. DWC will specify the wing cook time for you. I went for the 18 minute fry, which is a few minutes longer than normal. Even still, the skin was not quite as crispy as I would like. However, I spoke with the manager and she said next time I can order them with a 20 minute fry, which I expect will produce better results.
Why so long? These are monstrously large wings. I know that's what a lot of folks like. Meaty wings. But wings were never supposed to be meaty. I'd be terrified to meet one of these chickens in a dark alley late at night.
There are two kinds of wing people. Those who prioritize juicy meat, and those who prioritize crispy skin. The Platonic ideal wing of course has both. But we do not live in the realm of ideals, and sometimes one must sacrifice one for the other. I am firmly in the skin camp, and will gladly eat a drier wing. That's why God invented Buffalo sauce.
Speaking of sauce, the classic Buffalo was surprisingly good! While it's toward the top of the heat spectrum at DWC in Queen City these would be considered mild. Maybe mild-medium. I sincerely wish there was a hotter Buffalo option. I also tried the spiciest sauce, hot garlic, which was tasty and truly piquant. It left my lips tingling in a delightful way. But I had naively hoped that extra heat and garlic would have been on top of the Buffalo base. No such luck, but so it goes.
In the future, I suspect I will be happy with 20 minute Buffalo wings. After trying the fries, I look forward to ordering a dish of poutine too. Detroit is close to Canada after all, so maybe it's marvelous. The fries certainly are, with well crisped exteriors and delightfully creamy centers. They are also well seasoned. But skip the fry sauce unless you like a sweet condiment with your savory snacks. It's not for me. The blue cheese, on the other hand, was delightful.
I also really enjoy how you can order small portions of wings. Those suckers are filling, and a little goes a long way. Plus wings have gotten pricey as all get out. It was a coupon that got me in the door here, and I found out there is an app, and a loyalty program that will help give me a more reasonably priced wing experience.
Mostly, as I enjoyed my lunch, I felt guilty about cheating on the local wing joint run by a fellow from Buffalo. These are vastly different experiences. DWC is a bit more sterile. Most folks get take out, which I consider to be a crime against wings, but to each their own. It's probably for the best anyhow, since there are only two tables and four chairs in the dining area.
I am a sucker for a bargain, and a good wing, and I think both of these can be found at DWC. I am as surprised as anyone that I'll be coming back for more. Not only that, I'm looking forward to the adventure and dialing in my perfect order.