Finger Lickin’ Good Chicken Wings have transcended their humble origins to become a worldwide staple, capturing the hearts and taste buds of millions. Inarguably, chicken wings stand out as the most versatile protein, with a staggering 2.2 to 9.5 million pounds sold in the United States foodservice industry annually. The average American consumes around 90 wings per year. During Super Bowl season Americans devour 1.45 billion chicken wings, as reported by the National Chicken Council.
When one envisions chicken wings, the iconic buffalo wing often takes precedence. This delectable creation originated in Buffalo, New York, courtesy of Teressa Bellissimo, co-owner of the Anchor Bar, in 1964. The dish was born out of a whim in an attempt to feed her son and his friends, using leftover chicken wings in her fridge. A stroke of culinary genius led Bellissimo to toss the wings in hot sauce, and the buffalo wing was born. The success of this simple yet sensational combination prompted its addition to the menu.
The journey of the buffalo wing from a local delight to a global phenomenon is a testament to its irresistible appeal. Bellissimo and son introduced the dish to the food distributor and he immediately recognized its potential. Bellissimo’s son embarked on a buffalo wing tour with the hot sauce distributor to introduce this effortless menu option to dining establishments worldwide. The ripple effect was swift and widespread, leading to the inclusion of buffalo wings on menus across the globe. Renowned establishments like Buffalo Wild Wings, Hooters, The Hard Rock Café and Wing Stop owe their existence, in part, to the popularity of this iconic dish.
The buffalo wing’s impact on the world is nothing short of revolutionary. The NFL’s Buffalo Bills inadvertently fueled the spicy snack’s popularity in the ’90s when the Buffalo Bills stated in humor they owe their Super Bowl-winning streak to players feasting on buffalo wings before games. This elevated the buffalo wing to a national game day staple, transcending Super Bowl Sundays to become a daily indulgence. In 1977, 13 years after its creation, the National Holiday Association designated July 29th as National Chicken Wing Day.
When it comes to chicken wings, thoughts often turn to the cooking method, dressing, and accompanying flavors. Whether fried, smoked, baked or barbecued, wings can be smothered in various sauces: Hot Honey Glaze, Mango Habanero, Thai Chili, Nashville Hot, teriyaki and more or cooked with seasonings like lemon pepper or dry rub to offer a less messy flavor option. The choice between ranch and bleu cheese for dipping, along with the obligatory 3-inch celery stalks, adds a personalized touch to the wing experience.
The wing craze has permeated homes, becoming a staple at celebrations like birthdays, graduations, baby showers, bridal showers, barbecues, and even weddings. Its convenience, low cost, and an array of flavor options make it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Here are a few local favorites:
Skinny’s- Opening its doors in 1992, Skinny’s Restaurant in Hapeville offers a tasty culinary experience for all of their guests by using the freshest ingredients. And the original owners are back! Sung and his mom are serving wings or wing combos: 4 wings, a side of fried rice and an egg roll, 5 wings and a chicken Philly, 6 or 10 wings with fried rice plus other Skinny’s menu favorites like bibimbap, burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs. Wings can be all flats, all drums or half and half in 5 different flavors. Open Mon-Fri from 10:30am-3pm.
Irish Bred Pub- Located in the heart of Hapeville and just minutes from Atlanta Airport, The Irish Bred Pub is the place to enjoy great food, gameday fun, dancing and just hanging out with friends old and new. They offer 10-, 20- and 50-piece wings that you can get in 14 unique flavor options, served with celery and carrots.
Corner Tavern- A casual dining and bar scene, The Corner Tavern is open 7 days a week in downtown Hapeville. Serving up spirits and smoked wings in 5 and 10 count options with 10 sauces to have them drenched in.
Corner Cafe Union City- The Corner Cafe in Union City self-proclaims that they are the establishment to specialize in wings. Giving you options of boneless and bone-in wings served with celery and carrots, ranch or blue cheese, the wing count options are 6,10,15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, and 100 with a choice of 15 sauce options.
Aye Tea Elle- This hidden gem located in the historic College Park downtown district is serving up some mouthwatering dishes. One thing to keep in mind when frequenting Aye Tea Elle is that they only take credit cards. When indulging in their fabulous beverages, you can snack on an 8-piece wing plate with 7 flavor options to choose from.
Brake Pad- College Park’s staple since 2002, the Brake Pad is a fun diner with artsy old fashion diner style decor. Sink your teeth into some lemon pepper or buffalo wings-served 10 or 20 per order with celery, carrot sticks and bleu cheese.
Manchester Arms Pub- The Manchester Arms is a neighborhood pub owned and operated by Will and Kristi Evens. Located in College Park, they offer 5 and 10 piece smoked wings with a dry rub and 3 sauce options-hot, mild and Voodoo-served with blue cheese or ranch.
Johnny’s Chicken and Waffles- Johnny’s Famous Chicken and Waffles in the historic downtown College Park area is owned by the world-renowned recording artist NE-YO and his wife Crystal. On Tuesdays Johnny’s offers wing specials-50 cent bone in wings-with a minimum order of 10 wings. They also have 3 whole wings or 6 buffalo wings served with a waffle or a combo of 6 buffalo wings (buffalo, medium, BBQ or Nashville Hot) or 3 whole wings.
Sonny’s BBQ- Sonny’s BBQ located in Jonesboro serves wings in an 8 order. You can get them as an appetizer, plate served with fries, or paired with another meat option with two sides and bread choice. They are a favorite among guests.
TrucKINGS BBQ -Fairburn- TrucKINGS BBQ in Fairburn is the spot for authentic BBQ plus succulent whole chicken wings served deep fried. Patrons receive 4 wings, fries, and bread. If you order the dinner plate you will receive 2 sides (mac & cheese, french fries, collard greens, BBQ baked beans or potato salad) with your wings and bread.
There are other restaurants serving wings as an appetizer, combo or dinner: Touchdown Wings, A Town Wings, Krystals, local bars and more. After all, whether boneless or bone-in, sauced or dry-rubbed, chicken wings have become a cultural phenomenon-their versatility, with variations in cooking methods, dressings, and flavors, have made them a favorite at homes and celebrations alike. These delectable bites show no signs of losing their status as a beloved and iconic dish.
By Iesha Westmoreland