Ask a handful of Buffalonians where the best chicken wings are and you may get a variety of answers, but at least, if not more, one will say Bar-Bill Tavern in East Aurora, NY.
The Bar-Bill has long been a local institution, filled with regulars, local celebrities, and tourists, who go there for the amazing chicken wings, perfect beef on weck, and friendly bartenders.
The bar. See those mugs along the wall? For $25, you can get one with your name on and receive drink specials every time you stop by, including $1 draft beers!
How beautiful is that ceiling?
Now, onto the important stuff, the food! Two of the most popular foods in Buffalo are chicken wings and beef on weck. Beef on weck is slow roasted beef on a kimmelweck roll. The best way to eat it is with some ketchup and horseradish (raw, not that imitation creamy kind). The meat is tender and juicy and the roll sucks up the extra juice for the perfect sandwich. Want it even juicier? Ask for some au jus on the side.
The mini beef on weck. Look at that sandwich perfection! The beef on weck always comes with a pickle on the side.
Buffalo is home to the chicken wing. It’s said that the mother of a bartender at the now Anchor Bar in Buffalo made chicken wings for her son and his hungry friend one night and chicken wings were born! Thank you, Teressa Bellissimo! There are many places in Buffalo that claim they make the world’s best wing, and when you eat them, you’ll agree that they’re right! They are all a little different, each one just as good as the next. And Bar-Bill is right up there at the top!
Look at those wings! Cooked perfectly, with medium sauce and bleu cheese.
Some important info when visiting: if there isn’t a hostess, head to the bar to get a table. If it’s nice out (rare in Buffalo, I know), sit out front on the patio, where the doors open basically all the way around, letting in a beautiful breeze and allowing for great people watching. Also, BRING CASH! They do NOT accept credit cards! If you forget, they do have and ATM and the fee isn’t too high.
Looking for more delicious Buffalo food? Check out Duff’s Famous Wings for one of my favorite Buffalo wings and Swiston’s Beef and Keg for my favorite beef on weck.