Chicken Wings

[Mrs. B]

Since the demise of the Philadelphia Cheeseteak Factory on 9th Street, Waitman and I have been unable to find a suitable carryout (or even better - delivery) purveyor of this gourmet delight. We have been able to create our own version but lacking proper ventilation and a good oil disposal system makes home preparation a less than satisfactory solution.

 
Suggestions within 15 or so (driving) minutes of Adams-Morgan/Mount Pleasant gratefuly accepted.

---

The following posts were split into separate threads:

Hooters (B.A.R.)
Momo's (AlexC)

P.S. Hoo win there write mined woody tattooed hers?

Edited January 23, 2015 by DonRocks

[jm chen]

We had some wings at Bourbon (the Adams-Morgan one) right when they opened that were truly delicious. They weren't the traditional fire-orange sauce, but some sort of chunky tomatoey burning heat thing. Not a satisfactory answer as a straight-up substitute, but something you might try once just for variety's sake.

[Scott Johnston]

I think Hard Times has some of the best wings around. Just order them "finished on the grill". Generally I also order a side of extra sauce as well.

[Jacques Gastreaux]

Shelley's Back Room, just around the corner from Red Sage, has some of the best wings in town. They are not Buffalo style with the red/orange hot sauce, but well seasoned and come with a grainey mustdard sauce that is tastey. Stretch will back me up on this.

[AlexC]

I have the same problems living east of Dupont Circle. No decent, or half-decent wing delivery OR pick-up. Someone help.

For traditional semi-spicy buffalo wings, I think the ones at Big Hunt are fine, especially on $.15 Tuesdays. I don't think you can take out there though.

For large orders, I used to pick up wings from Red, Hot & Blue in Arlington. They were big and meaty, and cost $20 or so for 50 of them. Good for football season. Had to ask for spicy barbecue sauce though.

[erikv]

I am by no means a wing afficionado, but the one's served at Hooter's are pretty good. I'm sorry I know this. Even sorrier I shared. 

I respectfully disagree and think that the wings there are the worst I've ever had. They're practically fried mini-drumsticks oozing with oil. That being said, I've rarely come across a place with even decent wings in DC....

Best wings I've ever had were at Quaker Steak (which I believe is unfortunately a Western PA and Ohio chain)

[zoramargolis]

Take a deep breath, say "Oooh" Exhale while saying "Aaah." You now have the answer to your dilemma. Oohs and Ahhs on U and 10th is not too far from Adams Morgan, and they have fabulous wings, choice of fried, BBQ sauced or Buffalo-wing style. Generous portions and reasonable prices. Great sides, too. Nice people. What more can you ask for?

[JLK]

To accompany your wings (well, someday soon!).

[hillvalley]

Take a deep breath, say "Oooh" Exhale while saying "Aaah." You now have the answer to your dilemma. Oohs and Ahhs on U and 10th is not too far from Adams Morgan, and they have fabulous wings, choice of fried, BBQ sauced or Buffalo-wing style. Generous portions and reasonable prices. Great sides, too. Nice people. What more can you ask for?

For them to be open on Mondays so I could go pick some up

I third the oooohhhhhhssssssssss recommendation. I recomend the greens to go along with them.

[Waitman]

My epitaph for the Philly Pizza Factory here.

Keep in mind anything meant to "improve" the wings automatically disqualifies them -- fancy sauces, finishing them on the grill, whatever. We're looking for sheer deep-fried, belly-burning goodness. We want the most sophisticated aspect of the wings to be the Pirate's Cove brand "Bleu" cheese in the dip. We want them cooked by people who's greatest culinary quandry is "Frank's or Texas Pete's?"

We want to feel bad about ourselves in the morning.

[goldenticket]

I agree that Hard Times' wings aren't too bad if you're looking for something quasi-traditional. As mentioned above, "finished on the grill" is the way to go.

Nowhere near your area (sorry) - Southside 815 in Alexandria cooks up some very tasty wings with good heat.

And, my personal favorite, also from a LOCAL chain [i see you out there Waitman ] is the wings at (South) Austin Grill. A generous pound of wings, marinated in a spicy dry rub and grilled. They are always juicy and come with a salsa-ranch dip of sorts. Washed down with a Shiner Bock....

eta - Ooops, never mind about finishing on the grill - leave 'em greasy

[Tweaked]

Although at times hit or miss...The wings at the Capitol Lounge when they are "on" are the closest to your Upstate NY variety that I have found in DC. Lots of sauce, plenty of blue cheese for dipping, piles of stained napkins afterwards, a night spent trying to dislodge that strand of wing stuck between your teeth, and your tummy will remind you about the previous nights gluttony in the morning.

when they are "off", they are dried, shriveled and sauceless.

Of course this may have all changed now that they have a new "executive chef." He recently butchered taco night by making it sloppy joe night and they were pretty shitty sloppy joes.

And it should always be Frank's

[Free Wilma]

It's been several years, but the Crystal City Sports Pub used to have some great wings. Absolutely the hottest "traditional" style wings I've ever had....but so good.

[edstaut]

The 51st state on 25th and Penn has some very good wings, and on Tuesdays they are $.10 each with a drink purchase. Have a good level of spice, nice and meaty, a good mix of wings and drumsticks. Fried very crispy, but not too oily. I'll be there.

Best,

Ed

[JeffC]

I'm partial to the wings at Urban Barbecue--plenty meaty, just spicy enough. When I'm in the mood for guilty pleasures, an order of Redneck Fondue and some wings is just the ticket.

[legant]

Ooh! I thought you were talking about fried chicken wings...

When craving hot and greasy, Spring Garden (on Wisconsin Ave.) fits the bill. And, they deliver! Of course, nothing beats Popeye's wings. Especially if they're offering a Manager's special.

[dinwiddie]

I'm partial to the wings at Urban Barbecue--plenty meaty, just spicy enough.  When I'm in the mood for guilty pleasures, an order of Redneck Fondue and some wings is just the ticket.

Too bad Urban BBQ is in Rockville and not near Adams-Morgan, as I agree, their wings are my absolute favorites. You should also try the Soul Rolls that are served with a side of the Redneck Fondue as a dipping sauce.

[genericeric]

The wings at Lindy's Red Lion on I in Foggy Bottom are pretty decent, especially the Teriyaki, though they are a bit on the pricey side. Not too far from A.M though.

[zoramargolis]

On Tom Sietsema's Chat today, someone asked for a chicken wing rec near Capitol Hill, and he sent them to Oohs and Ahhs.

[goldenticket]

Y'know, I had forgotten until an afterwork gathering this evening that Clyde's actually has pretty good wings. They are big, sauce-y (I think it's Frank's), served with a side of blue cheese, and will leave your fingers in need of a good scrubbing - after you suck all the extra sauce off of them, of course.

We want to feel bad about ourselves in the morning.

AND I'm already feeling bad about myself and it's not even morning yet

(this was at the Mark Center location)

[rbh]

In this area, it's usually easier to tell you which places to avoid for buffalo wings (which includes Hooters - the DC location is among the worst with that strange buttery taste).

The best I've had here, believe it or not, are at Rocklands, not the biggest of wings, but fried to just the nice crispiness with good hot sauce. I've only had them in Ballston, but would hope that they're similar in Glover Park.

Up in Adams Morgan, which also surprised me was Zucchabar. Meaty, nicely fried - just ask for extra sauce. And 25 cents/wing at happy hour. And $8 pitchers. And, at least on the nights I was there, a new wave mix of 80's music.

I've been meaning to try the wings at 51st State.

[Tweaked]

I had some satisfactory to good wings at Finn mac Cool's last night. Not huge, but meaty, cooked just about right with a nice crispy skin, smothered in a sauce that was a little funky not straight up Frank's and butter but still tasty with a little zing (I ordered medium). Plenty of celery and carrot sticks. The blue cheese on the side was a little weak. It was definitely a multi napkin plate of wings

menu price is $8 for 10, but Thursday's they do 25 cent wing night.

http://www.finnmaccoolsdc.com/index.htm

[brendanc]

Just a quick note, the original uses margarine, not butter.

[Waitman]

Just a quick note, the original uses margarine, not butter.

Indeed. As far as I can tell, the only time margarine has ever been in my house, since I left home lo these many years ago, was in conjunction with a wing thing.

It should be noted that Mrs. B makes excellent wings, a little too high-quality for my taste, but nonetheless swell. But the mess and hassle to produce them is a bit of a buzzkill. Snaking out the pipes and stuff -- you know.

[sunshine]

Perhaps it's because I gave up meat for Lent and I'm craving them right now, but I love the wings at Tonic in Mt. Pleasant. They're deep fried (i think) so they're crispy, but then they are smothered in a tangy, spicy chipotle flavored, vinegary sauce. Served with bleu cheese dressing and celery, it's a balanced meal. Even better washed down with a pint of Magic Hat #9 or Stella. Sigh, only 2 more days until I can eat them again.

[ChefJeff]

I'm partial to the wings at Urban Barbecue--plenty meaty, just spicy enough.  When I'm in the mood for guilty pleasures, an order of Redneck Fondue and some wings is just the ticket.

peaking of Urban BBQ have you ever had the Soul Rolls to dip in the redneck fondue, really good, but take 5 years off your life.

As for wings, I'm always happy with the ones at Clyde's

[JeffC]

peaking of Urban BBQ have you ever had the Soul Rolls to dip in the redneck fondue, really good, but take 5 years off your life.

As for wings, I'm always happy with the ones at Clyde's

I got carry-out from Urban last night. The wings were expecially good--a little "wetter" than usual, thus adding to the heat. And I almost pulled the trigger on an order of Soul Rolls, but those things still give me pause--they certainly sound decadent and yummy, but OMG the calories and artery sludge! (I ate alone, so I would have felt an obligation to finish an entire order. )

I love Urban BBQ, but I feel myself gaining weight just turning into the parking lot.

[Waitman]

Perhaps it's because I gave up meat for Lent and I'm craving them right now, but I love the wings at Tonic in Mt. Pleasant. They're deep fried (i think) so they're crispy, but then they are smothered in a tangy, spicy chipotle flavored, vinegary sauce. Served with bleu cheese dressing and celery, it's a balanced meal. Even better washed down with a pint of Magic Hat #9 or Stella. Sigh, only 2 more days until I can eat them again.

Some say that DR was in part conceived at Tonic (he mentioned on the DR bitrthday), which is about 100 fee ftom my house. I find that their wings lack something that I can't quite put my finger on (even after I'm done licking the blue cheese off). I think they may be insufficiently oleagenous.

Asylum in A-M does an OK job, too, and has a quarter-a-wing special on Mondays.

[Geling]

I just had some very good wings at Clare and Don's. They call them Money Wings, they were the traditional Buffalo style with celery and blue cheese dip. Nice and spicy, with a Red Stripe a nice lunch on a warm day. The bartender was very friendly, making it a pleasant experience. I will be back! Ruth

[Waitman]

I just had some very good wings at Clare and Don's.  They call them Money Wings, they were the traditional Buffalo style with celery and blue cheese dip.  Nice and spicy, with a Red Stripe a nice lunch on a warm day.  The bartender was very friendly, making it a pleasant experience.  I will be back!  Ruth

Clare and Don's were sadly, utterly not traditional Buffalo style, but were instead basic fried chicken - batter dipped or crumb-rolled and deep fried with no discernible hot sauce toss. Seemed like a friendly place and props for the swell blue cheese dressing, but not at all what I needed.

Dang.

[Buckinghamilton]

Have you tried Asylum's wings? Crispy-fried (not battered), average/good meatiness, doused in the standard buffalo sauce. With blue cheese, celery, and carrots. Not bad for 25 cents apiece during happy hour (5-8). Just had some last night, myself (along with some 75 cent tacos and a $3 Blue Moon Belgian White).

Edited to add: Never mind- I see that you have tried them! Sorry!

[Meaghan]

Why do wings have nasty blonde hair on them? I've always wondered about the biology behind that wing hair...given myself the willies.

[Jacques Gastreaux]

Why do wings have nasty blonde hair on them?  I've always wondered about the biology behind that wing hair...given myself the willies.

You can get rid of that by singeing it off with an open flame. Whenever I have birds cleaned over on the Eastern Shore, they use a blowtorch to get rid of the hairlike feathers.

[Baccala]

Delhi Club in Clarendon gets my vote.

[AlexC]

Now that football season is upon us and board membership has greatly expanded, I'll (again) ask the question that amounts to my own personal quest for the grail...

Are there any good, inexpensive, spicy buffalo wing options available for delivery to the Dupont Circle area?

Thanks!

Alex

[Waitman]

Sadly, I think your best option for traditional Buffalo Wings is still to get on the Red Line at Dupont, head to Union Station, hit Wingmasters, and ride back. (Maybe next time I get desparate enough to drive over, you can tip me and I'll drop off a couple dozen).

If you find something, pleeeeeeeease post.

[grover]

If you find something, pleeeeeeeease post.

Well, I am not sure if my post will give you an answer you want but try "Annual Buffalo Nite in Washington".

My colleague Tony is from Buffalo, NY and always craves for Buffalo food. He found this event 2 years ago.

According to him, absolutely TRUE BUFFALO WINGS are served.

[demandalicious]

I am not usually a wing eater, but I really like the wings at Marshalls. These guys have just the right amount of heat and are slightly crispy. Very tasty! They are 25 cents at happy hour (5-7pm) and I believe that they also run a special on Sundays during football games. I don't know if they deliver, but they are walking distance from Dupont Circle and they have a really fancy big screen tv above the bar.

[AlexC]

I am not usually a wing eater, but I really like the wings at Marshalls. These guys have just the right amount of heat and are slightly crispy. Very tasty! They are 25 cents at happy hour (5-7pm) and I believe that they also run a special on Sundays during football games. I don't know if they deliver, but they are walking distance from Dupont Circle and they have a really fancy big screen tv above the bar.

So I went to Marshall's for Monday Night Football last night, and I tried the wings. The wings were larger than most bar wings, not your typical misshappen Perdue reject, and quite the steal for $.25 a pop. The traditionalists will be chagrined to hear that the wings came lightly breaded (I suspect they were rolled in flour, no crumbs). Also, the sauce was a little muted for my tastes and, should I return, I will ask for them "extra spicy" and see what happens. The provided blue cheese was thick, with hunks of actual cheese, and excellent. The wings were not accompanied by vegetables.

Not to stray too far off topic here, but as for the rest of the experience... the burger was good (and 1/2 price on Mondays) though medium-rare = rare, they poured pitchers of Amstel Light for $10, the bartenders were inattentive and forgetful and I'll will probably try somewhere else before heading back.

Alex

[hillrat]

Sadly, I think your best option for traditional Buffalo Wings is still to get on the Red Line at Dupont, head to Union Station, hit Wingmasters, and ride back. (Maybe next time I get desparate enough to drive over, you can tip me and I'll drop off a couple dozen).

If you find something, pleeeeeeeease post.

Wingmaster's you say, isn't that [audible gasp] a chain? I'm on the Hill and I've never tried them, maybe I'll check them out this coming weekend.

[demandalicious]

So I went to Marshall's for Monday Night Football last night, and I tried the wings. The wings were larger than most bar wings, not your typical misshappen Perdue reject, and quite the steal for $.25 a pop. The traditionalists will be chagrined to hear that the wings came lightly breaded (I suspect they were rolled in flour, no crumbs). Also, the sauce was a little muted for my tastes and, should I return, I will ask for them "extra spicy" and see what happens. The provided blue cheese was thick, with hunks of actual cheese, and excellent. The wings were not accompanied by vegetables.

Not to stray too far off topic here, but as for the rest of the experience... the burger was good (and 1/2 price on Mondays) though medium-rare = rare, they poured pitchers of Amstel Light for $10, the bartenders were inattentive and forgetful and I'll will probably try somewhere else before heading back.

Alex

They can be inconsistent over there. I should have mentioned that I have - in the past - had to ask for veggies. Was your bartender a big latino guy or a ditzy blonde broad? They recently hired a woman who is about as smart as my tape dispenser. If you get to know Lui, you're well taken care of.

Back to the topic at hand. I went to Adams Mill (yikessss, I know!!!) on Sunday with some friends to watch the Steelers game and I was surprised by their wings. They were lip-burning-spicy and were served with plenty of veggies and dressing. They are 25 cents a piece on Sundays. I also got to see a girl armwrestle a guy and win. Classy.

[Waitman]

Wingmaster's you say, isn't that [audible gasp] a chain? I'm on the Hill and I've never tried them, maybe I'll check them out this coming weekend.

There used to be a Wingmaster's in Cleveland Park that also sold edible barbecue and was seemingly run by an an Indian guy. Munchies heaven.

At some point, they cloned into the Union Station location, so they may once have been a chain of two places. (I might bnever have known of this, but I used to Red Line to the Senate in my younger days).

Unfortunately, rising rents forced out the Cleveland Park guy, who held on with a combination wings/Indian food carryout (wings and pappadum: excellent combo) for a few months near the basement Woodly Park McDonalds and then disappeared, leaving the Union station all on its oddy-knocky.

A quick googling reveals no corporate website or other trappings of chain-dom, so I claim ideological purity on this one.

[grover]

According to my colleague Tony (He is from Buffalo, NY) McFadden’s is the closest. Supposedly the local chapter of Buffalo Bills Backers meet there for their Bills parties.

[Waitman]

Where's McFaddens?

[demandalicious]

Where's McFaddens?

The 10th circle of Hell.

[grover]

Where's McFaddens?

http://www.mcfaddensdc.com/about.php

[synaesthesia]

If you ever head up in the direction of B-more (I know... boo. hiss.) Bill Bateman's is quite good. They also have a Cuban burger... a Cuban on top of a burger patty. Mmm...

[grover]

SHORT NOTICE!

Does anybody want to go to the 28th Annual Buffalo Nite in Washington?

It is tonight 6-9 PM at Dirksen Senate building (1st and C st, NW).

I have a ticket. The food is authentic pure 100% real Buffalo food.

Please PM me or post here.

Thanks

[grover]

OK! I am leaving. I am telling you that you miss the great chance. Bye!

[hillrat]

There used to be a Wingmaster's in Cleveland Park that also sold edible barbecue and was seemingly run by an an Indian guy. Munchies heaven.

At some point, they cloned into the Union Station location, so they may once have been a chain of two places. (I might bnever have known of this, but I used to Red Line to the Senate in my younger days).

Unfortunately, rising rents forced out the Cleveland Park guy, who held on with a combination wings/Indian food carryout (wings and pappadum: excellent combo) for a few months near the basement Woodly Park McDonalds and then disappeared, leaving the Union station all on its oddy-knocky.

A quick googling reveals no corporate website or other trappings of chain-dom, so I claim ideological purity on this one.

Ahh, that must be it; when I first moved to DC in '96 I was subletting up on Connecticut Ave, that's probably where I recognize the name from.