ELYSE GRIECO
Special to The Leader
If there’s one thing the 716 is known for, it’s chicken wings.
Since Fredonia is only an hour away from Buffalo, the birthplace of wings themselves, the area has an abundance of great wings to offer.
However, all these options leave one lingering question: who has the best chicken wings in Fredonia?
Here is a list compiled of results taken from an informal poll, that Fredonia students agree, are the best spots to get wings around town.
#4 BJ’s
BJ’s is one of Fredonia’s oldest bars.
Since it opened its doors back in 1933, it has been a staple of Fredonia’s bar scene.
Not only does BJ’s offer drinks, they also have an open kitchen throughout the night.
One of their menu items, and a fan favorite, is their chicken wings.
They even go as far as proclaiming them on their website as, “the best.”
Bryan Sibble, former Fredonia soccer player and graduate of the class of 2017, said he misses nothing more than going out to BJ’s with his team for Saturday night wings.
“Their wings are the best,” he said. “I like the sauce better than anywhere else I’ve tried them. The wings are a lot bigger too. I mean, the fact that they’re cheap isn’t bad either. My teammates and I went every week and I know [they] all miss it a lot.”
BJ’s is open Sunday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Friday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.
#3 Ellicottville Brewing Company West (EBC)
Ellicottville Brewing Company, known around town as EBC, is a brewery known for their craft beer.
On the side, EBC offers a huge menu of delicious food.
One thing that students love about EBC is trivia night held every Wednesday.
Every week, a game of trivia is played and several prizes are up for grabs.
On top of that, wings are also only 75 cents a piece, making it an affordable meal.
Madeline Rose, a sophomore education major, said that Wednesday night at EBC is something her and her friends look forward to.
“It’s something fun to do during the week. Playing trivia is fun, but we mostly come for the wings,” she said. “I’m from Buffalo, and I know what good wings are. They’re honestly the best wings I’ve had here at school.”
EBC is open Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
#2 Fred’s Food Service (Fred’s)
Fred’s Food Service, or Fred’s, is one of Fredonia’s hidden treasures.
Located on Water Street behind Old Main Inn, Fred’s offers an elaborate menu filled with items to satisfy anyone.
Every Wednesday, they have a 60 cents wing special as well.
This keeps up the friendly competition between Fred’s and EBC.
However, Gregory Pardner, a senior economics and political science major, said that he prefers wings from Fred’s over anywhere else.
“The butter garlic parmesan wings are to die for. They have a lot of great options too. I’ve been to EBC a couple of times and it’s pretty good, but it just doesn’t really compare,” he said.
Fred’s is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
#1 Wing City Grille
Wing City Grille takes their wing game so seriously, it’s literally in their name.
With a menu composed of over 25 different flavors, they are bound to have a flavor for every wing lover.
They also give a 10 percent discount to every student who presents their Fred card at the restaurant, which is great for the average poor college student.
Daniel Reilly, a sophomore sports management major, said that Wing City, in his opinion, has the best wings around Fredonia.
“The wings are really good and pretty cheap too. I like barbeque wings the best. Compared to everywhere else I’ve had them, the barbeque wings here were so much better,” he said.
Wing City Grille is open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.