99332 Sun Sep 14 02:43:21 -0700 2003 197 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 538412 I have been to the Anchor Bar on Bayview (I think it was Bayview anyway) and was not that impressed with their wings. I thought the sauce (suicide!!) was very, very plain and just tasted like hot sauce out of a bottle. Is there anybody out there who would like to post their favourite Toronto chicken wing haunt? Where are Toronto's sauciest and tastiest buffalo wings? Thanks! Sun Sep 14 02:43:21 -0700 2003 0 George 1 538413 Do a keyword search on the Canada board - there have been several previous discussions on Toronto's best wings. Duff's seems to be the favourite. Sun Sep 14 15:45:36 -0700 2003 538412 0 Alex 2 538907 duff's . Some don't realize you can customize your order here. If you don't like them soupy , ask for "not saucy" otherwise they will come wet. You can also get them crispy. I think the hotter levels mostly come wet. For me its mild medium,not saucy, extra crispy. Perfect every time!-at least twice a week Sun Oct 26 23:01:20 -0800 2003 538413 0 bruceter 2 2437511 I just went to Duffs with some friends. I couldnt believe what the hype was all about. The wings were sour and not good at all. The only ones that were good were the honey garlic, but honestly not worth it!! If you like the kind of wings that arent breaded and orange in colour and sour than this place is for you! Definate dissapointment, and that is coming from 4 people!! Oh their celery dip is good, that was about it. So don't waste your time! Fri Mar 30 20:05:26 -0700 2007 538413 85876 linda_brocker 3 2437776 SPEAKING OF DUFF'S... anyone try their new location at Bathurst and College!? Fri Mar 30 23:02:27 -0700 2007 2437511 12423 jennjen18 4 3991895 The most overrated place I have ever been to. I will never eat there again. The wings were scrawny and not hot (spicy) at all, and I am not a person that eats suicide wings a lot. The hot here were mild at best. We also ordered mushroom caps which were still frozen inside when we got them. Barely an apology was offered, and nothing to entice us to forget how bad they were. This was the College location, and is often lined up.. I can't understand why. Wed Aug 27 13:12:22 -0700 2008 2437776 47462 PrawnSolo 5 3993014 Did you order the Armageddon wings? If you aren't the type that eats spicy food, there should be no reason you'd find Armageddon wings mild. Wed Aug 27 20:55:09 -0700 2008 3991895 13581 kwong 6 3993637 I love spicy food. I just don't like stupid heat. With all the warnings, I would have thought that second from the top would be hot enough.... but they were not, is all I was saying. They were misleading. Thu Aug 28 07:35:04 -0700 2008 3993014 47462 PrawnSolo 7 3995002 The second from the top is the Death sauce, which is still quite hot. In fact, compared to most wing places, Duff's is hotter. That's their main selling point. The wings themselves are not great, but they are much hotter than most. If you don't find them hot, then you are certainly more capable of eating hot than most people. The only reason I ever go to Duff's is when I want to eat hot wings (which happens maybe once a year at most). Otherwise, I would never go there. I don't see what you find misleading about them though because I can't name a SINGLE wing place in Toronto that has hotter wings (not that I've been to every place, but I have been to many). Thu Aug 28 14:57:55 -0700 2008 3993637 13581 kwong 7 4330069 As mentioned, Hot is not second from the top...it's actually fourth from the top (after Armageddon, Death, and Super Hot). I personally don't find the Hot particularly hot either (I usually get super hot), but I know people that find medium-hot to be too hot, so each to his own. Before you knock them for not being hot enough you may want to try any of the three heat levels above hot. I personally like Duffs a lot, but the sauce is fairly vinegary, so if that's not someone's thing I can understand why they wouldn't like it. Duffs can also be inconsistant with the amount of sauce you get (although I've never tried specifying the sauce level as someone suggested...maybe that's the key). What I don't get is the recent proliferation of St. Louis around the city...now those are some tough, bland wings. Thu Jan 15 14:49:35 -0800 2009 3993637 129615 Strongbad789 8 4344379 St. Louis used to be good. Really good. But now they're gone the way of Harvey's/Swiss Chalet. DT Wed Jan 21 09:20:59 -0800 2009 4330069 11291 Davwud 3 2440195 I agree totally. On a recent visit to the Buffalo area I went to both Duff's and the Anchor Bar to do a proper taste test. Ordered a plate of "medium" at each. To me, Anchor wins hands down. The wings themselves (the meat component, and how they were fried) weren't much different, but Anchor's sauce recipe includes butter to cut down the vinegar bite. Duff's tasted like the wings were dunked in pure hot sauce, and the resultant strong vinegar fumes turned me off and made me sick. My wife can't handle anything hot so she ordered mild... at Duffs this meant she got a plate of wings with almost no sauce (it looked like they took the bottle, shook a couple dashes on the wings, and served it). She felt totally ripped off. At Anchor, they cut down the spice and increase the butter ratio so you still got nice saucy wings at the correct spice level... I expect to get flamed by all the Duff fanatics very soon... Sun Apr 01 09:35:24 -0700 2007 2437511 30620 TexSquared 4 2455053 Totally.. I felt the same way. The wings were too sour! Like I said earlier, and yes I did go to the new location. There was nothing special about it, and I am sure everyone else agrees. It was a whole lotta whoopla for nadda! Oh by the way, Pizza Pizza has really good crispy, HUGE, wings! They were amazing, and now so far one of my favs. Give it a try! It's well worth it if ya like the jumbo sized not so sour ones! But ask for crunchy! Linda. Thu Apr 05 15:47:11 -0700 2007 2440195 85876 linda_brocker 3 4345059 "If you like the kind of wings that arent breaded and orange in colour and sour than this place is for you!" Yeah, Buffalo wings aren't breaded, are orange from the chili-oil sauce, and sour because the sauce has a fair heft of vinegar. These are Buffalo wings. This is what they should be like. Wed Jan 21 12:29:53 -0800 2009 2437511 24055 Atahualpa 1 538423 well, I havn't been to this place in a couple years so I don't know if its still there (or where it exactly is...) but theres this joint out in Burlington. It's either called "Wing Dings" or "Wing It Up." They changed the name from one to the other, which way I can't recall. Anyways, I remember their wings being HUGE and they had all sorts of sauces. Jerk, to pineapple as well as the standards. The few times I visited, I really enjoyed there food. I know its across the street from one of the malls (how many malls can there be in Burlingon?) on the lower west side. I think its the exit of the QEW before the Brant street exit. Mon Sep 15 10:40:43 -0700 2003 538412 0 ChinBrowSki! 1 538426 The place on Bayview is Duff's (not Anchor) - and it's received the most good reviews, so if you didn't like it you're in trouble! Mon Sep 15 12:13:05 -0700 2003 538412 0 estufarian 1 538537 Duff's on Bayview serves the exact same wings as the original establishment in Amherst, NY. I've been to both many times and have never been disappointed, but I've heard of those who have. The Toronto location has two versions of "suicide", Death and Armageddon. I've never tried either of them. You may find that "authentic" Buffalo wings taste very much like hot sauce out of the bottle, because the sauce itself doesn't have many ingredients (Franks's Hot Sauce, Margerine, Vinegar). For true Buffalo wings you're going to have trouble finding anything better than Duff's, so if they disappoint you then you're probably S.O.L. If you like wings in general there are other options. The last time I was at the Duke of Gloucester, on Yonge south of Bloor, the wings were pretty good. Some swear by St.Louis, but I do not. I've been meaning to check out Wild Wing, but haven't yet. Heard they're good and check out the variety on the menu: www.wildwing.org Mon Sep 22 11:45:56 -0700 2003 538412 0 Mike 2 1833791 I think Duff's is the best in the city. You have to like Buffalo style wings though. They have a very definite vinegar taste to them. I usually order hot. Their sauces hotter than that don't seem to be very good. DT Fri Aug 25 21:32:46 -0700 2006 538537 11291 Davwud 3 1841580 I have found none better in TO! In addition, they also have a great deal on Tuesdays. A pound of wings is only $5.99 as long as you purchase a beverage. I'm going tonight. Tue Aug 29 21:36:42 -0700 2006 1833791 16797 bogie 1 1832819 I had some great wings at a place out in Etobicoke called Sloppy Joe's, they were huge, and came lightly breaded with a great sauce. Not a real Buffalo wing, but in my opinion, better. Any other hidden gems? Fri Aug 25 16:15:05 -0700 2006 538412 26758 bbbradk 2 4289052 Yes, Sloppy Joe's is pretty good. I have to second that. The best wings I've ever had...is in Waterloo, at this place called Morty's. Damn best wings ever! I use to go at least once a week for 4 years...okay maybe slightly exaggerating, but seriously best wings ever! Thu Jan 01 22:35:47 -0800 2009 1832819 244658 stonedtoronto 1 1832822 Has anyone tried a place called 'STICKY FINGERS RIBS & WINGS'? Fri Aug 25 16:17:23 -0700 2006 538412 26815 hungryabbey 2 1833037 Where is it? Fri Aug 25 17:33:49 -0700 2006 1832822 26758 bbbradk 3 1833420 its on Yonge, in North York.. north of lawrence Fri Aug 25 19:47:35 -0700 2006 1833037 26815 hungryabbey 4 1833710 Never been, but if you say it's good I'll be sure to look for it next time I'm up there Fri Aug 25 21:09:47 -0700 2006 1833420 26758 bbbradk 5 1833723 I dont know if its good.. but I always drive by, and I am a chicken wing/rib enthusiast. So, its on my list of places to try. Fri Aug 25 21:14:32 -0700 2006 1833710 26815 hungryabbey 1 1833017 I haven't had better than St Louis yet in toronto but I haven't tried Duff's. Fri Aug 25 17:25:46 -0700 2006 538412 15937 Aardvark 2 1833048 Wing purists rave about that place, but to me, the wings are always overcooked, and unless you bathe then in some of the hotter sauces are without much flavor and rather small. The mild sauce is pretty much just margarine, so you can never get a good coating. But I do like the mushroom caps there Fri Aug 25 17:37:08 -0700 2006 1833017 26758 bbbradk 3 1833722 I agree. St Louis seems always overcooked which makes them tough. Fri Aug 25 21:14:28 -0700 2006 1833048 11134 estufarian 1 1833022 I love All-Star Wings, although it's waaay out of the way for more people, it's 2 mins from my place! 16th and Woodbine, great wings! Fri Aug 25 17:29:55 -0700 2006 538412 12679 Wil 2 1833041 i co-sign this statement! Fri Aug 25 17:34:32 -0700 2006 1833022 22990 chinwhat 3 1833784 We go to All Star in Richmond Hill after hockey on Thursdays. I love the wings there. I went to Wild Wing and wasn't impressed. Same idea as AS but not nearly as good. AS used to be a WW but they split off. DT Fri Aug 25 21:30:58 -0700 2006 1833041 11291 Davwud 2 2543975 Agreed.. best place ever.. We have brought a bunch of friends there and they are always impressed.. there is styles for everyone. Dry wings, saucy wings, not so saucy. tons of flavors.. Excellent place. Sat May 05 08:13:49 -0700 2007 1833022 96492 gunfus 3 2668348 All Star has the ubiquitous breaded wings that pretty much every bad roudhouse in Toronto serves - the just trick the weak-of-palate by mixing sauces like 1/2 honey-garlic and 1/2 sweet chili to make "exotic Pandora's Box sauce". If you like wings breaded and drowning in sticky-sweet sauce, then All-Star is your place. I'll pass, thanks. Sun Jun 17 12:14:14 -0700 2007 2543975 81625 TorontoTips 1 1834336 More times than not, Grovers Pub on the east side. On Kingston Rd just past Main on the north side. Half price Tuesdays and Thursdays. Best: honey garlic combined with suicide and lemon cajun (make sure to ask for squeezed lemons if it doesn't come with it). Sometimes inconsistent, but majority of the time they are the best wings in Toronto that I have had (before I turned veggie, that is). My boyfriend's football team swears by them. Sat Aug 26 02:47:15 -0700 2006 538412 14498 n10sity 1 1835197 All Star Wings are good. I have only been once but no other wing place compares and I loooooooove wings. Sat Aug 26 19:52:49 -0700 2006 538412 24589 chowgal 1 1838533 I keep reading how Peter's Cajun Creole Pizza make great wings, yet no one here mentions them & I never see anyone eating them when I pass by. Whaddup widdat? Mon Aug 28 19:18:28 -0700 2006 538412 12072 Googs 1 1839944 I get my wings from "chicken place" located near weston rd./401, near crossroads plaza. It is in a small plaza, and does not look so hot, but damn the wings are great. They are very saucy and yummy...... take out only...... Tue Aug 29 06:05:56 -0700 2006 538412 29331 pancake 2 2590701 I think that is where I used to get Pizza. Is it between a xXx store and a Halal butcher? Tue May 22 00:12:41 -0700 2007 1839944 100294 Conductorchris 1 1840862 THere's a place called "Cranberries" on Parliament, just south of Wellesley. The wings are big and lightly breaded and then sauced. It is the size that is most impressive as it makes for a very satisfying bite and a nicer ratio of chicken meat to skin and sauce. Wing night is Monday. Tue Aug 29 17:47:11 -0700 2006 538412 29406 Tout Garni 2 1841443 I have peeked my head in many times, is there anything else worth trying there? Tue Aug 29 20:47:18 -0700 2006 1840862 26815 hungryabbey 3 1843072 Decent enough burgers (though HoParliament are better) but I haven't really tried anything else. Service is pretty surly and there is a strange, pervasive warm bread smell from the bakery next door. In winter it is comforting, in summer, a bit off-putting. Wed Aug 30 16:00:38 -0700 2006 1841443 29406 Tout Garni 4 1843124 yes I figured. im a regular at house on parliament, so I think I'll just stick to it and feel safe with whatever I order there. Wed Aug 30 16:18:17 -0700 2006 1843072 26815 hungryabbey 5 1843632 the wings are superior at Cranberries. But the wings are really the best reason to go. Wed Aug 30 18:55:33 -0700 2006 1843124 29406 Tout Garni 2 4380157 Oh Tout Garni - you have given away our local secret...sigh...:-). Tis true, my friends. Anyone I have ever taken there for wings has been a convert. You can also get your order with sweet potato fries. They will also do a half and half - hubby loves the honey garlic and I love the hot. This place in general is a find. The wings are huge and meaty. I have never been disappointed. Mon Feb 02 09:39:22 -0800 2009 1840862 243101 Mitzimouse 1 1842731 Now, I think Duff's makes, probably, the best wings in T.O. Certainly the best Buffalo wings. However, the wings at Pho Hung on Spadina at St. Andrew (one block north of Dundas on the West Side) are worth a try. I understand this is a strange recomendation for someplace to have 'wings' since they only come in one seasoning level and you'd get a very weird look if you only ordered the wings; but, next time you want some Pho go and order a side of wings with it. They really are very good -- slightly (really slightly) spicy and very salty with a really crispy consistency. Wed Aug 30 13:50:47 -0700 2006 538412 24055 Atahualpa 2 1862189 Yes, the "special chicken wings" at Pho Hung. I used to make a special there just for those. They are great! Fri Sep 08 10:02:44 -0700 2006 1842731 38218 ognir 2 1894678 I'm always looking to try new things, so I checked out Pho Hung's wings yesterday at lunch, but wasn't too impressed. although they are crispy, pretty tasty, and spiced well, they were way too small, dry, and expensive for what you get. Duffs is the best that I've had in Toronto. it does seem like their quality is up & down though, as many have noted here. but when its "up", it is very good! I always get the Hot. seems like anything more or less than that heat level (or flavour), isn't as good. IMO, I find their wings got bit too much fat on skins. I went down to Buffalo to the Chicken Wing Festival, and Duff's is exactly like Anchor Bar's wings. I liked Navy Wharf & Hawgdawg's wings the best at the festival. so if you're ever down in Buffalo, definitely check those two places out. also, the wings at bar called Balloons in Ellicotville, N.Y. are excellent. probably the best I've ever had. big, crispy on outside, tender on inside, with a perfect sauce. so good! Fri Sep 22 14:44:36 -0700 2006 1842731 42387 kboy 1 1862190 There's a place up on Bayview where they grill their wings. Can't remember the name. Anyone? Fri Sep 08 10:03:44 -0700 2006 538412 38218 ognir 2 1862622 probably McSorley's or Original's? Fri Sep 08 15:11:28 -0700 2006 1862190 25087 sleepy 3 1865330 McSorley's. They used to have a sister branch at Yonge & St Clair, called Doghouse Riley's, where they did the wings the same way. I thought they were excellent. Sat Sep 09 18:56:54 -0700 2006 1862622 38218 ognir 4 1865931 where is this mcsorleys? Sun Sep 10 01:35:06 -0700 2006 1865330 26815 hungryabbey 5 2668356 McSorleys makes great (non-buffalo-style) wings - more a bbq style grilled and whole, not split, but nicely charred and spicy with a summer-backyard inspied flavour. Add an ice cold beer and help-yourself peanuts in the shell PLUS the city's BEST fresh-cut french fries and gravy and you're in heaven. Can't Miss! Sun Jun 17 12:19:32 -0700 2007 1865931 81625 TorontoTips 6 3856823 This place makes pretty good wings and generally good food. Duffs is soooo overrated, last time I went wings were dry and sort of cold. Not even the sauce could save them. Thu Jul 10 12:17:27 -0700 2008 2668356 86819 callitasicit 1 1864307 Haha, I know I'll definitely get shunned for putting this on the board, but Swiss Chalet's wings are not bad!!! I ordered a serving of it from their takeout the other day--medium--and they were very plump and juice on the inside, and sauce was very yummy and evenly distributed on the outside! Wings are very large in size. I believe it was $7.99 for 8 wings. Sat Sep 09 00:59:07 -0700 2006 538412 12423 jennjen18 2 1865334 Hmmm. Gotta wonder how much msg they chuck in there. ;) Sat Sep 09 18:57:55 -0700 2006 1864307 38218 ognir 3 1865933 Hmm, I dont know, but they sure tasted yummy. :) I didnt have to make a grab for iced tea tho! Sun Sep 10 01:36:16 -0700 2006 1865334 12423 jennjen18 1 1866986 For buffalo style in the city....Duffs and St. Louis...why go anywhere else? Sun Sep 10 20:57:36 -0700 2006 538412 39437 bestandworst 2 1866992 St. Louis aren't Buffalo style. They're like the Bistro on Avenue and Tom and Jerry's in Aurora and Newmarket. They're good but I like Duff's DT Sun Sep 10 20:59:16 -0700 2006 1866986 11291 Davwud 3 2436848 St.Louis was not good at all. Especially Etobicoke location. They are not buffalo style, small and saucy. Nothing special, and expensive! Fri Mar 30 15:19:43 -0700 2007 1866992 85876 linda_brocker 2 2437201 St Louis are NOT Buffalo style. I prefer them over any other option in the city (Duff's when I want Buffalo style) but they are a distinct taste that is not remotely Buffalo style). Fri Mar 30 17:35:38 -0700 2007 1866986 15937 Aardvark 1 1867341 Allen's on Danforth has great capon wings. They come wet if you don't ask otherwise, in a tasty sauce that doesn't taste bottled. You get a dip made of sour cream with lots of real blue cheese chunks. Expensive for wings (fries are extra), but larger and higher quality than the norm. These are NOT Buffalo style. I'd agree that Duff's makes the best Buffalo style wings I've had in Toronto, but it's faint praise. I've never been happy at Duff's. I've always found the wings too soggy and often overcooked. The "hot" sauce tasted only of heat and salt while the medium was boring. I'll try once more and ask for dry and I'll see what happens. The two suicide sauces are a macho joke; they aren't about the enjoyment of food. I hadn't thought of Pho Hung. They have another location on Bloor (N. side west of Avenue, upstairs from where Greg's ice cream used to be). They are delicious. Which reminds me of a basement place in Chinatown East called Beijing House (Gerrard east of Broadview, south side). The wings taste marinated and are crispy and delicious. Note: Beijing House is a once popular spot that is now dying. They have abandoned some home made specialities but still serve very tasty chow. $10 feeds two handsomely. Give them a boost :-) St Louis? Why, why, why??? Feh (I thought this place was more about getting lucky than about eating.). Mon Sep 11 00:21:40 -0700 2006 538412 23411 embee 2 2436878 I like the wings at Shakey's in Bloor West Village. Not Buffalo but not bad for Toronto. Fri Mar 30 15:29:59 -0700 2007 1867341 87349 bend_me_shape_me 3 2437348 Shakey's is pathetic for food...even mentioning them on this board is embarassing... Fri Mar 30 18:53:54 -0700 2007 2436878 29657 BloorWestie... 1 2443577 Two great spots for wings for those who find themselves on the western edge of the city or if you simply want to take a drive for great wings: Belfast Lounge The Irish Pub & Restaurant, 5165 Dixie Road, Mississauga. Hollywood On The Queensway, 1184 The Queensway, Etobicoke. The both serve really large, juicy wings. Definitely not a dry wing, but not drowing in sauce either. A quick edit to my original post: Another great spot for wings is a place on Hamilton's east side called "Chaps Restaurant", 1565 Barton E. Amazing wings! Mon Apr 02 12:59:48 -0700 2007 538412 12977 Brain of J 2 4447290 If you want the best wings in the west end, never mind all of Toronto, you have to go to Sloppy Joe's on the Laeshore, just east of Browns Line. They are HUGE; must come from a pterodactyl. Plus they are delicious!!! Tue Feb 24 08:27:17 -0800 2009 2443577 269450 TommyCanada 3 4451275 I have to disagree. Yes, the wings are huge at Sloppy Joe's, but the breading that coats the wings has an unpleasant bitter chemical flavour to it. You get a lot of bang for your buck, to be sure, as long as you don't mind the aftertaste. Wed Feb 25 11:57:07 -0800 2009 4447290 71837 redearth 1 2443779 I live around the corner from Duff's, but would waaaaay rather have the ones at Allen's on the Danforth. Mon Apr 02 13:48:58 -0700 2007 538412 88021 bpyewacket 1 2448507 I just went to duff's tonight after abstaining for a few years. Round 1 was juicy, with a crispy skin, very good contrast. Round 2 on the other hand was decidedly dry and overcooked. Thus, I believe every poster's comments. It can be juicy, and other times it will be dry. It is a luck of the draw, and depends on whether the kitchen is swamped (I did go on a Tues/wing night). Overall, I'd still recommend it if you're craving buffalo styled wings. Again, it is heavy on the vinegar, some might be fine with it, others might not. The best part of the night was actually having some hollywood gelato post meal. w00t! Tue Apr 03 21:58:35 -0700 2007 538412 14629 aser 2 2455746 If you are tired of buffalo wings, honey garlic wings, hot wings, suicidal hot wings etc., why not try chicken wings made Asian style? Many Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and even Japanese restaurants have chicken wings made in various ways and styles. One of my favourites would have to be lemon grass chicken wings. Some Chinese restaurants even have stuffed chicken wings if you're interested. Also I find Asian restaurants tend to serve larger chicken wings, and they are a lot juicier than smaller ones. Thu Apr 05 20:04:29 -0700 2007 2448507 87403 pickymama 3 2455878 I can vouch for this: Matahari occasionally has chicken wings as a special, and the few times that I've had them, they were beyond divine. I highly recommend Asian style wings. You can make them at home quite easily, too. I have a fantastic and easy recipe for Thai style wings (albeit not stuffed with pork, which seems unnecessarily complicated to me given how little a chicken wing will accommodate), and every time I make them, my guests lick the plates clean. Thu Apr 05 21:08:10 -0700 2007 2455746 75881 vorpal 3 2544345 I like Duffs. However the Tandoori Wings from Timothy's Tikka house are great too -- get em hot. They're very tender, not breaded, just tandooried Sat May 05 11:42:29 -0700 2007 2455746 45908 orangewasabi 3 2547894 I had the Vietnamese wings at Pho Saigon in Newmarket and they were fabulous. I got the hot and they were so hot I was almost crying. So good too. Also, the wing sauce left over made a great dipping sauce for our spring rolls. DT Mon May 07 08:11:18 -0700 2007 2455746 11291 Davwud 3 3983607 This might be surprising to some, but I found the chicken wings at Manchu Wok (yes, the in mall food courts one) to be exceptionally tasty. They're not sauced and lightly breaded and deep fried. Sun Aug 24 19:14:21 -0700 2008 2455746 217653 ndawg 4 3988197 It's probably not what the OP had in mind, but I personally like these too. Easy access to a quick fix when you're out shopping. Tue Aug 26 10:42:17 -0700 2008 3983607 140949 homebaker 4 4291266 Me, too. Have been eating that style since I was a teenager, and personally, I prefer the plainer flavour, as opposed to those slathered with a hot sauce. I like the wings at Congee Star on Don Mills Road. They come sprinkled with fish sauce, ginger and garlic, if I remember correctly. Also, the wings at Rol San remind me of the mall Chinese wings, so they're top of my list too. Fri Jan 02 19:12:36 -0800 2009 3983607 19782 Full tummy 3 4316905 In Japanese restaurants what's referred to as "chicken karaage" (various spellings, generally in the appetizer section) is basically a dish of seasoned, deep-fried chicken wings. I've had them done dredged in flour or deep fried with a salty dry rub. They often come with a cold lemon-soy sauce "dipping" sauce on the side. When I lived in Vancouver my friends would be amused at my usual delight at the karaage (which sometimes exceeded the pleasure the sushi offered). Sun Jan 11 16:06:57 -0800 2009 2455746 223384 cdnexpat 4 4317215 Karaage is a generic term for fried meat, which, in many cases, is not chicken wings. Usually, in Toronto at least, it refers to deep fried chicken nuggets. Tebasaki karaage would be the wings. Just an FYI! Sun Jan 11 18:16:03 -0800 2009 4316905 202405 tjr 5 4384241 Thank you! I stand corrected. Tue Feb 03 12:27:11 -0800 2009 4317215 223384 cdnexpat 1 2455876 Has anyone else here tried the hot wings from Seabreeze Chinese? They're certainly not your run of the mill wings, being "Asian-inspired", but every time we get them, I am in ecstasy and to the annoyance of all my fellow diners (who agree, but aren't hounds), all I can do is comment repeatedly about how juicy and delightfully flavourful they are. Not nearly as hot as hot wings at other places: think non-breaded, with flecks of dried red chillies on them. Cheap, too. Many of their dishes are so-so, but their wings are truly a treasure, IMO. Thu Apr 05 21:06:07 -0700 2007 538412 75881 vorpal 2 2919711 I'm intrigued. Where is this place? Fri Sep 07 09:48:08 -0700 2007 2455876 29406 Tout Garni 1 2548686 No mention of Jack Astors on Front? Real good wings, great apple pie. Mon May 07 11:47:26 -0700 2007 538412 96928 alanfg 2 2550080 do you wonder why? suggest you go somewhere else for good food. in my books, you go to jacks when the other choice is Mcdonalds Mon May 07 18:28:04 -0700 2007 2548686 11101 galambo 3 2550980 Jack's used to be decent. I would eat the Cobb Salad all the time. It was great. No longer on the menu and much of the rest of the stuff you can get anywhere else. DT Tue May 08 06:33:53 -0700 2007 2550080 11291 Davwud 1 2919892 The jerk wings at the Old York (Niagara and Wellington) are really, really good ... Fri Sep 07 10:36:43 -0700 2007 538412 113792 MattB 1 3260252 I've always enjoyed the wings at Southside Louie's....especialy on 1/2 priced Tuesdays. Fri Jan 04 07:42:16 -0800 2008 538412 144473 tpw72 1 3268535 I think Jack Astor's has the best buffalo-style wings around. Loose Moose in Toronto is also good, as well as Fox in the Fiddle (their Buffalo Butter wings), and Turtle Jacks (their New York butter wings). Sun Jan 06 21:57:12 -0800 2008 538412 155331 VeronicaHughes 2 3269374 There are 3 places i get wings from: Occasions on Eastwood (Coxwell & Gerrard) can have them baked if you want. Wise Guys on the Danforth Eden House on Coxwell - love them deep fried & sprinkled with lemon juice Mon Jan 07 08:54:44 -0800 2008 3268535 114315 Jay98 1 3280154 Hey George, I really like the wings at St Louis Bar and Grill (the original..Haven't tried the others)...I really also like the wings at Sneaky Dee's . . . They've got a great Wing/Beer special on Monday and Tuesday . . . It's not the best looking place but the food in there is surprisingly good . . . The nachos are the best in the city IMHO and the wings are really big and are never soggy... Let me know what you think... SB Thu Jan 10 04:40:33 -0800 2008 538412 17544 snackboy 1 3856614 Here we go: I am a real expert on Buffalo Chicken wings - the pickiest and toughest critic. The standard is the Anchor Bar in Buffalo - by far, the best wings on the planet. I've been looking in Toronto for many years for something close to it. Number one: The St. Louis Bar has no idea how to make a Buffalo chicken wing (I know some people will say "they don't claim to have Buffalo chicken wings") - however, many Torontonians think that they do and are passing along recommendations to go to St. Louis Bar if you want Buffalo wings. If i hear one more person recommend ^&^&^ St. Louis bar for chicken wings, I'm taking out an ad in the paper to let the public know that their wings &*&^ SUCK. Number Two: I went to Duffs twice last week. This place is a real gem. first of all, it's the only WING joint in the entire city. 98% of patrons order wings. Notice how other restaurants simply have wings under the appetizer section of a 12-page menu. If the wing section of a menu is one line saying "One pound of chicken wings ... $8.99", I get very wary of how they are going to taste. The Atmosphere at Duffs is perfect for a Buffalo Wing fan (I was at the one on Bayview and Eglinton). Next - It's the only place that knows how to properly deep fry a wing (plus they will make it extra crispy or less-done if that's how you like it). Then - the size of the wing in consideration of the price is awesome. (10 jumbo wings = 1.6 pounds for under $10). Everywhere else, it's around $9 for 1 pound. Next - The sauce is NOT THE SAME AS ANCHOR BAR. At the Anchor Bar, there is a hint of "sweet" in the hot sauce. At Duffs, no sweet taste whatsoever. I know exactly what everyone means when they talk about the vinegar content and the margarine content etc... however, the problem is not about having too much vinegar ... the problem is that there is no sweet taste at all coming off of the wing. I came up with a solution. The second time I went there, I brought my own tiny container of my home-made recipe for killer suicide hot sauce (the recipe contains sugar). I ordered 10 wings from Duffs, ordered them "medium hot" (which is very, very hot) and secretly drizzled my sauce over their sauce. Folks, I was in ^&^%^ heaven. After 13 years, I finally found my spot for wings. With my secret recipe drizzled over the Duffs wings, I'm eating authentic Anchor Bar wings in my own city. One small complaint - the celery with dip - We got three tiny little pieces of celery both times that we went. Would it kill them to put more celery, and for that matter, what happened to carrot sticks? Is there a shortage in Toronto? (I'm positive that if I asked for more celery, they would have brought some, but it's just the idea of saving celery that rubs me the wrong way). The last thing is the service - awesome. Hooter's style waitresses (fun and bubbly - with absolutely no attitude on them at all) - and they run around quick - I needed a new ketchup for my fries and she handed me a new bottle in under 2 seconds. Best service in the city. One last note, their special on the every-day menu includes 20 wings + small pitcher (2.5 pints of beer) + their large fries (an endless gigantic bowl of fries, enough for 6 adults) for $28. (I don't run out for those "wing nights" that bars have because I'm not interested in waiting 45 minutes for a table and sit with a mosh-pit atmosphere to save $4 on my meal - so the every day combo at Duffs is a phenomenal value. p.s. I would pay double to eat at Duffs, but their combo price is a bonus. If you like authentic BUFFALO chicken wings, this is the only place to go in Toronto. Thu Jul 10 11:20:15 -0700 2008 538412 205326 montrealer70 2 3856718 You can't be an expert until you have tried Defcon wing sauces. It has revolutionized the chicken wing like Anchor Bar did way back when. You may be able to get some at Taste the 4th Sense on the Danforth - but if not go to www.defconsauces.com. Thu Jul 10 11:47:49 -0700 2008 3856614 142100 MindGrinder 3 3856733 Thanks Grinder, I will check it out. Thu Jul 10 11:51:59 -0700 2008 3856718 205326 montrealer70 3 4330103 I went to Taste the 4th Sense and they said that they didn't stock Defcon sauce anymore. You can order it from the defcon website...the only place that I can see to get it in Ontario is this mail order place called Chili Stand (http://www.chillistand.com/)...you still have to pay for shipping, but it's less than ordering it from the states. The sauce itself is great...I ordered a bottle of #2 and a bottle of #1...#1 is too hot for me to use a lot of, but #2 is just about perfect. I'm not sure if I like it better than Duffs, but it's great for home use. I also ordered a bottle of Anchor Bar hot sauce as part of the same order, and it was just okay...nothing special. Thu Jan 15 15:02:30 -0800 2009 3856718 129615 Strongbad789 4 4331502 Defcon sauces are incredible. Best buffalo wings you can find in Toronto are in your own kitchen if you have them in your fridge. I've only tried Defcon #2, it fell into the sweet spot of flavour + heat. I can handle hotter wings, but 9 times out of 10, flavour is sacrificed as a result. I was severely disappointed when I went into TTFS and was told they were no longer stocking it. WHY?????????????????? I should complain next time I'm in there. Fri Jan 16 07:15:59 -0800 2009 4330103 14629 aser 1 3856716 I forgot to mention the Dill dip that comes with the celery. It is Awesome. It rivals the famous "Firkin Dip" that they serve at all the Firkin locations. I like to dip my extra hot wings into the dip as well as the celery, so another Plus for Duffs. Thu Jul 10 11:47:28 -0700 2008 538412 205326 montrealer70 2 3940524 Hollywoods on the Queensway has pretty good wings. I also tried wings from Dino's Wood Burning Pizza Pizza Place at Royal York & The Queensway. They are BBQ wings with a really different flavor. At first they didn't impress me but I found myself devouring more and more of them. Its like a love/hate relationship now... Fri Aug 08 07:35:21 -0700 2008 3856716 216919 ChickenLegs 2 3940704 Good post Montrealer. Thanks! I agree with most of what you say about Duff's, however because they are so busy they parcook their wings and they can be dried out (and sometimes petrified). The best wings I have had in Toronto (other than my own) are at Tara Inn (Kingston Road). They do not appear to parcook their wings which are best ordered plain with sauce on the side or take your own. Tara does not have good dip and is a bit shabby but the wings are excellent! The concensus among Hounds in the Buffalo area is that the best wings are to be found at Barbill in East Aurora. Armed with this advice I gained 5 lbs. over 4 days, soley and selflessly for the edification of fellow Hounds, testing the wings (and beef on weck) at Barbill. They were superb. The wings are cooked from fresh, an order of 10 gets you 5 wings and 5 drumettes and both the medium sauce and dip are as good as I have had. An order of wings with a Guinness is $11.25 inc. tax. The Beef on Weck is equally unbelievable. Very slow roasted beef on a kaiser topped with caraway seed and coarse salt.(kimmelweck) Fri Aug 08 08:43:01 -0700 2008 3856716 191863 garlicandwingnut 1 3973623 Toronto Wings generally suck. Nothing like back in Florida. That said, I discovered some AWESOME WINGS recently... Squirrely's (810 Queen St West) serves up very delicious, nice and large... *grilled* wings! I know, I know... not traditional... but better than anything else I have found by a mile. Wed Aug 20 17:29:04 -0700 2008 538412 70173 JonasBrand 2 3974505 I concur. I posted about these on another board. It was about a year ago, but I liked the little patio in the back too. And the wings were a refreshing change of pace from all the fried stuff. Thu Aug 21 05:48:15 -0700 2008 3973623 157056 grandgourmand 2 4065985 Oh my goodness, Squirrely's is still good??? I must make my way over there again some day. Do they still do the heated patio in the winter thing? Sat Sep 27 10:42:38 -0700 2008 3973623 12072 Googs 3 4286447 Hey googs. I went a couple summers ago and was right up my alley. Dive-ish, with a good selection of beer and the wings tasted nice. Not your standard breaded and fried stuff. Not sure about the heated patio, though. Wed Dec 31 14:24:17 -0800 2008 4065985 157056 grandgourmand 1 3973648 http://www.lionanddragon.ca MUCH better than MANY OTHERS like Duff's and St Louis. St Louis is always a hit and miss. I even tried the Duff's in Buffalo, greasy and dry, yuck. I just don't like wings that are dry, small and skinny. Just give it a try, as well as their ribs. Their roasted red peppers are good. So does many other flavours. Wed Aug 20 17:39:41 -0700 2008 538412 104086 oishiBear 2 3988505 'hit and miss' is the most precise way to put the quality of wings at St Louis. and yes, they are NOT buffalo style. pretty good on a 'hit' day though. Tue Aug 26 12:11:35 -0700 2008 3973648 221740 shekamoo 1 3991927 I really Like the Mados wings at The Rhino in Parkdale. Decent price and very tasty, and fairly consistent. Wed Aug 27 13:19:18 -0700 2008 538412 47462 PrawnSolo 2 4063361 House of Wings is Oakville. 88 flavours. I've gone to the Dundas and Third line location..Tuesday night is 2lb's for price of one. $10 for 2lb's..not bad. Liked their "Sherriff" and "Pretty Woman" sauces. They have other things on the menu...but who cares. Fri Sep 26 07:56:20 -0700 2008 3991927 228668 soze 3 4289104 and they show the UFC :) good place to go for fight night i prefer the rebecca & great lakes location though -- and the best part is that sweet smoke is in the same plaza. best pulled pork sandwich i've had in ontario so far, and the other ones are good too Thu Jan 01 23:24:20 -0800 2009 4063361 115105 duckdown 1 4319950 Duff's hands down. Mon Jan 12 15:32:46 -0800 2009 538412 246291 adale 1 4329973 Help - what is the difference between Buffalo and others? Thu Jan 15 14:20:43 -0800 2009 538412 231361 ksapd 2 4331507 buffalo wings = deep fried wings + melted butter + frank's red hot Fri Jan 16 07:17:11 -0800 2009 4329973 14629 aser 3 4344177 Buffalo wings also tends to imply a larger wing. DT Wed Jan 21 08:07:48 -0800 2009 4331507 11291 Davwud 1 4332883 I've said it before and some people turn their nose up at my recommendation, however, I've lived in TO for over 15 years now and I still think that Sneaky Dee's has the best wings in town hands down. If you're not picky about the decor - or lack of, try them out for sure! Fri Jan 16 13:25:00 -0800 2009 538412 13707 JennaBean 1 4341763 just thought i'd report back on a successful wings romp out on the danforth. brass taps has multiple locations but this is the only one i've been to. only two visits so far but between them they were consistently large, meaty, juicy and maintained a good crispness. the sauces they doused them in were quite basic but everything else about it was quite impressive for the toronto scene. no thick batter on 14 large wings for $7.50 (monday night half price special)... just watch it if you order anything but a beer... syrup juice will cost you $3.50! Tue Jan 20 11:08:39 -0800 2009 538412 10634 pinstripeprincess 2 4342755 That's pretty close to my hood and being the gf of a chef, Monday is his night off so we will have to check it out! And yeah for Monday specials!!! Tue Jan 20 16:45:26 -0800 2009 4341763 13707 JennaBean 1 4344477 Okay wing fans. If you're not keeping score at home or if you have some sort of life, you may not know the vote tally. So with nothing to do today at work, I decided (as best I could) to tabulate the votes (for. Nay's didn't count). They are as follows: Duff's - 12 All Star - 5 Pho Hung, McSorley's, St. Louis and Squirrely's - 3 House of Wings, Sneaky Dee's, Jack Astor's, Manchu Wok, Allen's, Hollywood on the Queensway and Sloppy Joe's - 2 Wing Ding, Grover's Pub, Chicken Place, Swiss Chalet, Shakey's, Belfast Lounge, Matahari, Timothy's Tikka House, Congee Star, Rol San, Seabreeze Chinese, Old York, Southside Louie's, Loose Moose, Turtle Jack's, Occasions, Wise Guys, Eden House, Dino's Wood Burning Pizza Place, Tara Inn, Lion and Dragon, The Rhino and Brass Taps - 1. Take it for what it's worth. DT Wed Jan 21 09:49:10 -0800 2009 538412 11291 Davwud 2 4345104 Seriously. What's the big deal about Duff's wings? I've had them several times.. They are generous portions, but for taste and texture, they're average at best. And the hot sauces? Armageddon and "Death" are mild at best. There's no way in hell those are accurate Scoville measurements. I used to go to a place called CC's in Mississauga. They had the best wings ever. The sauce was awesome and they were deliciously breaded. I had some similar wings in Brampton recently, but can't remember the name of the place. It's a Cajun bar at Hwy 10 and Steeles, and I think they have great wings mostly by accident. It's not a "Feature" by any means, but they're the best wings I've had in a long while. Wed Jan 21 12:41:08 -0800 2009 4344477 243599 justpete 3 4345374 I agree that Duff's wings are average wings. However, I can't agree that Armageddon wings are mild. I eat fairly spicy (not extremely hot, but I'm no slouch) and at best, I can only eat 7 Armageddon wings before I have to stop (I can eat over 40 wings in a sitting for reference). Props to you if you find them mild, but I certainly don't... and I'd be willing to bet the majority of Torontonians who have tried Armageddon wings would also not consider them mild. Wed Jan 21 14:03:04 -0800 2009 4345104 13581 kwong 4 4345785 ok, perhaps mild was an understatement.. I would conceed that they're "hot", and hotter any wing I've had in Toronto. But, spicey food that I eat is hotter, and I will only say that at MOST, at absolute most, those have the same hotness as a habanero pepper. They aren't 750,000 on the scoville scale by any means, or else I don't think I'd be able to eat them. Wed Jan 21 16:19:08 -0800 2009 4345374 243599 justpete 5 4345946 I'm always curious about this, besides hot, what else can you taste at that level? It's too one dimensional for me. At most I'll get hot or extra hot, but perhaps I'm a wimp. Wed Jan 21 17:15:47 -0800 2009 4345785 14629 aser 6 4346620 for wings, at that point, it's more of a contest than anything, to be quite honest. Sometimes I just crave that "burn your face off" feeling, though with other foods. :) As for Duff's scale, the "Armageddon" wings are supposedly 850,000 on the scoville scale, the heat generated by a Naga Jalokia. Wed Jan 21 22:49:12 -0800 2009 4345946 243599 justpete 7 4347064 Ugh - Armageddon Wings are no where near 850,000. They top out at 400,000. They say they aren't using extract in it but thatsw a lie. In fact Mega Death Sauce from Blair's and Armageddon sauce are almost identical. Mega Death tops out at 550,000 and is chock full of extract. Duff's could not afford to keep wings those prices if they were using Naga. Naga is still very specialized and its heat goes up to about 1 Million and the burn and taste is completely different than a habanero. I called Duffs out on how they came up with their number and even they know its wrong. Thu Jan 22 06:58:21 -0800 2009 4346620 142100 MindGrinder 8 4348528 I can't even eat curry with one habanero so I can't even begin to imagine what these wings would be like if they were using naga! My lips are starting to puff up just thinking about it! Thu Jan 22 13:24:11 -0800 2009 4347064 13707 JennaBean 9 4349135 That's the thing.. they don't. They aren't even close to what they claim they are. Thu Jan 22 16:35:43 -0800 2009 4348528 243599 justpete 2 4346940 You forgot my vote which is forget them all, drive to the Anchor Bar... Thu Jan 22 06:06:49 -0800 2009 4344477 30620 TexSquared 3 4347567 There we also votes for places in Hamilton and Kitchener I think. Since it's "Toronto's Best Chicken Wings" I left them out. I even thought Oakville/Burlington was a bit of a stretch. If you include your's, drive to the Anchor Bar would win hands down. DT Thu Jan 22 09:31:36 -0800 2009 4346940 11291 Davwud 2 4449255 We should include the other major thread on wings if tabulating votes. I vote for Arizona near the airport. Consistently juicy, crispy and cheap ($5 for 9 wings on Mondays). Hot 'n' honey sauce is decent. If you're out in the west end, definitely make the extra effort to try them! I hear the drummettes at St. Louis aren't bad. Any thoughts? The only time I've eaten their wings was at the Leslie/York Mills location and was unimpressed. Tue Feb 24 17:22:20 -0800 2009 4344477 14906 Food Tourist 3 4450095 I didn't know there was another thread and the only reason I did this tabulation is becasue I had nothing better to do. I haven't had wings at a St. Louis in years. I would periodically go to the original on Yonge south of Eglinton. It used to be fantastic. The last time I was at a St. Louis was the one on Yonge south of Finch and it was mediocre at best. The general consensus is that since the franchise explosion the wings have gone down hill. From what I saw/tasted it seem to fit. So I haven't felt the need to be disappointed since then. Not where there are other places that make wings that are better. I haven't been to the Bistro in about 15 years so I don't know if they've managed to keep the same level of quality. The Chicken Deli is roughly the same as St. Louis now. I heard in it's hay day it was awesome. Tom and Jerry's has also seemed to be not as good although it's better than the afore mentioned places. They all use the same recipe. DT Wed Feb 25 04:28:36 -0800 2009 4449255 11291 Davwud 4 4451881 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/99748 An oldie but a goodie. Wed Feb 25 14:38:31 -0800 2009 4450095 14906 Food Tourist 5 4453374 I started to read it. Then realized that I had posted on that thread. Must have forgotten. DT Thu Feb 26 04:37:53 -0800 2009 4451881 11291 Davwud 3 4450882 Technically they are not drumettes, they are drums and they are not bad simply because they are much more meaty, but they taste just like the wings and use the same second rate sauces. Feh! Wed Feb 25 09:34:46 -0800 2009 4449255 191863 garlicandwingnut 2 5128030 +1 for Tara Inn (wee Tara on Eglinton) I have to eat wings mild (love hot, but doesn't agree with me anymore) and find their mild sauce very tasty. Great wings. Sat Oct 24 14:35:00 -0700 2009 4344477 192183 CeeQueue 1 4345284 I'm a fan of KC Wings. http://www.kcwingsandribs.com/ They're sorta like All-Stars wings (so if you don't like those at all, you probably won't like these either). Despite the um meh decor, the wings are great! They have nice wing specials on Monday and Wednesday too. Great if you're downtown near Eaton Centre (much better than St. Louis in the Atrium. :/) Duff's was not bad. I mean, I wasn't blown away but I did feel like it was a solid wing. Others I can't really comment on. Wed Jan 21 13:33:48 -0800 2009 538412 62309 d00n 1 4348024 geeze, i just looked at the pricing for Duff's 20 wings for 20 bucks? Good grief I'll stick to Wings Up in Milton for best wings in Ontario Thu Jan 22 11:15:22 -0800 2009 538412 115105 duckdown 1 4349070 I've been to Duff's and tried a few different flavours yet still don't see what all of the fuss is about. I think that for your wing dollar Gabby's is where its at. I often frequent the one west of Avenue on Bloor. Service is odd yet friendly, and if you go on a Mon/Wed the wings are a screamin' deal. Thu Jan 22 16:10:46 -0800 2009 538412 259616 grizzlyman 2 4380002 Had very good wings at Gabby's last Wednesday (Mon. & Wed. special 49 cents each). They were as big as Duff's, unbreaded, not over-done and cooked to order. Simplicity at a bargain price. Mon Feb 02 09:01:04 -0800 2009 4349070 191863 garlicandwingnut 3 4922548 Ugh. On these two recommendations, I took my boyfriend to Gabby's. It was near my house, we love wings, it was a Monday, and it was part of his birthday celebration. PLEASE DO NOT RECOMMEND GABBY'S! Their wings were tiny, soggy and dry. The sauce was fine -- most likely the best part of the whole meal -- especially if you're looking for a Buffalo wing type of sauce. Nice vinegar bite, even if it was missing the heat. An utter disappointment. Thu Aug 06 08:52:04 -0700 2009 4380002 223384 cdnexpat 4 4923268 Which Gabby's? Because it is a franchise there can be wild variations. Thu Aug 06 12:01:50 -0700 2009 4922548 1086986 sumdumgoy 5 4967242 We were at the one in Roncesvalles. The bf and I also decided to try the wings at Pho Hung on the suggestion on this board too, and we were really surprised! They are definitely the closest things to buffalo wings outside of Buffalo. Crunchy, juicy wings coated in margarine and, I'm almost positive, Frank's. Only drawback: cost works out to something like $1 per wing. To me, that's a little too much for food that is generally not exactly considered a "premium" cut. Fri Aug 21 19:20:11 -0700 2009 4923268 223384 cdnexpat 4 4948099 Went to Gabby's on Bloor. Would not go back for wings again. Wings are dry and skinny. Crown and Dragon is the way to go if you are downtown(Toronto). Fri Aug 14 21:50:28 -0700 2009 4922548 104086 oishiBear 1 4378201 dominion/metro sells good precooked wings. i dont care what people say they are tasty wings, and you get 40 for 20 bucks!! buffalo flavored are the best Sun Feb 01 13:46:09 -0800 2009 538412 262399 dirt 1 4380823 Crown and Dragon pub on Yonge Street. I've been going there every Thursday for the past few years... They have over 27 flavours, they are big and meaty. I've had wings at Duff's 5 times. 1 time they were over done, 1 time they were under cooked, 2 times I found a petrified wasp in the sauce and the 5th time I swear I ate a reheated wing. Never go to Duff's. Also, out by the airport is this restaurant called Sky Restaurant and Lounge, I went out there on a dine.to recommendation (I know I know what you'll say. I've been lucky with the writing of two particular girls there) and I found the wings to be really good. They were unusually large and juicy. They were different, because they looked like they were deep fried is a fried chicken coating. I ate the lemon pepper wings, because I wanted something plain. I agree, they were some of the best wings I've had in the city. They tasted fresh to me, but I'm no food expert. I just know what I like. Where else can I say? ummm... Allan's and Cranberries... although, if I'm going to head over to either of those places I might as well just drive out to Sky. I like the wings better anyway. Mon Feb 02 12:25:07 -0800 2009 538412 244995 sweatersister 2 4381429 Lets be honest people, we're hard pressed to find even mediocre wings in this city. The Mecca of wing joints are in Buffalo or just outside of Buffalo in New York. The truth is we will have to settle for decent wings, imho St. Louis Bar and Grill and Duffs offer relatively good wings. I also think the wings at Rebel House are okay too. Mon Feb 02 15:02:54 -0800 2009 4380823 86819 callitasicit 3 4383457 Not a fan of big meaty wings.. If i want a turkey wing, i will order it!. Duffs will customize your order.. You can get well done , not saucy -saucy if u want.. Crown and Dragon won best wings in the city last week. It was all over the news. Beat out five competators including Duffs. Crown does have interesting flavours, and they are good, a little too big for my liking.. "Roadside Lemonade" were quite tasty though. Their "Buffalo style" orange sauce not even close to what Duffs does though. Crown also doesnt make blue chesse dressing anymore. Another faux pas in the Anchor Bar -Duffs axis of what a Buffalo wing experience should entail. They used to make it from scratch.. Crown and Dragon a good deal though overall.. Tue Feb 03 08:59:52 -0800 2009 4381429 242113 bruceter 2 4450854 Crown & Dragon (Yonge & Davenport) wings are very good. Certainly the biggest I have ever had at a commercial establishment. They are lightly breaded but I forgive them for this and order sauce on the side to preserve heat and crispiness. They are $8.95/lb and half price ($4.13, go figure, must be new math) on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. This little place takes more care in the prep and execution of their wings and sauces than any other I've been to. Like Gabby's on Eglinton you can have a pint and 2 lbs. on wing nights (Mon. and Wed.) for $20 inc. tax and good tip. Wed Feb 25 09:26:39 -0800 2009 4380823 191863 garlicandwingnut 3 4722423 I recently check out a new wing place called "Puck 'N Wings", on Yonge, just north of Finch, east side. I'd say the wings were slightly above average in size. They come breaded but not heavily so and they have a pretty wide range of sauces to choose from. Mondays after 17:00 the wings are half price. I paid $53.00 for 5 lbs of wings on a regular night. I guess that's pretty standard? Overall a pretty good experience. Thu May 28 11:51:10 -0700 2009 4450854 12977 Brain of J 3 5144389 went to Crown & Dragon yesterday (thursday) and their Viva Italia flavour is soooo yummy!! and their Yam Fries.. best thing was monday thru friday 5:00-6:30pm is half price appetizer!!! Fri Oct 30 19:48:14 -0700 2009 4450854 126366 togone 2 4819475 Umm.. petrified wasp? And you still went back? The problem with this thread is that most posters HAVEN'T been around ALL of Toronto to find the best wings. Most of you are talking about central Toronto or parts of the west end so it's no surprise that there's disappointment in the air. The original post was for the best wings so I don't think we need to stick with just "Buffalo wings". I've had Duff's once and they were good, but I wouldn't say the best. I haven't tried the wings at St. Louis, but having read the mediocre reviews, I may not bother. Now, The Tara Inn on Kingston Rd and Midland serves very delish wings (they were featured on Resto Makeover a couple of years ago and even the RM chef David Adgee (?) enjoyed them so much he kept them on the menu). I'm surprised it only got 1 vote, but then again I don't know how many of you have been over to the east end. IMHO I enjoyed the Tara wings over Duffs. Still the best wings are always the ones you make yourself! Deep fry them UNSALTED and then salt them once they're out of the fryer. Toss them with a mixture of butter and hot sauce (get rid of the margerine!). Tue Jun 30 16:32:42 -0700 2009 4380823 156425 scarberian 1 4383501 The Green Dragon on Kingston Road at Victoria Park has great wings! they're enormous, and flavourful hot - not just heat hot . There's also Wiseguys at Woodbine & Danforth, I haven't been in a while, but I've put many a pound back over the years... Tue Feb 03 09:12:42 -0800 2009 538412 185510 Bex714 1 4817677 Went to Duff's on Friday. The only thing my friend and I enjoyed were the service and the small but cute patio. The wings disappointed us. I got 20 of the hot honey garlic and my friend got 20 of the hot wings. They were ok, I would give them a 6 out of 10 (10 being the best and 1 being the worst). The hot wings were not hot at all. We had to order extra hot sauce ($1) to get the spiciness we desired. The hot wings were very vinegary. My friend was starving which is why she finished most of it and she was very disappointed. I took some of the left overs home and had to add some bbq sauce and hot sauce to make them taste better. I wouldn't go there again. The place seemed to get busier and busier that Friday evening but I didn't get why. Tue Jun 30 07:43:10 -0700 2009 538412 69499 TOchowgal 2 4817988 Buffalo wings are vinegary. DT Tue Jun 30 09:13:55 -0700 2009 4817677 11291 Davwud 3 4818016 I just realized that after reading through the whole thread. I guess I do like wings but not buffalo wings. Tue Jun 30 09:23:04 -0700 2009 4817988 69499 TOchowgal 3 4821008 Not necessarily true. Duff's wings are extremely vinegary. I don't like them. Buffalo wings made with Frank's hot sauce and butter are very different.. Most of Duff's wings aren't even in the traditional Buffalo style. I've often found them to be dried out wings then made soggy in their sauces. Wed Jul 01 08:23:40 -0700 2009 4817988 23411 embee 4 4821193 Dried out wings are dried out wings. It has nothing to do with the style. They've either been over cooked/recooked or have been around too long. Most experts I've seen make BW's have Frank's as the main ingredient. The hotter, the more Frank's and the less butter. DT Wed Jul 01 09:12:16 -0700 2009 4821008 11291 Davwud 5 4822616 The wings at Duff's have been cooked until thoroughly dried out but, instead of being crisp, were then drenched in enough sauce to make them soggy. Ergo, dry, hard, wet, and soggy all at the same time. That doesn't come across very well, but I suspect you know what I mean. Wed Jul 01 16:20:36 -0700 2009 4821193 23411 embee 6 4823190 Ya, they were trying to cover up a poorly done wing with sauce to rehydrate it. Not good. DT Wed Jul 01 19:59:51 -0700 2009 4822616 11291 Davwud 6 5126278 I finally gave the College St. location of Duff's a try on Monday evening. Ordered medium-hot and hot honey garlic. Had to send both back for being too dry. Second batch was only marginally better and the hot honey garlic sauce tasted "funny". I joked that they had peed in it. The service was good but that's the only strong point. Duff's does not make good wings. I would recommend driving to Arizona near the airport even though they don't do Buffalo style. Fri Oct 23 15:45:05 -0700 2009 4822616 14906 Food Tourist 7 5136231 my one and only trip to arizona so far warrents a no return for me. they were over done and appeared ragged... except for the great crispy exterior the meat was so mushy that it was quite unappealing. not sure why... perhaps water injected chicken? Tue Oct 27 19:48:11 -0700 2009 5126278 10634 pinstripeprincess 8 5138691 I've been there more than 3 times in the past few months with no problems...sorry to hear you got subpar product. Wed Oct 28 16:33:54 -0700 2009 5136231 14906 Food Tourist 9 5153788 Went back to Arizona last night for wing night. Wings were pretty consistent on 3 orders - crispy exterior, juicy non-mush interior. The problem we had was with one order - "hot & honey" arrived as some kind of mild bbq or hickory bbq but our server wouldn't take it back. Instead, she brought out a cup of hot sauce to dip, claiming the bbq we received was honey bbq. Well, as you can imagine, dipping bbq into hot sauce does not create "hot & honey" so eventually we sent it all back in favour of the original request. She then claimed the kitchen would have to "hold" the bbq sauce that normally comes in "hot & honey". Right. Anyway, we eventually got what we ordered. Tue Nov 03 18:35:54 -0800 2009 5138691 14906 Food Tourist 7 5153811 I hear Triple Crown on Lawrence near the William Ashley Warehouse Sale has good wings. Will report back. Tue Nov 03 18:44:49 -0800 2009 5126278 14906 Food Tourist 8 5153881 I haven't had them in about 5 years but they were quite good. Nothing special but a very solid wing. DT Tue Nov 03 19:19:18 -0800 2009 5153811 11291 Davwud 8 5159875 Triple Crown wings are average - mostly crispy exterior, hint of sauce, not that juicy. However, their bruschetta, made with greasy garlic bread, is decadently delicious, and they serve Murphy's Irish Stout on tap. So, all is not lost. Thu Nov 05 19:33:37 -0800 2009 5153811 14906 Food Tourist 1 4817803 Einstein's on College has great wings Tue Jun 30 08:22:16 -0700 2009 538412 134489 garfield 2 4818045 I am going to say my favourite wing joint is The Rebel house. I recently tried Duffs spicy bbq wings and was very impressed with them as well. I also think St. Louis Bar and Grill has pretty good wings and great fries. Tue Jun 30 09:28:51 -0700 2009 4817803 86819 callitasicit 3 4818183 If you think St. Louis has good wings now, you should've tried them 15 years ago. No comparison. DT Tue Jun 30 10:08:10 -0700 2009 4818045 11291 Davwud 4 4821025 The wings from the franchised St Louis locations don't even resemble the wings once served at their progenitor, Bistro on Avenue. Anyone out there know whether Bistro on Avenue now serves the same wings as St Louis? Wed Jul 01 08:26:30 -0700 2009 4818183 23411 embee 5 4821204 IINM the originator of that wing started at the Chicken Deli a way back when. The owners sold, opened the Bistro and St. Louis on Yonge in mid town. The recipe followed. The cook then left and opened Tom and Jerry's in Aurora. (He's either Tom or Jerry). From what I can tell, everyone making this style of wing is serving undersized, over cooked, under sauced, over hyped wings nowadays. DT Wed Jul 01 09:14:57 -0700 2009 4821025 11291 Davwud 6 5127410 Yes, Chicken Deli was the original St Louis style wing. Bistro on Avenue is St Louis by another name. Wings are the same as any other St Louis. I continue to like St Louis and prefer the size of the wing although I agree that they can be under sauced. Clearly I'm not alone as St Louis are popping up everywhere. However if I want Buffalo style I don't go to St Louis. Sat Oct 24 08:58:02 -0700 2009 4821204 15937 Aardvark 1 4923386 I was able to try the wings at Jersey's on Yonge in Aurora. Fantastic wings. Big, nicely breaded to the point that even after eating 20 they still had some crunch to the end. Overall, I think the wing it's self is as good as it gets. The sauce was merely very good. I had the honey garlic/suicide. 50c a wing on Mondays and Tuesdays DT Thu Aug 06 12:31:01 -0700 2009 538412 11291 Davwud 1 5127521 I know it's a chain, but may I ask what people think of Wild Wing? Normally I don't like chains but went to one in Orillia, first time at a Wild Wing, and really enjoyed everything, Wings, fries, onion rings, service, all good. Sat Oct 24 09:56:34 -0700 2009 538412 1106626 buster67 2 5129757 I'm becoming a convert. I actually went there for lunch today. The wings were hot and crispy under the sauce. I love a saucy wing so it's right up my alley. DT Sun Oct 25 14:07:06 -0700 2009 5127521 11291 Davwud 2 5129927 Ha, I agree. I too like Wild Wings. One of the only places I know that offer deep fried pickles. And service for me has always been really good. Sun Oct 25 15:36:28 -0700 2009 5127521 26815 hungryabbey 2 5129939 They actually are clients of ours and I was making a drop off there once and was going to order food.. However it seemed EXTREMELY overpriced so I left without trying them. I vote for Wings Up!, even though they are now a chain. I've been going since their single location in Milton Sun Oct 25 15:42:35 -0700 2009 5127521 115105 duckdown 2 5144314 I tried the Wild Wing location in Pickering today for a late lunch. We enjoyed our meal, but I have to agree with Duckdown that it's rather overpriced. We had the sampler platter of 20 wings in 4 different flavours. I chose Whiskey Girl (bbq sauce drizzled with buttermilk dill sauce) and Sour Cream and Onion (from their Feeling Chippy section that was all potato chip flavours); my DC chose Dry Cajun from the Let's Get Naked category, and Red Dirt Road from the Hot 'n' Bothered section (Frank's Sweet Heat and creole mustard). We both liked the Whiskey Girl wings best, followed by the Sour Cream and Onion, which didn't taste much like onion, but had a great dry-rub crunchy kind of texture. Next time we'd probably get a stronger flavour like Salt and Vinegar or Dill Pickle, as the concept worked better than the specific flavour we chose. Overall, we liked the crispiness of the wings and found them to be not over-sauced. I preferred the Dry Cajun over the Red Dirt Road, but only by a slight margin. I found the Frank's Sweet Heat and creole mustard sauce a bit too sweet, though it had a nice kick (not too hot). We shared a basket of sweet potato fries, which were just okay. I still want to try one of their special fries, such as cheese and bacon, or cheese, gravy and bacon (not poutine, but not trying to be). We thought it would be too heavy with all the wings, but it turned out we were both still a bit hungry after eating 10 each of the smallish wings (mostly flats, too, which I find tastier but smaller than drummettes). We shared a dessert of funnel cake batter "fries" with whipped cream and chocolate sauce (comes with raspberry sauce as well, but we opted out). I wouldn't recommend it -- overpriced and cloyingly sweet. To be fair, our waitress did warn us it was very sweet. She also mentioned that the basket of sweet potato fries ($4.99) wasn't really enough for two to share, though with the sampler platter it might be enough. She said the regular fries come in a bigger serving size. I found the hard wooden benches/chairs to be uncomfortable, and the table-to-chair ratio is off...the table feels too low. I think the ratio was better on the high stool/tables, but I'm not a fan of those as my feet never seem to find a comfortable place to rest. We'd probably go back, but would aim for a Tuesday when wings are 1½ lbs for the price of a pound. Thursdays you can get a pound and a pint for $12.99, but we're not beer drinkers. www.bestchickenwings.com Edited to add: I find their "no splitting" decree on their one- and two-pound wing orders to be offensive. I would understand this a) if it were wing night with a great deal, or b) if the wings were AYCE. Otherwise, who are they to tell people how to order? It just smacks of gouging. I can maybe understand not allowing two people to order two pounds if one pound each costs slightly more, but since there's no order smaller than one pound (except a lunch special), why not let two people share a pound of wings with drinks or other food? Fri Oct 30 18:59:03 -0700 2009 5127521 192183 CeeQueue 3 5144318 I've tried the cheese bacon gravy fries. They fries in general arent great, but the combination with the toppings isn't bad. I agree about the wing servings, it seems like it would be too much but I never really get full, so adding the fries is probably a good idea. Fri Oct 30 19:04:19 -0700 2009 5144314 26815 hungryabbey 4 5144376 I know what you mean...we would have ordered another pound to top up our platter were it not for their no-splitting rule. Thanks for the review of the fries. Fri Oct 30 19:42:38 -0700 2009 5144318 192183 CeeQueue 3 5144548 Had to chime in to LOL at that decree... it's hilarious that it says that but seriously I'm pretty sure the minimum wage waitresses and bartenders could care less.. it's more of a bar, I can tell you for a fact that they show the UFC there.. i would honestly laugh out loud if they said something about it cheers Fri Oct 30 21:56:30 -0700 2009 5144314 115105 duckdown 3 5144813 LOL CQ No Splitting means one sauce only. You can't split the wings up into a few different sauces. It's not exactly clear though. The place I go to which has the same idea says 1 flavour only. So you can order a pound and a friend can order and pound and you can split them between the two of you. DT Sat Oct 31 07:09:45 -0700 2009 5144314 11291 Davwud 4 5145398 Well that makes sense, but the wording is definitely unclear. My friend and I both thought it meant no sharing, rather than only one flavour. Good to know for any future visit, though. Thanks. Sat Oct 31 12:57:34 -0700 2009 5144813 192183 CeeQueue 5 5145748 My significant other and I tried The Wing Company tonight at King and Bathurst. We ordered medium buffalo flavour and peppercorn mesquite, both were excellent. The wings are very large, juicy and very saucy. This is definately my preferred type of wing so they fit the bill perfectly. The wings come with fries and celery and a dip. 10 wings for 9.98. 20 for 18.98 and you can split flavours if you order 20 or more. Definitely, the best wings I have had for a while. http://thewingcompany.ca/ Sat Oct 31 16:35:23 -0700 2009 5145398 16722 paper_bag_princess 6 5153324 I just noticed this place on my way home from work today and was wondering if it's any good. Definitely on my must try list now. Tue Nov 03 15:27:33 -0800 2009 5145748 64331 itsvince 2 5146430 I went to the Wild Wing in Oakville and found it disappointing. Service was slow, waitstaff could not pour beer properly, flavours were mainly Frank's Red Hot plus something else - there was no BBQ flavour on the spicy BBQ wings we ordered - it just tasted like vinegary hot sauce, and they're pricey compared to All Star. However, their sides are better than All Star and I like that they list the ingredients in each flavour, unlike All Star Wings, where it's a mystery as to what the flavours consist of. I might consider going back, most likely to another location, and mainly to have the deep fried pickles. Sun Nov 01 05:54:57 -0800 2009 5127521 281224 hungrymeerkat 3 5146880 Our service was good, but the wings were too small. I did love the flavours we chose, but we weren't going for the hotter ones. I wish their wings were bigger, as I'd be willing to pay their prices on occasion if I wasn't going away still hungry. Sun Nov 01 10:04:57 -0800 2009 5146430 192183 CeeQueue 3 5146888 Just want to clarify: When I mentioned "All Star", I meant All Star Wings and Ribs - at Woodbine / 16th in Markham and on Yonge St. in Richmond Hill. Sun Nov 01 10:08:54 -0800 2009 5146430 281224 hungrymeerkat 3 5147843 the pickles are the main reason we go too. Sun Nov 01 17:35:16 -0800 2009 5146430 26815 hungryabbey 1 5147000 OK, let's be clear for those who are newbies - All Star, Puck'n'Wings, and Wild Wing are BREADED wings coated with combinations of various bottled sauces to achieve the different flavours. If you are willing to eat this type of crappy wing, I would suggest that All Star is probably the best of them, but is barely passable. (In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is King) and Wild Wing (Vic Park & Ellesmere) is truly TRULY horrible, as are the frozen fries! St. Louie's is a franchised chain that began with the Chick'n'Deli and Bistro on Avenue and they serve unbreaded wings that have been pre-marinated before cooking and then sauces are added. The result is something like a baked wing - not saucy at all, kinda crisp, mildly flavoured and OK, but nothing like the real deal. There are a number of places that TRY to make real Buffalo Wings, but are usually hampered by a fatal flaw - sauces, wing size, etc. Good luck. Personally, I can't stand Duff's - the sauce is pulpy and bitter, the wings somehow end up dry inside yet not crispy outside, and the whole macho-scoville-armageddon nonsense frankly annoys me. Buy a corvette if you need to over-compensate for your inadequacy. BOTTOM-LINE: I agree with previous poster, enjoy THE BEST outstanding Banh-mi sub at Nguyen Huong, or a killer Veal at California Sandwiches, but when you get the craving for some REAL buffalo wings, get in the car and drive to Anchor Bar on Main Street in Buffalo and stop wasting your time looking in Toronto. Oh, and by the way, when you're there, order a well-done pepperoni pizza, and try one of the best gooey pizza's in North America, as well. You can thank me later :-) Sun Nov 01 10:58:01 -0800 2009 538412 81625 TorontoTips 2 5147117 Buffalo-style wings are only ONE type of chicken wing. Clearly you don't like breaded wings. I do, and so do lots of other people. I'm sorry you have to drive to Buffalo just to get some wings that you can enjoy. I quite enjoyed the ones I had at Wild Wing (still thinking about those Sour Cream and Onion and Whiskey Girl ones). I just wish they were either larger or cheaper. Then again, factor in the gas I saved and they were a bargain. :) Sun Nov 01 11:54:57 -0800 2009 5147000 192183 CeeQueue 2 5147375 I think you may be reading a little to much into what is essentially deep fried chicken wings with sauce shaken on. Perhaps nostalga is clouding your judgement about Anchor Bar. I don't find them particularily better than everwhere in Toronto. Sun Nov 01 14:12:27 -0800 2009 5147000 265268 Crispy skin 3 5147708 Many Buffalonians agree that that the Anchor Bar doesn't have anywhere close to the best wings in Buffalo so take that advice with a grain of salt. I'd have to say Duff's in Amherst is the best. Period. In Toronto, I've really liked the Fossil and Haggis for a long time but apparently their wing prices have skyrocketed recently. I haven't been in almost a year. They are traditional Buffalo style, large and well prepared. Sun Nov 01 16:33:26 -0800 2009 5147375 45153 Dr Butcher 4 5147769 The last time I had non-breaded wings was at Wee Tara on Eglinton and they were fantastic. I wasn't crazy about the fries, though. Sun Nov 01 16:59:57 -0800 2009 5147708 192183 CeeQueue 4 5147810 Oh man Fossil and Haggis is good, havent been in a few months... I hope they still have good cheap wings !! Lion and Dragon were the best but they closed down after being swallowed up by the home Depot. Lion and Dragon ripped me off too many time to recommend going back if they ever open up again. Sun Nov 01 17:14:37 -0800 2009 5147708 265268 Crispy skin 5 5149169 In the wings in Durham thread it was mentioned that Lion and Dragon had moved to 1163 Kingston Rd (west of Liverpool). But their Web site hasn't been updated in almost a year. Anyone know for sure? Mon Nov 02 09:40:05 -0800 2009 5147810 192183 CeeQueue 6 5150805 Lion and Dragon has been demolished for a new Home Depot. Mon Nov 02 18:19:00 -0800 2009 5149169 265268 Crispy skin 7 5153290 Check out the discussion near the bottom of this thread: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/601581 L&D has apparently opened in a new location. Tue Nov 03 15:13:28 -0800 2009 5150805 192183 CeeQueue 2 5148429 "If you are willing to eat this type of crappy wing" You're as bad as my dad. If it's not to your taste, it's crap. I happen to like breaded wings and what's more, I like sauce. All sauces, gravies, dressings, moles and what ever else falls into that category. So All Star are perfect for me. DT Mon Nov 02 05:07:01 -0800 2009 5147000 11291 Davwud 3 5149171 Ha ha, my dad was like that too. Mon Nov 02 09:40:25 -0800 2009 5148429 192183 CeeQueue 3 5149927 I like breaded wings as well. There is a line between good breading and over breading... I still vote for Wings Up! in Milton Mon Nov 02 13:18:17 -0800 2009 5148429 115105 duckdown 4 5159375 Second the rec for the Wing Company at King/Bathurst. Went a couple of weeks ago and bot 30 wings with 3 different sauces - a medium buffalo, honey garlic, and sweet chili something. Wings and sauces were very nice, the dipping sauces were very good. Only small disappointment was that I was told that the fries were included. It was - sort of. As I was buying for 3 people, 2 out of 3 had wings in their order but mine was missing fries. Had I known I would have ordered extra. Quality was very good but at over $30 for 30 wings - a little pricey for takeout. Thu Nov 05 15:51:13 -0800 2009 5149927 1112254 Chachama 1 5167885 Last weekend we ate the wings at Pete's Cajun Creole Pizza down at Queen St East & Parliement ( 181 Parliement Street). Although the place is famous for the cajun pizza, the cajun chicken wings were finger lickin good! They were juicy and seasoned perfectly with additional frank hot dipping sauce if its not spicy enough for you. Unfortunately they only do cajun chicken wings unlike St. Louis or Duff that offers a wide range of flavors. But if you are up for pizza and wings..this is the place to go.Most people go for take out because the place probably can only accomodate 14 people at most. Mon Nov 09 13:18:03 -0800 2009 538412 1123087 thecuisinecop