Wild Wings: one saucy, wild time
Heather Saunders - March 12th, 2008Buffalo Wild Wings is at the top of places NAU students should check out before they miss the chance. Located at 2700 S. Woodlands Village Blvd. it is one of the handful of places open for the late-night crowd — Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday until 12 a.m.
Buffalo Wild Wings has an extensive menu. Potato wedges, mozzarella sticks, mini corn dogs, popcorn shrimp and roasted garlic mushrooms start the starters menu. Chicken tenders, shrimp, ribs, sandwiches, burgers and wraps fill out the entrée menu, and there’s a decent number of desserts to finish it off.
But everyone who’s ever been to Buffalo Wild Wings knows it’s all about the wings. Matter of fact, most of the people I know have never eaten anything but wings. Which is really all you need.
There are 14 distinct flavors on a hotness continuum. Mild to hot is measured “smilin’ to sizzlin’ to screamin’.” Sweet BBQ, Teriyaki, Mild and Parmesan Garlic are “smilin’” choices. Medium, Honey BBQ, Spicy Garlic and Asian Zing make up the “sizzlin’” section and “screamin’” is filled out by Caribbean Jerk, Hot BBQ, Hot, Mango Habanero, Wild and Blazin.
I personally have never been brave enough for Wild or Blazin. Mango Habanero is the farthest I’ve gotten up the “screamin’” scale. It is hands down my personal favorite of all the flavors. Now, those of you who sit on the mild scale for all your dishes, never fear. I was right there with you. Spicy is usually tougher than I am, but Mango Habanero is worth it. It has a rich, sweet taste with a lingering warmth that builds the more you indulge. If you’ve never tried it, you more than owe it to yourself.
Not to say that there aren’t other winners. Honey BBQ, Asian Zing, Caribbean Jerk and Teriyaki are all extremely delicious, distinct and worth a taste. Asian Zing gives a lot of flavor with a punch by combining chili pepper, soy and ginger sauces. Caribbean Jerk combines red peppers with what they call “island spices” to create an intoxicating spice. Honey BBQ is just what it promises; sweet and calming. Teriyaki is best when combined with other sauces in rotation. It’s good, but not a meal all in itself.
Not all their flavors are so tempting, however. I don’t particularly care for Parmesan Garlic and Sweet BBQ, but given the caliber of the rest of their flavors, I’m more than willing to concede a simple difference of opinion.
Inside is a typical sports bar and grill. There are televisions visible from every angle, each one with a game on. They have a wide array of beers on tap and by the bottle, as well as wine and cocktails. It’s the perfect place to just hang out and chat with friends.
Buffalo Wild Wings is a must visit for everyone living or passing through Flagstaff. Even though Buffalo Wild Wings is a chain and not a local restaurant, it definitely has a comfortable, community feel. Do yourself a favor; visit Buffalo Wild Wings, preferably on their “Wing Tuesdays” for a bargain and get an order of the Mango Habanero.