Anchor Bar this, Anchor Bar that. It's amazing how many people continue to kiss the Anchor Bar's... Granted la familia de la Anchor Bar invented the wing and gave Buffalo basically the only thing it's known for; the fact of the matter is that their wings and service have exponentially gone downhill.
There's a new sheriff in the town of mass-marketed wings and his name is Duff. And he and his crew are poised to take the throne as Buffalo's best.
With multiple locations bordering Amherst and West Seneca, Duffs is already one up on the Anchor Bar. But quantity isn't necessarily key.
On a solely aesthetic level, Duffs soars. Whether it's the classic look of the Amherst location, or the hip new design of the West Seneca locale, wing hunters are continually lured in by the smell of victory and the look of beauty.
Upon entry, at the West Seneca location in particular, wing-goers are greeted with a collection of games, a display case of apparel and a sea of smiling hostesses/waitresses waiting to seat you. As you take the trek to your booth, you'll pass a bar flush with TV sets and high-end liquor bottles - prime seating for sports games and viewing the self-released blooper videos that are always a crowd favorite. Added in for good measure are retro bubble-hockey games and even a Golden Tee.
And as endearing as this is, it is easily of the least importance.
Upon sitting down, your waitress, who more than likely doubles as a Franks Hot model on weekends, will leave you to your pickings. The classic Buffalo style of Duffs' wings is complimented with a huge amount of spice options. Ranging from mild, to mild-medium, to medium, to medium-hot, to suicidal, there is no better place for wings with a wider variety on the classic Buffalo flavor. Finding your range is key. If you go too high up the latter you'll find yourself dominating your beverage and flagging down a waitress for another.
With the option of your favorite fountain drink in glass or pitcher form, huge sides of crisp-golden fries, and even fried dough for afterwards, Duffs is wing heaven.
Adding up to an atmosphere that's prime for wingdom and any Bills game, a staff that's always on the ball and welcoming, and wings that'll turn the Anchor Bar into a distant memory of the Americana that once was, there is no denying that Duffs is the new best of Buffalo.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
