Ithaca, NY, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and nowhere is this more evident than in its abundance of fantastic Buffalo wing restaurants. Whether you prefer your wings classic, spicy, or with a unique twist, Ithaca has something for every wing aficionado. This guide dives deep into the top 16 spots, offering a detailed look at what makes each unique. We'll explore flavor profiles, sauce options, atmosphere, and more, helping you find your new favorite wing joint.
The Classics: Ithaca's Traditional Wing Havens
These establishments represent the heart of Ithaca's wing scene, offering time-tested recipes and a consistently satisfying experience.
1. The Nines: A Collegetown Staple
The Nines is a Collegetown institution known for its consistently excellent wings. Their classic Buffalo sauce is a perfect balance of heat and tang, and their generous portion sizes are a favorite among students and locals alike. They offer a variety of other sauces, from mild BBQ to fiery ghost pepper, ensuring something for all palates.
Key Features: Classic Buffalo sauce, generous portions, lively atmosphere, late-night hours.
2. Collegetown Bagels: More Than Just Bagels
While famous for their bagels, Collegetown Bagels also serves up a mean Buffalo wing. Their wings are crispy, juicy, and perfectly sauced. They offer a smaller selection of sauces compared to some others on this list, focusing on quality over quantity.
Key Features: Crispy wings, focus on quality sauces, convenient location, excellent bagel pairing.
3. Hector's: A Local Favorite
Hector's is a beloved local spot that has been serving delicious food for years. Their Buffalo wings are a testament to consistent quality and a loyal following. Their sauce recipe is a closely guarded secret, but one thing is certain: they're addictive.
Key Features: Secret recipe Buffalo sauce, friendly atmosphere, local charm, consistently good quality.
Exploring Unique Flavors: Ithaca's Wing Innovation
These restaurants take the classic Buffalo wing and elevate it with creative sauces and flavor combinations.
4. The Ithaca Beer Company: Wings and Brews
The Ithaca Beer Company pairs their craft brews perfectly with their delicious Buffalo wings. Their unique sauces often incorporate seasonal ingredients and reflect the brewery's commitment to quality and innovation.
Key Features: Craft beer pairings, seasonal sauce variations, vibrant atmosphere, excellent for groups.
5. State Street Pub: A Wide Variety of Options
State Street Pub offers a massive selection of wing flavors, going far beyond the traditional Buffalo style. From teriyaki to garlic parmesan, their menu caters to a diverse range of preferences.
Key Features: Extensive sauce selection, lively atmosphere, good for large groups, wide-ranging menu.
6. Maxwell's: Casual Dining with Creative Wings
Maxwell's is a popular casual dining spot known for its approachable atmosphere and innovative take on Buffalo wings. Their unique sauce creations often feature unexpected ingredients, resulting in a surprising and delicious experience.
Key Features: Creative sauce combinations, relaxed atmosphere, consistently good service, good for dates or a casual meal.
Beyond the Classic: Expanding Your Wing Horizons
These restaurants offer a broader perspective on the Buffalo wing experience, incorporating different styles and presentations.
7. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: BBQ with a Wing Twist
While primarily known for barbecue, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que also offers a compelling take on Buffalo wings. They infuse their signature smoky flavors into their wings, creating a unique and delicious experience.
Key Features: Smoky barbecue flavors, extensive barbecue menu, lively atmosphere, great for sharing.
8. Epiphany: Upscale Dining with Elevated Wings
Epiphany provides an elevated dining experience, including their Buffalo wings. Expect higher-quality ingredients and a more refined presentation than at some more casual establishments.
Key Features: Upscale ambiance, higher-quality ingredients, refined presentation, a more sophisticated dining experience.
9. Glenwood Inn: Cozy Comfort Food and Wings
The Glenwood Inn is a cozy, inviting spot with a focus on comfort food and hearty portions, including their generous serving of wings.
Key Features: Comfort food, generous portions, cozy atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing meal.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites: Discovering Ithaca's Wing Underdogs
These restaurants are slightly less well-known but still deliver outstanding Buffalo wings.
10. Rongovian Embassy: A Unique Atmosphere and Great Wings
Rongovian Embassy boasts a quirky, unique atmosphere and surprisingly delicious wings. Their focus on craft beer perfectly complements their wing offerings.
Key Features: Unique atmosphere, craft beer selection, good for a different kind of wing experience.
11. Coltivare: Farm-to-Table Freshness in Your Wings
Coltivare, known for its farm-to-table cuisine, offers wings that reflect their commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Key Features: Farm-to-table ingredients, focus on freshness, slightly more upscale feel, good for those seeking higher-quality ingredients.
The Next Level: Exploring Different Styles and Variations
These options offer variations beyond the classic Buffalo wing, showcasing the diversity of wing styles.
12. Ithaca Farmers Market (Seasonal): Supporting Local and Finding Great Wings
During the summer months, the Ithaca Farmers Market offers several vendors selling delicious, locally sourced Buffalo wings, a perfect way to support local businesses.
Key Features: Seasonal availability, locally sourced ingredients, supports local businesses, varied vendors and options.
13. Local Food Trucks (Check for Availability): Rotating Options and Surprises
Ithaca features several food trucks that rotate through the city. Keeping an eye out for rotating food truck menus might reveal a hidden gem for Buffalo wing lovers.
Key Features: Rotating menu, potentially unique options, convenient location if you find them, often more affordable.
Beyond the Sauce: Considering the Overall Experience
These factors are crucial to your overall satisfaction when choosing a wing spot:
14. Atmosphere: Choosing the Right Vibe
Consider the atmosphere when choosing a wing spot. Do you want a lively, bustling pub, a relaxed, casual setting, or a more upscale dining experience? Matching your mood to the restaurant's vibe enhances the enjoyment of your wings.
15. Service: Friendly and Efficient Service Matters
Excellent service can significantly enhance the dining experience. Look for places with friendly, attentive staff who ensure you have everything you need.
16. Value: Balancing Quality and Price
Consider the value proposition. While high-quality wings warrant a higher price, balance the cost with the overall experience and portion size.
This comprehensive guide offers a starting point for your Ithaca Buffalo wing adventure. Remember to explore, experiment, and discover your own personal favorites! Happy wing hunting!
