Chicken wings at Long Island restaurants: Favorites, from the fancy to the fiery
Available in all sorts of sauces and sizes, here are some recommended spots for wings -- from the upscale to the down-home -- on Long Island.
Brooklyn Wing House
Brooklyn Wing House (2441 Jericho Tpke., Garden City Park): Given what a boost it brings to wings, it's surprising how many places don't bother to marinate chicken parts before frying. This new place doesn't make that mistake, consistently turning out a plump, succulent base product that survives anything you might want to douse it in, and by anything, we mean the 17 flavors of sauces that are always on hand. More info: 516-636-5191
Bakuto (121 N. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst): The wings at this Japanese Izakaya pub are grilled, not fried (which requires much more skill), and unlike so many Western renditions of Asian food, not reliant on syrupy sweetness, only the balance of that holy trinity of soy, garlic and sesame. More info: 631-225-1760, bakutobar.com
Husk & Vine Kitchen & Cocktails (655 Middle Country Rd., St. James): Bourbon-maple-sriracha chicken wings, showered with shattered peanuts and wispy scallions, are intense and addictive at this eatery where the menu changes weekly. More info: 631-250-9616, huskandvineny.com
MB Ramen (335 New York Ave., Huntington): Sticky icky wings are tossed with Korean barbecue sauce and paired with shiso ranch dressing at this ramen shop. More info: 631-923-3176, mbramenshop.com
Addy's BBQ (799 Elmont Rd., Elmont): Jerk-flavored chicken wings are served at this barbecue joint. More info: 516-285-6000, addysbbq.com
Taj Indian Fusion (1929 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh): "Drums of heaven," Hong Kong-inspired sweet-spicy chicken wings, are a leading appetizer at this Indian eatery. More info: 516-900-1700, tajindianfusion.com
Crabtree's New York & Main (330 New York Ave., Huntington): Japanese-style chicken wings are brined in sake, mirin, ginger and turbinado sugar, then glazed with Thai sweet chili and ranch dressing at this eatery. More info: 631-923-0920, crabtreesnyandmain.com
Sempre Fame Gourmet Grill & BBQ Catering (374 Tulip Ave., Floral Park): Smoked and fried wings are tossed in a combination of barbecue and Buffalo sauces at this barbecue spot. More info: 516-488-7900, semprefame.com
Clay Oven (multiple locations): Tandoori chicken wings are blistered to a beautiful char on the outside, resulting in a spicy red-tinged crust that gives way to meat that falls off the bone at this South Asian eatery with locations in Smithtown (863 W. Jericho Tpke.) and Hauppauge (601 Veterans Memorial Hwy.). More info: clayovenhalal.com
New York Burger Bar (4225 Merrick Rd., Massapequa): Honey BBQ wings tossed in a house-made sauce with a side of blue cheese are meaty, sticky and satisfying at this eatery. More info: 516-799-9199, nyburgerbar.com
The Rolling Spring Roll (multiple locations): Among the starters at this spot, which has locations in Farmingdale (189 Main St.) and Syosset (228 W. Jericho Tpke.), chicken wings are an exciting surprise, a rendition that sings with garlic and seduces with crispy rice-flour batter. More info: therollingspringroll.com
PeraBell Food Bar (multiple locations): Fiery and addictive, PeraBell's chicken wings come in Buffalo (pictured), Mandarin, barbecue and Italian varieties at locations in Patchogue (69 E. Main St.) and Riverhead (65 E. Main St.). More info: perabellfoodbar.com
Brixx & Barley (152 W. Park Ave., Long Beach): A successful starter: wings, with caramelized onions and garlic. More info: 516-544-4511, brixxandbarley.com
Bobbique (70 W. Main St., Patchogue): Bobbique is consistently one of the best spots for barbecue on Long Island, and that includes the jumbo barbecue chicken wings. More info: 631-447-7744, bobbique.com
Hurricane Grill and Wings (multiple locations): The laid-back chain offers wings both boneless and bone-in, and you can order a sampler with up to four different flavors. More info: hurricanewings.com
Buffalo Wild Wings (multiple locations): With both bone-in and boneless varieties, the national chain offers some 21 wing varieties, from a mild salt-and-vinegar rub to the off-the-charts "blazin'" sauce. More info: buffalowildwings.com
Croxley's Great American Ale House & Beer Garden (multiple locations): Wing flavors range from cry like a baby to Italian stallion, Korean barbecue to tequila lime. More info: croxley.com
Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza (multiple locations): Here, chicken wings are served with caramelized onions and focaccia. More info: acfp.com
Holy Smoke Grill (3357 Merrick Rd., Wantagh) The wings at this casual barbecue centric spot are meaty, available fried or grilled, then dredged in sauces including traditional spicy Buffalo to sweet teriyaki or garlic parmesan. You can get them on their own or as part of bargain-priced combo specials that might also include ribs, skewered meats and sides. More info: 516-557-2754