Nestled deep in the back of Jefferson Village lays a sports bar that is worth checking out. Buffalo Wings and Rings features “burgers-to-die-for,” savory onion rings and some of the tastiest chicken wings I have ever enjoyed.As I entered the restaurant, which was surprisingly busy for a Monday night, I headed straight to the bar. Enthusiastic sports-lovers were glued to game highlights shown on five flat-screen TV’s.
ESPN, The Golf Channel and NFL Network provided the backdrop for patrons sharing thoughtful insights on player performance.
The ambience was as familiar and comforting as the food.
I started with a custom order of ten chicken wings for $7.49. The hotness factor can be modified from mild to atomic, with a variation of sauces such as lemon pepper or teriyaki.
Ordering very hot food in a restaurant can be embarrassing for amateurs. No one appreciates the mouth fanning (as if that helps!) and whoo-ha noises that follow the first bite. I played it safe with “medium” wings.
The crispy wings were served with a generous amount of sauce that had a nice bite but didn’t obliterate the flavor, or my tongue. I also appreciated the smaller wing-size; I’m not a fan of jumbo wings aimed at more meat-per-bite.
Each table is appointed a generous roll of paper towels; handy for providing a semblance of propriety after one finishes licking ones fingers. I felt right at home.
Next I ordered a bacon-cheeseburger that was delightful; the bacon appeared to be cooked right into the burger making it a wonderful mélange of flavor for my tastebuds. It came with a predictable side of curly-fries that were sub par; they appeared to have sat around the kitchen for just a few minutes too long.
Rounding out my order was a side of rings. Delivered hot from the kitchen and reasonably priced at $5, they were made with real onion in a light deep-fried batter.
The beer selection is mostly domestic, but every night there are specials posted on a big chalkboard. On Mondays you can get a domestic-draft pint for $1.75, or if you celebrate thirsty Thursday, 99 cents will get you a 10-ounce draft.
Brennon, my waiter, provided friendly banter and superlative service. He informed me that the biggest crowds are for football games and college basketball.
Several NC State Wolfpack fans have made Wings and Rings their home bar, and Guilford students will be happy to know Buffalo Wings and Rings sponsors several Guilford teams. Go Quakers!
I enjoyed watching several rowdy customers drink Bud Light buckets for $10 while playing a game called cornhole. They were gearing up for several upcoming tournaments that the bar sponsors. Practice never looked like so much fun.
If you need a break from sports fanatics, you can grab a bite on the back deck in the warmer months. Several tables offer a lakeside view; a surprisingly peaceful area considering the strip-mall setting.
Head downtown if you’re a foodie looking for the latest version of pureed artichoke drizzled over baby asparagus. Step into Buffalo Wings and Rings if you just want to kick back, have a few beers and chow down without the aid of pesky utensils.