Buffalo wings are a delicious American classic. But while these spicy chicken snacks are a staple of happy hour specials around the country, many remain in the dark about how this menu item came to be. To shed more light on this unique aspect of food history, below are a few points to know about the birth of Buffalo wings and their evolution.

How Did Buffalo Wings Come to Be?

They may be ubiquitous now, but Buffalo wings didn’t officially arrive on the restaurant scene until 1964.

This popular appetizer came from the mind of Teressa Bellissimo, owner of the family-run Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Although the exact reason behind the dish’s creation is disputed, it’s said that Teressa came up with the idea by using what the restaurant had available at the time, which was a mistaken order of extra chicken wings. She breaded and fried the wings and added hot sauce to the mix. She also served it with blue cheese for dipping. 

Before this time, wings were considered one of the least desirable parts of a chicken. Typically, this part was only used to boost the heartiness of chicken stock. After Bellissimo’s creation, wings quickly became a staple. 

What Is the Traditional Method of Preparing Buffalo Wings?

Today, there are many different methods of cooking this appetizer, such as by using various sauces or going boneless. However, classic Buffalo wings rely on a traditional preparation.

First, the wings are split to create the well-known drumstick shape. Next, the uncoated meat is breaded and cooked in a deep fryer until crispy. Finally, they are covered in a tangy mixture of hot sauce, melted butter, and red pepper.  

How Did Wings Gain Popularity Throughout the U.S.?

For the first couple of decades after their invention, Buffalo wings primarily remained local and were served throughout the New York State area. But once the 1980s rolled around and wing-eating competitions gained popularity, more and more Americans developed a craving for the dish. In the 1990s, national pizza chains hopped on the trend and started offering the scrumptious snack to patrons throughout the country.

Serving the Dunwoody community for more than two decades, Gilly’s Sports Bar in Atlanta, GA, has a history of cooking up some of the best wings in the area. Marinated in a special sauce, this popular appetizer is deep-fried and coated in a wide range of delectable flavors, including traditional hot sauce, lemon pepper, mango habanero, sweet chili, and garlic parmesan. If you have serious cravings, you can stop by on Mondays to enjoy the restaurant’s 80-cent wing special. Visit this restaurant online to learn more about the bar’s impressive food and drink selection or call (770) 817-2789 to reserve a table for your party.