The other day I made the observation that Buffalo Wild Wings had been open for more than a month and we hadn't been there...and it seemed that no one that I spoke to had either. So we made a point to go yesterday (Sat. Jan. 15, 2012).
The first observation is that this is a sports bar - lots of TVs, sports of every kind. It was also quite loud as well. However, it does attract a lot of families.
We got a booth, and we saw the menu: "So many sauces, so little time". So I'm thinking that they must have a good selection of sauces like Wingporium or Wild Wing...well, not so much. They have a gradient of sauces from "smilin'" to "screamin'" - for a grand total of 15 sauces and 4 dry rubs (see the pic). Really? "So many sauces"? Well, as long as they're good, this might work out.
The menu has a good selection of appetizers and "food accessories" - deep fried pickles, mozza sticks, onion rings, fries, etc. They also serve ribs, sliders (beef and pulled pork), and other entrees (including lunch specials).
For drinks, they have a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages - trademark being the flavoured lemonades (just under $4) - Berry, Mango, and Huckleberry. The deal is that you buy one, you can try them all - unlimited refills. I started with Huckleberry, Beau had the Mango. We ended up trying all three. They are all really sweet (ranging up from Mango to Huckleberry to an almost disgustingly sweet Berry - and...where's the lemonade flavour? These taste like sweet juice.). Anyway, back to the main attractions.
When we try a new wing place we always have to try the onion rings. And we also have to try the staple flavours - medium and hot. We ordered up five flavours times five; regular bone-in (they sell 5, 10, 20, and 50 - about a buck per wing) to get a good selection of flavours along the gradient (they offer boneless bites as well - but to get the feel for a wing joint, you need to go bone-in) . Along with the medium and hot, we ordered garlic parmesan, honey BBQ, and Asian zing. They also give you a good amount of carrots and celery with ranch and blue cheese (as seen in the pic).
OK...so how does the food taste. The onion rings come in two sizes - basket and regular. We got the regular (costs about $3.95, while the basket runs around $6.95). I am a big fan of ranch dressing with rings, these came with a southwestern ranch. So we gave that a try.
The onion rings were quite good. Nice even batter. And the sauce was REALLY good. Since we didn't have the veggies yet, I didn't get the chance to try the rings with regular ranch, but the southwestern was really good on the rings.
OK...so here come the wings (see the pic). These are on the small side (which Beau always favours). But, within the hot "boat" I see a couple REALLY small wings that look like they were part of Gollum's arm...shriveled, dry looking drum and flat. WTH? Who let's those out in a chain restaurant? Your corner bar, OK, but in a famous chain trying to gain loyalty - UH UH.
Medium...yeah, these are medium. But flavour? Not too much of one. This is getting annoying at this point. On to Honey BBQ. These were not too bad. Kinda average wing flavour. You do taste the honey BBQ-ness. Asian Zing...did I just come from dim sum? These tasted like hoisin sauce (or something like that)...and where's the ZING?!?! OK...hot is always my favourite. Maybe these could save this joint (if it wasn't for the 2/5 wings in the boat that were a shriveled disgrace for wings). HOT...yes...you get the burn...Flavour? Again, where's the flavour? I like a vinegary hot wing...these were hot...nothing more. SIGH. Did you hear about all of the legal battles between Buffalo Wild Wings, and Wild Wing regarding the name trademarks? How about we up the game on the WINGS and battle over QUALITY, FLAVOUR, and "So many sauces"?
Overall, this was a real disappointment. A situation where you leave full, and say "What a waste of eating." Stick with Wingporium in Etobicoke, or any Wild Wing location. Buffalo Wild Wings should have stayed south of the border. There is no wing war going on here. The war is lost.
Oh, BTW, the ranch and blue cheese dressings were really good.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Phone: 905-824-6999
3015 Argentia Road
Mississauga, ON L5N 8E1
3015 Argentia Road
Mississauga, ON L5N 8E1
http://www.buffalowildwings.com/
