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    Anchor Bar

    3.5 (2.4k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

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    ANCHOR BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Thomas L.

    Forever this will be my top 3 favorite Wing place. Many people overlook this place or think they are overrated. No way. The nostalgic, the OG of wing places. The flavor is always a hit, super crispy and the blue cheese is a notch up of any other blue cheese. They only offer about 8 flavors to choose from which is great. They don't saturate and overwhelm people with too many choices. The atmosphere is great. Historical Buffalo greats all over the walls. Just imagine the stories told. Prices are comparable to any Wing joint. I will continue to come here every time I come to Buffalo. Overall a 9.6 out of 10.

    Traditional Single Wings
    Maritza M.

    These days, the most important thing is stroller accessibility and Anchor Bar has just that! This is the second time I've been here, and the wings do not disappoint. According to my husband, they were a lot better this time, but I always remember them being great. If you're in the area, definitely recommend!

    Traditional Double Wings
    Doug S.

    Had a great time here sitting at the bar with my brother. Bartender was friendly and made sure we always had what we needed. First time here so we had to try the original wings. It tasted like a very good chicken wing. I think we were expecting to be blown away but cannot complain. "Divey" interior with a very casual atmosphere. TV's around the bar/restaurant so you won't miss the game.

    Boneless wings
    Katie C.

    If you find yourself in Buffalo, there are a few things that must be done before you leave. In fact, right up there on my list of favorites including Niagara Falls in a snow storm (worth it!) is this place! This is the place that invented the chicken wing! Rather than give you a history lesson, let me tell you about these wings! They are so light and crispy, literally melt in your mouth. The quality of the chicken is superior to anything I've ever had. Skip the fries! Not because they aren't good, but you will want to eat your whole plate of wings, and you have to choose how you are going to fill your stomach. The decore is not really decoration! It's the original dining room complete with grey and black checkered floor, and a whole collection of memorabilia from all the famous folks who have been here. It's like a museum! All the newspaper clippings and magazine covers are right there giving you the rundown of the significance of this place to our culture and how Americans do food! Come hungry! You will enjoy every crispy bite!

    Side of restaurant
    Jason D.

    Very historic. But definitely not the best wings in buffalo. Free parking for customers. The originators

    Buffalo Wings
    Toby M.

    Loved the history behind this original place! Got 10 of their original wings and it's definitely worth trying. Compared to other chicken places, the chicken itself was very tender, not overcooked, and the sauce was plentiful. This location also has lots of apparel and souvenirs for sale at very reasonable prices!

    Anchor Bar!
    Marissa R.

    I went here on a drive through the area a few days ago, and it was pretty good. I was expecting there to be a long wait, but in fact, the place was nearly empty. It looks like it's been a very cute tourist destination over the decades but a little bit rundown now. While the place was opened in the 1930s, it wasn't until the 1960s that the buffalo wing was invented here. And they are pretty good. We got them as a side item alongside additional entrées. The service was good. Even the bar was pretty quiet, but a nice bartender offered to take our photograph with the Statue of Liberty since we were being tourists. This place is all right. They have a wide variety of other food in addition to wings. If you want a sandwich, burger, pasta, you can find it here for sure. There is construction going on outside and it seems like a windy way that you need to drive in order to get there, but the directions are correct and you will get there.

    Sally S.

    Went to the famous anchor bar during a visit to my hometown and boy, it did not disappoint. Some people want a restaurant updated or remodeled... but it ruins everything if you do that. The anchor bar looks the same as it always had and that's comforting to me. The wings and pizza were of course, perfect and the service was A++++

    Wings
    Ade B.

    No visit to Buffalo would be compete without a visit to Anchor Bar, the inventors of the beloved buffalo wings. I went there for lunch, sat that bar, and my girlfriend and I shared the wings, with mild sauce, and a sausage pizza (it was national sausage pizza day). The wings came with a blue cheese dressing on the side. They were delicious. Just the right amount of sauce covering juicy wings. The only downside was that on an occasional bite the skin on the wings was overcooked and a bit hard. But most bites were buffalo wing perfection, just as I expected! The pizza was good as well. Not the most flavorful sausages, but there were plenty of them and the crust was good. I ended up eating more pizza than I expected. The bartender was friendly and served me a well made American mule. Not the biggest fan of the decor, which had way too much going on. You will have to check out the pictures to see what I mean. But the bottom line is that you get the original buffalo wings here and they have withstood the test of time and remain top tier wings. I can't say that about the creator of the cheesesteak here in Philly. Their cheesesteaks are far from top tier.

    History
    Rob S.

    I am so happy I finally made the pilgrimage to the birthplace of wings. I am, also, at a loss on how to position this review. I was CERTAIN I would feel one of two ways: 1) I loved it. It changed my life. I'm moving to Buffalo -or- 2) One should never meet their hero's as it will only disappoint. I have to say, I'm somewhere in between and I don't know what to do. Positives: *If you love wings, it's a must go. The atmosphere at the original location, the old-timers at the bar, the decor, the history. You have to go. *The wings were good. Meaty, fresh, hot. I got the "original" with hot buffalo sauce, extra blue cheese and extra celery. They were good. I loved the sauce level. *Service was fantastic. Loved the old-school order at the bar from your high top. Bartender was fantastic. *The look, the feel, the smells, the excitement from all who arrive (there was a line waiting for the door to be unlocked at 11am and the Bills weren't even playing). *I even managed to keep my emotions in check and not hit the merch section The "ehh:" *I wish I ordered my wings extra crispy and with extra EXTRA blue cheese. Extra blue cheese equals 2, 2oz soufflé cups *The blue cheese itself was ok. Not to the standard or the wing. *I ordered a beef on weck as well. Bun was amazing. Horseradish was perfectly hot. Price and portion good. Even the coleslaw was better than expected. But...the roast beef was mid-level Foodservice deli-wog. Not even board head quality - and DEFINITELY not house roasted. Odd for a "famous" Buffalo item. Bottom Line: Go! Go to the original location. The combination of the history and the fun and the food and the bar offerings make it fantastic. Are there better wings out there? Maybe. But when considering the whole package. It's a must go. I can tell you the food does not stand up by itself enough for me to run to a satellite or franchise location. But if I can get out to the original location - I will be back. And want to bring my kids. We live in CT. Oldest plays football in Rochester. Is it worth the 1:30 to get there from his campus? Yes. Worth the drive from CT? Nope. There are better wings in Rochester and perhaps even closer. So happy I went. Star rating will be on whole experience. Not just the food. Overall 4 stars. Food only 3 stars (sandwich killed the score).

    Box
    Azzaam K.

    Okay this was one I was REALLY looking forward to since it was my first time in Buffalo. I heard this place was "iconic" and one of the first originals to create the "Buffalo" flavored wings...but let me tell you, these guys did NOT change their recipe or try to make it better at all over the years - in a bad way. Place was crowded, you can tell all visitors were there to check it out and have a true "Buffalo Wing". But probably honestly some of the worst wings I've had. Wish I knew a local so I could ask about where the best wings are. Environment seemed great watching the playoff games, but just not where you wanna go for wings in Buffalo.

    Chicken wing mural
    Mike V.

    Heading home from our Canadian vacation, we flew in and out of Buffalo, NY, and figured iit was a good time to stop in and try the true home of a Buffalo Chicken wings at the anchor bar. When I'm Rome... We were quickly greeted and seated upon arrival, begging told we were welcome to explore the space. The walls of this place are covered with autographed pictures of celebrities from all around the world and years gone by that visited. The walls will certainly keep your eyes busy! Ordering was easy, it was a no brainer we came for Buffalo wings, only opted for boneless to reduce the mess before heading for the airport. We arrived early in the day, so food came out quickly and looked, smelled, and tasted great! The wings were great, but even the ones got messy. Wish we'd hd more time to try some of the other flavors, but enjoyed our visit Ranch fans be warned, the

    Hungarian Stuffed Hot Peppers
    Novella N.

    On our way back from Niagara Falls, we decided to stop at Anchor Bar (my brother's request) because it is a must while in Buffalo. We arrived right before they opened for the day- don't judge, we had a long drive home! We weren't the first party that arrived but we did get seated almost immediately. While we had waited outside there is a big sign near the entrance with the history of the restaurant and how the Buffalo wing came about. Of course we started off with chicken wings, and tried the original and another flavor (couldn't remember the name but it wasn't my favorite). We also ordered the Hungarian stuffed pepper which I think burned the tastebuds off my tongue! I do love spicy but that was a bit much. I didn't order an entree but my sister in law ordered eggplant parm and it was very good! The portions were huge. If you want to try the home of the original chicken wing and Italian cuisine, consider stopping at Anchor Bar!

    Outside

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    26 days ago

    Good wings and beer, good sandwiches!!classic dive bar to hang out with friends. Service was good

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    Page 1 of 62

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    Ask the Community - Anchor Bar

    Do we need a reservation?

    No, we did not make one. We were walk-ins.

    Is there ranch available as a dipping sauce?

    Yes

    Does this location have the meatless wings?

    I did not see them on the menu (6/2023).

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Twenty Six

    Twenty Six

    3.7
    (9 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $

    Edited a minute ago New…read moreUpon entering the establishment, the security guard took our IDs and he was holding a high-alcohol content beer, Hayburner, in one hand, and holding our ID's with the other. He seemed angry when my brother asked if our ID's had to be scanned, and really seemed to snap at my brother, but we shrugged it off and he scanned them and we went on with our night. Throughout the night, the security guard continued drinking these Hayburners. My brother and I were enjoying our evening, had not once had any issue with another patron or the bar, and we were in mid-conversation about piano, when I felt the guard standing behind me. He was just standing behind me, staring my brother down. It was a scary feeling. My brother, who has worked in the industry for 20 years, asked if everything was okay. The security guard approached my brother and started pushing him saying "Everything is okay with me is everything okay with you??" And my brother was walking backwards trying to de-escalate this seemingly intoxicated security guard. That's when I watched him grab my brother by both shoulders and push him backwards across the entire length of the bar, knocking him into people and objects, eventually pushing him out of the door. He even grabbed another guy and shoved him so hard against the wall that that guys beer went flying and he had purple and blue bruises from his grab. I desperately tried for the other woman security guard to understand he had just been assaulted and had done nothing wrong. She seemed to nod like she had seen this before, but wasn't going to do anything about it. My sister and I were astounded at the actions of this man. That's when he shoved me, a mid thirties woman not even half his size. Even after we were walking away from the bar, this security guard stood outside yelling towards us that he, direct quote, was going to "break our f***ng necks". This is negligence on the bar's behalf, for allowing an intoxicated security guard to a$$ault patrons. We immediately filed a police report, and they requested the video footage from the bar. The bar refused to provide any of the footage. Usually, bars who have nothing to hide are quick to comply- which was very telling in this case. We were never once asked to leave. We were just blind-sighted. I immediately called the bar after the incident and one of the owners, Amanda, who was tending the bar and witnessed the entire thing, cheerfully answered the phone. She had served my brother with no issue. I let her know her security guard had just assaulted us, and she said "ok?" And nothing further. This place does not give a rip about anyone's safety, especially not women's. It has been weeks and I'm still recovering from the pain of this night. Beware for your safety, women. I did what I could, but their actions will likely result in someone getting seriously hurt.

    Be careful here, fam. Security can be unpredictable and dangerous. I was visiting from LA and out…read morefor karaoke with my family when a guard came over mid-conversation, pushed my sister aside, attacked my brother, dragged him outside, and threatened to break their necks. It was terrifying. I could've lost my brother, and we didn't even know why. For your own safety, don't fight back if confronted like this, report it instead. Paper trails save lives. On a brighter note: my brother absolutely crushed it on the mic earlier that night.

    Photos
    Unisex bathroom. I wish there was a hook! They do have an area for urinals as well.
    Unisex bathroom. I wish there was a hook! They do have an area for urinals as well.
    Sink area
    Sink area
    Karaoke schedule as of 5/14/23

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    Karaoke schedule as of 5/14/23
    Bada Bing

    Bada Bing

    3.8
    (254 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    When I ordered this burger I think I overlooked that it was a double which is definitely nothing to…read morecomplain about. It came with fries on the side which were good. The burger had a ton of flavor and was made very well. It only came with meat and cheese tho. I thought it may of came with lettuce and tomato like burgers usually do but that didn't bother me. I added some ketchup and it was perfect for me. So good that I actually ate the entire thing and I NEVER finish my food. I think the flavor was just that good and it was cooked perfectly. For me personally this place is a bit on the pricier side but thankfully my friend paid for me without me even knowing. I was very appreciative for that. But I do think I would go back as long as I had the money. Service was great. We sat at the bar and our food came out in under 10 minutes. The place has a lot of seating as well. There's an upstairs with additional seating if you don't wanna be downstairs.

    We didn't have reservations since we got rush tickets for Shea's, they sat us upstairs, the place…read morewas packed but great service. We started with the app Taste of the Bing. It was 2 stuffed banana peppers, 2 meatballs with red sauce and garlic toast. All good and the peppers did have a little kick that I love. We split a sandwich. Ordered Antonio Bing. It was a chicken cutlet with stuffed hot pepper, melted mozzarella on a garlic roll in the shape of a hogie roll. It came with one side so we chose the macaroni salad, very good and added a Caesar salad. Now for the best part of any meal ...dessert! We chose the peanut butter cookie sundae. It was a real peanut butter buttery cookie on the bottom topped with vanilla ice cream surrounded by whipped cream & drizzled with chocolate sauce so yummy

    Photos
    Bada Bing
    Medium flavor wings
    Medium flavor wings
    Razzy Rita-Tini

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    Razzy Rita-Tini
    Buffalo Iron Works

    Buffalo Iron Works

    3.7
    (102 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    For what it is, it's great. We came downtown for a sabers game. Game at 6 we got there a little…read moreafter 4. Not crowded. Large drink menu and very reasonably priced (considering it's downtown.) Perfect pre-game spot. Limited food menu so don't come for a real meal. Also came to a silent disco here in the past. Versatile venue downtown. Owners do a great job with the spot.

    Had a great night at Iron Works recently. Iron Works has a special place in my heart because that…read moreis where I saw my last show before the shutdown and my first show after the shutdown, and will always be associated with the importance of supporting live music and not taking live music for granted. Iron Works is an ideal venue in a lot fo way- not too big, not too small, and the perfect place for an intimate experience with a band you enjoy. Most recently we saw Caligula Blushed for their first visit to Buffalo. My other half has been a fan of The Smiths since forever, but we have stopped seeing Morrissey in concert. This was the next best thing to seeing Johnny Marr in concert. Great show, good crowd, not too crowded, and people were actually there to see the show unlike when we saw Nick Lowe at Iron Works and some people would not stop talking!! Post-pandemic, but also anytime, I have to say how incredibly wonderful it is to get fresh air during a show. The garage style door by the stage was open letting in some natural night and lots of fresh air on a cool night, which is really perfect for a show. I'm over crowded, stuffy, hot, and dark. The opening leads to an adorable patio with lots of tables, chairs, and string lights. There's a platform with seating and a little balcony with seating. There are lots places to set your drink whole dancing as the platform and pillars all have ledges. There are two selve-serve water coolers, which is also great to see. I tried a summer cocktail - a Loganberry Dirty Shirley, which was super sweet but that's what it's designed to be. A Coke was $3 and the cocktail specials were $10. Mocktails are $8 and there are other n/a offerings as well, along side beer, liquor, and what have you. They have a garden burger and fries on the menu, in addition to other meat and cheese foods. Tickets to this show were $12, which is so reasonable for a night out. This is more fun than going to the movies and should definitely be a go to if you want to get out of the house. Fresh air, water, seating...all this sets Iron Works apart. If you haven't been, go, and of it's been awhile, go back. My other half was reluctant to go out but was so glad he did.

    Photos
    Patio
    Patio
    We loved the chalk drawing of our Buffalo Bills on the VIP Balcony Ceiling!
    We loved the chalk drawing of our Buffalo Bills on the VIP Balcony Ceiling!
    Patio graffiti

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    Patio graffiti

    Anchor Bar - chicken_wings - Updated July 2026

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