I have a thing for hot sauces. I get a kick out of seeing how spicy I can make my food. At a burrito place I used to frequent in the Washington DC area, they had a whole wall of hot sauces. It wasn't their burritos that I loved so much as trying a dozen different sauces.
Which of course leads me to BWW. I've avoided reviewing any real chain restaurants, but for the sake of locals who may not have been there, I'll add a quick two cents.
There are a few things that make me really like this place (probably more than I should):
1) I dig the variety of aforementioned hot sauces. My favorites are the Asian Zing, the Parmesan Garlic (yes, it sounds nasty on wings, but it's really good), and the Mango Habanero. If I'm feeling like regular old buffalo sauce, I tend to order either the Hot (if I'm eating with someone else who doesn't share my tolerance for spice) or the Wild. The Blazin', which is technically their hottest sauce, and the Medium both simply don't have enough flavor for me.
2) The specials rock. As others have mentioned, Tuesday is 40 cent wing night, and Thursday is 60 cent wing night. I go on Thursdays, as I'm not a big fan of fighting off the skin and bone by myself. The wings are pretty big (not the tiny nuggets you get at some other places), and most important, I would say the quality of the chicken is very good. If you're interested in trying multiple sauces, the only thing you have to know is that the minimum order on these special nights is 5 wings per sauce. If for some reason you can't come on a special night, I might recommend you try the Tenders. It's obviously the same principle as boneless wings, but with longer strips, and you get fries with it all for $8.99.
3) There are TVs galore. If there's a big game on, it's probably on one of the TVs, and regardless of where you sit, you can probably see. While the separation of the bar area and the dining room is a little artificial (both are laden with TVs -- in fact, there are probably *MORE* in the dining room than in the bar area), you do at least have a choice.
4) The BWW satisfaction surveys add extra value. I'd estimate that 1 in 4 times I've been, I've gotten an invitation to take a survey on my receipt. The surveys are quick and painless, and you get a coupon code good for 6 free wings on your next visit (expires two weeks from your original visit). I'm a deal-hound, so this not only appeals to me but also is one thing that keeps me coming in more than I otherwise would.
5) If you don't feeling like watching a game, a couple of the TVs have trivia and/or Texas Hold 'Em. Your server can give you a handheld device so that you can compete with others in the restaurant or at other locations. I've only done it once, but it was amusing.
I don't have too many complaints. It can get pretty busy, especially during prime-time sports events. This in turn can slow down service. Don't expect that just because it's a bustling place that your food order will arrive two minutes after you order it. That said, the servers have always been friendly and pretty attentive.
People tend to bring their kids in, which can be irritating. I realize I'm going to catch flak for this, but cmon, folks. It's a sports bar. Their answer would probably be "just sit in the bar area and there won't be as many kids," which is true, but it's just flat-out nicer in the dining room. I try to tune it out. Even that one time when the two year old picked up mommy's glass of wine and threw it on the floor, shattering it into a million pieces. (Why was the child in reach of the wine? Who drinks wine at a BWW anyway? These are questions for the ages. I saw a dude in there one time eating solo with a bottle of wine. That had some "wow" factor. But I digress..)
My biggest complaint is probably that you get reamed hard on beer prices. If you check out any other bar or restaurant in the Hermitage area, you're going to get a better deal on beer. That said, they do have a large selection (including the Yazoo line, and a current Blue Moon seasonal which is pretty good), and the beers have always been fresh. If you go on wing special nights, when you add it all up together, it turns out to be a pretty good deal.
I dig it. I feel like I shouldn't give 4 stars to a chain, but given that it's Sunday and I'm already planning to go on Thursday, giving BWW less would be criminal. read more