“Buffalo-style.” The flavor gracing the menus of nearly every pub in North America takes on a whole new meaning in the city that created it. It was Buffalo’s Anchor Bar that changed the course of American food history in 1964 by inventing the Buffalo-style chicken wing. In the decades since, Buffalo’s corner taverns have perfected variations on the wing, each with its own secret recipe, and always complemented by ample helpings of blue cheese.

But Buffalo-style goes beyond the unique sauces and preparation techniques found in the birthplace of the wing. Discover the flavorful history, character and atmosphere found in each of the 12 pubs along the Buffalo Wing Trail – a blueprint for discovering some of the best wings in the city that created them. Most of these establishments have been around for generations and perfecting their wings for years. These are the best in class wing joints in the city where wings were invented – the “Delicious Dozen.”

The trail not only identifies some of Buffalo’s best wings, but the backstories of the restaurants that have the most interesting stories to tell, whether in terms of the type of wings they serve, the special sauces, the unique cooking methods, and how that culinary wisdom has been passed down from generation to generation. For travelers looking for the real thing – a genuine regional culinary culture with deep roots– the Buffalo Wing Trail is a slice of Americana that’s in the same category as Kansas City barbecue or Louisiana gumbo.

So go ahead – order a plate of double-dipped wings along the trail at Elmo’s – fried, sauced, grilled and sauced again. Or dig into a plate of Smitty wings at Doc Sullivan’s – made with a sauce unique to that particular Buffalo neighborhood for decades. Or try the painted wings at Bar-Bill Tavern, which hand-brushes its homemade sauce onto every batch of wings. Your wet naps are waiting.

Find out more at buffalowingtrail.com.

This article appears in May 29 – Jun 4, 2019.