Anchor Bar sits at 1047 Main Street, north of downtown Buffalo, and is where the Buffalo wing was first fried, tossed in hot sauce and served in 1964. The walls are covered with memorabilia, from license plates to motorcycles, and the old wooden bar near the Main Street entrance is the spot to pause. Order the original wings with blue cheese and celery, then try a barbecue sauce. The portions are large, so a 20-piece order can be shared between two people.
The 1964 origin
Teressa Bellissimo, the owner, is credited with creating the Buffalo wing at Anchor Bar in 1964. The story goes that her son's friends came in late on a Friday night looking for a snack.
Chicken wings were usually thrown away or used to make broth. She fried the wings, tossed them in hot sauce and served them. Her son Dominic was tending bar that night.
Inside the bar
The room has an old-school bar feel, with wooden paneling, tables and chairs. The walls and corners hold memorabilia, including license plates and motorcycles, and there are seafaring-themed pieces as well.
The bar has also been a jazz venue since the 1940s, and live jazz still plays alongside the food and draft beer. The room is dimly lit, so it suits a long, relaxed meal more than a quick stop.
The wings and sauces
The wings are larger than at many other restaurants, and the sauce list is short. The original, or medium, sauce has a kick, and the honey BBQ option suits people who prefer milder heat. Bourbon BBQ, Spicy Garlic Parmesan and Chipotle BBQ are also on the list.
The wings come with celery and blue cheese dressing. The hottest sauce has real heat. The bar's own hot sauce is sold in supermarkets and restaurants around the world, so you can buy a bottle to take home.
Beyond the wings
The menu leans Italian-American. Chicken cacciatore, lasagna and stuffed hot peppers are listed alongside the wings, along with clam chowder, fish and chips, potato skins and pulled pork.
Beef on weck is a local choice to pair with the wings, and the pizza egg rolls are a popular side. The kids' menu offers fingers and fries, spaghetti, pizza logs and a hot dog.
Planning the visit
Anchor Bar is on Main Street, north of downtown Buffalo, at the corner of Main and North Streets. The bar has its own free parking lot, but enter from the Main Street side to reach the original wooden bar.
The line has been known to stretch out the door on busy days, and it gets longer during events such as Bills games. Buffalo wings are also sold at other bars and restaurants in the city if the wait is too long.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is Anchor Bar?
Anchor Bar is at 1047 Main Street in Buffalo, New York, north of downtown, at the intersection of Main and North Streets.
Is there parking at Anchor Bar?
Yes, the bar has its own free on-site parking lot. Enter from the Main Street side to reach the original wooden bar.
Does Anchor Bar have a kids' menu?
Yes. The kids' menu includes fingers and fries, spaghetti, pizza logs and a hot dog, alongside the original wings.
Is there live music at Anchor Bar?
Yes, the bar has a long jazz history, and live jazz is played alongside the food and draft beer.
