Food & Drink

Some Like it Hot

But not all wings are created equal, as we found out.

As folks gather around the tube and table, there’s hardly a spread in town that doesn’t include chicken wings. We decided to sample carryout wings from area bars and see what might work for our next football get-together—and yours. Our in-house panel of tasters—Jess Blumberg, Janelle Erlichman Diamond, Amy Mulvihill, Evan Serpick, and myself—didn’t find a bad one in the bunch, although we did have a favorite. Here’s the lineup:

Where

Kisling’s Tavern & Grill, 2100 Fleet St.,
410-327-5477.

(Touchdown!)


Ale Mary’s, 1939 Fleet St.,
410-276-2044.

(Field Goal!)


Bill Bateman’s Bistro, 7800 York Rd., Towson, 410-296-2727
(and other locations).


MaGerks Pub & Grill, 1061 S. Charles St., 410-576-9230 (also in Bel Air).


Mothers Federal Hill Grille, 1113 S. Charles St., 410-244-8686.

Replay

They are fat, meaty, and nicely spicy with a boost from a Parmesan coating—our idea of a perfect Buffalo wing.


They’re flavorful, slightly charred morsels with a grilled flavor. One taster thought they tasted like rotisserie chicken; another said they were a little chewy.


They’re smaller than the others sampled, but the “original” wings have a great zippy flavor and texture.


They’re wonderfully crispy and chunky, but more like fried chicken. We asked for hot, but these had a tame flavor.


They’re hot and zingy, though a little greasy. Have extra napkins on hand.

Cost

10 wings for $8.59; 50 wings, $40.


1 pound (about eight wings) for $7.95.


12 wings for $8.49 (other options, flavors available).


20 wings for $12 (smaller orders available).


20 wings for $17.99 (smaller orders available).

Extra Points

Celery and blue-cheese dressing. Kisling’s has 15 flavors (from Sriracha to PB&J), but the original is our favorite.


Celery and blue-cheese dressing. They’re also wrapped in foil in a Styrofoam box, which keeps them extra hot for the ride home.


Celery and blue-cheese dressing. Look for the celery hidden under the wings, separated by paper. We didn’t see the stalks at first.


Blue-cheese dressing but, alas, no celery.


We love the name: Brother Don’s Big Phat Hot Wings. Comes with celery and blue-cheese dressing.