007 Made in New York: Buffalo Wings

Few foods are as closely associated with New York State as the Buffalo wing. Found on menus across the United States and around the world, this simple combination of chicken wings, hot sauce, and butter began with a late-night idea in Buffalo, New York.

Today, Buffalo wings have become an international favorite while remaining one of New York's most famous culinary creations.

Whether enjoyed mild or extra hot, served with blue cheese or ranch dressing, Buffalo wings represent more than great food—they tell the story of creativity, family, and a city that turned an unexpected recipe into a worldwide tradition.

The Birth of the Buffalo Wing

The story most often told begins in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo. According to the restaurant, Teressa Bellissimo created the first Buffalo wings when she prepared a late-night snack using chicken wings that were not normally considered a popular menu item. She fried the wings, coated them in a buttery hot sauce, and served them with celery and blue cheese dressing. The combination quickly became a customer favorite.

Like many famous foods, there are a few different versions of exactly how the Buffalo wing was invented. While details vary, Buffalo's connection to the creation of this iconic dish remains firmly rooted in local history.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Traditional Buffalo wings begin with fresh chicken wings that are deep-fried until crispy. They are then tossed in a sauce made primarily from hot sauce and melted butter, creating the signature balance of heat and richness that has become famous around the world.

Celery sticks and blue cheese dressing have long been considered the classic companions, although many people enjoy wings with ranch dressing or experiment with a wide variety of sauces ranging from sweet barbecue to fiery ghost pepper.

A Buffalo Tradition

Visitors to Buffalo often make sampling authentic wings one of the highlights of their trip. Numerous restaurants throughout the city proudly serve their own recipes, each claiming unique flavors, cooking methods, or levels of crispiness. Friendly debates over the best wings are part of the Buffalo experience.

Every year, festivals and sporting events bring wing lovers together to celebrate one of New York's greatest culinary contributions.

From Local Favorite to Global Icon

Today, Buffalo wings appear on restaurant menus across every state and in countries around the world. Sports bars, family restaurants, pizzerias, and casual dining establishments all serve their own versions, often creating dozens of sauce choices while still honoring the original Buffalo style.

What began as a creative use for an overlooked ingredient has become one of America's favorite foods.

Beyond the Plate

Buffalo wings have become part of American culture. They are a favorite during football games, family gatherings, parties, and community celebrations. Wing-eating contests, specialty restaurants, and annual festivals continue to celebrate this uniquely New York creation.

Visit Buffalo

While visiting Buffalo, travelers can enjoy much more than great wings. The city offers impressive architecture, waterfront parks, museums, historic neighborhoods, and easy access to nearby Niagara Falls. Sampling Buffalo wings at one of the city's famous restaurants is a delicious way to experience a true New York tradition.

Made in New York celebrates the products, foods, companies, and innovations that have shaped the Empire State. Buffalo wings prove that sometimes the simplest ideas become the world's most beloved traditions.