Roosters Wing Review

So, Roosters is a pretty popular casual bar chain in and around Ohio.  Practically synonymous with the Columbus area, Roosters is part of the wing-eating fabric of Ohio.

I've visited Roosters a few times in the past and this time I decided to put a small taste test together.

You see, Roosters wings are "lightly breaded." I know....tragic, right??? Or, maybe not.

Dave & Buster's - Pittsburgh's Waterfront

180 E Waterfront Dr

Homestead, PA 15120

(412) 685-4626

If there was ever a place where the food and menu was secondary to a different, all-together separate attraction…that place has to be Dave & Buster’s.  Commonly known as “the adult version of Chuck E. Cheese’s,” Dave & Buster’s boasts a lot of fun under one roof.  There’s a lot going on at Dave & Busters, unfortunately, the food aspect of things lacks the flash and excitement of the arcade side.

“But isn’t it just glorified bar food?” one might say.  “With a line-up of deep-fried-favorites, what do you expect?” 

You’re right. There are lots of appetizers masquerading as entrées… and vice versa.  The menu is mostly like a Friday’s or an Applebee’s.  Trouble is, the prices are too high, the portions are too small, and frankly, it seems like no one in the kitchen at Dave & Buster’s cares all that much.  That attitude shows in the lackluster food.  Wings included.

Buffalo Wild Wings – Grill & Bar

50633 Valley Frontage Rd

St. Clairsville, OH 43950 
(740) 695-2800

Is Buffalo Wild Wings the largest national wing franchise?  I’m not sure.  A quick google search yielded a lot of info on franchises…but nothing that answered my question.  It doesn’t matter anyway.  The point is that Buffalo Wild Wings seems to be the largest national wing franchise.  They are constantly expanding, building new restaurants, and their publicly traded stock has gone through the roof in the last year.  If you spend even just a little bit of time online reading about hot, chicken, or buffalo wings…you eventually arrive at someone raving and recommending Buffalo Wild Wings.  You’ll also see stories about people who don’t live near one wishing that they did.  And you’ll hear tales of people road-tripping far from home just to try Buffalo Wild Wings.  Well, I've finally got around to reviewing the big wing chain that's practically in my backyard. 

Applebee's

Saint Clairsville

50655 Valley Frontage Rd

(740) 695-8440

Applebee’s is a default kind of place.  You know what you like, and you know exactly what to expect.   You’ve probably got a few favorites on the menu that you get each time, rarely straying off the path.  That’s the good thing…and the bad thing…about Applebee’s.  And what may be worse…you don’t really expect much from Applebee’s.  Well…if you’re thinking about mixing up the same old routine with an appetizer or two…or if you’re just stopping in for some beers and a bite…I think you’ll be surprised by the wings. 

The Boston Beanery

Downtown Morgantown, WV

321 High Street

Morgantown, WV, 26505

Phone (304) 292-0165

http://www.bostonbeanery.com/

The Boston Beanery is a pretty famous local restaurant in and around Morgantown, WV.  In some ways, the Beanery is synonymous with Morgantown and WVU.  People talk about the Beanery and love to grab food and drinks there while they’re in town.   The High Street location in this review is the original location that has spawned a pretty successful regional chain of six locations in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Virginia.   

The Boston Beanery is modeled in tribute of the pubs of old town Boston.  This being the original location and at the mercy of a constant barrage of college kids, signs of wear are showing all around.  The place feels small, cramped, and frankly a little dingy.  But…also frankly…all that contributes to a certain irresistible charm.

I’ve enjoyed each of my visits and I’ve almost always been happy with my meals.  The menu is vast and sure to please anyone.   But enough about the place…what about the wings, you may ask.  Well….you saw the “almost always” a few  sentences ago, right?  The wings I had on this night were not up to par with the rest of the Beaneries quality menu…and more importantly…they were no where close to what a good wing should be!  What went wrong?

The Cold Spot

4005 West Washington Street

Charleston, West Virginia 25301

Phone: (304) 343-9464

The Cold Spot has three locations throughout West Virginia and on a recent trip I stopped into the Charleston, WV Cold Spot with a few friends.  It wasn’t their first time.  In fact, I’m pretty sure they made it a point to take me out for some wings during my visit.  Thanks guys.  Bonus:  they got me to there on Tuesday Wing Night.

I have to say that The Cold Spot is one of those places that really pushes their wings.  Their website boast such phrases as, “It’s a Wing Thing” and “Specializing In Wings & Chicken Tenders” and “Our Wings & Tenders Are Fresh!  Never Pre-Cooked & Never Frozen!”  So, it’s pretty obvious that they’re very proud of the product.  Just makes me all the more excited to try ‘em out!

The Sports Bar - Undos West

51130 National Road
St. Clairsville, OH 43950
740-695-8888 

It’s hard to write a review when you don’t have a strong opinion of the product.  My eyebrows didn’t raise with surprise or delight.  Nor did they furrow in disappointment.  The wings from The Sports Bar – Undos West don’t seem to illicit a passionate response from me in either direction. 

 

Hard to say why.  Because the fact is The Sports Bar has a fairly unique product on their hands.

The Central Grille

(740) 676-1346

3882 Central Ave
Shadyside, OH 43947 

There are only so many places to have lunch (or a beer) in Shadyside, Oh.  With The Tiger Pub already under my belt and officially reviewed, I decided to have a lunch bite and try the wings at The Central Grille.  I was warned before I tried The Tiger Pub wings, however the Central Grille wings came highly recommended.  And, as it turns out, rightfully recommended. 

I was skeptical, of course.  After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure…just as one man’s hot is another man’s mild. I’ve been lead astray and been disappointed by recommendations before.  But this recommendation was a great one. 

FROM THE NEWS DESK: Indigo Joe's Closes

Another one bites the dust.  The Highlands isn't looking so hot.  First Wings to Go..now Indigo Joes. 

Although I had yet to review their wings...I'd been there a few times and had fine meals with good service.  

I guess it all comes back to  "Location. Location. Location."

Sad news. 

A link to a news source that provide ZERO DETAILS.  Actually it doesn't even seem like reporting.  Anyway here's the link.  Indigo Joe's Closes at the Highlands in Ohio County

Has anyone tried their wings?  What did you think of them and Indigo Joe's in general?

Garfield's Restaurant and Pub

67800 Mall Road
St. Clairsville, OH 43950
(740) 699-4778

Garfield’s is the kinda place that’s not on the top of anybody’s list.  Good lists. Bad lists.  They just don’t seem to be on anyone’s radar.  Grabbing a meal at Garfield’s is usually more influenced by convenience than true craving.  Located inside the Ohio Valley Mall, Garfield’s anchors the wannabe-food court at the main entrance, along with Osaka Japanese Steakhouse and Fabio’s Pizza.  They’re not known for wings.  …or steaks …or burgers …er, wait a minute…they’re not really “known” for anything in particular. Are they?   But to be honest (and why wouldn’t I be?) I really enjoy the food every time I eat there.  Come to think of it, they used to have a kinda Mexican influence.  American food punctuated with enchiladas and quesadillas was the “thing”. Yeah, that’s it.  Well, that “thing” is gone as of my most recent visit.  Seems like an Applebees clone.  There is nothing particularly standout-ish about Garfield’s now…except a very surprising and pretty good order of wings.  

2011 Wing Ding Wrap Up and Reviews!

The 8th Annual Wing Ding is in the books.  Twelve different restaurants and vendors from the Ohio Valley donated their time, hard work and wings.  There was lots of variety...so everyone was sure to find a favorite.

Fried or grilled?  Hot or mild?  Greek Feta or Strawberry BBQ?  Like I said...there was something for everyone.  

It's a long post.  Enjoy!

TJ's Sports Garden

808 National Road

Wheeling, WV 26003

(304) 232-9555
http://www.tjsportsgarden.com/

The time has come to review the wings at TJ’s Sports Garden. Sports and wings go hand in hand, so they gotta be good. TJ’s is arguably the most famous restaurant in the Wheeling, WV area.  Few others come close.  They’ve built a reputation on great food, good prices and providing a fun and safe place for every major demographic.  If it’s family friendly dining, getting your party started with friends on a weekend or gathering to cheer your favorite teams on the (what seems like a thousand) big screens…TJ’s can more than accommodate.

Background info and accolades aside…I’m here to review the wings.

The wings are tucked inconspicuously into the appetizers menu.  I’m not sure the wings are huge draw here for most people.  But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be.  Tonight’s order was quite good. 

19th Hole

780 National Road
Wheeling, WV
(304) 232-WING

"The Place for Wings"

Let me just admit it right from the start. I’ve probably had 19th Hole’s wings more than any other wings around Wheeling. And there’s a reason for that….I love ‘em. I like the wings, the beer, the bartenders, the dirty checkerboard floor, the golf scorecard-style fairway boundaries painted on the drop panel ceiling, and meeting my buddies for drinks and conversation. I like everything about this place. It’s a hole in the wall but not quite a dive. At least, it’s not a dive in this town. I’m sure some big-city sophisticates out there would wonder just what they’ve gotten themselves in to. It ain’t pretty. But that’s just how I like it. There’s a mild golf theme to the decorations around the place, but for the most part the stuff hanging on the wall is standard sports bar swag. Pens, Steelers, Pirates, WVU and tons of flat screen tvs…it’s all here.

As I said, I’ve wolfed down these wings quite a bit over the years. But now it’s time for an official review.

Generations Restaurant & Pub

338 National Road
Wheeling, WV 26003

http://www.generationswhg.com/

Generations has been a staple of Wheeling, WV for a loooong time. At least it seems that way. I’ve had their wings before.  But it’s been a while…and I have to admit, I don’t ever remember them being as good as they were tonight. 

Wednesday nights at Generations is Wing and Perogie night.  You read it right.  Wings.  And Perogies.  As if the Wing Night special wasn’t enough…I have  to admit, the perogie addition was quite an attractive bonus.  Both wings and perogies are 40 cents each.  Sounds good! 

Wings To Go - The Highlands

http://www.wingstogowv.com/

The first time I tried Wings To Go was shortly after they first opened.  In anticipation, I  had researched their menu online at other Wings To Go locations. I was more than excited to try the new wings in town.  They are a national chain, after all.  They must be doing something right! Right? 

West Texas Roadhouse

West Texas Roadhouse
50880 National Road
St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950

Phone: (740)695-6611

http://www.mightyfinegrub.com/

We were out n about on a Monday evening and neither one of us felt like cooking or cleaning the kitchen after cooking…so like every other American with a dime in their pocket, we opted for convenience and went out to eat.  As so often occurs, I was in the mood for wings.  I had tried the wings at West Texas Roadhouse before I started this blog, so I knew they were good enough to satisfy my craving.  And recently I had West Texas Roadhouse wings on a take out order…but it was time to review the wings properly.

Buffalo Wings and Rings

Buffalo Wings and Rings

1730 Julian R Allsbrook Hwy
Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870
http://www.buffalowingsandrings.com/

We were traveling on family matters to Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina and it so happened that right next door to our Hampton Inn was a welcoming site. ..a wing joint,  “Buffalo Wings and Rings.”  Located in a strip mall/shopping plaza, this place is has all the indications of a national sports-themed chain.  Though, among the decorations are local sports teams to give it that hometown feel.  Who cares really?  The place was cool, clean and laid back with a long bar or table service…so that’s enough for me.  Needless to say…I had to stop in and try the wings…and the rings. 

The Tiger Pub

Tiger Pub

3932 State Route 7

Shadyside, OH 43947

(740) 676-8764

I stopped into the Tiger Pub for lunch one afternoon.  For those would don’t know, the Tiger Pub is a small mom and pop operation that serves up some serious lunch fare with daily specials with a home cooked and diner feel.  The Tiger Pub has been around for a long time.  I’m here to tell you about the wings…and there’s not much to tell. 

Drover's Inn

Drover's Inn
1001 Washington Pike
Wellsburg, West Virginia 26070
(304) 737-0188
http://droversinn.net/

Drover’s Inn.  Ah, Drover’s.  Quite a reputation around the area to say the least.  Their slogan sums that up.  “If you haven’t tried our wings then you don’t know what you’ve been missing.”  So, how do they rate under review?