Hot Wings! Cold Beer! What's Better Than That?
Written: Oct 15 '03 (Updated May 20 '06)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Food and Presentation: |
 |
|
| Ambiance and Decor: |
|
|
| Quality of Service: |
|
|
|
Pros: Lots of great draft beer and wing varieties.
Cons: None come to mind.
The Bottom Line: If you don't live near the Wild Wing Cafe, move.
|
|
|
| Bruguru's Full Review: Wild Wing Cafe |
The first time I walked through the door of the Wild Wing Café in Marietta, Georgia, I knew I was going to love this place. Wild Wing is a beer lover’s dream come true, and if you happen to be a wing lover too, so much the better: this place has both. Tucked away in between two wings (pun intended) of an unassuming shopping mall, Wild Wing Café is nonetheless a perennial haunt for local beer enthusiasts. It’s worth seeking out.
To be sure, it was the beer that brought me here in the first place, and once you step through the doors into the softly lit interior, you cannot help but be aware of the love for malt beverages the proprietors clearly possess.
Atmosphere
This place is all about beer. The walls are literally lined with a huge collection of beer bottles from just about every state and country. Indeed, it almost reminds me of my old living room back in Rhode Island where I had a “Great Wall of Beer” of my own. But there’s much more than just bottles. Neon and tin bar signs, tap handles, glasses, banners, coasters: you name it, they probably have it.
The bar itself is at the center of the pub/restaurant, and off to one side you will see a large stage where live music is often played. There are karaoke nights, too, if you’re into that sort of thing. Overall, the atmosphere is not elegant, but it is fun, especially so if you love beer as much as I do.
Beer
OK, it’s time I got to the beer. Wild Wing Café offers at least 40 taps of great beer for your imbibing pleasure. Look for a steady offering of local favorites, plus beers from around the world and around the country. There are bottled offerings, too (and if you want a Bud or Miller, that’s the only way they come here).
Wild Wing frequently has “Brewery nights” where a particular brand will be featured, and you can talk to brewery reps while sipping a pint or two. I have been there during a Dogwood night in the past; their next event is on October 25th when Red Hook is sponsoring a shrimp boil. They also have tasting nights when, for just $15, you can sample a flight or two of beers along with cheeses or other food.
Wild Wing prides themselves on their seasonal beer offerings. On my last visit, I enjoyed half liters of Ayinger Octoberfest ($7.50), Dogwood Octoberfest ($4.45), and Warsteiner Oktoberfest ($4.45). Ofests from Sam Adams, Harpoon, Lowenbrau, and Paulaner were also on tap. I also enjoyed pints of local favorites Terrapin Rye.P.A. ($4) and Dogwood Decadent Ale ($4). Wild Wing Café is one of only ten locations in the country to offer the latter.
Food
Don’t expect to find a five-course meal here, but do expect tasty pub fare that is reasonably priced and the perfect companion to a brew or two. Where else to start but with the wings? There are 29 varieties to choose from, available in increments of 10 ($5.99), 16 ($9.49), 20 ($11.29), and 50 ($27.95). It’s not uncommon to see a platter of 50 being brought to a table of revelers. If you like variety, you can order a 25-wing sampler platter with five each of five kinds of wings (your choice) for $14.95.
The many varieties include the standard Buffalo ranging from Virgin to the five-alarm Habanero Hots. Braveheart wings are only for the serious hot food lover, so be forewarned. They’re brutal! The Hot-Lanta Fireball Wings are just perfect with a hoppy pint of Terrapin Rye.P.A. But, for those not into spicy food, there are plenty of alternatives including:
Honey Mustard
Italian
Ol’ Smokey
Garlic! Garlic! Garlic!
Ginger
Flying Fajita
Ranchilada
Thai
Jalapeno Cheddar
Santa Fe
And many, many more.
Wild Wing Café offers more than wings, of course. You can also enjoy their signature house ribs, and if you like, they’ll prepare them in any of their many wing sauces. Salads, chicken, soups, and sandwiches are available too, again reasonably priced and always tasty. My beloved Barbara absolutely loves the Wild Willie sandwich ($6.29), a heaping pile of hot shaved ham topped with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and peppers and melted Monterrey Jack cheese on a sesame seed bun. We usually like a side of Buffalo Chips ($3.29), too: handcut fried potatoes seasoned to perfection and topped with blue cheese.
Service
Our service has always been excellent, and our waitpersons are always attentive, indeed almost precognitive. Never a problem on this front.
Overall
If you love beer and wings, make no mistake: Wild Wing Cafe is the place for you.
And if you're in the mood for Cajun, AJ's Famous Seafood and PoBoys is right across the street.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Beware of the Braveheart Wings!
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.