National Chicken Wing Day is July 29. Here's where to celebrate at the Jersey Shore
No one needs an official day to crave wings, but Monday, July 29, is National Chicken Wing Day. It was established in 1977 by Mayor Stan Makowski in Buffalo, the supposed birth place of the wing.
One night in 1964, Anchor Bar owner Teressa Bellissimo whipped up the concoction for her son and his college friends who wanted a snack. She deep fried the chicken wings, which at the time was really only known to be done for soup, and then tossed them in butter and hot sauce.
The recipe took off, with many local restaurants following her footsteps. Now, Buffalo residents alone eat thousands of pounds of chicken wings each week.
If you're looking to try to beat those numbers, check out these Jersey Shore restaurants.
The Chicken or the Egg, Beach Haven
What came first, the Chicken or the Egg? How about the wing?
Affectionally dubbed by locals as "Chegg," the eatery offers bone-in, boneless, Buffalo chicken tenders and veggie wings, which taste just like chicken but are meat-free (but not vegan or gluten-free).
They also boast tons of sauces. Mouth-melting spicy varieties include ludicrous, obscene and zapper. Or try mild flavors like teriyaki, garlic parm and Old Bay dry rub.
Go: 207 North Bay Ave.; 609-492-3695, 492fowl.com.
G Wings 22, West Long Branch
When this spot opened in 2022, they only served four kinds of wings and fries. While they have expanded the menu to include a fried chicken sandwich and tenders, wings are still their specialty.
They are marinated overnight, using family-secret-recipe sauces. Before they are fried, they are baked to lock in moisture. Try flavors like Buffalo, honey sriracha, Honey G's honey mustard and more. The ranch and blue cheese sauces are homemade.
Go: 175 Monmouth Road; 732-483-6279, gwings22.com.
The Galley Pizza & Eatery, Asbury Park
While The Galley is known for its award-winning pizza, the kitchen also makes wings.
All the wings are smoked here, using organic Bell & Evans chicken drenched in sauces like Buffalo, Mike's hot honey, dry rub and more. Pair them with house cut fries, or "Boardwalk" fries topped with malt vinegar.
Go: 1313 Memorial Drive; 732-775-7711, thegalleyasbury.com.
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Kaya's Kitchen, Belmar
Meat eaters don't get to have all the fun. At Kaya's Kitchen, a favorite for vegan food, try tempeh and tofu/plant-based Buffalo wings served with creamy cucumber ranch and celery sticks.
If you're looking to try some more non-meaty apps, try the pan-fried Buffalo cauliflower bites, served with creamy cucumber ranch and celery sticks.
Go: 1000 Main St.; 732-280-1141, kayaskitchenbelmar.com.
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Saltwater Social, Highlands
We've been craving these twice-cooked wings since Chef Mike Metzner opened in June. These crispy, juicy bites have the perfect texture, prepared with Buffalo sauce, buttermilk ranch and fresh herbs.
This restaurant also offers an ample craft beer selection, and other delectable shareables like the General Tso's Bánh mì style bao buns with fresh cilantro, pickled onions and cucumber.
Go: 128 Bay Ave., Highlands; 732-444-2064, saltwatersocialnj.com.
Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to [email protected]. Follow on Instagram at Jersey Shore Eats and subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore restaurants serve chicken wings
