HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW your chicken wing anatomy? Wings are a three-part deal – the drumette, the flat and the tip. The drumette (essentially the upper “arm” of the bird) is the meatiest part and what you’re typically served in a restaurant – but sometimes it’s a mix. Grilling and/or frying are popular cooking methods, with a marinade, dry rub or sauce used to amp up the flavor. These bars have mastered the art of wingery.
1. Camino
434 S. SECOND ST. AND 7211 W. GREENFIELD AVE., WEST ALLIS
These drumettes are crispy-charred and very meaty. Ask for the house spicy and smoky dry rub, which has mild heat and great flavor. 8 for $15, served with a pound of fries.
2. O’Lydia’s Bar and Grill
338 S. FIRST ST.
Grilled and then finished in the fryer, these drumettes and flats have beautifully crusty skin and 14 different sauces to choose from. I love the hot dry rub, which gives a garam masala vibe, with clove and coriander notes. And you can’t go wrong with both a classic ranch and chunky blue cheese for dipping. 10 for $17.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. The Neighborhood Draft
5921 W. VLIET ST.
Delicate charring and juicy plentiful meat define the grilled wing assortment, and the sauces are outstanding, too. Love the JB3 – jerk, bourbon, brown sugar and buffalo. 10 for $14.
4. Steny’s Tavern
800 S. SECOND ST.
There’s a lot going on with these wings – brining, frying, saucing and baking. What you get are extra crisp and sticky with a choice of tasty sauces from mild (honey BBQ) to hot (Cajun). 6 for $8, 12 for $16, plus an extra 50 cents each for ranch or blue cheese (do it!).
