VEGAN WINGS – WHAT’S THAT?
Being vegan in Buffalo can be tough. We are a rustbelt city known primarily for pub grub. From wings and roast beef to pizza – none very friendly to plant-based diets. Thankfully, that’s changing thanks to a slew of up-and-coming restaurants serving up vegan alternatives. Haters – step aside!
WHERE WERE CHICKEN WINGS INVENTED?
While most people attribute the invention of the chicken wing to the Anchor Bar, they’re wrong. Check out our in depth blog, An Insiders Guide to Buffalo Wings.
Regardless of its origins, Buffalo Wings are an international sensation. For vegans in Buffalo, that means chefs have to adapt to our regional culinary palettes. Enter: the vegan wing. Here’s our list of 4 of our favorite vegan wings in Buffalo.
(Full disclosure: we lead food tours by bike, including our Wing Ride and Renaissance Ride, which brings you to many of the best places while soaking in local history – all on two wheels!
1. DUENDE – EGGPLANT WINGS
Duende is one of our favorite bars in the city. It’s a literal oasis – a bar nestled in a complex of grain silos. Located in the middle of nowhere, the bar is furnished with chairs, tables, and a bar salvaged from the silos themselves. The secret menu item that has us coming back is the Original Eggplant Wings. They get their recipe from Cybeles, a closed Allentown restaurant, and the flavor is spot on. 85 Silo City Row, Buffalo, NY 14203
2. ALLENTOWN PIZZA – SEITAN WINGS
Hail Seitan! Ever since they introduced them to the menu, Allentown Pizza has carved out a niche with their spicy seitan wings. And what is seitan you ask? It’s a “wheat meat” that has been around for centuries, also called gluten, wheat protein, or wheat gluten. They serve these tasty boys by the dozen. 94 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222.
3. BIG MOOD – CAULIFLOWER WINGS
Big Mood is one of our favorite Buffalo vegan restaurants. Naturally, they had to get in on the wing craze with their “Blauche” – house-made cauliflower wings served with celery. Take your choice of buffalo, bleu, BBQ, or ranch, or turn it into a salad or wrap. 423 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14222.
4. CAFE 59 – POLENTA WINGS
Last but certainly not least is Allentown mainstay, Cafe 59. Their “Polenta Wings” come with celery and dipping sauce in the following flavors: Spicy Buffalo Chunky Bleu, Paprika & Lime Creamy Sriracha, and Pitted Barbeque Chunky Bleu. You’ll love this small and intimate cafe in Buffalo’s bohemian district. 62 Allen St, Buffalo, NY 14202.
EXPERIENCE A BUFFALO FOOD TOUR WITH BUFFALO BIKE TOURS
If you dig reading about Buffalo’s vegan wings, you’ll probably dig Buffalo Bike Tours. We lead daily food tours, including our Renaissance Ride, which features a vegan menu of some of Buffalo up-and-coming food hotspots.
Be sure to also check out our Buffalo history tours and Team Building Activity Tours for a private tour experience. Or do a tour on your own with one of our self-guided tours of Buffalo. Buffalo bike rentals are also available.
Check out our entire schedule here. Ready to discover the real Buffalo? Book your tour now.
