Barbecue is the heavy hitter in Kansas City, sure, but there are some banger Buffalo wings here, too. If you’re hankering to turn some napkins orange, try one of the spots below.
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The Peanut
The Peanut, by many accounts, has the best Buffalo wings in Kansas City. The smell and sensation when these wings hit your table is worth the money alone. They’re full-size, or “jumbo,” wings—so drum, flat, and the useless thing—and they’re peppery and juicy and made after you order, never before. Each joint is crispy and meaty, too.
There are several Peanut locations. The locations on Main and West Ninth streets have more of a dive vibe, and the remaining locations have a more open, sports bar feel.
Brewbakers Bar & Grill
If you’ve had CJ’s Wings in Columbia—those buttery orange beasts—then the sauce at Brewbakers Bar & Grill will ring a bell. It’s nearly identical, with an emphasis on flavor over heat. The wings aren’t as big, but the taste will bring you right back to Broadway in CoMo.
Wings Cafe
As far as options go, Wings Cafe is hard to beat. We like when people have an option for normal and spicier Buffalo sauce, and of course, Wings Cafe has that plus one. Try the Buffalo, the hot Buffalo, and the Cajun Buffalo next time you’re up north or in Westport.
Artègo Pizza
Artègo Pizza adds a garlic spin to traditional Buffalo sauce. Like The Peanut, this restaurant serves jumbo wings, and like Wings Cafe, it has original and a spicier option. It’s no slouch as a pizzeria, either, with 18 signature pizzas and over 20 topping options.
Tower Tavern
If you like the crispy joints of The Peanut’s, try the charred Buffalo wings at Tower Tavern in the Martini Corner. They’re a lovely marriage between Kansas City and Buffalo.
Taps on Main
We’re suckers for family recipes, and Taps on Main’s Tonawanda Wings (Tonawanda being a suburb of Buffalo) are just that. Fifty years a secret—and you can have them in the Crossroads Arts District.
Wings’NThings Express
More jumbo wings! Plus individual flats and drums, if you want them. Wings’NThings Express serves seven flavors of wings, including a spicy Buffalo, out of drive-through and walk-up windows.
Game Day Chicken Wings, Burgers, and Fish
Game Day is another place that serves jumbo wings and drums and flats, or “party” wings. The flavor options are simple at this restaurant just south of Waldo: barbecue or Buffalo.
Wing Lovers USA
As you might imagine at a place called Wing Lovers USA, you’ve got options here. You can go with breaded or “naked” wings, and the Buffalo options are mild, hot, and extreme hot.
Also, Wing Lovers USA offers several dry rub seasonings. If you haven’t tried dry rub wings, give them a shot. They can be delectable and don’t leave you drenched.