East Coast Wings + Grill — Restaurant in Harrisburg

So, let's start with the food. I'm not saying it's bad. It's pretty middle of the road in terms of taste and flavor. I'm originally from Brooklyn NY. When it comes to eating, I pride myself on knowing exactly how I like the flavoring and taste when I order take out. I will start with the 5 "mild" wings I ordered with bourbon honey mustard, sauce. Hardly anything about the wings was mild or "semi-hot". The wings did not give me a punch or kick to make me say...WOW! They were just bland, run of the mill chicken wings, with some sauce. I expected better, given the reviews of the restaurant. This tells me that the people that eat here are not real foodies and are out of their element. There are definitely not many better options out here in the Charlotte area for flavored wings, but you can find them - in the hood.

Next, we'll talk about the Chicken Mac & Cheese. The look of this platter is really eye-catching and once you sink your teeth in it, you'll taste very distinct flavoring. The chicken it came loaded with was fried and crunchy, and flavorfully seasoned. I think they also put parmesan and mozzarella to bind it all together. I really, really liked this dish. Remember that distinct taste I mentioned earlier? I know that no two macaroni and cheese recipes can ever have the exact same taste. Someone is lying and someone is getting over on the people that do not know. If you recall an episode of the Honeymooners when Alice got a dog and put dog food in an un-marked container, in which Ralph found it, ate some and fell in love with it. With that new "special" spread, ralph created his very own: 'Kran-mar's Delicious Mystery Appetizer', and served it to his lodge buddies on crackers, without knowing exactly what it was, except that it tasted good. Well, after a few expert taste testing sessions in the episode, turns out it was dog food.

I am 45 and grew up in Brooklyn NY. And as a poor welfare kid, I loved mac & cheese. It's one of my favorite dishes. In fact, I know the distinct tastes of macaroni & cheese very well - from boxed to home made - to say that the base cheese mixture in this recipe is definitely Kraft Deluxe cheese mix. No two recipes are the exact same and I know, that I know, I know this distinct taste, the first time I tasted it, was very, very familiar! Tsk...Tsk...Tsk!

Now let's move on to the service. This was a take out order, so nothing big to gripe about there. I arrived, came in, was greeted. Explained I was there to pick up. When the young man walked to the back to get the food, I was even asked a second time was someone helping me. 5 stars all around for this. It was definitely the highlight of my less than 2 minute visit. Exceptional!

Atmosphere: Not bad. A little after 8:30 at night, was not packed and offered a very peaceful, calm and accepting feel to the joint. A few locals siting around at the bar, watching the game, enjoying their meal. Employees doing their job, keeping the place in order. No drama. Loved it!

To say that I'll order from ECW again might not be in the soon time, but maybe one day if the needs ever arises. I already have my faves for philly's and everything else.

Like they say, you can never say you do not like something if you have...

I have come to this location for months, or longer, either by myself, or with multiple other people on a weekly to bi-weekly bases. During each trip I spend anywhere from $50 to $100 by myself on food and drinks, not including my guests.

Today, I had two people with me and we were served by Chelsea, whose service was lackluster at best. Post meal and payment, one of my friends wanted a cigarette. As the patio was full of people eating and families with children, we chose to go to the front and I carried my unfinished drink with me.

We were approached by Chelsea to inform us that we could not be outside of the patio area with an alcoholic drink. She used the phrase, "hate to burst your bubble," as her approach.

Despite the rude approach we were apologetic and moved towards the patio area. Out of respect for the fellow diners, I told my friends to wait in the front and I would take the drink back in as it wasn't a big deal and I was almost finished with it. I walked past two hostesses and Chelsea who all watched me return the glass to the bar and then exit.

We moved to the area in the grassy portion of the parking lot with benches so my friend could continue her cigarette. Within a minute, Austin, who was acting as the manager, walked to our area, searched the trash can, the benches under and around us, as well as the bushes surrounding us for the glass without saying a word to us.

The public as well as the owners should know that this was not only demeaning, it was also disrespectful, and embarrassing. Austin should have followed up with Chelsea or his hostesses prior to that action. While outside, he should have had the balls to simply ask if the glass was returned as opposed to sneaking around us as if he were invisible without saying a word.

He admitted when I went back inside to let him know that was not acceptable, that he was searching for the glass. A short, on the rocks glass. One glass.

The real question is, had the glass been in the trash can or bushes, would he have returned it for use for others? Would he have used it as an excuse to call the police, and for what offense exactly? What was the point? What was the endgame, other than humiliation?

Regardless of the point, I will no longer be supporting this business which is a shame because I enjoyed my "time away." My business as well as my friends and family will now be...

East Coast has long been my favorite Wing restaurant, so I have no idea why I have waited so very long to write this review! East Coast is my favorite for so many reasons. Firstly, the atmosphere of the place is a healthy and vibrant one. It's very family friendly and has well distinguished bar and restaurant areas that promote a good mood throughout. Secondly, the wings themselves are significantly larger than Wild Wing Cafe or Buffalo Wild Wings, and the flavors are incomparably better. I'm told that the wing sauces are cooked into the wings as well as being drizzled on them, unlike other places where only the latter is true. This method allows for so much more flavor in the wings! Additionally, there are SO MANY FLAVORS! You could visit this restaurant two dozen times and still not try every wing flavor.

So what about those who don't care for the heat of wings? Good news! Unlike other places where the spice level of the wings is specifically tied to the flavor you choose, at East Coast, you can choose ANY flavor you want and specify ANY heat level you want! All the way from no spice "virgin" to award winning "insanity"! Personally I tend to get mild, medium, or hot, but there is a heat index for anyone and everyone.

Outside of wings, East Cost has a plethora of other delicious foods you can try. From their wraps to their burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, soups, and delicious Pub Pretzels.... Even those who aren't wing lovers will find something they will enjoy. My personal recommendation: Try the Buffalo Chicken wrap! You can swap out the buffalo sauce for ANY of their wing sauces (of course, at whichever spice level you want!) and it makes for a truly outstanding wrap.

All in all, this is a must-go restaurant if you have one nearby. A well earned 5 star, and I have no interest in any other wing restaurant now that I have East Coast.

Oh and did I mention-- they have a cookie skillet for dessert.... Mmm... Don't...