Buffalo Joe’s - Howard St. — Restaurant in Rogers Park Township

Maybe 7 years ago, I visited the Davis area location of Buffalo Joe's and was pretty unimpressed. Not long after that I read a less than flattering article about this location and decided that I wouldn't be making any further visits to Buffalo Joe's. Well, fast forward 7 years. A coworker of mine was raving about the Bonanza meal at this location. Enough to get into my head and for me to give them another chance. As you may be able to tell by my score. I'm still less than impressed. The Bonanza meal is BBQ smothered rib tips and 6 bone in wings served over french fries with a slice of white bread. To their credit, the meal was huge. Plenty of food for the $15 price point. The tips were nothing special. Some tips had a much rougher beef jerky like texture, others were softer and fattier, but overall maybe par for the course. I've had my fair share of chicken wings in my day and these were some of the smallest I've seen. Like from very young chickens. Because they were smaller, the flats required more work to get at the meat. Texture wise they were unbreaded and deep fried so the skin had a slight crisp. The mild sauce was fairly non existent though. I should've taken my coworkers suggestion and ordered the suicide flavor though. The fries were about average in my book, they came peppered and paired pretty well with the sauce from the tips. The lady working there was pleasant and friendly. She also got my order prepared very quickly. There is some restaurant seating here, but not a great deal of it so I recommend calling in your order and carrying it out. Buffalo Joe's is 0 for 2 with me. I'm not sure I would label this a "chicken wing restaurant" either. The sheer volume and weight of the meal they offer is impressive and even some of the prices I saw on their menu I would deem good value. But overall, I'm left...

I recently had a delightful dining experience at Buffalo Joe's, and I couldn't be more pleased with my visit. The restaurant offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.

Let's start with the main attraction: the wings. Oh, the wings! Buffalo Joe's truly knows how to create the perfect blend of flavors. The wings were cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat on the inside. The variety of sauces available catered to every palate, from tangy and mild to fiery and bold. Each bite was a burst of deliciousness that left me craving for more.

But the wings were just the beginning of my gastronomic adventure. The fried mushrooms were an absolute delight. The batter was light and crispy, giving way to earthy, succulent mushrooms. It was a fantastic appetizer that kept me eagerly anticipating the main course.

Speaking of which, the corn on the cob was a delightful addition to the meal. Grilled to perfection, the corn was sweet and juicy. The charred bits added a delightful smoky flavor that enhanced every bite. It was a fantastic accompaniment to the wings and fried mushrooms, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

The service at Buffalo Joe's was top-notch. The staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They were quick to offer recommendations and made sure that every request was met with a smile. The overall dining experience was seamless and enjoyable.

In conclusion, Buffalo Joe's is a must-visit for any wing enthusiast or anyone seeking a delightful meal. With their mouthwatering wings, crispy fried mushrooms, and flavorful corn on the cob, this restaurant hits all the right notes. Combine that with excellent service, and you have a winning combination. I can't wait to visit Buffalo Joe's again for another unforgettable...

Update: After trying their rib tips, I've found a new favorite menu item. The rib tips are covered in enough sauce to reach the fries that are served at the bottom (just how I like it- sauce on the fries!). The tips have plenty of meat on them, and they're cooked perfectly (a little char on the outside for flavor)! I think I've found a new favorite, although the wings are still good!

I'm also impressed with their portion sizes! I can sure eat a lot, and I struggle to put away an entire large order! Now, they are quite expensive, but the large portion sizes are certainly a redeeming factor. Two people could probably share a large.

Original review (focused on the wings): I love their wings. I get the double order of Suicide Wings, and the sauce is THE BEST! If you love buffalo wings, give this place a go! The wings are well cooked, juicy on the inside, and are steaming hot when brought out to you. The sauce is moderately spicy (I could go a little hotter), and tastes like heaven! Also, they always provide an abundance of sauce! Their fries are also cooked just right. I'm picky about how I like my fries, and Buffalo Joe's hits it out of the park each and every time. The fries are crispy on the outside and moist, but not soggy on the inside! Even better when dipped in their buffalo sauce, which they apply generously, so there's always enough left over to dip my fries in.

Please note that they are cash only, but they do have an ATM if you don't have any cash on you. It's also only a two and a half block walk from the Howard L stop, so it is easily accessible for people like me who rely on public transportation. Parking is nearby and it's off a major street so access is...