I've heard the "best wings in the city" commentary. I've participated in it. As a transplant, I'm looking for more than fancy named sauces and wings on steroids. A bigger wing ain't a good wing and sauces are supposed to complement the wing. I'm looking for chicken that's seasoned & fried right before it's drowning in sauce. I'm looking for regular sized wing parts (I prefer flats but if it's done right, I'll love the drum almost as much). Now I've had some decent wings here and I've had some I've named the best until I tasted better. But when I heard "Memphis" style wings, I rubbernecked "Mane, say what, now?" and I'm not from Memphis (I lived there briefly 10 years ago). If you've ever been to Memphis, you can say what you want about it (I loved my time there & I've reviewed almost everywhere I've eaten) but you can't say the food isn't good. It's better than good, it's great. These. Wings. Are. No. Exception!
Yeah, so we headed downtown to see what's up because, I was tired of not being in the number. Silently, I was hoping to not be disappointed. First, this business has no storefront of its own. I hate I didn't grab a picture but it's a renovated home that is a separate business with tables out front and covered ones in the back. Fried Hard is in the back of the house. Last night was a good night to eat outside. If we'd planned to stay the tables in the back with the screens would have been ideal even with the temps dropping. We ordered online but they are clear - they will not start preparation of your order until you arrive and pick up your order. This is because they want you to receive the freshest product. I'm not mad at that. So, expect to wait and figure in longer waits if they're super busy.
We ordered shortly after 8pm (2 6 pc honey gold, a large seasoned fry to share). Got there around 830pm. I was able to meet by two people, a young woman & a young man who were pleasant. I got to chat it up with him (not sure if he's the owner but he was definitely the cook) and told him I heard good things and that when I heard Memphis I came to see if this was really going to represent. We jokingly chatted that since I knew what I should be getting, he was no doubt bringing it! :). My order was ready in just over 15 (honestly, it was a good night, I really don't know how long it took, but it wasn't too much longer than that). I promised them if this is good, I'm spreading the word. I was given a complimentary cup of blue raspberry kool aid. I gave that to my partner because i don't do sugar drinks. I grabbed the order and we headed back home.
Listen, the whole way home I'm wondering why this bag is so heavy. I mean heavier than what I thought our order would weigh. When I got home I saw why. There were a few extra wings (it was appreciated) but it was those chunks of fresh carrots & celery swimming in that sauce with the wings. Chunks of veggies and I wasn't mad at it. I like that both veggies were there. There was no either or choice or invisible veggies lol. I like both celery & carrots). The wings. The wings were everything they were hyped up to be and everything they were supposed to be. Memphis was represented!!! Whether you agree or not, is on you. But what you cannot say is that these wings weren't fried hard and delicious. Cooked to perfection. Not wings on steroids. Not poorly seasoned wings over compensated with sauce. Properly prepared delicious wings. My partner who knows how I am about eating my fries first because u like them hot, noticed I was so focused on the wings the fries had hardly been touched. That's a good sign, because I ALWAYS eat & finish my fries first. The wings were that good. I agree with the restaurant, if you haven't had the sauces, start with the honey gold. I'm down to try them all. The fries were a tad bit over seasoned for me (I'm prefer a light seasoning) but he had no complaints. I pulled mine from the bottom. And I know I told you I don't do sugar drinks, I remember what kool-aid is supposed to taste like but I took a sip and of course, they got that right too!!!
Overall, they're the real deal whether you're looking for a taste of Memphis or just some very well done wings perfectly executed. The only thing I'd do differently is order all flats if allowed. read more