Cuisine Scene: Wings

Chicken wings are so well-loved, so deliciously popular, it would seem they could not be improved upon. But, in Long Beach, a town so well-loved, so deliciously popular for expanding culinary possibilities, there are lots of places daring to bring their own take to what a wing can taste like – mango, sriracha, curry. Here are a few of those places – some new, some legendary – that you’d do well to try when you’re thinking of wingin’ it.

LEGENDS

Lots of things leap to mind when you think of Legends: the fact it was the country’s first sports bar or that it has more than 30 HD TVs and two massive projection screens – 240- and 326-inches. And then there are their wings which are, well, legendary. Legends’ (5236 E. Second St.) not only has wings that define the dish for many people, but also features a wide selection ranging from original buffalo to lemon pepper to Thai sweet chili, BBQ, habanero-BBQ, sea salt and pepper and cajun. You’ll have a delicious time deciding.

SHLAP MUAN

BO-BEAU

Many devotees of this ultra-cool downtown eatery and hangout wouldn’t consider it a well-spent BO-beau (144 Pine Ave.) kind of evening if it didn’t start by ordering two appetizers for the table: brussel sprouts with house-cured pancetta and balsamic glaze, and buffalo wings prepared with sublime sriracha butter and served with an equally amazing white truffle ranch dressing. Does it get any better than enjoying those items with one of BO-beau’s many beer offerings on its stunning, outdoor, second story deck? Nope.

PIKE RESTAURANT AND BAR

EL BARRIO CANTINA

This relatively new spot has made a quick name for itself by offering innovative takes on old favorites, for instance, their pork belly breakfast burrito. Add to that very interesting list their Spicy Alitas, whole chicken wings that come prepared with butter, lime, salsa piquin and are served with a yummy yuzu aioli. Now, be advised, El Barrio Cantina (1731 E. Fourth St.) doesn’t just serve delicious, savory, spicy wings, they serve WINGS, i.e. quite large, like two or three times normal sized wings and with all the flavor to match..

SoCAL WINGS

About the Author
Steve Lowery