how it started.
On March 4, 1964, bar owner Dominic Bellissimo was tending to friends late at night when his mother, Teressa Bellissimo, decided to deep-fry leftover chicken wings—a cut typically used for soup—and smother them in her secret hot sauce, serving them alongside celery and blue cheese dip. This creation became an instant sensation and marked the birth of the Buffalo wing. From that moment, these wings became a signature menu item, prompting a national and global wing craze .
While some claim competitor John Young also popularized wings in Buffalo, the Anchor Bar’s original wings (deep-fried, sauced, no batter) remain the gold standard and hallmark of the city’s culinary legacy .
What should you Try?
Known first and foremost for its legendary wings, other menu highlights include:
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Original Buffalo Wings (single, double, bucket): Deep-fried, tossed in secret peppery-hot sauce, served with celery and bleu cheese—the stars of the show .
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Buffalo’s Best – Wings & Weck: Five wings paired with roast beef on a kimmelweck roll—a regional specialty .
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Buffalo Chicken Sandwich: Fried chicken breast tossed in Anchor’s signature sauce, topped with lettuce and onion .
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American & Vegetarian Burgers: Char-grilled patties served with fries, pickles, and multiple sides .
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Hot Wing Soup, Roast Beef on Weck, and Buffalo Wing Pizza—added twists on Buffalo classics .
The bar also offers traditional Buffalo fare like tuna melts, BLTs, and meatball subs, rounding out its nostalgic American menu.
Location and Contact Information
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Address: 1047 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14209
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Phone: (716) 884‑4083
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Hours: Visit the Main Street location daily; various regional branches also honor heritage hours .
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Website: anchorbar.com
Why Anchor Bar Deserves a Spotlight
As the lauded birthplace of Buffalo wings, Anchor Bar is a cultural landmark and must-visit for culinary enthusiasts. The combination of lived-in atmosphere, nostalgic charm, and legendary wings cements its place in food history.
