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Buffalo Joe's
Categories: Restaurants Fast Food Restaurants Chicken Wings Fast Food, Chicken Wings [Edit]
812 Clark St(between Benson Ave & Sherman Ave)
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 328-5525
- Nearest Transit:
-
Davis (Purple Line)
Foster (Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 12 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
304 reviews for Buffalo Joe's
Review Highlights
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"best wings, best cheddar chips, best ranch." In 36 reviews -
"Their waffle fries are pretty amazing as well." In 51 reviews -
"Use their suicide sauce with caution." In 21 reviews
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304 reviews in English
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Review from Maddy N.
Chicago, IL
5/7/2012
I mean...who doesn't love Buff Joes? An Evanston staple, and if you're a devoted wingy, you know that Clark is the best (and only) location you truly want to dine from. Just saying.
The wings are obviously amazing. The sauce is where it's at. I get mild every time. While I usually love spice and heat, I find that the mild has the best taste. So I sacrifice the heat of spicy for the taste of mild. The mild sauce is sooo good though. There is something so very special about it that leaves you licking your fingers in the end. I also order my wings well done. In doing this, they don't come out overly well done like some places, but just well enough that it gets rid of some of the access fatty pieces that are otherwise in tact. I'd suggest ordering them well done - it just gives them a little extra crisp and more bang for your buck (or bite).
The only down side to the wings are the size. They are definitely getting smaller over the years. But still, always tasty. I also am not a fan of the celery being put in the same container as the wings. Since I order carryout and don't end up eating for about 30 minutes after I've picked them up, the celery is always soft and warm from being next to the wings. But really, it's not the end of the world and I still eat it.
I haven't actually tried any of the other food from Buff Joes - just the wings and the waffle fries which are also really yummy. They are doused with a little seasoning that leaves you licking the inside of your mouth. The other food LOOKS good, but I can't confirm that it tastes good (though I am sure it is).
I always call about 15 minutes ahead of time and pick up my food. They generally give you a 10-15 minute wait time (especially when you ask for them well done) but are generally always ready on time. I've been going for years and will continue doing so. Best wings. Really. Try them. Maybe tonight. Just cause I said so. -
Review from Kristen L.
Glenview, IL
4/26/2012
Buffalo Wild Wings? I THINK NOT!
Buffalo Joe's has and will always hold a special place in my heart. I've been coming here since I was in middle school and it is the best wing spot by far. Sure the wings may be smaller compared to that of other places, but the sauce...good God the sauce, is AMAZING. I'm not usually one to subject myself to the pain of spicy food, but their suicide sauce is a bullet I would willingly get shot by. I went this past weekend with a couple of girlfriends and sadly, it's not as spicy as it was, but it's still just as delicious. A double order is more than enough to get you full and to be able to take some home for lunch or dinner the next day...or for a midnight snack. That paired with their waffle fries, complimentary celery and dressing is what makes Buffalo Joe's the one and only wings that I ever crave. -
Review from Kristen D.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place FAR surpasses any place like BDubs. The wings are HUGE, you get a lot of them with one order, and there is enough sauce on each wing to still have enough to lick off your fingers. (I feel like in all of my wing experiences, there is never enough sauce to go with the meat. NOT the case here!)
They give you an order of celery and ranch with a wing order, which was one of my favorite things about this place. My only complaint is that it is HOT in this restaurant...but that could also be from the huge friers and grills up in the front of the restaurant. -
Review from Christine G.
Chicago, IL
5/14/2012
I'd like to thank my homie Takala for winning a bet with me, of course I lost! I said I would buy her chicken dinner. This place was so good! Don't get it mixed up with BWWs. I did not get the wangs, she did but I tried it and it was oh so yummy. I had the chicken nachos which was bigger than my face but I ate it all because I was starving. I will be back!
-
Review from Courtney W.
Chicago, IL
4/18/2012
This place is good for one thing, wings. You'll have to order a lot though, more than you think you need, because there isn't much on these bones. The sauces are pretty tasty too but the classic is pretty hot for me. There isn't much to the inside of this place and the service isn't the best but that's not what they're known for anyways. I don't go to Northwestern but from friends, I understand that this place is a staple. They put plenty of sauce on these bad boys though so you won't have to order extra. The wings come with celery too and plenty of blue cheese and ranch sauce. I can see why this place is so famous and as a foodie, I understand the hype. I just hope this place never plays too much into, no frills and good wings is what this place does best.
-
Review from Sebastian Y.
Chicago, IL
2/20/2012
Warning: The tiny wings at Buff Joe's are extremely addictive.
Another Warning: Cheddar chips are waffle fries with way too much cheddar cheese lopped on top.
Last Warning: The Suicide sauce is hot.
4 stars for the wings.
2 stars for the cheddar chips.
I'll give Buff Joe's a 4. -
Review from Adam K.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Another local haunt I have been frequenting since before I could legally drink and had to resort to getting loaded on drinking the hookah water at the hookah bar down the street.
I think all the negative reviews from long time patrons are telling in that they mention all the good things about this place in great detail but then say the bad in one sentence. And then they go on to say that they will be back. Sure this place is flawed, hell, this place may not be the best for wings anymore, but it is an institution. A buffalo university. When you graduate from it, you will cast aside the wing stop Pizza Hut wings with a scornful smirk and declare, "I HAVE EATEN AT BUFF JOES! THESE ARE NOT WINGS!"
I always have and always will get:
Double order of Suicide - Spicy, what can I say other than I got a party platter of the spicy wing awesomeness once for the superbowl, one of my idiot friends liked it so much he decided to drink the concentrated hot spicy suicide wing sauce that had congealed jalapenos in it, and then had a fiery colon for 3 days. Do not attempt to drink a full cup of the sauce. But do get the suicide and
Double order of BBQ - Oh man, so sweet and delish, these really compliment the spicy, and because of my Indian upbringing, I am partial to the spicy but these will always hold a special place in my heart, cuz they are loaded with cholesterol and will probably be either removed by a robot doctor or kill me.
Waffle Fries w Cheddar - another artery bomb, but so good in so many ways, there is not enough room on the internet to describe my love for these particular waffle cheese fries. Just try them.
They also have beer which is a newer thing, I have not gotten any here.
They have a pretty large seating area in the back with TV's so you can watch whatever games are going on, the ordering process is a bit apprehensive as you have to explain and re explain what you want to the surly, young, often but not always african american youngsters who look upon you with disdain. Then after about 20 minutes, you give CASH ONLY to the fat white dude manning the register with very little patience for small talk.
Just go here. The experience outweighs the negative feelings you get when your cardiac surgeon looks up at you from the top of his glasses. -
Review from Art V.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2012
As I've enjoyed dining at this establishment for years, it pains me to post this negative review. Buff Joes has long offered tournament-quality buffalo wings despite (1) questionable sanitation practices, (2) aloof employees, and (3) a dynamic pricing scheme.
Generally, the men's bathroom is under-equipped and shockingly dirty. More often than not, the paper towel dispenser is empty and the only urinal is jammed to the brim with ice. That door handle has enough grease on it to keep a 1000 ships' engines humming along nicely. Things aren't much better in the kitchen where latex gloves are treated like commas in a David Foster Wallace piece: used occasionally but only when damn well justified.
Regarding the employees, I've long suspected that the ability to appear utterly disengaged while conversing with customers is a prerequisite to getting hired. It also helps if you can act as if there is literally no task you would enjoy less than mixing pre-cooked wings in a metallic bowl full of buffalo sauce. As a rule, I'm hesitant to generalize and disparage the entire crew. The cashier is usually pretty pleasant and I've actually had some appropriate interactions with the ladies up front of late. However, given the frequency with which I've experienced sub-par customer service over the years, I'd be entirely remiss not to mention this issue in a review.
Although I rarely deviate from my standard order (a single basket of spicy wings, extra ranch, and a mega-gut RC Cola), the price I pay each time tends to wildly fluctuate. The value of wings must be inexplicably linked to some mysterious economic indicator. I forked over $12.01 for my standard order last night. While this price actually appears pretty competitive with that of similar outfits (i.e. Buffalo Wild Wings), it's far removed from the less than ten dollars the restaurant charged just a few years back.
Despite the above, I happily made the not-insubstantial trek to Evanston to feast on Buffalo Joe's delicious wings for years. Up until quite recently, the restaurant had some of the best wings in Chicagoland. The chicken was always perfectly cooked: crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside. The sauce was and still is, "to die for." However, my last two visits have been underwhelming. The employees seem to be overcooking the chicken these days. Additionally, the wings are now embarrassingly small. I'm comfortable wagering that they are at least 50% tinier than their counterparts at Buffalo Wild Wings and Gators.
While I will likely return to Buff Joes within the next month out of habit, I can promise you I won't be thrilled about it. Patronizing this establishment is like watching a washed-up, former all-star at the plate; evidence of greatness lingers, but he's still probably going to strike out. -
Review from Danny W.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/15/2012
I probably won't ever stop going to Buff Joe's, but tonight the food wasn't even good (actually, that's not entirely true; the celery was fresher than it usually is). The wings were laughably small tonight and overcooked, and this is starting to happen more and more. I think they still have the best sauce around but it is becoming harder and harder to recommend this place (plus the prices have gone up significantly over the years). At some point, I'll realize this restaurant just isn't nearly as good as it used to be.
Also, for what it's worth, the portly fellow who works the register grew a mustache. Frankly, it's amazing it took this long.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/25/2011
The food is top notch.
The 1-star review is mostly just for deterioration of this place over time.… Read more »
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Review from Joey F.
Evanston, IL
Updated - 5/12/2012
Great wings just wish they were cheaper!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/8/2009
I would give this place a 5 but the prices have been increased not once but twice in the past year.… Read more »
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Review from Roxanne R.
Chicago, IL
2/17/2012 1 photo
Yu-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-ummmm!!
Hands down best wings in Chicago. You get about 15 or so wings for a single order. The wing sizes are on the small side, just like I like it. I want to eat wings not drumsticks. The sauce is what makes the wings. It perfectly coats the wings and is fantastic.
I always get a single order with waffles fries and cheese on the side. Waffle fries are solid. I recommend getting the cheese on the side. The cheese isn't liquidy nacho cheese, this cheese coagulates after a while and it's a nice compliment to the wings.
Service is okay and the place isn't very tidy but this isn't fine dining, you come here because the wings are freaking delicious. -
Review from Eric V.
Janesville, WI
2/2/2012
Best Wings in the entire world!!!! Single Suicide w/ Cheddar Chip and a mega RC has been my order since 1998.
Eric Vawda -
Review from Lisa H.
Bridgeport, Chicago, IL
4/12/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I have been coming here for a couple of years now. This place is a little old, have nasty employees, filthy bathrooms, and sometimes smell. Their tables are always dirty and sticky, it seems like they never would wipe them down. But the chicken wings are one of the best wings I have ever eaten. They may be small, but you get a lot with one order. The spicy or suicide sauce drenched on these wings are to die for!! It also comes with celery and ranch (always need an extra one because they give you so little). Get the waffles fries to compliment your order and you'll be all set for a delicious meal.
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Review from Ben A.
Evanston, IL
2/12/2012
1 Single order Buffalo Wings with spicy sauce, and mixed with XXX Sauce.
The XXX Sauce is so good it works well when blended with other sauces. It's the strongest they have, and its not on the menu. Try it if you like spicy. Its not too bad. -
Review from Pascal M.
1/5/2012
Small, tiny, puny, miniscule, wimpy, scrawny, baby lookin' wings. Huge, immense, big, lip smacking good flavor wings.
My office raved about this place. After an early appointment, I told them I would pick up some grub for everyone. We had a feast.
The wings are delicious and the experience inside the place is cool too. I spent my wait lookin at all the interesting charm on the walls. Which I love doing at places like this. it almost tells a story about the establishment and acts as a reassuring testamonial for what your about to put in your mouth.
I hear the burgers are great too.. Looking forward to going back for my office soon. Shoot, maybe tomorrow! -
Review from Nichole F.
Chicago, IL
3/10/2012
I consider wings one of my very favorite foods so the first time I had wings at Buffalo Joe's, I was a very happy girl! Their wings are among the best that I have ever had. The waffle fries are great too!
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Review from justin m.
Chicago, IL
11/21/2011
I really dont get it - almost to the point of loosing sleep. I can easily look past the dismal service, 30 min wait (for wings), crappy napkins & flat soda - I don't expect anything different.
However, the wings (aka fried bones w/ skin and hot sauce) were horrible! I've had frog legs... hell frog arms with more meat!
But all is not lost. The sauce was simply amazing, all I want is some chicken to accompany it. Hopefully they will see this and the other reviews of skimpy wings and step their game up. -
Review from Danny M.
Chicago, IL
3/14/2012 5 Check-ins Here
I live 30 minutes from this place and I will still make the drive here for their wings. They have the best mild and spicy wings I have ever eaten. The wings have gotten a lot smaller than they use to be, but it is still good. The sauce on the wing is perfect, not too spicy were it kills your taste buds. Get the wings with waffle fries and you will not be disappointed.
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Review from Elliott C.
Broadview, IL
3/15/2012
Best Damn Wing Ever! There are several Buffalo Joes in the Evanston area but the one on the Northwestern Campus (Clark Street) is the best one so far. The wings are very addictive...just one bite and you are hooked. If you are a spicy guy/gal try the suicide wings!
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Review from melissa d.
Lake Villa, IL
1/4/2012
So, I know they made the wings a little on the aneroxic side but they're SO GOOD. I love this place, I go here for the cheddar fries and wings ONLY, all the time. I seriously drive 45 minutes just to eat here. I know people's taste buds are different and they have different preferences but I adore this place to pieces. The sauce is delicious, and they do sell a huge jug of it (though it's a little pricey)...
It's a hole in the wall place, but I don't know about everybody else, I go for the food, not to stare at teh walls and say, "Uh, the paint is peeling..."
Buffalo Joe's, my go to place for wings when I'm really craving them! -
Review from Richard L.
Northbrook, IL
12/22/2011
The only thing good here is the sauce... And you can buy it by itself.
The restaurant is grimey, the wings are small, it's not worth it. Doesn't live up to the hype. -
Review from Al D.
11/16/2011
While I love the wings, cheddar burger with its creamy cheddar spread, plus the waffle fries, that's about it on the love for this Buffalo Joe's.
I recently had some of their spicy chicken fingers, and they were nearly inedible. The chicken tasted spongy and off, and the breading was akin to rubber.
Also on my last visit, I had their famous cheddar burger, but with grilled onions.
Bad mistake.
About 3/4 lb of undercooked, thick, white onions slid off the burger in a huge pool of grease; nasty.
I think most of the five-star reviews are based on nostalgia. Buffalo Joe's is looking old, dirty and worn-out now. I'd maybe go here again for wings, but that's about it. -
Review from christine p.
Los Angeles, CA
9/25/2011
Oh, Buff Joes. You are so conveniently located across the street from my college condo, tempting me everyday as I pass by to go to class, walk to downtown evanston, go visit a friend, walk to work...
You haven't failed... Yet. I have this disgusting fear that one day I'll walk in, and it just won't be that good. Unfortunately, the wings have indeed gotten smaller since my first taste. But I must go on with the wonders of this wing.
It's fried. It's not good for you. But oh... It's good. Something this good can't be THAT bad, can it? Ok fine. These chicken wings are not just fried. They are crispy. CRISPY, I tell you. Take a bite and CRUNCH! And then you get chicken. This is the disappointing part. I wish the chicken was more succulent inside, but it can't be when the wings are small.
The sauce. Yum. We get spicy and it's the perfect amount of heat. Not a fan of the excess sauce on the bottom with the last few wings that are swimming in the sauce. And the celery sticks are usually warm. But I still am loyal to you, Buff Joes. I will always eat you because you are just that good.
Also, the suicide wings are basically just the spicy flavor with jalapeños added. Skip the suicide. Take taste over heat. Word. -
Review from Sandra Y.
Chicago, IL
11/29/2011
I've been going here for nearly 10 years so it brings back so many memories the second I walk into the place :)
I always order double suicide wings with blue cheese dressing, broccoli cheddar soup, cheddar fries, & a bacon cheddar burger. Everything is always soooo good!
Speaking of which, I think I need to make a stop here soon. -
Review from Arie W.
Manhattan, NY
12/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
It would be an understatement to say I'm a huge fan of BJ's. My family gets a party platter for any type of get together, parties, Christmas, Thanksgiving (yes I said Thanksgiving). My favorite thing to order at BJ's are the suicide wings and cheese fries. I've noticed that in the past few years the wings were getting considerably smaller and smaller, but the last time I went, they were back to the normal size and just as great as ever. The way they make the cheese fries here is totally Chicago style. My other friends from out of town who I've brought here say that the cheese is way too cheddar-y and thick, but if I could eat it on everything, I absolutely would. I've also had the burger, brat, chili, and cookies and everything is delicious. The only bad thing about BJ's, if you don't eat it while it's hot, it loses it's appeal.
The facilities are not the most pleasant, but it does the job. The bathroom is probably as clean as it possibly can get. They have TVs for customers to watch while eating. The seating area isn't too appealing, but when I get my wings, I don't care where I'm sitting. It's that good. -
Review from Keith H.
Northbrook, IL
12/11/2011
You cannot afford not to go eat here.
Why are you still reading reviews. Get your shoes on and go.
Now! -
Review from Leonard S.
Chicago, IL
2/21/2012
Got a gang of wings to go from here yesterday along w a hot dog and cheddar chips....I've never been inside buff joes before and still hadn't as I stayed in the car, but I've eaten these wings countless times before....I swear the wings were never this small before...some of them laughable but I couldn't stop eating them because of the sauce....I'll just get a burger or dog next time w sauce to go....I know a few Sunday chefs who can fry up some wings better than these while putting back a case...I can't believe that's the wings they served hahaha...the merkts cheddar is great!
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Review from Doug F.
Chicago, IL
9/5/2011
Been going here for 15 years.
All you need to know is get the Wings with Suicide sauce. If you like it even hotter ask for Double Suicide sauce. If you like it it mild, the wings won't taste as good without the suicide sauce. The suicide sauce not only adds heat but adds lots of flavor.
The wings are so tasty, you eat one and before you know it, you have enough bones in front of you to fill a museum.
Its the classic hot sauce , deep fried wings with side of celery and blue cheese.
Expect it to be a messy. Grab plenty of napkins.
If you have 4 or more (big) people in your party, get the "Pan" (around $40).
Serving sizes are good. They give nice portions.
Located in the trendy, rich, hip, college town (Northwestern University) of Evanston. Great neighborhood.
The inside is a basic chair and tables, nothing fancy. A little greasy feeling because of the open kitchen with exposed fryers.
Next door is a church that always attract pan handlers outside. Just be aware.
Street parking.
Bottom line is the WIngs. They're so good, I just keep coming back for the last 15 years.
Enjoy and keep a glass of milk nearby to kill the fire! -
Review from Susan F.
7/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love wings, I really do. I'll try any flavor, from sweet to spicy. I'll try them bone-in, boneless, stripped, naked, whatevs, I'm down.
An afternoon in Evanston called from some Buff Jo action. I had actually never heard of the place, but I felt that wings were the perfect cure to my hangover, and a cure for just any old regular day anyways.
But, I ended up getting a tuna sandwich, while my friends got a big order of wings I could suck off of. I'm actually glad I got the 'wich...I'll tell you why:
#1. The service was awful. They didn't even know what a tuna salad sandwich was (and it's been on their menu for what I can assume is for YEARS). I had to repeat myself several times, and even while they were making my sandwich, half of them didn't even know it was on the menu. That being said, it was very fresh and didn't taste fattening at all. Win!
#2. Now, for the wings. I have never seen so much wing grease at the bottom of a plate in my entire life. No other wings I've had have been like this, I was kind of shocked. They were good and all...but not the best. They tasted like they had butter in them...
Their prices were really fair, but I just could NOT get over that freakin grease. It was a major turn off. I really don't think I'll return here again much to my friend's dismay. -
Review from Ashley C.
Chicago, IL
7/11/2011
We made the trip up here for the buffalo wings and because of the 4 stars on yelp. Disappointment to say the least.
It started from the phone call to see what there hours were on the 4th of July. The girl picked up the phone and with attitude says, "the usual hours we're open." When had to ask what those were, she replied with the time after uttering an "uhhhh." That got me off to a really bad start.
So we tried the buffalo wings (spicy), the burger, and the cheese fries. Cheese fries were average. The burger was average. The patty itself was good, but the toppings were average and didn't taste super fresh. The buffalo wings - average. I would have liked them crispier - the sauce was decent. Oh yes -and they had RC as their pop. As a diet coke/pepsi addict, this just did not quench my thirst on the blistering hot day.
Average food + employees with attitude + drive to Evanston = not worth the trip. -
Review from Brandon R.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2011
They're not the biggest wings. They're not the meatiest. But, without question, they're my favorite wings. That's Buff Joe's in a nutshell.
Personally, I LOVE spicy wings. I want to sweat when I'm eating. I want nasal passages as clear as... something that's really clear. Sure, you've read people rave about the suicide wings here (their spicy sauce with a heaping pile of jalapenos on top). They're not too bad. But I'm hear to tell you about the variety that aren't even on the menu: XXX habanero. To this day, I have not found a better combination of heat and flavor. Much like the suicide variety, the XXX habanero wings come with a mountain of sliced jalapenos.
About those jalapenos: they are EASILY the best jalapenos in the world. I don't know how much of that is due to the fact that they're slathered in buffalo sauce, but I could eat these suckers by the spoonful. I look at them in the same light as Superdawg's grilled onions: a simple addition to a meal that takes it to the next level.
Two final things that must be mentioned:
- The ranch. Insanely good. When it comes to ranch, I definitely lean towards the more 'liquidy' side. Especially for wings. Buff Joe's does not disappoint - just get extras though, because you'll want it. And if you go XXX habanero, you'll need it.
- Cheddar chips, all day, every day. It's like the opposite of my ranch preference: I despise drippy, nacho cheese on fries. Buff's uses some actual melted down cheddar. The final product is about as good as it gets in the cheese fries world. And such a delicious world it is.
Ignore the haters and make Buff Joe's your #1 priority next time you're in Evanston. Which hopefully won't be for a while because I have no clue what you do in Evanston besides eat at Buff's. -
Review from J K.
Seattle, WA
11/6/2011
For me, a trip back to Evanston isn't complete without a visit to Buffalo Joe's. And they're open until midnight so even if my flight is delayed I'm able to get my junk food chicken fix. This place is CASH ONLY so plan accordingly - there's a Bank of America a block away and I think there's actually a small ATM in the restaurant but I'd assume it charges fees.
My friends swear by the wings, but I always get the chicken tenders with mild sauce and extra ranch dressing - they're amazing.
The food is so tasty that it's easy to overlook that the wings and tenders are always swimming in grease and the "cheese" on the buffalo chips (fries) is synthetic.
Prices are reasonable, there's plenty of seating in the back, and even when the place is busy they seem to be able to cycle through orders quickly.
A couple of things that might some day push Buffalo Joe's down into 4-star territory for me...
1) the wings seem to have gotten smaller over time - not a good trend
2) sometimes they don't have tenders - very disappointing since they're my favorite menu item
3) if you get food to go, they put fries in paper bags so you'll have nice, hot chicken but cold fries (I realize it's un-PC of me to enjoy the styrofoam containers they use for chicken, so I usually eat in the restaurant) -
Review from Kenneth M.
Chicago, IL
11/5/2011
I have been going to Buffalo Joe's since 1992. I have traveled all over the world, had wings from all over the United States, including in Buffalo, and hands down Buffalo Joe's are the best wings I have ever had. I have had Buffalo Joe's at all my major birthday's, had my parents bring a double party pan 6 hours for my graduation from college.
For those who have given a bad rating to Buffalo Joe's, they must have bad taste buds. Even if the service was poor, I would come back again and again for these wings. I see some of the reviews are for non wing related items. Get it straight, this is a WINGS PLACE.
Although some of the staff may be rough around the edges, you come for the food. I have never had a bad experience at Buffalo Joe's in my life. When I need a comfort food a double order hot, with Buffalo Chips, and a gut buster R.C hit the spot.
Ghetto Joe's on Howard on the hand is sub-par, and people may have been there.
A fan since I was 12, and I will go until the day I die. -
Review from Samuel M.
8/30/2011
The only place i know of in the Chicago area that serves classic Buffalo Wings. What I mean by this:
-Fried, but not battered
-Equal parts drumettes/wings
-BONE LEFT IN (as far as I'm concerned, "boneless wings" are both an oxymoron and something that only sociopaths eat)
-Buttery yet spicy sauce that invariably leaves the eater messy
The one place in which this place breaks from tradition is by serving the wings with ranch dressing rather than bleu cheese, but trust me, you won't miss it. I've only ever ordered one thing here: suicide wings with waffle chips. I see no reason to change this. 90% of the time, this is exceptional and well worth the havoc it inevitably wreaks on my gastrointestinal system. 10% of the time the food is pedestrian, for one reason or another (typically wings are too small, or are swimming in excessive sauce. However, this latter issue tends to arise with suicide more than with other styles because it necessitates the addition of extra sauce).
In summation: If you are craving wings, do NOT be tempted by the cleaner exterior and large televisions and take your wing craving to BWW's down the street. It is mediocre. Buff Joe's is the real deal.
PS As others have iterated, but which I must needs restate: CASH ONLY!! They have an ATM inside if you're desperate, though. -
Review from April P.
6/21/2011
Yep, they're still here, doing the damn thing, still being a foodie landmark, the quest and one of the greats to have for Superbowl, NBA finals, and just a regular chicken run on a Saturday night.
Even though they are smothered with their special sauce, they are still retain their crispy exterior, even after a half hour car ride home. Score!
Love their bbq, not too sweet, not too savory. Their hot sauce is just right amount of heat for the rookies who can't take it. Can't comment on their suicide wings, but for the brave, I heard they're pretty outstanding.
Open late, parking plenty even on the weekends. Fast service, as well. A half order of wings will run you about $7. -
Review from Julia J.
8/23/2011
I've only eaten take out of Buffalo Joes, and I wasn't the one who picked up the food, so I can't speak to the service or condition of the restaurant itself.
The wings, though, were delicious- not the largest wings, but certainly not the smallest either.
The sauce was really good. I was full from the smallest order. We also ordered the Spicy Cheddar Chips, which were messy and horrible for you, so they were pretty much one of the most delicious concoctions I've ever had. -
Review from Jeanie P.
6/14/2011
2.5 stars
hm maybe it was the hype, but buffalo joe's is just okay. I tried the single order spicy wings and cheddar waffle fries, and it was just alright. Honestly nothing mindblowing. The aroma is amazing, but the actual taste is nothing to write home about. Wings are swimming in grease fyi (like a pool at the bottom of my white styrofoam to go box).
I didn't really like the fake taste of the cheddar--- i'm very skeptical this is real cheese? It had like the weirdest texture after it cooled down a little bit. And I LOVE cheese but I had to scrape this stuff off and wished I had ordered regular fries instead. It tasted almost sweet. Definitely would not get that again. I also didn't think the ranch was tangy enough-- too much on the sweet side.
And like a lot of the reviews say, the wings are really small... which I didn't think would bother me but it is definitely an aspect that could be improved.
So props to them for being a hole in the wall place with tons of loyal customers and able to thrive blocks away from a BWW. But personally, just not very impressed. -
Review from Simone T.
Chicago, IL
1/27/2012
I'm from NY, and yes - Buffalo Joe's buffalo wings are the best I've ever eaten. Also the best cheese fries, hands down. GREAT owner AND staff. I love this place!
-
Review from Brian K.
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
FAMOUS FOR:
- Buffalo Wings (8/10)
Ah BJ's. My education in Buffalo Wings. Brings back great memories, because just about every party and get together in jr. high and high school (when hanging with my North Burbs friends) involved a double party platter of Suicide wings. It was also a much more innocent time where someone would mention BJ's, and instantly, everybody's ears would perk up, eyes would widen, a giggle would pursue, and then everyone was thinking the same thing...mmmm Buffalo Joe's.
It also brings back 1 painful memory. They once had a limited time sauce called "XXX" which, after 4 wings, made me cry, drool, and drip from my nose. I downed an entire jug of Ocean Spray Ruby Red juice. It probably wasn't the best thing, but it was college and that was the only thing I had. Yeah...let's not do that again.
THE WINGS
The only way I ever have them is Suicide. It's not that spicy. Ok, I know this is coming from a Korean guy who's done a ghost chili wing challenge, but still... Put it this way, it's not anywhere near Mango Habanero at BW3 and not even as hot as Three Mile Island at Hooters. Not sure what else to compare it to. It comes with pickled jalapeno slices all over the top, but even those aren't that bad. I usually don't even break a sweat.
They're very small wings, about than the length of a grown man's pinky. They're not battered, but do have a crispy skin (at least around the edges). It's drenched in a traditional buffalo type sauce, but it's their secret recipe. "Traditional" meaning that it's kinda like the Louisana hot sauce. You know, kinda salty, with a small kick.
In my High School days, I couldn't get enough of these wings! I'd give them 5 stars everyday! Then now, in my post college days, these guys are hit 'n' miss, almost exactly 50/50. Sometimes I go, and I get my single order of suicide wings and fries, and they're just "pretty good." Sometimes I go, and all the lights go on and the choir sings and I'm basking in nostalgia and it just tastes so damn good! That's why I can only give it 8 stars, because it's not consistent. I've only been there maybe 5 times since college (I'd run outta fingers and toes trying to count between HS & College), so I don't know if I'm just changing or my mood affects the taste (although I don't recall ever being in any different moods), or what. It's just not consistent for me.
ALL IN ALL
I would never pass up an opportunity for BJ's. It's very rare that I'm ever in Evanston, so if we get the chance, it's always BJ's.
Oh yeah...CASH ONLY! Even if you're buying hundreds of dollars of double party platters....It's CASH ONLY! -
Review from Sara L.
Chicago, IL
7/27/2011
Me and my bf came here based off of Yelp reviews and both of us left extremely disappointed.
First off, the place smelled like a bathroom. I tried to not think about it but honestly, the smell threw any appetite I had out the window. If you REALLY want to try this place, order it for take-out.
The wings were REALLY small, I'm talking, microscopic. I feel sorry for the quails that they are taking these wings off from because they're so small and cute...and their lives aren't worth taking for sub-par wings! I gave it two stars because the sauce was good. If they had meatier wings to couple with the sauce, the wings would be a lot better.
We also shared cheddar chips (waffle fries) which were also not very good. The cheddar cheese that is used on the fries was gritty and thick. I'm a huge cheese person but found this kind to be really unappetizing and left over half of the fries untouched. If you like the thick and gritty cheese (my bf said it reminded him of the cheese used at Weiner Circle), then by all means, this is your place. Otherwise, I'd stick to the plain waffle fries.
Overall, I've been to plenty of other places for wings that are significantly better than this place. I didn't really understand all of these 5 star reviews but looking at the dates for most of these, it seems as if this place has gone down-hill since 2009. Perhaps there was a change in management? Either way, I don't think I will ever come back here. I'd rather go to Buffalo Wild Wings.
