"Want to go for wings?” is a question that can be asked by Revelstokians on multiple occasions in a week. For a small population, the ratio of wing specials to restaurants is generous. What better way to help you decide on which establishment to frequent than to have us try them all and rate them accordingly? Of course, with your wings, you’re going to want a beer, so we’ve factored that in to the mix as well. We’ve rated five of Revelstoke’s premiere wing specials on atmosphere (and service), price, tastiness, and cleanup apparatus.
By Robyn Goldsmith & Heather Rose
Rockford 19/25
Monday night, 35 cents/wing (min of 10), No drink specials
Atmosphere 3/5 Price 3/5 Tastiness 9/10 Cleanup 4/5
The most publicized wing night, for a reason — it’s our best find for tastiness, and at 35 cents a wing, it’s a great deal. Unfortunately, there are some shortcomings. Drinks are pricier than other places, and there are no sides of veggies available, which sometimes you need in between wing courses. The wings aren’t as fresh on wing night as they are on other nights, and it can be a wait for a table after 6 p.m. They also have a weird rule about the number of people per booth (six maximum, no exceptions). Ask about the full flavours list. The oversize wet naps make wiping your fingers a breeze.
Best flavours: Honey ginger, Chinese fire drill
Big Eddy 19/25
Wednesday night, half-price wings, $3.50 domestic bottles
Atmosphere 5/5 Price 3/5 Tastiness 8/10 Cleanup 3/5
The Big Eddy is definitely our pick for atmosphere. It’s always buzzing, but you can usually get a table fairly quickly. The wings are great. It’s certainly not the cheapest deal in town, but reasonably priced drinks and consistently great service make the Big Eddy our favourite.
Best Flavours: Honey garlic, hot
Denny’s 16/25
Thursday night from 4-7 p.m., 1lb wings $5.00, $2.99 house wine or beer
Atmosphere 1/5 Price 4/5 Tastiness 7/10 Cleanup 4/5
Denny’s is not most people’s go-to hangout, but it offers great bang for your buck. The special is only available in the unkempt bar at the back of the restaurant (Bar One), which offers an intimate 10 table atmosphere, fake fireplace, and overlooks the hotel pool next door. It’s what you can expect from Denny’s — a half decent meal at a decent price, with less than decent service. We were pleased to be provided with an ample supply of wet naps. Something about munching down on meat while watching hotel guest frolic in the Sandman’s pool and hot tub is unappealing.
Best Flavour: Bourbon
The Last Drop 16/25
Every night from 2:30–5:30 p.m., 30 cents/wing, $4.00 domestics, highballs, wine
Atmosphere 3/5 Price 3/5 Tastiness 5/10 Cleanup 5/5
The Last Drop is the only place in town to supply finger bowls for cleanup, and we give it two giant, not sticky thumbs up for that. Overall, the Last Drop is not a bad choice. The price is good, but the wings are often on the dry side. Because they have the same special every night, it’s quite empty. If you want to stuff your face with chicken and not have to interact socially, The Last Drop is a good bet.
Best flavour: Lemon pepper
The Grizzly 15/25
Wednesday night, 1lb wings $4.00, Pints $3.50
Atmosphere 2/5 Price 5/5 Tastiness 6/10 Cleanup 2/5
There’s nothing remarkable about the Grizzly’s wing night, except for the price. For $20, two people can go and have a drink, two pounds. of wings, and tip! There are no interesting flavours, the service is average, and the wings are okay.
Best flavour: Salt and pepper
Which is your favourite wing night? Comment below.