The origin of Buffalo wings is one of those legendary food stories that blends history with a bit of folklore. While some details vary depending on who you ask, the widely accepted version credits the invention to Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, in 1964.

The Birth of the Buffalo Wing

According to the most popular story, Teressa Bellissimo, who co-owned Anchor Bar with her husband, Frank Bellissimo, created Buffalo wings on a whim. One night, their son, Dominic Bellissimo, and his friends came into the bar looking for a late-night snack. In an effort to feed them quickly, Teressa took some chicken wings—typically used for making stock—deep-fried them, tossed them in a tangy hot sauce, and served them with celery and blue cheese dressing. The combination was an instant hit, and Buffalo wings were born.

Alternative Theories

While the Anchor Bar story is the most well-known, other versions exist. Some say Teressa actually made the wings as a special treat for Catholic customers who had abstained from eating meat earlier in the day. Others claim that John Young, another Buffalo resident, was serving a similar dish with his signature “Mambo Sauce” before Anchor Bar’s wings became famous.

The Rise to Fame

Regardless of who made them first, Buffalo wings exploded in popularity. By the 1980s, they had spread beyond Buffalo, helped by the rise of sports bars and national chains like Hooters. Super Bowl parties and college football gatherings further cemented their status as an essential game-day food. Today, Buffalo wings come in countless flavors and styles, but the classic hot sauce, butter, and vinegar mix remains the gold standard.

A Lasting Legacy

Buffalo wings are now a multi-billion-dollar industry, celebrated annually during National Chicken Wing Day (July 29th) and Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, New York. Despite the many variations, the spirit of Teressa Bellissimo’s original creation still defines the dish: crispy, spicy, and perfect for sharing.

And that’s how a simple late-night snack became an American food icon.