The Food Bench: Buffalo Wild Wings Soars

Buffalo Wild Wings in Sherman Oaks, California

There’s no better way to celebrate your birthday than going to a fancy restaurant and being with family and friends. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Buffalo Wild Wings is NOT a fancy restaurant.” While it may not be as fancy as Geoffrey's in Malibu, it's still a damn fine eating establishment.

Founded on the principle of "no bathroom shall go unused," Buffalo Wild Wings offers a plethora of choices for any "wing" aficionado. It does, however, offer a variety of burgers and salads, if you don't feel like donating to a bathroom.

But, let's face it, we all go there for one thing: wings. The mozzarella sticks are pretty cheese-tastic, as well.

If you manage to make it between a certain time, "B-Dub's" will certainly make it worth your while with their "Happy Hour" prices; $3 drafts, anyone? You really can't beat that. That is unless, of course, you're stealing beer. But let's face it, at $3 a pop, it's practically a steal!

WARNING: The Eclectic Locker does not condone the theft of any kind. Buffalo Wild Wings reserves the right to steal your heart & stomach with their deliciously flavored wings, but does not support the reciprocation of theft regarding company property.

When we first arrived at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Sherman Oaks, California, we were greeted with nothing but service with a smile.

We were then asked, by the hostess, if we would like to be seated. I had informed her that we would, but were part of a larger party. Although we were curious if we could be seated while Happy Hour was still in effect, the hostess informed us, with a mournful expression, that since we were, in fact, part of a larger party, at least half of our party would need to be present in order to be seated.

I obliged, as they did not know I was the guest of honor in their prestigious establishment.

Not more than five minutes had elapsed as we were greeted by a waiter who understood we were party of a large party, but gladly took an order for an appetizer for us, before we were seated, as he recognized our desire to enjoy Happy Hour, unconditionally.

As he hurried off, order in hand, the very same hostess that had once informed us of our prolonged torture for enjoying the deliciousness that is Buffalo Wild Wings, had come to us in glad tidings; since they were not at capacity, they would bend the rules in our favor, seating us at their finest table.

From that moment on, the stars aligned, cats and dogs lived in harmony, Rose let Jack climb aboard her make-shift life boat, and the rest of my party had started to show up; the universe was at peace.

So began the feast of feasts, as our waitresses brought our orders, one by one, and we lived, laughed and loved our savory wings.

My order, the 15-wing "medium" set, was cooked to perfection, as they were submerged in both Medium and Parmesan Garlic sauce, to which I had ordered, "extra wet."

Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings gave me a truly wonderful present. One that I had emphatically enjoyed, until nature called. But I do not live my life in regret, where as the great James Hetfield has once said, "I'd rather regret doing something than not doing something." Would I do it all over again? You bet your sweet ass I would, and I'm planning to very, very soon.

So, if you're looking to enjoy great food, watching a million televisions all the while witnessing a fellow carnosaur sweating profusely as he/she tries to devour a serving of their famous Blazin' Sauce, then Buffalo Wild Wings is the spot for you.

It deserves a solid 5/5 stars: