Founded by a former Atlanta couple, the first Wild Wing Cafe opened in 1990 in Hilton Head, S.C. Since then, the popular chicken wing franchise has grown to include multiple locations throughout the Southeast and Texas. But the Wild Wing Cafe in Marietta, opened by John "JK" Kenny in 1995, remains the longest-running and — in many ways — most distinctive store. It is a mecca for beer lovers and a lively destination for all sorts of events and seasonal festivals.
WILD HAPPENINGS
Situated in a courtyard at the back of a busy Roswell Road shopping center, Wild Wing feels surprisingly secluded. Inside, there's a separate smoking bar, a sprawling dining room and main bar area with a stage where musicians perform several nights a week. There's also a funky outdoor tiki bar. Weekly specials, tiki parties and bigger gatherings, such as the upcoming Oktoberfest celebration, keep things hopping.
WING IT
The menu is fairly substantial, with appetizers, soups and salads as well as wraps and chargrilled ribs. But chicken wings are definitely the thing, customized with 30-plus sauce flavors. Traditional Buffalo wings range from "Virgin" to "Habanero Hots." Other flavors include Cajun, Italian, ranch and Thai. And any of the sauces can be ordered as a marinade on burgers or grilled chicken sandwiches.
OTHER OPTIONS
Buffalo chips, thinly sliced fried potatoes covered with crumbled blue cheese, make a perfect side for wings or a burger. Among the sandwich choices are barbecue chicken or pulled pork, hot roast beef with pepper jack cheese or an old-fashioned hot dog.
BEER SCENE
There are some 45 beers on draft and 150 more in the bottle. On a recent visit, Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock was pouring on draft and there were Weyerbacher Merry Monks Ale and bourbon barrel-aged Allagash Curieux in the bottle. Six times a year, Kenny is host for a popular beer tasting that highlights special styles and seasonal offerings.
• Hours: 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Sundays (bar open later)
• Prices: Wings $6-$20, starters $4-$10, sandwiches and burgers $6-$8, ribs $12-$16
• Credit cards: All major
• Reservations: No
• Recommended dishes: Wings, Buffalo chips
• Parking: Lot
• Wheelchair access: Yes
• Smoking policy: Smoking allowed in separate bar.
• Noise level: Moderate-loud
• Takeout: Yes
• Web site: www.wildwingcafe.com/marietta.html
• Verdict: Tasty wings, a great beer list and special events make the Marietta Wild Wing a go-to spot.
