Bar 89

***Please also read the updated comments***

With a last-minute change of venue we decided upon Bar89 (which is more of a hip restaurant than a just a simple bar). We read some good words about this place and the menu displayed a ‘Combo Plate’ of wings that came with fries…who wouldn’t want a plate of assorted wings and french fries???

Moments later a large serving platter of wingtastic goodness was choppered in to our table topped with a stack of criss-cross fries. After taking our prescribed dosage of Lipitor, we dove right in.

The wings consisted 10 each of the Bright red Buffalo-style, the beautifully glazed Dragon Wings, and the interestingly named Buck’n Wings. Other garnishings included well-cut pieces of celery, baby carrots (different from your typical cut carrots), and radishes. The blue cheese was good, thick enough and had actual chunks of cheese.

A Difference of Opinion…
The Buffalo Wings…At first site and smell they had potential. The sauce was based straight on the traditional Buffalo-style, with a nice kick to them and was just the right amount. The debate was over the crispness of the wing. Lady Kara says they were one of the best Buffalo wings she’s had and is on the fence if they needed to be crispier, whereas Lord Peter feels they were more like biting into a soggy sponge, good, but not crispy enough for his liking. One other side note is they seemed smaller in comparison to the other styles. But do agree the were pretty darn good. (we’ll ask for crispier next time)

In Agreement…
The oddly-named Buck’ N Wings consisted of teriyaki and spiced glaze. Simply stated, they are excellent teryaki wings, steps above your typical teryaki wing…meaty, tangy, and saucy. The addition of the extra spice added a little bit of that je ne se quois. We don’t know what that means either, but we liked it.

The Dragon Wings, as the menu states is “Full of the Orient”, and that they were. A unique blend of spices worked into a thick sauce with a hint of what we believe to be wasabi and ginger (as pointed out by one of our guests),  molded in a thickly-glazed, meaty, tender wing…*whew*. If elegance could be used to describe a wing, this would be it. They may not be for everyone, but when it comes to re-envisioning wings, this one delivers.

Our guests this evening were the husband and wife team of Elisa and Leks.

Elisa said not to be fooled by the minimally modern decor of this place. They certainly know how to prepare mean bar food and the wings are no exception. As she prefers Buffalo over other styles, she felt she finally found a place that can deliver both on the same plate. She said Bar89 may have managed to convert her into a Dragon Wing lover. The sweet, savory, tangy sauce had the most balanced flavor she has ever tasted on a wing and the consistency of the sauce prevented the meat from getting soggy, which unfortunately was not the case with the Buffalo. She said she would return and gave and overall rating of 8.

Leks felt they put all their effort into the Asian-style wings. He felt the Buffalo were soggy and generic in flavor. Though the Asian variation were more interesting and crispier by far. The Dragon wings were the standout, with such a unique flavor. (he dissected the wasabi and ginger flavorings). He said he would return for the Asian wings but not for the Buffalo. Overall rating: 5

Kara’s take: I loved the Buffalo wings, perfectly saucy, could have been a little hotter and crispier, but definitely the best wings I’ve had so far. Not being a huge teryaki fan, I have to admit these were pretty good. The Asian were an interesting combo of spice, tangyness, and stickiness. I liked them as a break from the regular buffalo wing.

Peter’s take: Almost enjoyed it all, the presentation, the flavors, quality of chicken, the space, and the fries added an extra touch. I would recommend this place for a wing adventure and possibly say this is one of the best wings I’ve had if it wasn’t for the sogginess of the Buffalo style, alas.

Wings: All wings served with celery, fries, and Bleu cheese dressing on the side.
$13.00 plate
$27.50 Combo platter

Based on the Buffalo Style
Sauciness: 3/5
Amt. of Meat: 4/5
Heat Index: 3/5
Quality: 4/5

Overall rating: 8/10 we recommend…(just ask the buffalo to be crispy)

Would we return?: Definitely, though not just for the Buffalo-style Wings

Bar89
89 Mercer Street
New York, NY 10012
p: 212-274-0989

www.bar89.com

~ by wingsandthecity on July 6, 2009.