Mudville 9

The Outlook wasn’t brilliant for the Mudville nine that day…or was it?

The text read, “we’re all going for wings tonight, and you’re coming with.”
A sharp pain ran up my left arm…fortunately, it wasn’t an oncoming heart attack…it was that twisting-of-the-arm feeling which really wasn’t necessary…you had me at wings.

With a rush to finish up whatever it is I actually do for a living (and you thought I just ate wings, right?), I hastily ran to the nearest subway headed downtown to Mudville 9.

Family owned and operated since 1977, this establishment fancies itself to the likings of a neighborhood bar & grill. With 15 flat-screen TV’s and the largest ‘pusher’ of beer in Tribeca (24 draft & over 76 bottled varieties), they even have a “Beer Club”, which is always in some sort of turf war with the “Liver Club” and the “Walk of Shame Club”

Oh, and did I mention they have something like 11 flavors of wings?!?!!!

That’s right, and this was an extra special night for all because Leks and Elisa happened to be joining in for this wing excursion (read their guest review of Bar89), so just like wings…the more the merrier.

With so many different flavors to try I could go go on forever describing each wing…instead, I’ll just gloss over them:

• Smokey BBQ – ohsogoodyesillhavemorethanks
• Teriyaki – ohsogoodyesillhavemorethanks
• Jamaican Jerk – ohsogoodillhavemorethanks(thoughnotreallyaspicyjerksaucetheyaremoresweet)
• Buffalo WOW – ohsogoodillhavemorethanksperfectamountofspice
• Buffalo SUPER WOW – ohsogoodyesillhavemorethankstheyareawesomeforthosewholikethemhotwithflavorlikemyself

Granted, the preceding words do not consist of many adjectives, and perhaps one of the flavors was a bit dry, and with everyone having their own unique preferences, what I say here should only come across as one thing…If you are looking to find some of the best wings in NYC, Mudville 9 is the place for you!!! There’s a reason they’ve won the “Best Chicken Wings in NYC” award.

Do our Special Guests agree? Let’s go to the Video Tape!
To add even more to the awesomeness (heh, I said ‘ness’) of the evening, I was joined by the uber-cool couple, Kim & Keith…or as nobody calls them, Kimeith, which should also be noted, is in no way associated with that other couple, Kimchee.

Keith’s take: Ok so I spent many a dollar on wings. Going to college in Boston we had several wing places, this gave me the basis for my view on wings…First off you get the heat from the wow. The vinegary, salty burn hits you after the first wing. Tabasco is certainly not held back. The Super Wow, I am not sure was that much hotter than the previous ‘wow’.
Cut to the chase, It’s a good solid wing and the jukebox has some great tunes. If you are downtown and need a wing fix…try it. Overall Rating: 8.5

Kim said the wings were meaty, crispy, and saucy, but actual meat was a bit dry (all other factors made up for that). The burn lasted for several minutes – indicating adequate spices. I also liked the Smokey BBQ.  The Teriyaki were good if you like Sesame or General Tso’s chicken. The Jamaican Jerk were tasty, but more fruity and saucy than I’d expected – should have been called Caribbean. Overall Rating: 8

One of the best Specials I’ve seen… HAVE A WING DING!!!! – All you can eat wings, fries, unlimited pitchers of beer for 2 hours!!!! $24.95/person, 6 person minimum, $29.95/ for premium beer

Based on the Buffalo Wow

Sauciness: 4/5
Amt. of Meat: 4/5
Heat Index: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Overall Experience: 10/10 – WATC’s First Perfect Score!!!

Would I return?: YES! Even if each type of wing is not to your particular liking, the overall experience is perfect, a little something for everyone.

As I move onto the next adventure, I leave you with this…a slightly revised version of Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s writings

The sweat is gone from Peter’s lip, his teeth are clenched in hate;
He pounds with cruel violence his wing upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the beer, and now it lets it go,
And now the wing is shattered by the force of Peter’s blow.

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there IS joy in Mudville – (those) mighty wings HAVE NOT struck out.

Mudville 9
126 Chambers St
New York, NY
212.964-9464
www.mudville9.com

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~ by wingsandthecity on September 28, 2009.