For the 10th straight year, October is Dining Month on OnMilwaukee, presented by the restaurants of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. All month, we're stuffed with restaurant reviews, dining guides, delectable features, chef profiles and unique articles on everything food, as well as voting for your "Best of Dining 2016."
Points East Pub
After Buffalo Wild Wings' long grip on the title, Points East Pub scores its third straight victory in the OnMilwaukee readers' poll for best wings. BW-3 is again runner-up.
The wings at Points East are meaty and, thanks to the grilling, the skin has a nice snap when you bite into it, revealing juicy, tender meat within. The dry rub-style spices on the outside give these wings a subtle but, over time, powerful smokey kick. You won't kick yourself for waiting for these delicious wings – though the wait could be a little shorter thanks to a new addition at the bar that will open soon.
Runners up:
2. Buffalo Wild Wings
3. Elsa's
4. Leff's Lucky Town
5. Steny's
Lori Fredrich's pick: Double B's BBQ
This year, I’m departing from my usual vote for Points East and vying for a spot whose wings (and barbeque) are pleasantly on point: Double B’s BBQ. BB’s wings are crisp, delicately smoky. And they have just the right amount of added flavor from their custom rub.
This year we also asked a variety of prominent Milwaukeeans to weigh in on their pick for specific categories. For this category, we consulted Milwaukee sports radio personality Drew Olson, a former OnMilwaukee staffer.
Olson's pick: Champps Americana
Most sports bars can get by with "generic" wings, as long as the beer is cold and there are plenty of TVs to watch the game. Champs offers a grilled dry rub wing that is one of the best in town. The mesquite rub won’t leave you a saucy mess, but you’ll contemplate a second order.
I’ve eaten at Champps dozens of times and never had a bad experience. The entire menu is delicious.