Buffalo Joe’s

What happen to this place? I had been coming here since my high school days, that’s back in the 90’s, yes I am dating myself. Back then the wings were of higher quality and the staff was fun and friendly.
I usually go out of my way to come by Buffalo Joe’s when in town. I believe it is no longer worth it. The nostalgia is all but gone. When I arrived there were no happy can I get your order or help of any kind. Two employees chatting away ignoring us and only turning around to give us the look of «oh no, more customers.» The young individual that helped me did not say a word only stood there ready with his pen and order receipt. When I ordered my wings only silence and dissatisfaction set in. As we walked down the line, the soda lady was worse, moody for no reason. Next, the cashier, ignoring me as I hand her my order receipt. The taste of my wings that are now 2 – 3 times smaller is no longer captivating. Some of the flavor still maintains but I would no longer drive out of my way for this place.
I guess it’s finally time to move on.

This place is so hyped and it sucks! The wing sauce is disgusting the staff is rude and obnoxious and the place is dirty and out dated! My boyfriend loves this place and so he has taken me a few times the first time I got wings and waffle fries and was really excited to try them since he had hyped the place up so much, and to my dismay the food was horrible ! The sauce is disgusting too me has a really nasty after taste and makes me want to vomit, the fries are ok, the pop is watered down RC it’s gross! The only thing I liked about this place are the two retro style arcade games they have other than that save your money and go to one of the many other dining options in the area!!!

It really is a hit or miss. The last couple times I came here the wings were just not the same-​not good at all. It was overcooked along with the fries and not edible whatsoever. Wings had little to no meat and were so vain-​y. Really disappointing.

It’s a sad day when you realize one of your favorite places is now a dump with bad service, expensive food and just overall a disappointment.
Begs the question, have I changed or this place? No, it’s definitely this place.
This will be my final visit to buffalo Joe’s. I urge all others to enjoy any one of the other 200+ restaurants in Evanston or any other Wing joint.
Good luck

I’m not too big on wings but the place changed my mind. So good! Spicy wings were just right. Tip: Waffles fries are delicious but you could do without the cheese.

I lived in Evanston for college, and it wasn’t until a guy took me on a first date my junior or senior year that I discovered Buff Joe’s. I can’t believe it took me that long to discover it. Things never worked out with that guy (thank goodness), but my love of Buff Joe’s hasn’t faded. I will always love their cheese fries and their medium wings. There is nothing better.

For starters, I admit to being a wing snob. I generally don’t touch anything outside of Frank’s in Mundelein — the best wings outside of Buffalo, NY. I’m also not a college dude… not even close. You can probably guess where this is going.
I don’t mind the divey atmosphere. For a wing joint in Evanston, that’s fine. Cash only? Okay — a throwback to the 90s. I can appreciate that. Crowds of bros saying the word «bruh» every 20 – 30 seconds? I can even manage that. But the wings…
If you’re honest with yourself, you know these wings are merely a step above Buffalo Wild Wings. If you’ve never had really amazing wings, this might lead you to believe that your search is over. Keep looking, friends. There is an entire world of wings out there for you to discover — many of which stand taller than these.
My friend got a burger that was all bun. Classic «where’s the beef?» scenario. He didn’t have much to say other than that.
The moment of redemption came when I tried the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. Now THAT made the trip worth it.

I seriously think these are the best wings in Chicago– I’ve lived here all my life and have yet to find anything better. It’s definitely somewhat of a dirty place, but come on, it’s a dive. What else do you expect?
My go to is the suicide wings with the spicy cheesy fries. YUM. The best comfort/​hangover food ever. Once you get it you’ll keep going back for more, it’s addicting. If you’re in the area you have to try.

Who eats buffalo wings for breakfast? We do. Mostly because we woke up at lunch time, but that is neither here nor there.
LOCATION/​ATMOSPHERE
The location in downtown Evanston is perfect for students and residents alike. The vibe is quite «divey» and it is obvious that Buffalo Joe’s is a local spot. Because of this, the inside is not the cleanest I’ve seen but it didn’t bother me much.
FOOD
The wings themselves were a little bit smaller and drier than I was hoping for. We got the spiciest option with jalapeño on the side… The jalapeño was just the canned kind, which made it seem even cheaper. Celery was included on the side. Crisp and fresh, nothing out of the ordinary.
I also got a baked potato on the side, which was basic and microwaved and a little expensive for being microwaved.
SERVICE/​VALUE
The only reason we went to Buffalo Joe’s was because a friend insisted we tried it because it was «AMAZING». As a result, our expectations were high and we were sorely disappointed by the average quality of the food. At least it was not expensive so we didn’t feel like we wasted our money.
The employees were casual and friendly, if not a little brusque. However, they did let us try some gumbo, which was DELICIOUS. Next time I’ll just get the gumbo and skip the chicken wings.

My favorite place in Chicago for spicy chicken wings.
I always get a single order of spicy wings with their fries and a RC!
Highly recommend!!!

Buffalo Joe’s is definitely a reason to come visit Evanston!
They have some of the best wings in the city. Single or double order with several options for sauce. I opted for bbq because I had to go back to work afterwards and needed my mouth to be functional. They can also do tenders if you prefer boneless wings, in addition to a ton of different sandwiches and burgers.
They also have waffle fries… mmm waffle fries. Covered in tasty cheese. And jalopenos. Great addition to any order of wings.
Now I understand why my friend would drive all the way from Palatine just to get Buffalo Joe’s. Some of the best wings around!

I was hanging out w/​a friend who only eats chicken & fish meats so I was scrolling my book marks, saw the suicide wings showed her the pic and bam we drove an hour to get there.
As far as wing variety for flavors it’s not many options. Bbq, spicy, or suicide & I’m sure plain. Where’s the lemon pepper? Spicy garlic? Parm? Ok they’re not here obviously, LOL.
Ordered the single order of suicide wings. They are a decent size. Yet they’re not that hot. I was actually expecting not to be able to eat them all due to the spice. Nope. I ate them ALL. A little disappointed there too. My wings also weren’t piping hot. They were warm. I do appreciate that they aren’t stingy with the sauce it’s swimming in it! They come with ranch & celery which was nice. They give complimentary tap water too.
Friend had suicide wings, & an order of spicy & bbq mixed & cheese fries. The cheese was cold on her fries she picked that off. Her wings were fire hot, but not spice hot 2 her either.
The employees were very nice and accomodating. I’d go back, just not in a hurry.

Ordered over the phone and took it home to devour! I had the single order of mild wings which I loved, better than BWW. A single order consists of 12 wings which should be plenty for one. The sauce was just amazing, but it does taste better when it’s still all warm, so eat it up! My husband had the suicide which he loved. We shared the waffle fries which were great. Only thing I didn’t like was the ranch they give for the celery. Celery and ranch get too warm in the to go box they give, wish they would put that separate. Other than that will go back!

If you’re from the Northside of Chicago you know where to get wings. Buffalo Joes has always been around. You can get your wings pretty quick and get to your game you want to watch. Can never go wrong with Buffalo Joes!

Everyone seems to rave about their wings and honestly, I thought they were pretty decent. But their burger (or at least the one I had– their bacon cheddar burger) was far from being a decent eat. It was soggy, and the bun fell apart in the middle of my first bite. My burger patty slid out along with majority of the content and that is a huge no-​no for me! If wings was the only thing they made, then I would definitely give this place a 3.5÷5 rating, but everything else definitely brings this place down. They only accept cash, so please make sure you have cash with you. Nowhere on their website do they mention that, but they do when they are taking your order down.
Another huge pet peeve– I haven’t seen them wearing gloves when preparing my food. There was a lot of hand and celery contact that made me queasy.

I wasn’t even hungry. I just came from the gym! But gosh darn it, you had me at waffle cheese fries. I came in and got the «small» order of mild buffalo wings and cheddar waffle fries. The waitress warned me that the cheese was «different» — mmmm!!! The cheese is thick with flavor and I really thought it complimented the fries really well. I’m ashamed how quickly I devoured them. wait, no i’m not. Anyway, the wings were pretty good. Nothing AMAZING but if you’re looking for some good greasy comfort food then it’s a good option.
3.5 stars.

Ah, Buffalo Joe’s! From being a regular in high school ’92−96 (ufck I’m old!) to visiting just once in a blue moon these days… it’s been a love affair from day one.
At Joe’s you WILL:
— Eat too much
— Finger the real cheddar (and not nacho «cheese» bullish) that didn’t take to your waffle fries into your gob (British for mouth you uncultured twit)
— Stop at an ATM first or have some cash on ya, ya lout!
— Piss on ice cubes in a graffiti riddled bathroom (if you’re a guy… God knows what women deal with here?!?)
— Overpay ($ 8) for an order of wings… but not really because your fat ayeuss (mine too) *should* be splitting this artery clogging 1,400 calorie estimated meal
— See Bulls’ Steve Kerr spitting image brother proprietor of the place on occasion
— Leave happy
Joe’s wings are excellent… they are a bit small relative to most but Steve Kerr says it’s because the other guys have hormoned up preternatural chickens. Perhaps…
Get suicide, ya wuss… it’s not as hot as it sounds… just a mixture of two sauces and some wussified pickled ‘peños on top. Buttery, sour, piquant delicious… THIS is the original aficionado wing of a North sider or suburbanite! I’d give the nod on wing quality and taste slightly… JUST slightly… to Bird’s Nest… but Joe’s is like your first girlfriend… you NEVER FORGET.
Eat at Joe’s, maggot!

During a visit to nearby Northwestern U, the admissions counselor joked about never going hungry as an undergrad because he lived above Buffalo Joe’s. That was as good a recommendation as I’ve heard before. Never passing up an opportunity for college town eats, we headed over there for lunch after our campus tour. Street parking is readily available on this side street. You walk in, order at the register and wait to be called to pick up your food.
The grilled chicken sandwich was moist & tasty. The chicken tenders were a little over cooked, but still good, as were the waffle fries. The namesake wings were disappointing though. Even though the texture and taste were good, the wingettes are so small, they looked like they came from downtown pigeons. A decent amount of about 13 – 14 per order, but the meat on them were pretty scrawny. You might have to get a double order if you’re hungry. Reminds me of my college buddy who could stick a wing in his mouth, swish it around and spit out a clean bone. That talent ranks up there with tying a cherry stem into a knot. Wings are good for silly bar tricks to impress your buddies, but not enough for a meal.

I’ve eaten here so many times, but only now getting around to reviewing it.
I love the wings here, but they can be very inconsistent. Sometimes your double order feels like a 1.5 order, sometimes the chicken they serve you is really dry, sometimes it’s soggy. However, they get it right more times than they get it wrong. And when they get it right, it’s pure bliss.
Some major downsides are that it’s cash only and the service can be really bad sometimes. The people taking your order seem to prioritize chit chatting with each other over taking your order. There’s an ATM inside the place where you can withdraw money, but of course there are fees for doing so. The eating area also never feels «clean enough».

Immediately walking into the store, my friends and I lowkey regret entering this place and started feeling a bit intimidated. It was our first time in Evanston and we were unfamiliar with the neighborhood.
I timidly placed our double order of chicken wings and was curious if I could pick two sauce for the wings. The waiter replied to my question by a roll of her eyes and I was a bit lost. so I asked to clarify «yes I can pick two sauces or no I can’t?» and she roughly answered no. So I settled for the BBQ flavored wings with an order of waffle fries. It came out to less than $ 20 and enough to feed 3 people. CASH ONLY.
The food came out fairly fast and we quickly dug in. After the first bite, all my regrets of coming into this store went away and I was in chicken wing heaven. The wings were perfectly crispy and a right portion of meat on each wing. The double order came with carrots and celery. And the waffle fries were yummy, too!
Cheap metered parking across the street and around the neighborhood. Walking distance to Northwestern campus.