Anchor Bar

A historic bar and restaurant in Buffalo, New York, known for inventing Buffalo wings

Anchor Bar logo

The Anchor Bar is a historic bar and restaurant located in Buffalo, New York. It is famously known as the birthplace of Buffalo wings, a popular American dish consisting of deep-fried chicken wings coated in a vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter.

History

The Anchor Bar was established in 1935 by Frank Bellissimo and his wife, Teressa Bellissimo. Originally, the bar served as a local gathering place for the Italian-American community in Buffalo. Over the years, it became renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and hearty Italian-American cuisine.

Invention of Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings, the dish invented at Anchor Bar

The creation of Buffalo wings is attributed to Teressa Bellissimo, who first served them in 1964. According to the most popular account, Teressa cooked the wings as a late-night snack for her son, Dominic Bellissimo, and his friends. She deep-fried the wings and tossed them in a sauce made from hot sauce and butter, serving them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing. The dish quickly gained popularity and became a staple at the Anchor Bar.

Menu and Offerings

The Anchor Bar's menu features a variety of dishes, but it is best known for its Buffalo wings, which are available in several levels of spiciness. The restaurant also offers other classic American and Italian-American dishes, including pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta.

Cultural Impact

The invention of Buffalo wings at the Anchor Bar has had a significant impact on American cuisine. The dish has become a staple in bars and restaurants across the United States and is particularly popular during sporting events. The Anchor Bar has been featured in numerous television shows and food documentaries, further cementing its status as a culinary landmark.

Expansion and Franchising

In recent years, the Anchor Bar has expanded beyond its original location in Buffalo. It now operates several franchise locations across the United States and internationally, bringing the iconic taste of Buffalo wings to a wider audience.

Related pages

• Buffalo wings
• Buffalo, New York
• American cuisine

The original Anchor Bar location in Buffalo, New York