Josh Allen: The MVP of Buffalo Wings – A Quarterback's Saucy Love Affair with His Hometown Staple

By Jason Bolton October 05, 2025 21:15

In the heart of Western New York, where football reigns supreme and the Buffalo Bills evoke a passion that rivals any NFL fanbase, one tradition stands shoulder-to-shoulder with tailgates and No. 17 jerseys: buffalo wings. For Josh Allen, the Bills' star quarterback and 2024 NFL MVP, wings aren't just a game-day ritual—they're a love language. Since being drafted seventh overall in 2018, Allen has embraced Buffalo's iconic snack with the same ferocity he brings to the field, declaring it "my town" and professing, "I love the wings. I'm a big wing guy. You gotta have blue cheese with it, too, not ranch." As the Bills gear up for a pivotal 2025 season—currently 3-2 and chasing a deep playoff run—Allen's wing obsession offers a delicious glimpse into what makes him Buffalo's ultimate hometown hero. From post-practice feasts to podcast shoutouts, here's how the 6'5" gunslinger keeps the Queen City sauced.

The Origin of Allen's Wing Obsession: A California Kid Goes Full Buffalo

Born in Firebaugh, California, Allen arrived in Buffalo as a raw talent with a cannon arm but little exposure to the city's culinary crown jewel. "When I first got here, I didn't know what buffalo wings were," Allen admitted in a 2019 interview, but it didn't take long for the spicy, vinegar-kissed fried chicken to hook him. By his rookie year, wings had become a staple, symbolizing his rapid assimilation into Bills Mafia. Allen's love deepened during the 2020 COVID-shortened season, when he led Buffalo to its first AFC East title in 25 years—often crediting "wing-fueled" team bonding for the breakthrough.

What draws Allen in? The balance of heat and flavor. "It's always nice when you can taste the flavor, and you can still taste the flavor for this, which is something I love," he said in a July 2024 podcast clip while sampling spots around town. A staunch blue cheese devotee, Allen shuns ranch ("It's just not right," he's quipped), opting for the tangy dip that lets the sauce shine. His enthusiasm peaked in a 2025 TikTok challenge where he tested hot sauces with teammates, declaring, "If it's not Buffalo-style, it's not worth it." For Allen, wings aren't fuel—they're a ritual, a reminder of the city that adopted him.

Josh Allen's Top 3 Wing Spots: A Quarterback's Ranked Guide

Allen hasn't been shy about sharing his favorites, updating his list in a January 2025 appearance on The Buffalo Pod hosted by former Bills lineman Eric Wood. His rankings blend nostalgia, sauce quality, and that elusive "Buffalo crunch." Here's the MVP's current lineup, with insights from his interviews:

Bar Bill Tavern (East Aurora, NY)
Allen's undisputed No. 1, crowned in multiple shoutouts including a 2024 Centered on Buffalo podcast. "I'm gonna go Bar-Bill," he declared, praising their double-fried wings for the perfect crispy skin and balanced medium sauce. The Cajun Honey Butter BBQ variant? "Sauce of choice by our lord and savior," as one fan put it on Reddit, echoing Allen's preference for its sweet-heat twist. He raves about the no-frills vibe: "You get the real deal here—wings that taste like home." Pro tip from Josh: Pair with blue cheese and a cold Labatt Blue.
Mulberry Ristorante (Buffalo, NY)
A consistent runner-up since at least 2022, Mulberry earns Allen's nod for its Italian-infused twist on the classic. "Mulberry's got that garlic parm that's next level," Allen shared in a 2024 interview, highlighting the buttery, herb-kissed sauce that cuts the spice without overpowering. Tucked in Buffalo's West Side, it's a spot he hits for "wings with a little fancy," blending comfort food with upscale flair. Anecdote: Allen once ordered 50 wings post-practice, joking it was "fuel for overthrowing passes."
Wingnutz (Williamsville, NY)
The newest entrant, bumping La Nova's from the podium after Allen finally tried it in late 2024. "I guess I'll go with Wingnutz at three," he said on the pod, loving their creative flavors like honey sriracha and the generous portions. "They're loyal to Wing Nuts... it's down the street," a teammate echoed in a viral TikTok. For Allen, it's the innovation that seals it—wings that "taste the flavor" amid the heat.

Honorable mentions? Duff's Famous Wings for their traditional medium and Anchor Bar (birthplace of the buffalo wing) for nostalgia, though Allen's never publicly ranked them. "There's no bad wings in Buffalo," he laughs in interviews, a sentiment that endears him to Bills Mafia.

Wings as Allen's Secret Weapon: From Tailgates to Touchdowns

Allen's wing fixation extends beyond rankings—it's woven into his Bills life. He hosted a 2023 tailgate giveaway at Bar Bill, signing jerseys while devouring platters. During the 2024 playoffs, teammates credited his "wing challenges" for team chemistry, with Allen emerging victorious in a hot sauce endurance test. Even off-field, his fiancée Hailee Steinfeld joined a 2025 Instagram Reel where he ranked spots, captioning it "Wings > Rings (but both please)."

As Buffalo chases its first Super Bowl, Allen's wing love symbolizes his commitment: unpretentious, fiery, and deeply rooted. "Buffalo's in my blood now," he said post-2024 MVP win. "And so are the wings." For Bills fans, it's the perfect combo—a quarterback who throws bombs and devours them with equal gusto.