Are you a fan of crispy, juicy chicken wings and mouth-watering pizza? Do you find yourself craving the perfect combination of these two delicious dishes? Look no further because we have got you covered! In this article, we will take you on a journey to explore America’s best wings and pizza. From classic recipes to unique and innovative twists, you will discover the ultimate pairing to satisfy your cravings.
The Origins of Wings and Pizza
Wings and pizza have become staples in American cuisine, but have you ever wondered where they came from? The first pizzeria in the United States opened in 1905 in New York City. However, pizza has been around for centuries and originated in Naples, Italy. The Margherita pizza, made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, is said to have been created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889.
As for chicken wings, they were first served in a restaurant in Buffalo, New York in 1964. The story goes that the owner of the restaurant, Teressa Bellissimo, was looking for a way to use up the chicken wings that were typically thrown away. She deep-fried them and tossed them in hot sauce, creating what we now know as Buffalo wings.
The Best Places to Get Wings and Pizza
Now that you know the history behind these two iconic dishes, let’s explore the best places to get wings and pizza in America. Here are our top picks for cities that offer the ultimate combinations of wings and pizza.
New York
New York-style pizza is thin and crispy, with a slightly chewy crust. Lombardi’s, which opened in 1905, is considered the first pizzeria in America. However, there are many great pizza places in New York City, including Di Fara Pizza, Patsy’s Pizzeria, and Joe’s Pizza.
When it comes to wings, New York City has some great options as well. Check out Bonnie’s Grill in Brooklyn or Dan and John’s Wings in the East Village.
Chicago
Chicago-style pizza is known for its deep-dish crust, which is more like a pie than a traditional pizza. Some of the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago can be found at Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and Gino’s East.
Chicago is also known for its unique style of wings, which are typically tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. Check out Crisp or Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap for some of the best wings in the Windy City.
Buffalo
Buffalo is where it all began, so it’s no surprise that they take their wings seriously. Anchor Bar, the birthplace of Buffalo wings, is still a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Other great options in Buffalo include Duff’s Famous Wings and Gabriel’s Gate.
Atlanta
Atlanta has its own style of pizza, which is a hybrid of New York and Chicago styles. The crust is crispy and thin, but with a slightly thicker edge. Some great places to get pizza in Atlanta include Antico Pizza Napoletana, Varuni Napoli, and Fellini’s Pizza.
When it comes to wings, Atlanta has some unique options. The wings at J.R. Cricket’s are a local favorite, and The Wing Factory offers a wide variety of flavors, from classic buffalo to garlic parmesan.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia-style pizza is characterized by its thick, doughy crust. Some of the best places to get pizza in Philly include Pizzeria Beddia, Pizzeria Vetri, and Tacconelli’s Pizza.
Philadelphia is also home to some great wings. Check out Moriarty’s Restaurant and Irish Pub for classic buffalo wings, or try something different with the Korean BBQ wings at SouthGate.
Detroit
Detroit-style pizza is rectangular in shape and has a crispy, thick crust. Some of the best places to get Detroit-style pizza include Buddy’s Pizza, Loui’s Pizza, and Jet’s Pizza.
When it comes to wings, Detroit has some unique options as well. The wings at Sweetwater Tavern are a local favorite, and Neehee’s offers a unique Indian twist on classic buffalo wings.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known for its diverse food scene, and pizza and wings are no exception. Some great places to get pizza in LA include Pizzeria Mozza, Vito’s Pizza, and Prime Pizza.
When it comes to wings, LA has some unique options as well. Check out Howlin’ Ray’s for some spicy Nashville hot chicken wings, or try something different with the Korean-style wings at Kyochon.
Miami
Miami-style pizza is characterized by its thin, crispy crust and sweet tomato sauce. Some great places to get pizza in Miami include Steve’s Pizza, Lucali, and Visa-O1.
When it comes to wings, Miami has some unique options as well. Check out House of Wings for some classic buffalo wings, or try something different with the jerk wings at Clive’s Cafe.
The Different Styles of Wings and Pizza
Now that we have explored the best places to get wings and pizza in America, let’s dive into the different styles of these two dishes.
Traditional
When it comes to wings, traditional wings are typically fried and then tossed in a hot sauce, such as buffalo sauce. Traditional pizza usually has a thin, crispy crust and is topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Boneless
Boneless wings are made from chicken breast meat, and are typically breaded and fried before being tossed in sauce. Boneless pizza is similar to traditional pizza, but the crust may be slightly thicker to support the weight of the toppings.
Thin Crust
Thin crust pizza has a crispy, thin crust that is typically cooked at high temperatures to achieve a slight char. This style of pizza is popular in New York and other parts of the Northeast.
Deep Dish
Deep dish pizza is typically associated with Chicago. The crust is thick and flaky, and the pizza is usually topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various meats and vegetables.
Neapolitan
Neapolitan pizza is a style of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. The crust is thin and crispy, and the toppings are simple, typically consisting of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
Sicilian
Sicilian pizza has a thick, spongy crust and is typically topped with tomato sauce and cheese. This style of pizza is popular in New York and other parts of the Northeast.
How to Make Your Own Wings and Pizza
If you want to try making wings and pizza at home, here are some tips.
Wings
- Start with fresh, high-quality chicken wings. You can purchase them from your local grocery store or butcher.
- To make traditional wings, you will need to fry them. Heat oil to 375°F in a large pot or deep fryer.
- Season the wings with salt and pepper, then fry them for 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- While the wings are frying, prepare your sauce. Combine hot sauce, butter, and vinegar in a small saucepan and heat over low heat until the butter is melted.
- Once the wings are done, toss them in the sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Pizza
- Start with a good pizza dough recipe. You can make your own or purchase pre-made dough from your local grocery store.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Roll out the dough and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Add your toppings, starting with the sauce and then adding cheese and any additional toppings.
- Bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Conclusion
Pizza and wings are two of America’s favorite foods, and there are so many different styles and flavors to choose from. Whether you prefer traditional buffalo wings or spicy Korean-style wings, or thin crust Neapolitan pizza or deep dish Chicago-style pizza, there is something for everyone. And if you want to try making them at home, just follow these simple tips to get started.