The Anthem - Chicago

The Anthem is located on Division St. in West Town

The Wing Joint:

The Anthem - Chicago

The Anthem is a sports bar with a vintage saloon feel.  Step up to the old wooden bar that's serving up a great craft beer selection, making this joint a hot spot to watch a game.  That's exactly what I came to do, and the occasion?  The NFC Championship game, which became an instant classic game and glad I was surrounded by the energetic atmosphere.  But I hear the food ain't bad either.  The Anthem may be better known for the food, especially the Minnesota classic "Jucy Lucy" burger, which is a stuffed patty with Velveeta cheese.  As excellent as that burger sounds, again my initial visit it for the wings.  Nice thing about The Anthem is you can make reservations for game days, which I didn't know so we had a to wait a few minutes for a table but no big deal.  Two huge projection screens broadcast the game, along with several 65" TV's throughout the bar.  Another great craft beer selection is no surprise to this popular neighborhood hangout.  Checking out the menu, there is a ton great looking choices to from while getting settled in for the game.  Even though the place was packed, the service was great, beer was served cold and food was hot.  There isn't a bad seat in this house, which is rated "one of the best 100 bars" in Chicago 2013 and 2012 winner "best new sports bar" by Chicago Magazine.  Also seen on Chicago's Best for the "Jucy Lucy" burger and best food in sports bar 2014 by Zagat.  They even got outdoor seating when it gets nicer out.  Check out the game watching events and the specials on their website link below.  I'll be back for that Jucy Lucy burger another day.

The Wing Review:


6 Cholula Buffalo Drumettes

The drumettes come served with two choices, Cholula Buffalo or Asian BBQ with Ginger Aioli French cut wings.  Or some might call them "lollipop" wings.  I went with the Cholula Buffalo and wasn't disappointed...quite the opposite in fact.  Wings are served steaming hot.  Jumbo in size, meaty and tender with a nice crispy bite.  Nicely sauced, don't need a bath after and didn't need to ask for more.  The sauce is one of the best "buffalo sauces" I've had in awhile.  The Cholula kicks the heat up a notch.  Pretty decent kick, more that I expected.  These wings placed 2nd in the Mild category at the 2012 Chicago Wing Fest.  In my opinion, I would say the Cholula Buffalo is more than mild but not quite hot.  The sauce, flavor, and heat is just right and these are a must try for wing fans.  6 wings are $9.99 is pretty steep but for my first 5 star rating of 2015, its worth the price of admission.  I can't speak about the Asian BBQ flavored drumettes, but I see them in the near future with another review to follow.  I apologize about the picture quality. 



The bar

Wing Night: None


Side Notes:
+Takes reservations for the big game events.
+Great craft beer selection.
-The food and drinks are little pricey.
-If you didn't make a reservation for the game, you'll have to wait, so arrive early.  You wont be seated until your entire party has arrived.

Moment of Truth and Why:


Dale's Pale Ale Tallboy

Overall: 5 Star Wings 
Temperature: 5
Size & Texture: 5
Sauce: 5
Flavor: 5
Heat: 5

Jumbo wings check, flavor and heat was a perfect combination and sauced just the way I like it.  Even with a packed house on big game day, the wings were served steaming hot and quality didn't suffer.  What more is there to say?  You gotta check this place out for the game and these award winning 5 star Cholula Buffalo drumettes.

Website: http://www.theanthemchicago.com/menu/

 

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Always looking for a new wing joint, got a favorite wing joint?  Tell me about and I'll check it out.  Hope this helps and enjoy.  See you at 2015 Chicago Wing Fest!