- Photo by: Moises De Pena for JCMD Photography
Photo by: D. Bell
On a chilly December evening I headed up 113th Street to the grand opening of the newest location of Atomic Wings on Frederick Douglass Avenue. As I entered the double doors I took notice of the clean surroundings that included a twin row of tables, a counter with two computers available for paid Internet access, and a separate lounge area with one of three flat screen TV monitors.
I was warmly greeted by Ra-Fael Blanco of 2Rs Entertainment who instantly put me at ease by offered me something to drink while I waited for the featured star of the evening — the wings.
Adam (L) and Harlem Partners - Photo by D. Bell
While I waited for my wings, I had a chance to chat briefly with Adam Lippin, the founder of Atomic Wings. The Harlem location is the latest in his growing collection of franchise locations, and the second largest in the chain.
I sat with TV personality and pop culture commentator Patrick Riley who was attending the event with friends Anthony and Manivone. We caught up on his recent projects and pop culture until the wings arrived. Patrick ordered the mild wings, Anthony and I tried the jerk wings, and Manivone went full throttle with the Suicidal.
Patrick Riley and Friends - Photo by D. Bell
Everyone enjoyed their wings. Patrick said the mild still had a slight tinge of spice to it. Manivone said the suicidal was hot, but not too hot. I really enjoyed the jerk wing which was a nice balance of spicy and sweet. Unfortunately they were a little too spicy for Anthony, but he still managed to finish them.
In addition to the fact that the wings are extremely flavorful, I also like the fact that they have a good amount of meat on them. A single order of wings gives you 10 wings for $7.99.
Photo by: Moises De Pena for JCMD Photography
What makes Atomic Wings so great is that they aren’t just a wing place. If you happen to be hanging out with friends and they want wings, you aren’t stuck with deciding whether you want teriyaki flavor or buffalo. Atomic Wings offers salads, nachos, burgers, chili, Chicken Littles, vegetarian options, and soup.
And when I say soup I don’t mean your straight out of the can Campbell’s variety either. Atomic Wings serves up a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup with real chicken for $3.50 a cup or $5.00 a bowl. I highly recommend getting the bowl.
The restaurant is waiting for their wine and beer license. They anticipate being the best place in Harlem for football fans who want to watch the game while chowing down on wings and washing them back with a cold beer. They also offer free delivery for orders of $10.00 and up.
I had a chance to sit down with one of the co-owners for a Q&A session. You can read our interview on the 26th.
Atomic Wings
2090 Frederick Douglass Blvd
New York, NY 10026
212-222-8850
info@atomicwings.com
Monday – Sunday: 11am to 11pm
All Major Credit Cards Accepted
www.atomicwings.com
oni
December 24, 2008
Also, the awning for AW – the hot pink one – is especially tack -tack-tacky. Am I only one who thinks this? I’ll probably check it out but was hoping for less chain restaurants and more independently owned places.
oni
December 24, 2008
Antionette’s served delicious food! Their brunch was yummy and the prices were reasonable. I ate there twice and both times Antoinette (the owner) was there and was so sopen to feedback. Whenever I passed the place, there were only several people dining. It was a black-owned business as well. It’s just disppointing – people complain about not enough variety – i.e. all soul food/wigs/etc and Antionette was bring something a bit new to the area. Her cuisine seemed to have a number of influences – american, italian, south african and it was real food prepared on the spot. What a shame it had to close! Now I’m sure AW will be packed!
Yojimbot
December 24, 2008
Havent ventured in yet, but it looks cool. Plus the hawks are always hunting pigeons in the area which always puts me in the mood for wings!!!
uptowner
December 23, 2008
I managed to eat here today–the meal was okay but what was disturbing is that in 20 degree weather they managed to have NO HEAT in the restaurant!
D. Bell
December 23, 2008
Did you complain? I was told one of the owners would always be on duty. Also keep in mind that they just opened so everything isn’t yet in place. I was also chilly but thought it was because I was near the door and didn’t have sleeves. Everyone else with sweaters seemed fine.
Justin
December 23, 2008
Yeah stopped by today, food’s good, and it’s good to have another delivery option for ‘comfort food’ in the neighborhood.
TJ
December 23, 2008
Yeah, that sounds great!
oni
December 23, 2008
I can’t help but feel unexcited about this new addition especially considering “just wings” is only a few blocks up. did any of you ever visit “antoinette’s”? a lovely , quaint place with gourmet food. it’s unfortunate that it had to close down b/c so few people patronized the place.
D. Bell
December 23, 2008
Oni, I think they had the restaurant in the works before they knew there were other wing places planning to open. Plus, I’ve tried the other two wing places and feel that AW stands out. If I were hanging out with friends and wanted to pop in for wings to eat in my first choice would be AW. For take out my second choice would be Just Wingin It (customer service is key). That said, I believe there is room for each of these businesses to thrive in the community. Interesting that they are all within blocks of each other.
BTW, most people didn’t even know Antoinette’s was there. I only about it learned from talking to the owners of AW. Did anyone eat there? How as it?
Pete
December 23, 2008
Very pleased to have this new place on the corner. In fact, I would be quite happy if all of my food were covered in buffalo sauce…
Runway Diva
December 23, 2008
I can’t believe no one called me for this little outing!!!
D. Bell
December 23, 2008
Uh-oh! I thought I would see you there. Where were you?
TJ
December 22, 2008
I really appreciate good wings. Maybe when I finally make it out to the NYC, I’ll stop and have some
D. Bell
December 22, 2008
If you do we’ll have to go together TJ!
bradhurst living
December 22, 2008
Thanks for the review -looks a bit bigger and nicer than the new-ish wing joint on 118th and FDB. Well, I hope they deliver up to the 140′s. I just tried calling Harlem Wing and Waffle and the number has been temporarily disconnected. Anyone ordered or been by the store lately to see if they’re still open? Hoping so…