FEBRUARY 202 32 T is the season for football parties and get- togethers, and no fiesta is complete without those saucy, zesty chicken wings that have become a staple at many Valley eateries. Arcadia’s chicken wing scene has something for everyone, from casual sports bars to trendy eateries. Here are a few spots we love:  4829 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix jtsarcadia.com JT’s was established in 1996 and has been a treasured local fixture ever since. The current owners, Sergio Ramos and Matt Fredrick, took over in 2014 with a clear goal: to preserve the establishment as a neighborhood staple for the community to enjoy. Chuck Sanders and Katie Coughlin (lifelong friends of Sergio and Matt) take care of the day-to-day operations. One of the highlights of JT’s – and their most popular item – is the wings. Each order is fried, sauced, and “grilled to perfection.” Those who prefer their wings extra saucy can get them double-dipped. Flavors include mild, medium, hot, suicide, teriyaki and spicy honey BBQ, but the fan favorite is the “works,” a signature blend of sauces that caramelize over the grill. Monday nights feature a special wing promotion that draws in regulars and newcomers. The bar keeps its menu short and sweet, offering burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos, salads, traditional appetizers, draft beers, bottled beers, and house wines.   2303 N. 44th St., Phoenix thedirtydrummer.com The Dirty Drummer’s first location (there were once 14) opened in 1975, and the fifth location, where the current pub is, opened in 1980. Co-owner Dana Armstrong’s dad, Frank “Drummer” Armstrong, and his friend “Dirty Dave” Werner combined their nicknames to develop the moniker back in the 1970s. These days, Dana owns and runs the establishment with friends Andrew Smith and Tom Bernard. When the trio bought the last remaining Dirty Drummer in 2019, they chiseled away the white tile to reveal the original epoxied wood bar top. This inspired them to renovate the restaurant back to its original look. “We kept the best parts of the original menu, like the Drummer Burger ‘cooked with wine,’ plus the classic hot sandwiches,” Dana said. “We added vegetarian options like Impossible burgers, cheese crisps, and salads to accompany our signature crinkle cut fries, tater tots, onion rings, and more.” The grilled wings have their own history: “Decades ago, Dave was frying wings and decided to throw them on the grill after tossing them in sauce in an effort to make them less messy to eat. This opened up new flavor profiles, texture and caramelization that took the Drummer Wings to the next level,” Dana said. “Their trajectory shifted and grilled wings became the popular menu item they are today.” Diners can also get their wings traditionally made in flavors including hot, honey hot, BBQ, teriyaki, red gold, garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, habanero or dry rub. They’re offered by the dozen or half dozen and are served with carrots, celery, and a choice of dressing.   4041 N. 40th St., Phoenix thevig.us The first Vig was founded by Tucker Woodbury and Jim Riley and opened in December 2006. The restaurant’s name was inspired by the term “vigorish,” which refers to the commission charged by a bookmaker, reflecting the owners’ connection to the restaurant and hospitality industries. “This clever nod hints at the vibrant and energetic atmosphere we aimed to create,” Woodbury said. “The restaurant serves a variety of American comfort food with a modern twist, combining classic pub fare with more contemporary dishes.” The Vig’s wings are a fan favorite. They’re made through a three-step cooking process: baked, fried, and grilled, and served in a pound-size portion with flavors like traditional buffalo, BBQ, and Thai sweet chili. Each order comes with carrots, celery, and blue cheese dressing. Other menu items include shareable appetizers, salads, burgers and sandwiches.    4247 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix theatticalehouseaz.com Attic Ale House opened its doors in 2013. On the menu is classic bar fare, including two types of wings – the crispy version (traditional buffalo, Louisiana style, Santa Fe dry rub, Korean) or the Triple Threat version, which is six fried wings tossed in all three traditional sauces: buffalo, Louisiana Attic and Santa Fe seasoning and then char-grilled.    2812 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix longwongs28st.com That bright pink sign and front entrance with the lawn ornaments and metal statues strewn about is hard to miss. Inside, guests will find Long Wong’s award- winning wings. Diners can get ‘em plain, medium, hot, suicide, BBQ, spicy BBQ, spicy ranch, lemon pepper, garlic parmesan, and honey hot. Bone-in are available in a dozen with two sauce choices and an additional $1.50 for all drums or flats. Wings can be ordered in increments of six, 12, 18, 24, 30, and so on. 
 Élephante coastal Italian restaurant is now open at Scottsdale Fashion Square (7014 E. Camelback Road). The menu features wood-fired dishes, seasonal pastas, sustainably sourced seafood, craft cocktails, and a curated wine list. Within Élephante is Bar Bambino, an intimate cocktail lounge that offers live DJ performances and tableside cocktail service. elephanterestaurants.com Perks , a café located at the Biltmore Esplanade (2501 E. Camelback Road), opened in January. The eatery offers gourmet iced teas in flavors like butterfly pea flower, peach, green tea lemonade, watermelon mint tea, coffees, and light bites like pastries from Jonathan Robins Pastry. episcope.co THIS MONTH: CHICKEN WINGS

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