Buffalo-inspired restaurant and bar just opened its doors in Toronto

A restaurant and bar inspired by all things Buffalo, but most of all its chicken wings, has just swung open its doors in Toronto, and people who are fond of a road trip across the border are loving it.

The Elmwood is named after Elmwood Village, which is a neighbourhood in Buffalo, New York, right across the border from Toronto, just a short drive or bus trip away.

The restaurant and bar is inspired by the humble chicken wing, which Buffalo has arguably perfected, but also gives a nod to other influential touch points from Canadian bar culture. The other main fixture of their menu is their Montreal-style hot dogs, inspired by the iconic steamies found in the bustling city in Quebec.

The crowning glory of their menu, though, is their chicken wings, which they’ve made considerable effort to dial in to make sure they’re up to the standards of the original beloved Buffalo chicken wings.

Their extra large chicken wings are served in orders of 10, weighing in at about a pound and a half. The styles of wings they’re offering are classic Buffalo, south Buffalo, honey garlic and charred scallion BBQ. The classic Buffalo chicken wings can be ordered hot or medium and are served with classic bleu cheese sauce made in house. The honey garlic wings are made with pickled garlic, raw garlic and honey, and the charred scallion BBQ wings are tossed in house barbecue sauce with cilantro and charred green onion.

The Montreal-style hot dogs at The Elmwood are served all dressed with mustard, onion, relish and coleslaw on a buttered toasted bun. They’re actually also available served with vegan hot dogs, and of course you can grab a big order of fries on the side to pair with anything on the menu.

When it comes to drinks, The Elmwood is a more casual spot mostly serving beer along with some wine and ready-to-drink cocktails, but craft beer fans should be satisfied with what’s on tap.

The Elmwood is even serving their very own signature house lager named Allentown, after another well-known neighbourhood in Buffalo. They also serve beers from local breweries like Bellwoods and Great Lakes Brewery.

“Family-owned and built by wing lovers,” reads the official website for The Elmwood online. “After countless trips to Buffalo, we perfected authentic Buffalo wings—crispy, saucy, and made with passion.”

The Elmwood is now open at 753 The Queensway.