Ever have a taste for something specific? Namely something fried and crispy, yet not overly greasy or overdone? We’re glad to introduce you to traditional bar food – the best buffalo wings, nacho chips, and oysters on a half shell on the planet. And they’re all designed for one thing – to go great with a glass of beer.

Of course, there is a small problem. Not every bar makes great food and not every place making great food can really call itself a bar. So where does one go when he wants to kick back with a brew, watch a game, and chew on some spectacular food? Here are some of the best places in North America – for both beer and food.

Anchor Bar – Buffalo, New York

The Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York is where it all started. Back in 1964 the owner, Teresa Bellisimo invented the buffalo wing. She did it on a whim, desperate for something to serve to her son and his friends. And yes, it was her idea to serve them with celery and blue cheese as well – she was afraid they would be too spicy for all of the boys.

The Anchor Bar still serves the original recipe (which is the medium strength) as well as mild, hot, and suicidal strength spices. You haven’t had a real buffalo wing until you’ve visited the Anchor Bar to try the original.

J. Gilligan’s Bar and Grill – Arlington, Texas

J. Gilligan’s Bar and Grill in Arlington is famous for creating a spectacular replacement for simple nachos and cheese back in 1979. They were the first bar to consider the potato as a tasty treat, pulling from the owner’s Irish heritage for inspiration.

The famous potato concoction, covered in cheese, jalapenos, onions, and peppers is now a sure-fire favorite. So much so, in fact, the bar flies through more than 3,600 pounds of potatoes each and every week!

Barney’s Beanery – West Hollywood, California

Barney’s Beanery became popular in the 1920’s during the age of Prohibition. The bar became popular because liquor laws were rarely enforced on the outskirts of the city.

The bar food menu is what makes Barney’s so popular, though. The menu contains more than 1,000 different items ranging from PB&J to pizza and burgers. You’ll find hot wings, nachos, and Barney’s signature chili!

Union Oyster House – Boston, Massachusetts

The Union Oyster House in Boston is as historic as it is delicious. The restaurant opened in 1826, but for over 100 years before that it was a meeting house and its walls have seen many of our country’s founding fathers.

Grab some cocktail sauce, Tabasco, or whatever you prefer to use when slurping down oysters. They’re nothing short of abundant in this seaport town!

Buffalo Wing Festival – Buffalo, New York

The annual Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo New York draws bar food lovers from all over the country. Variety is the spice of life and nothing is closer to the truth at this bustling event.

Browse the booths and you’ll taste a variety of wings like you’ve never been exposed to before. Raspberry, teriyaki, and Louisiana liquor are only a few examples. Of course, if you’re really hungry you might want to test your appetite at the wing-eating contest!

Finn McCool’s – Santa Monica, California

Finn McCool’s is a genuine Irish pub in the middle of Santa Monica, California. The bar itself is famous because the owner brought everything in the bar, including the wood to build it, from Ireland.

The best bar food here, though, is the potato skin. The cooks use a special Irish bacon that when combined with fresh horseradish and sour cream offers a fresh taste that leaves patrons drooling for more.

El Moderno – Piedras Negras, Mexico

Cross the border and head on down to Piedras Negras where you’ll find El Moderno, the home of the traditional nacho dish. Formerly known as the Victory Club, the owner spontaneously created the dish to accommodate a few patrons who had wandered in after the kitchen was closed.

The original dish contained chips, cheese, and jalapenos. Today’s varieties include meats, vegetables, and beans as well.

Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar – Reading, Pennsylvania

Have you ever wondered why bartenders put bowls of pretzels or peanuts on the tables and bars? The bar itself opened in 1933 under a different name and, in a city known for making pretzels, often put out pretzels for his visitors to eat.

One night the delivery truck ran out of pretzels. Quick on his feet, Jimmy sent an employee across the street to purchase a 50-pound bag of peanuts from the roaster. Patrons have been eating peanuts there ever since.

Finding the best bar food to complement your beverage of choice can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Simply visit one of these fine establishments and you may just be surprised at how spectacular the original versions of some of these gastronomic favorites really are!

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