If you’re visiting Buffalo and want to combine great food with a bit of local history and scenic biking, the Wing Ride tour offers a compelling mix. For $90 per person, you get about three hours of cycling along the Buffalo and Niagara Rivers, sampling Buffalo’s famous chicken wings and exploring some of the city’s lesser-known stories. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour is perfect for those who appreciate authentic culinary experiences paired with a bit of outdoor activity and local flavor.
What we really love about this tour is how it balances learning and tasting. First, it offers a chance to hear about the true origins of Buffalo wings, including personal stories from Lina Brown Young, the daughter of Buffalo’s original King of Wings. Second, the scenic ride along the rivers gives you a different perspective on the city, away from the tourist crowds, while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and engaging.
A potential downside? The bike riding involves about an hour of leisurely cycling, which might be a concern if you’re not comfortable on a bike or have mobility issues. Also, since the menu can change based on daily restaurant hours, some menu items might vary.
This tour is best suited for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fun, interactive way to explore Buffalo. If you enjoy discovering local stories through authentic bites and scenic routes, you’ll find this experience worthwhile.
Key Points
- Authentic Food Experience: Taste some of Buffalo’s best wings and learn about their history from local insiders.
- Scenic Biking: Ride along the Buffalo and Niagara Rivers for a relaxed, picturesque view of the city.
- Unique Stops: Visit Silo City, an art-inspired bar among grain elevators, offering a memorable, off-the-beaten-path location.
- Personal Stories: Hear personal accounts, including the long-lost wing recipe shared by Lina Brown Young.
- Small Group Atmosphere: Typically small, guided tours with engaging, knowledgeable guides like Marc.
- Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve now and pay later for added convenience.
Buffalo is known worldwide for its iconic chicken wings, but few realize the fascinating tales behind their creation. The Wing Ride tour takes you on a 3-hour journey through the city’s streets, rivers, and culinary history, combining storytelling, sampling, and scenic views. It’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon if you’re interested in authentic local cuisine and want to see Buffalo from a new perspective.
You can check availability for your dates here:The Itinerary Breakdown
Starting Point and First Stop: Lina Brown Young’s Home
The tour kicks off at Canalside, a lively area right next to the Buffalo Heritage Carousel. Here, you’ll meet your guide—most notably, someone like Marc, who has received high praise for his entertaining storytelling and passion for Buffalo’s history. The first highlight is a visit with Lina Brown Young, daughter of Buffalo’s original King of Wings. She shares personal photos and stories from her family archives, giving a rare glimpse into the roots of Buffalo wings.
Most travelers find this personal connection engaging, as it offers an authentic, insider perspective of how the wing story really began. Lina also reveals her father’s long-lost mumbo wing recipe, which had been unavailable for over 23 years—a treat for wing aficionados.
The Anchor Bar Experience: Birthplace of Buffalo Wings
Next, the tour makes a stop at the famous Anchor Bar, widely credited with inventing Buffalo wings by accident. Here, you’ll skip the tourist lines and get an inside look into how the wings were created—an unplanned culinary accident that turned into a national icon. You’ll sample their classic Buffalo Wing, tasting the flavor that started it all.
Reviewers frequently mention how special it is to experience the Anchor Bar beyond the typical tourist crowd—a rare chance to see the place where Buffalo wings truly began. It’s a culinary milestone blended with storytelling, which makes the tasting all the more meaningful.
Silo City and the Art-Inspired Bar
After a hearty lunch, the bike continues along the Buffalo and Niagara Rivers, revealing scenic views and the city’s industrial past. The tour includes a visit to Silo City, an artist-inspired bar set among towering grain elevators. This location adds a visual and cultural contrast—a gritty, artistic space that reflects Buffalo’s evolving identity.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Future of Wings: Tiny Thai Food Truck
The tour wraps up with a visit to Tiny Thai, a rising star among Buffalo food trucks. Here, you’ll sample a legendary wing recipe, linking Buffalo’s culinary past with its present and future. This stop emphasizes how Buffalo wings continue to evolve, blending tradition with innovation.
What Makes This Tour Special?
Authentic Stories and Personal Touches
Unlike many food tours that stick to scripted narratives, this experience offers local stories from Lina Brown Young, adding a personal and heartfelt layer to the history. Listening to how her family’s recipe was lost and rediscovered is a reminder of how food is intertwined with personal and community identity.
Scenic, Relaxed Biking
Riding along the Buffalo and Niagara Rivers means you’ll enjoy stunning views and a chance to see parts of Buffalo often missed by travelers. The electric bikes make the ride accessible and fun, even for those who aren’t seasoned cyclists. For many, it’s a refreshing way to explore the city rather than simply walking or driving.
Delicious Food and Unique Locations
Sampling wings at famous and lesser-known eateries offers a broader perspective on Buffalo’s culinary scene. The Anchor Bar is a must-see, but the stop at Tiny Thai illustrates the city’s innovation—an important aspect that many travelers appreciate.
Practical Considerations
While we love the experience overall, it’s worth noting that the cycling involves about an hour of leisurely riding, so comfort on a bike is important. If you’re unfamiliar with biking or have physical limitations, this might be a concern. The tour is also weather-dependent, so check the forecast beforehand.
The menu may vary depending on the day, so if you’re particularly excited about certain wings, it’s worth confirming in advance. Since drinks are not included, you might want to bring some water or plan to purchase beverages at the stops.
Value and Overall Impression
At $90, this tour provides a comprehensive experience that combines history, culture, scenery, and food. The inclusion of 24-hour bike rental and all tastings makes it a solid value for a fun, educational afternoon. The small-group format, often led by guides like Marc, ensures personalized attention and a lively atmosphere.
Many reviews highlight how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. The authentic storytelling and delicious samples seem to be the big draw — one traveler from Germany called it a highlight of their trip.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
If you’re a food enthusiast, history buff, or someone who enjoys scenic outdoor activities, this tour is a fantastic fit. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to see Buffalo beyond the typical tourist spots and love tasting local specialties. Given that it’s about three hours, it’s a manageable and engaging way to spend an afternoon.
However, it’s not ideal for those unable to ride a bike comfortably or with mobility issues, as cycling is a core part of the experience. Also, if you prefer a more structured, less active tour, this might not be the best choice.
The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Bike Tour offers a unique blend of history, scenery, and flavorful bites. It’s a lively, authentic way to discover Buffalo’s culinary roots while enjoying some of its most scenic spots. The personal stories from Lina Brown Young add a genuine flavor that elevates the experience beyond just a food tour.
For those seeking an interactive, fun, and informative way to explore Buffalo—and love chicken wings—this tour hits the mark. It’s especially perfect for travelers who appreciate local stories, scenic views, and delicious food in a relaxed setting.
In short, it’s a great value for a memorable afternoon and a tasty way to connect with Buffalo’s community and culture.
FAQ
How long does the bike tour last?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, including 1 hour of leisurely biking along the rivers.
What is included in the price?
The price covers a guided tour, 24-hour bike rental, and food tastings at several locations.
Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so plan to bring water or purchase beverages at the stops.
Where does the tour start?
It begins at Canalside, next to the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, at 44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202.
Is this tour suitable for families or kids?
While it’s generally friendly, children should be comfortable on a bike, as the tour involves about an hour of cycling.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve now and pay later for flexibility.
Whether you’re a die-hard wing lover or just curious about Buffalo’s culinary stories, this bike tour offers a fun, flavorful, and scenic exploration of the city’s most famous dish.
You can check availability for your dates here: