Wendell’s Pub

Not too long ago, patrons of Wendell’s Pub would not find the Double Dare Buffalo wings listed on the menu. It was an insider’s secret to the hottest wings in existence. This incendiary sauce, concocted from a top-secret recipe, was deep-red in color, almost purple, and would deaden even the most seasoned taste buds at first bite. We arrived on our first visit to this proudly cash-only establishment specifically to sample the Double Dares. After three wings bathed in napalm-like paste, we threw in the napkin. We tried in vain to extinguish the fire in our bellies with blue cheese dressing, French fries with ketchup, even a milkshake on the way home: nothing would soothe the pain.

Naturally, our second visit was to enjoy Wendell’s famous wings with calculated restraint, and the moderately spicy wings do not disappoint. There are seven levels of heat: Sissy, Sissy Suicidal, Sassy, 3.5, Extra Spicy, Suicidal, and Double Dare. The Sassy wings are perfectly fried and virtually greaseless, though relatively small for Buffalo wings. Wendell’s uses dry peppers in their sauces, and each order is dumped into a large wooden bowl and then tossed in its respective sauce with another bowl on top. Consequently, the wings arrive at the table with both bowls, with the top shell intended to hold the bones. The Extra Spicy wings were a bit too much for us, but in retrospect we probably could’ve handled the 3.5 level.

The sandwich menu is inviting, and the Wendell Burger (with a spicy rub, pepper jack cheese, fried onions, and brown mustard) is particularly tasty when complemented by wings. They also offer ribs, shepherd’s pie, fish ‘n’ chips, and even Portuguese kale soup, though locals come for the wings. Wendell’s Pub is an ideal stopover when visiting Wheaton College or taking in a big-name concert at the Tweeter (now Comcast) Center in nearby Mansfield. Be warned, however: the Double Dares, now prominently advertised on Wendell’s revamped menu, retain their mythical status for a reason.