Buffalo Wild Wings
After reviewing McDougal’s, it only seems fair to review the Rivergate location of Buffalo Wild Wings. I don’t have pictures, but they’ve been around long enough that their website is pretty complete. We dine there pretty much every time we go to Rivergate.
I like it because of the variety and atmosphere. It really is in a different realm from McDougal’s. You could fit that whole restaurant into the bar area of BWW and even the bar has more TVs than in the whole space at McD’s. But its a national chain, so its understandable that its run as a major dining establishment.
They recently tried to offer sit-down service, but I don’t think that’s worked very well. We just order from the counter, and then take our buzzer to a table. When it vibrates and flashes, we hold it high and they bring our food. Not a bad idea, except when its really busy. That’s, actually, when everything pleasant about this place turns for the worst. When its busy. The music and TVs are very, very loud. Loud enough you cannot even hear the person across the table. The smoke is usually quite abrasive, even if you’re not in the bar, but I don’t believe there is any non-smoking section.
The serving issue is a little bit confusing. You pay at the counter, but when you receive your food, a server introduces themself and says to ask them if you need anything. That would usually imply that they are now your server and deserve/depend on a tip at the end of the meal. That poses a quandry, because if they depend on the tip, but you don’t need them again, you probably won’t tip them. Which sucks for them. It would be nice to know if they make an hourly wage that is suitable without tips. It makes for somewhat of an uncomfortable exchange.
Overall, its a fun place. There is a wide variety of food that centers around the wings, but many options for those of us who don’t prefer to eat meat off the bone. It is comparably priced for similar foods, and the atmosphere is enjoyable if you go at the right time. Of course, if you are looking for a wild sports fest, you can find that there too.
