TJ's Sports Garden

808 National Road

Wheeling, WV 26003

(304) 232-9555
http://www.tjsportsgarden.com/

The time has come to review the wings at TJ’s Sports Garden. Sports and wings go hand in hand, so they gotta be good. TJ’s is arguably the most famous restaurant in the Wheeling, WV area.  Few others come close.  They’ve built a reputation on great food, good prices and providing a fun and safe place for every major demographic.  If it’s family friendly dining, getting your party started with friends on a weekend or gathering to cheer your favorite teams on the (what seems like a thousand) big screens…TJ’s can more than accommodate.

Background info and accolades aside…I’m here to review the wings.

The wings are tucked inconspicuously into the appetizers menu.  I’m not sure the wings are huge draw here for most people.  But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be.  Tonight’s order was quite good. 

Pool tables & 3 massive projectors

Right there next to a Steeler’s logo on the menu, your options are laid out.  Wings come in orders of 10, 20, 35, or 50.  Since it’s just me…(but lets face…I’ll have to share 2 or 3)…I got an order of ten.  Which should be just the right amount.  I like getting the option of “10 per order” rather than “X in a pound” like many places do.  Sometimes eight just isn’t enough…and you know most places aren’t actually measuring that to an actual pound anyway.  

Sorry for the tangent.  The point is…ten is a perfect amount!

The flavor options aren’t incredibly adventurous.  You’ve got your standard mild, hot, and BBQ.  Then two other options: Ranchero and Garlic Parmesan.  The menu also notes that “Atomic is available upon request.”

So ten wings it is.  Ten.  Hot. Thanks.

The cost for those ten wings isn’t perfect however.  $8.99 for ten wings is pretty steep.  But as we know…cost does not determine value.  $8.99 may be well worth it. 

The wings are served on a dish similar to what TJ’s other dinners are served on.  Porcelain oval.  No plastic baskets here.  Our waitress also brought out two extra plates for serving ourselves and a bone bowl.  Much appreciated.  Wet naps for easy cleanup are also provided…along with a few extra napkins.  Celery and “French” bleu cheese will cost you a dollar extra.  I always turn down that option anyway.

The sauce had just the right thickness and stuck to the wings nicely.  Just the way I like it.   There was also just the right amount of sauce.  Not too much but still a little puddle on the plate in case you need some extra dipping on any given wing.  There wasn’t much heat at all for being called “hot.”  Next time, I think I’ll request the atomic.  Tonight’s wings were big and meaty.  The meat was super juicy and pulled of the bone with ease.    A great score so far….unfortunately…they weren’t crispy at all.  Maybe one or two of the flappers crisped up a little along the edges.  They kinda have that baked, not fried feeling.  Not crispy…but undoubtedly good because they weren’t slimy or fatty at all…which is usually the case when wings aren’t crispy.

Monday Night Wing Special

Bottom line?  The sauce had a good flavor but no heat, the wings were large but not crispy.  They’re not gonna blow the minds of any serious wing nuts…but they did hit the spot and were enjoyable, overall.  I recommend   going on a Monday night when you get a FREE pound of wings with the purchase of a pitcher of beer or soda.  That’s an increase in value!  Free wings included with the beer I’m gonna drink anyway??  Hell yeah.  Where do I sign?   A great combination with Monday Night Football. 

WINGS – 6.5/10

SAUCE – 6/10

VALUE – 4/10

XFACTOR ++ (coolest sports watching in the area, great service)

OVERALL WING RATING – 6.5/10