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NY-Style ‘Sugar Wing’ Expanding To Tampa Bay

Are boneless wings, real chicken wings? We’re not here to settle that debate, but we can agree, most Americans love good wings. A popular New York City staple is making…

Juicy BBQ chicken wings on a wooden platter and celery on the side. NY-Style 'Sugar Wing' Expanding To Tampa Bay

barbecue chicken wings close up on wooden tray shot close up

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Are boneless wings, real chicken wings? We’re not here to settle that debate, but we can agree, most Americans love good wings. A popular New York City staple is making its way to the Sunshine State. The NY chain is opening Sugar Wing in Tampa Bay.

There are a lot of different options when it comes to ordering up wings in Tampa Bay. Recently, Southern Living just released their top BBQ places in Florida and the #1 choice on the list is right here in Tampa Bay. Personally, I'm a honey BBQ boneless wing from Bdubbs type of guy, but we all know the controversy there. 

Sugar Wing is best known for their hand-breaded strips, crisped chicken sandos, and of course, their chicken wings. The chain first gained traction in New York City and is expanding its lineup of stores to the St. Pete and Tampa area. Their unique made-by-scratch dipping sauces, dipper fries, freshly baked sugar cookies, and a wide variety of chicken dishes make them a huge addition to the area. 

Where Will Sugar Wing open shop in Tampa Bay?

Sugar Wing is opening a Seminole City Center location on Friday, April 26 as their first establishment in the area. In mid-May, another location is opening in Westgate Plaza in Tampa. With the rapid growth of Tampa, owners saw an opportunity to fill the demand for juicy chicken establishments. 

If you get there early on Saturday, April 27, the first 50 customers will receive three free chicken strips paired with their choice of sauce. Plus all weekend long, you can get any entrée with a side of "dip em fries" and a drink for $5.

What is the menu like at Sugar Wing?

If you’re looking for a wing spot that comes with loads of options, this is the place. Whether it's spicy, Black Cherry BBQ, Korean Chile & Soy, the OG BBQ, Buffalo, Alabama White or a Cajun Dry Rub, Sugar Wing has got you covered. Pair that with some delicious french fries or macaroni and cheese, and you’ve got yourself a top-tier combo. 

ILoveTheBurg.com says, “Their approach combines quality food with a simple yet inviting atmosphere, making it suitable for a variety of dining experiences, from meals with friends and family to quick bites on the go. The expansion into St. Pete and Tampa reflects Sugar Wing’s commitment to duplicating its big city success in new, up-and-coming markets, offering a unique dining experience to residents and visitors alike.”

We don’t have a full menu to look at yet, as their website says “coming soon”, but when we do, you’ll be the first to know. Are you excited about the addition of Sugar Wing in Tampa? Let us know on social media.

Florida has been making a name for itself in the BBQ world over the past few years. We asked you on social media where to find the best barbecue in Tampa Bay and you didn’t disappoint. We put together a list of the 7 Best Barbecue Spots in Tampa Bay.

Earlier this year, Southern Living Magazine named Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach the 8th best BBQ spot in the country. Then, Taste of Home named Shiver’s Bar-B-Q in Homestead, FL, as the best barbecue in Florida. Both of those options are different types of BBQ, so that comes down to personal preference.

Do different states have different styles of BBQ?

The short answer is yes, and they’re all much different from the next. BBQ isn’t a one size fits all type of cooking and in fact, the wood used to cook the various meats really decides the kind of flavor you’re getting. The big four in BBQ are Kansas City, Texas, Memphis, and Carolina Style BBQ.

In Texas, you have the sweet and hot flavor blasted brisket. In Carolina, pulled pork is the go-to. In Memphis, they love their smoked meat and hardwood charcoal. Finally, Kansas City has grown to perfect all kinds of BBQ.

In Florida, you’ll see a variety of types of BBQ. We’re known for doing things differently down here and that’s why some of the barbecue you see here, you won’t see anywhere else. There’s tons of different kinds of barbecue in the state of Florida from food trucks, trailers, and full fledged restaurants. Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach offers gator meat ... if that scream FLORIDA, we're not sure what does. 

So what’s the best barbecue in Tampa Bay?

We asked and you answered. There were dozens of great choices to choose from, but the people have spoken. 

Here are the 7 Best Barbecue Spots in Tampa Bay.

Laurie Cue (Brooksville)

With the most votes and the clear top choice in the area, Laurie Cue's  “serves the sexiest BBQ in Florida” according to their site. All of their food is fresh, never frozen and they make all of their rubs and sauces homemade. They’re a food truck serving up pulled chicken, pulled pork, sliced brisket and more to the people of Brooksville. Laurie's also caters so you can enjoy the best BBQ in Tampa at your next party.

The Brass Captain Saloon & BBQ (Madeira Beach)

Serving up freshly smoked Texas style BBQ, The Brass Captain Saloon & BBQ is a Madeira Beach favorite. Kick back with ribs, pulled pork, chopped brisket, drinks, live music and more.

The Ozona Pig (Palm Harbor)

The Ozona Pig is the spot where "Southern Style BBQ" meets Memphis roots. If you're looking for hickory smoked, slow cooked BBQ pulled pork, fresh brisket, ribs, grilled rib-eye, and more, The Ozona Pig is the place for you.

Johnson Barbeque (Plant City)

Johnsons Barbeque has been a tradition in Plant City for over 60 years. Elton Johnson started slow smoking pork shoulders from his "gas station-turned-restaurant" and now proudly serves up some of the best classic southern dishes in Tampa Bay. You'll find BBQ tacos, pit barbeque, steak specials and more.

Hungry Harry's Bar-B-Que

Hungry Harry's has been proudly dishing out it's famous BBQ to the people of Tampa Bay since 1985. They are located in Land O Lakes and Seffner. They cater, offer daily specials, and regular menu items.

http://gty.im/925874764

Mission BBQ (Tampa)

Mission BBQ first opened its doors on September 11, 2011. "Ten years after our world changed forever, in some small way we wanted to change it back. As the founders of MISSION BBQ, we strive every day to remind everyone what makes Our Country great—its heroes. Who are we? Two friends passionate about BBQ, patriotic for Our Country, and who believe in running a business with meaning and purpose" says Mission BBQ.

Jimbo's Pit Bar B-Q

For over 50 years, Jimbo's Pit Bar-B-Q has been serving the Tampa community.  You can order up breakfast specials, sandwiches with sliced or chopped BBQ pork, ribs and more. Visit their website for more information.

Originally from the Midwest and moved down to Tampa Bay after college. When Daniel is not working on Beasley Content, you can find him fishing or skateboarding. Daniel enjoys writing about local restaurants across the Tampa Bay area, Florida lottery stories, and concert reviews/photos.