UPDATED (Jan. 31, 2015): I’ve added a photo gallery of some of the dishes and cocktails I’ve tried, as well as details of their Super Bowl 2015 viewing on Monday, Feb. 2!

When Friday comes around, one of the first things I think of is what restaurant to try with friends after work or with family over the weekend. Like you, I’m always on the lookout for something new. Good thing Manila never runs out of new dining establishments opening left and right. The latest is Buffalo Wild Wings, which opened its doors just yesterday, January 29, in Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig City.

If you’re looking for a place that serves good flavored, New York-style chicken wings and other all-American comfort food, draft beer, and cocktails, then the first Philippine franchise of this 30-year-old Ohio, USA neighborhood wing joint just might be it for you this weekend. And if you also happen to be a sports fan, you get a bonus as the place has over 40 wall-to-wall HD flat-screen TVs that all give you the ultimate sports-viewing experience. I’m quite sure this will be a new popular spot for all major sporting events from now on! Case in point: On Monday, Feb. 2, at 7AM, they will have live viewing of the Super Bowl 2015 opening, at P500 and P750 consumable. Call 0917-6045998 or 0917-4785232 for reservations.

But since I’m not a sports fan myself, let me focus on the food, which I’ll tell you now, I enjoyed so much and can’t wait to do so again. My favorites, as expected, are their award-winning wings hand-spun in 18 signature sauces and seasonings: Sweet BBQ, Teriyaki, Honey Mustard, Salt and Vinegar, Parmesan Garlic, Medium, Lemon Pepper, Chipotle BBQ, Buffalo, Desert Heat, Honey BBQ, Spicy Garlic, Asian Zing, Caribbean Jerk, Thai Curry, Hot, Mango Habanero, and Blazin’. I was only able to try a handful of the available wings flavors (because that’s only what my stomach would permit, as I also had to make room for their appetizers, burgers, thin crust flatbreads, and cocktails), so I will definitely keep coming back until I’ve tried them all—except, perhaps, the extremely hot one, because I’m not one for tongue-burning food! Click through the gallery below for my short reviews of some of the dishes I’ve tried, to give you an idea what to order when you visit.

They also have Slammers, this trio of bite-sized versions of their sandwich and burger served with natural-cut French fries, that is great for bringing home—or for sharing. I got to try a slice of their Cheeseburger Slammers (P475), and I found the patty thick and well-packed. Sandwiched in a soft bun with cheese, it’s a simple, no-nonsense, no-frills burger you can enjoy with your fries and beer. Don’t let it go cold so you can enjoy the good meat and cheese at its best. But my preferred version is their Pulled Pork Slammers (P425). I loved the sweet and Hickory-smoked barbecue flavor of the generous helping of tender hand-pulled pork, sandwiched in a sweet and soft bun!

I also particularly enjoyed their sides. They have Onion Rings (P325): Sweet, juicy, big onions plunged into tasty batter then perfectly fried golden crisp, giving you a nice crunch with every bite. It’s served with Southwestern ranch dressing, which my companions and I found a surprise treat! It tastes like a combination of sour cream and creamy, cheesy pimiento that went so well not just with the onion rings but with the other starters we tried, like the mozzarella sticks and potato wedges! It’s definitely our favorite dipping sauce. They also have Potato Wedges (P155), and I enjoyed these lightly but deliciously seasoned and spiced potato wedges fried until crispy (but with the insides still delightfully fluffy) with the Onion Rings’ Southwestern ranch dressing that had a hint of cheese, although you can also order it with actual cheese (P195) or even add bacon for P85. It’s the perfect side, whether you order a burger or wings! I couldn’t get enough of it.

Here’s one of the media samplers I got during the pre-opening event, which includes a portion of a Pulled Pork Slammer, a slice of Thin Crust Flatbread, and Potato Wedges.

Another thing I liked on their menu are their Thin Crust Flatbreads. Delightfully crispy like your favorite thin crust pizza, it comes in four oven-baked variants: Buffalo Chicken (P375), Parmesan Garlic Chicken (P375), Italian Pepperoni (P445), and Spinach Artichoke Chicken (P445). I’m honestly not sure which of the four variants was included in the sampler we were given during the media preview, but I suppose it’s the Parmesan Garlic Chicken, because I can really taste the strong cheesy combination of the savory parmesan garlic sauce and mozzarella-provolone, complemented by the light taste of the generous topping of chicken bits. There was a slight heat going on there like an aftertaste, too.

I’m sure my beer-guzzling friends will also enjoy their extensive selection of local, imported, and premium beers, but I wanted to reserve my alcohol intake that day for the classic and unique cocktails. Click through the photos below for my short review of each of the drinks I’ve tried.

So if you’re reading this now and still thinking of where to eat tonight, tomorrow, or with your family on Sunday, why don’t you enjoy one of your meals this weekend here? Post a comment below and tell me what you think of Buffalo Wild Wings after!

Buffalo Wild Wings was brought to the Philippines by The Bistro Group of Restaurants, which also brought in international dining franchises like T. G. I. Friday’s and Italianni’s.