Wendell's Pub

30 West Main Street, Norton, MA - (508) 285-5555

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Posted By Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch on 6/8/2009 11:05:00 AM

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.

Scorecard

Overall: Excellent - Worth a Detour

Sassy Wings	Shrimp Basket
Extra Spicy Wings	Wendell Burger
Sissy Suicidal Wings

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"Wendell’s Extra Spicy wings are too hot for us, though this heat is nothing compared to the legendary Double Dares."
Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch

"The Sassy wings is a manageable level of heat, and the tossing bowl is lined with extra sauce for further dipping."
Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch

"Sissy Suicidal are deftly spiced with the sauce on the side for dipping. Notice the wings’ golden-browned goodness."
Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch

"Even a cheeseburger can’t escape Wendell’s spicy touch, as this cross-section of the Wendell burger shows its pepper jack, spice rub, meat, and fried onion strata."
Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch

"Though these are strictly foodservice shrimp, their crispiness is enhanced by the horseradish-laden cocktail sauce."
Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch

"The front space houses a family dining room, and this neon chicken greets patrons at the back bar entrance."
Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch

"The fiery wings at Wendell’s Pub take a while to prepare due to its small kitchen, but they are well worth the wait."
Chris Ayers & Amy Briesch