Wing Station is a fairly new kid on the block but has already become something of an foreign institution. Stephen, the owner, is an affable American. He says that around 80 percent of his customer base is from Nanjing’s foreign community. His WeChat group (Wing Station Friends) has more than 200 members. Stephen stresses that he very much welcomes the local Chinese community too and hopes to see that customer base grow.
Located on the third floor of Jianye Wuyue Square’s dining complex, Wing Station is one of those labyrinthine “inside/outside” places, but the trick to quickly locating it is to take the escalator just to the right of the Cadillac Showroom (as you face it on Jiangdong Men Bei Jie) up to 3F.
It is easy to see why it has become such a hit with the foreign crowd; a small American bar with a range of seating options (including an outdoor terrace), two sports screens, a darts board and a large selection of board games. There are several craft beers, cocktails and of course, buffalo wings.
There are two draft craft beers which change every month or so, sourced from Bitter Brew, so that box is ticked. For those who prefer a more mainstream offering, Heineken features permanently on the third tap. It will be a cold day in Hell before I drink that when craft beer is available, but each to his or her own.
Around 25 cocktails feature on the menu, from classics such as Negroni, Manhattan, Old Fashioned and Whisky Sour, to Vodka Strawberry Lemonade, New Orleans Hand Grenade and AMF, which is best left as initials only. There are shots, whiskies and even a soft drink or two.
Of course the draw for many is the buffalo wings. There are around ten flavours (some regular, and some specials) and the hot wings are hot. Let me repeat that. They are properly hot! Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Alongside the wings, you can order fries, rings and wedges.
Talking of hot, be aware that despite Stephen’s considerable efforts, it’s a difficult space to air condition with its large windows, so on Nanjing’s hottest summer days, it’s best to dress cool.
One if the reasons it is so popular is there are many excellent deals. From 17:00 to 20:00 every day, all draft beers and cocktails are buy one, get one free. With the craft beer at ¥60 for a decent sized glass (Heineken ¥40), and cocktails averaging a similar price, 2-for-1 is seriously good value. Wednesday is bargain day for Wings, with 25 percent off or the option of unlimited wings from 17:00 to 20:00 for ¥120. On Thirsty Thursday, the Happy Hour arrangements are for the entire night; and on Fridays, there is a Trivia Night. On Tuesdays, it’s 2-for-1 on chicken burgers. Random specials pop up periodically, such as 12 wings, fries and a Heineken for ¥88.
Alongside the deals, their WeChat mini program (which includes a perfect English version) enables the collection of loyalty points and virtual stamps to collect for a free beer after buying five. The staff are particularly pleasant, helpful and have excellent English. Deliveries are available for those who live nearby. If you like wings, beer and cocktails then you aren’t going to do better in Nanjing. Many bars that spend half the evening empty, with overpriced offerings, could learn much from Stephen’s promotions and pricing policy. In all, this is a very welcome addition to Nanjing’s food and drink scene.
Wing Station is located at 318, Building 1/2, Jianye Wuyue Square, 68 Jiangdong Lu 江东中路 68号吾悦广场1、2幢318室. Tel: 18851051268.
