Following a whirlwind USA visit, my size twelves were back on Melbourne soil and, as per usual, thirsty for buffalo sauce. On my bike I went, down to the John Curtin for Sonnys Fried Chicken and Burgers! Only to find that the Curtin doesn't open until 1pm on Sundays! What kind of Melbourne pub is this???
After a quick pint around the corner at The Lincoln (great pub, no buffalo wings), today's mission was back on!
Sonnys! Does Sonnys suck? Or is Sonnys super? Only The Rules will tell us! Let's Run the Rules!!!
The Scores
- The Specs: Praise the lord of all things wing! Double Jointed wings! THIS IS HOW ALL WINGS SHOULD BE PRESENTED! RATING: 10.
- The Sauce: The menu specifically mentions Franks, and it sure tastes like it. I think though, someone has accidentally used salted butter? Whilst I'm a salt lover, these wings were quite salty... RATING: 7
- Crunch: Crunchy. Deep fried and a delicate seasoned coat. Excellent. RATING: 8
- Serving size & price/Value for Money: 12 Wings for $25, so we're still hovering around that $2-something per wing level. But, of course, these aren't just wings and flats... they're double jointed! a fair price comparison is thus 24 wings or flats for $25! Outstanding value on those terms! Apparently, on Wednesdays, its $20 for 1kg of wings. But I was there on Sunday when it is not $20 for 1kg of wings. RATING: 9
- Heat/spice level: If you're using Franks that heat level is always going to be close to bang on. And so it is at Sonny's. A beautiful build, up to the last wing - would I have another round? Yep. And I did! RATING: 7
- Flavour: Almost everything is right here. Almost. Whilst it might well be Franks, it tastes as though its pre-made, sitting in a pot until an order comes in. Plus, the aforementioned saltiness... Next time, use unsalted butter, peeps. RATING 7
- Celery: Was there Celery sticks? Yes! RATING: 5.
- Dipping Sauce: Blue cheese! Really not convinced by that blue cheese though. No chunks. Maybe I should make cheese chunks a ratings point all on its own? RATING: 3
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Other Stuff: Dainton jungle juice IPA on tap but no west coast. Still Dan's hazy will suffice!
Terrifically grungy venue. Love the atmosphere. Awesome. Though I reckon I'm too old for Wednesdays/Fridays when the Uni kids come in... Lovely bar tender when I was on. Super friendly. RATING 7.
OVERALL RATING 63/80. No Moist Towelette... but nevermind that! The double-jointed nature of Sonny's Wings, plus the inclusion of Franks, celery, and Blue Cheese have rocketed them to the top of the table! Joint leaders alongside Buffalo's own, Duffs, Sonny's should be genuinely proud.
Are these Melbourne's best wings? No. My heart still lies with The Empress... but this score does show what a benefit those small details can make to a buffalo wing!
Venue Details:
29 Lygon Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053
