Celebrate Super Bowl Sunday, the second biggest eating day of the year (after Thanksgiving) with any of our top picks for wings at bars and restaurants across Philadelphia. (Credit: iStockPhoto)

So the Super Bowl is this weekend. And we thought it made for an appropriate time to bring you a new roundup of places to go for great wings around the city.

Also, in case you didn’t hear, today, February 3, marks the 20th anniversary of a little event called the Wing Bowl, the annual competitive eating competition at the Wells Fargo Center.

And the greatest competitive eater of all time, the legendary Takeru Kobayashi, competed at this morning’s Wing Bowl (the clock started at 6 a.m.; these people are serious about their wings). Not surprisingly, he won, ingesting an unbelievable 337 wings, and in so doing, demolished the previous record by more than 80 wings.

Now on to the roundup. There are simply too many places serving great wings in Philadelphia for us to include in a single roundup, so instead we’ve tried to provide a selection of places to go for some amazing wings. This list is not limited to traditional Buffalo wings; we also wanted to include some upscale takes on wings, a few options for rotisserie wings, and even a few places to go for Korean-style wings.

In honor of Kobayashi’s incredible performance earlier today (and the 20th Annual Wing Bowl itself) as well as the Super Bowl this Sunday, we present to you our top picks for delicious wings in Philadelphia.

As always, let us know your favorite spot for wings in the comments below. Happy eating!

• Pub and Kitchen: Pub & Kitchen is a restaurant/bar/gastropub located on the south side of the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. P&K sources their chicken wings locally from Eberly Farm (near Lancaster) and serves two kinds of very popular wings: a traditional Buffalo-style wing and an awesome honey whiskey variation. The actual wings are smaller than most but the quality of the wing more than makes up for it.

• Union Jack’s: The sign outside reads “World’s Best Wings” and the regulars inside agree. Bring your appetite because with sauces ranging from traditional “Hot” to “Raspberry Jalapeño,” you’ll want to try them all. Two locations: Manayunk and Glenside.

• Byrne’s Tavern: A Port Richmond favorite, Byrne’s Tavern serves up tender, fall-off-the-bone wings that have kept the crowds coming for nearly 35 years. Available for eat-in or take-out, the wings come in servings of 12 to 100 and are best accompanied by an order of the Irish bar’s popular potato logs.

• Cafe Soho: The wings at Cafe Soho are (urban) legendary. They’ve been endorsed by the likes of James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov (whose wings at Federal Donuts also grace this list, below) in the New York Times. Cafe Soho’s twice-fried Korean-style chicken wings come in two varieties: spicy and a special garlic and soy sauce. Order both. You won’t regret it. (215)224-6800

• Curran’s Irish Inn: At Curran’s Irish Inn, located in Northeast Philly, the Best of Philly wings come in a variety of temperatures and seasonings: hot, mild, medium, Cajun, garlic, barbecue or plain. Those who want to try more than one kind of the mouthwatering wonders (and who wouldn’t?) can opt for Pudgy’s Wing Sampler, which gives you 15 wings in three styles.

• R2L: Chef Daniel Stern dishes up pan-roasted wings covered with a spicy sauce, scallions and served with long hots that are just as vibrant as R2L’s breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline. Tip: plan appropriately and stop by in the early evening to catch a sunset.

• Federal Donuts: Fried chicken and donuts. An uncommon but undeniably delicious combination. And Federal Donuts nails both. So well in fact, that they received a huge write-up in The New York Times. Federal has introduced whole wings into their offerings on the weekends. Available in the two glazed flavors: chile-garlic and honey-ginger; as well as the three crispy varieties: ranch, Harissa and Za’atar.

• Percy Street: Wings? Tails? Whatever. Gobble down Percy Street’s Turkey Tails tossed in Sweet Thangs BBQ sauce and wash them down with a Hillybilly Gatorade.

We’ve got many more recommendations below.

• Monk’s Cafe: Grab the Beer Bible. You’re definitely going to need something to extinguish the fiery Hell in your mouth after gnawing on these Spanish Flies Wings. Enjoy in moderation.

• Varga Bar: Wing connoisseurs, flock to the Super Fowl II on Sunday, February 5 at Varga Bar where you can vote on wings and indulge in all-you-can-eat specials. Chef Evan Turney (yes, he’s Marcie’s brother) serves up delicious wings every day, not just for Sunday’s event.

• Meritage: No big flat screens here. The only thing you should be paying attention to are the slightly spicy Korean-style chicken wings.

• Tangier: There’s nothing mysterious about Tangier’s wings… they’re crispy, hot and served with homemade blue cheese. But their Mystery Beer… that’s a different story.

• Race Street Cafe: The sweet and spicy glaze-like sauce used on these wings will have you licking your fingers. And the plate.

• Moriarty’s: Whole. Wings. That’s right, the wings at Moriarty’s have long been considered some of the best wings in Philadelphia and we’re not going to argue.

• Khyber Pass Pub: The only thing better than Kyhber Pass Pub’s wings? Kyhber Pass Pub’s wings and a local craft beer. Insider tip: ask for the Alabama White BBQ sauce, which is normally served atop the fried okra.

• National Mechanics: Give your taste buds a history lesson with these good old-fashioned wings. You won’t find any flat screens here; however, they do have a rather impressive projector.

• Silk City: The one-pound orders of chicken wings at this hip diner, restaurant, bar and beer garden come in two varieties: spicy Buffalo and Thai-chili glazed. Both are highly recommended.

• Sampan: Come for Happy Hour, and stay for the thai chili wings. Ask to sit at the open kitchen counter and you’ll get to see your wings prepared.

• Tavern On The Hill: Holding it down in Northwest Philadelphia is the Tavern on the Hill, located at the top of Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill. Regulars swear by the wings at this friendly neighborhood bar and for good reason — they’re stellar. They come in four varieties: mild, medium, hot and barbecue.

• Chickie’s & Pete’s: We’d be remiss not to mention Chickie’s & Pete’s, named the best sports bar in all of North America in an ESPN Mobile poll last summer. The South Philly flagship location (there are ten locations and additional storefronts inside stadiums and amusement parks) has four giant bars, huge TVs (we’re talking 12-foot HD projectors), 25+ beers on tap (including a vast local selection) and a famous seafood menu, in addition to delicious wings.

Don’t see your favorite on the list? Give it a shout out in the comments below.

The Omni's decadent lounge is the perfect setting to nestle into a warm chair and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate. (Photo courtesy Omni)

Few things are better than warm, creamy hot chocolate on a cold winter day.

Salon 401 at the Omni Hotel at Independence Park delivers with their brand new hot chocolate menu, offered daily 3-7 p.m. in the hotel’s magnificent lobby lounge. Bonus: the lounge includes a fireplace.

The hot chocolate menu, a twist on your standard happy hour, features an array of hot chocolate flavors and toppings and even an adult version capped with Bailey’s Irish Cream or Kahlua.

The hot chocolate menu features the option of a dark hot chocolate with a hint of espresso, Ghirardelli White Mocha, Ghirardelli Chocolate Hazelnut or classic milk chocolate.

All are served with a side offering of whipped cream, shaved chocolate, mini marshmallows, crumbled Oreo’s, Heath Bar bits, mini M & M’s, S’mores and white chocolate morsels. Toppings are unlimited.

Hot chocolate is $5 per steaming, sweet mug or $6 with the alcohol additions.

Located in the heart of the historic district, the Omni is the perfect place to stop in after ice skating at the RiverRink or catching the sights in historic Philadelphia.

Omni Hotel at Independence Park’s Hot Chocolate Bar
Where: 401 Chestnut Street
When: Daily, 3-7 p.m.
Cost: $5/cup, $6/alcoholic version
More info: www.omnihotels.com

There’s a brand new happy hour in town, and it’s awesome.

Opa, the latest addition to Midtown Village, is launching a special happy hour starting this Thursday, January 19.

Here are the details: Monday through Friday from 5-7 p.m., snag $1 skewers (either meat or vegetarian); $2 sliders; $3 craft beers, “Greekified” fries, or meatballs; $4 wine; and $5 cocktails.

The deals are also available late night, Monday through Thursday, 10-11 p.m.

Bonus: like the restaurant on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and be entered to win a happy hour!

Opa
1311 Sansom Street
www.opaphiladelphia.com

The Corner in Midtown Village is giving you another reason to spend your winter weeknights there (Reason #1: the awesome roof deck boasts heat lamps).

From now on, every Monday-Friday from 5-7 p.m., Chef John Taus will offer all the starters off the restaurant’s menu at half-price.

In addition, you can get $3 Kenzingers and Pikeland Pils; $5 glasses of Cabernet, Chardonnay and Marquis de la Tour; and $5 Hemingway daiquiris and Mother’s Little Helpers (bourbon, maple, pumpkin, lemon and bitters, a Corner original).

That’s what we call a deal.

The Corner
102 S. 13th Street
www.thephillycorner.com

Birra offers at least 50 craft beers, in addition to high-quality craft cocktails. Drink up for less during happy hour. (Photo courtesy Birra)

‘Tis the season for major eating and drinking.

In that spirit, Birra’s Gordon Dinerman has announced he’ll be offering happy hours on weekdays starting today, Tuesday, December 27.

Birra’s early weeknight feature, called “Mangia,” includes half priced pizzas for dining in from 4-6 p.m.

Enjoy $3 Cheese Pizzas; $4.50 Gaaalic Pies; $6.50 Mac & Cheese White Pizzas; $8.50 Cheeseburger Pies; and Birra’s new La Peperonata, featuring Anaheim peppers, long hots, Fresno chilis, mozzarella, white sauce and spicy capacolla for $7.

“Salute,” Birra’s late night happy hour, is on from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays (Birra is closed on Mondays), and features $4 craft beers, $5 glasses of wine and $6 specialty cocktails.

Head over tonight!

Birra
1700 East Passyunk Avenue
www.birraphilly.com

Happy hour at Valanni is already great.

Monday-Friday, 5-7 p.m. you get half-price tapas and $5 You-Call Its.

Plus, ever since Valanni revamped its west half to form Valanni SOCIAL, complete with glamorous white Hollywood-esque banquettes and chic white stools, it’s one of the best places to grab a drink and a bite after work.

And now the Washington Square West restaurant is debuting “Wine Down Mondays,” meaning all night long on Mondays you can get all bottles of wine — no limitations — for half price.

We know where you’ll be tonight.

Valanni
1229 Spruce Street
www.valanni.com

Our love affair with Frankford Hall continues, and rightfully so: Stephen Starr's Fishtown beer garden is upping the ante with delicious new food offerings, weatherizing its excellent outdoor space with heat lamps and a fire pit, continuing its excellent happy hour deals, and generally being awesome. (Photos by T. Scheid for GPTMC)

How do you take one of the best new summertime bars in the city and improve upon it for the winter? Try bringing in a new head chef, adding some ridiculously delicious burgers to the menu, installing enough auxiliary heating to comfortably warm 200 outdoor seats, and making sure to keep the awesome happy hour deals flowing. Yep, try that — it will probably work.

Frankford Hall, Stephen Starr’s eminently enjoyable Fishtown beer garden, is getting ready to welcome the cooler fall weather with open arms.

Not only are there 18+ heat lamps outside, complemented by an awesome new fire pit, the ping pong tables are still in full effect, as are the perfect-for-groups card and table games like Jenga and Uno. Seriously, playing cards with friends, while having a few beers outside, while sitting around the fire?? That’s a rare and awesome find.

But the real coup: Starr has brought in Chef Jim Davidson to oversee a delicious new fall menu featuring six brand new, seriously impressive burgers.

Davidson, who got his start in the Starr Restaurant Organization at Barclay Prime, followed by a stint at Butcher & Singer and another at Granite Hill at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where he ran the entire catering program, has taken the reins at Frankford Hall, which had been flying head chef-less until now.

Some highlights from the new burger menu, all of which are served on Hudson Bakery soft buns with crispy French fries: there’s a turkey burger, a Colorado lamb burger, a tomato tartare vegetarian raw “burger,” a sustainable Atlantic salmon burger and three awesome dry-aged beef burgers made from custom LaFrieda blends. It’s the same blend that The Dandelion uses, a combo of 3/4-inch grind dry-aged meat, fine-ground Colorado lamb and medium-grind turkey, a mix of white and dark meat.

The 'Little Lamb' Burger is anything but petite, with a half pound of Colorado lamb, lemon tzatziki, cucumber, and tomato jam. Pairs well with a Franziskaner. (Photo by T. Scheid for GPTMC)

The Ultimate Poutine burger, what Chef Davidson calls “Death on a Plate,” is an open face dry-aged beef patty topped with fontina fries and foie gravy, a creative take on the traditional Montreal dish. The inspiration for including poutine on a German menu? “Why not? Blow ‘em away,” says the chef.

We have a lot more info below, including a photo of said Ultimate Poutine Burger, the details on Frankford’s excellent sausages, and when you can find Frankford’s happy hour.

That up there on top is the Ultimate Poutine Burger, or what Chef Jim Davidson calls 'Death on a Plate.' It's amazing. Also, did we mention there's a fire pit? Also amazing. (Photos by T. Scheid for GPTMC)

Frankford Hall is still offering nine taps of excellent draft beer, featuring a mix of traditional German beers like Franziskaner Hefeweizen and Spaten Octoberfest, as well as a few craft options, including local Oktoberfests from Sly Fox and Stoudts.

Happy Hour hits every Tuesday through Friday, from 4-7 p.m., when you can pair any half liter of beer with any sausage for the ridiculous deal of $8. Other happy hour deals include $3 fries and $10 liter drafts.

And speaking of sausages, while the new burgers are destined to get plenty of attention, don’t forget about Frankford’s excellent selection of wursts. The Frankford Hall culinary team did an extensive tasting of sausages from a variety of purveyors, and ended up selecting Bucks County purveyor Illg’s Meats, a third-generation local sausage maker. All seven sausages on the menu are available at Illg’s, except the Spicy Bauernwurst which is made exclusively for Frankford Hall, specially blended with cayenne and chili peppers for an extra kick.

As Chef Davidson puts it, “Everything gets extensive thought and follow-through.” Even the price points are perfect (the most expensive dish on the menu is the $15 Jagerschnitzel, and the priciest burger is $12).

He’s used to that exacting approach to food, coming from big-time Boston steakhouses (think Grill 23). Davidson was born in Camden, and is glad to be back home after spending the bulk of his career up North. Testament to his hometown loyalty: he’s been an Eagles season ticketholder since age 6, and has only missed 13 games in 31 years.

And what he wants to bring to Frankford Hall? “Really, really kick-ass food.”

Plus, expert ping-pong playing. Frankford Hall’s G.M. claims the chef is “the world’s second best ping pong player.” Six foot+ Chef Davidson adds, “And cutest.”

How do you take one of the best new summertime bars and improve upon it for the winter? Try bringing in a new head chef, adding some delicious burgers to the menu, installing a lot of outdoor heating, and making sure to keep the awesome happy hour deals flowing.
(Photos by T. Scheid for GPTMC)

The fall menu is included in full, below.

Frankford Hall Beer Garden
1210 Frankford Avenue
www.frankfordhall.com

Now in its 10th year, the First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art returns November 10-20 with 11 days of performances at five venues.

There will be documentary film premieres, foodie events, live performances, workshops with artists, author readings, art exhibits, two one-woman shows AND nightly specials at the popular Khyber Pass Pub.

Starting Friday, November 11, head to Khyber Upstairs every night of the festival for drink specials and live performances. Happy Hour runs 6-8:30 p.m. and during The Adam Wade from NH Show performance on November 11 and 12.

Mingle with festival artists, talk about the shows, and get to know other members of the First Person Arts community.

First Person Festival ticket holders also get 10% off their food orders at the Khyber Pass Pub.

Ticket information is available online, and you can check out a full event calendar.

Stay tuned for more details on specific events!

10th Annual First Person Festival of Memoir and Documentary Art
When: November 10-20
Where: Venues throughout Old City
Cost: Prices range from free to $125 (most are $15); groups of 10 or more save 15% on tickets
More info: www.firstpersonarts.org

Previously: The 10th Anniversary First Person Arts Festival Set For November 10-20, Featuring More Performances At More Venues Than Ever Before

SoleFood creates a memorable culinary experience in an upscale but hip environment which mixes eclectic cool with classic style. (Photo courtesy Loews Philadelphia)

Contemporary décor and gracious hospitality make Loews one of Philadelphia’s most inviting luxury hotels, and not just for out-of-town guests.

One of the best ways to experience the hotel is by dining or drinking at SoleFood, the restaurant inside.

Now’s a great time; SoleFood has revamped its menus for fall, in addition to offering new happy hour specials and jazz nights.

Head in any day from 5-7 p.m. for SoleFood Lounge’s Philadelphia Happy Hour. Enjoy small-bite food treats and drink specials featuring Loews signature cocktails, along with local draft beers. Special food and beverage combos cost only $5.

Plus, Wednesday through Friday evenings from 6-9 p.m., stop into the SoleFood Lounge and enjoy live jazz with the cool sounds of Joanna Pascale. Philadelphia Weekly has called her “stunning, sophisticated and extremely soulful.”

Enjoy a cozy table for two or make new friends at one of the communal tables featuring a center display of river rocks and candles. Check out the new menus, below.

SoleFood at Loews Philadelphia Hotel
1200 Market Street
www.loewshotels.com

Gunner’s Run of Northern Liberties is hosting a fundraising happy hour for the Raven Society, The Free Library of Philadelphia’s young friends ’20s-’30s group, Thursday, October 13.

Admission is free and specials include an appetizer happy hour from 6-7 p.m. featuring wings and quesadillas for $5, and draft specials from 6-8 p.m. including $3 Kenzinger pints and $4 Walt Whit pints.

Gunner’s Run has offered to donate $1 from each happy hour item sold to benefit the Raven Society. In addition, there will be a raffle to raise money for the Free Library of Philadelphia.

The meet-and-greet is the first installment of a series of second Thursday events at various venues throughout the city, including the Sip & Swap bookswap next month, their annual holiday party in December, and a Poe birthday celebration in January.

Next up is the Raven Society Book Club: discussing Room by Emma Donoghue on Wednesday, October 19, 6:30 p.m. at Smokin Betty’s.

Click here for more details.

Raven Society Fundraiser
Where: Gunner’s Run, 1001 N. 2nd Street
When: Thursday, October 13 6 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.freelibrary.org

Table 31 offers undeniably one of the best alfresco dining experiences in the city. (Photo courtesy Table 31)

Table 31 at the Comcast Center is in denial of the end of the summer: in a great, thirst-quenching way.

If you, too, don’t want to see the end of summer 2011′s Center City Sips, head to Table 31 every Wednesday in the fall from 5-7 p.m.

They’ll have the same $2 draft beers, $3 glasses of cabernet and chardonnay and $4 Mia’s Lemonades or Plaza Sun Teas that they served up all summer long.

Chef Chris Scarduzio’s delicious contemporary Italian cuisine pairs perfectly with a glass of any of the above.

The Plaza Cafe at Table 31 offers great alfresco dining in a spirited cafe setting— undeniably one of the best outdoor dining experiences in the city. It’s a great way to take advantage of the fresh summer-turning-into-fall weather.

Head there tonight!

Table 31 Center City Sips Specials for Fall
Where: 1701 JFK Boulevard
When: Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.table-31.com

The Summer of the Beer Garden continues at Frankford Hall — enjoy it while you still can. (Left image credit: iStockPhoto)

So we’re not sure if you’ve heard, but this is the summer of the beer garden. And with the gorgeous weather that we’ve been getting this week — ahem, minus a little earthquake — you really need to do yourself a favor and get out there and enjoy it.

May we suggest Frankford Hall’s new weekday happy hour today and maybe a trip to the With Love Beer Garden tomorrow.

Stephen Starr’s Frankford Hall has just introduced a brand new weekday happy hour with some awesome specials. We’re talking about $8 for a beer and sausage combo: 1/2 liter of any draft beer plus your choice of any sausage. That means you can enjoy a delicious Stoudt’s Karnival Kolcsh along with a Hot Bauernwurst for a steal of a price of just $8.

Other happy hour specials:

• 1/2 Liter Drafts – $5
• Liter Drafts – $10
• Warm Bavarian Pretzel with 1/2 Liter of Victory Prima Pils – $6
• Your choice of one sausage with 1/2 Liter of any Draft Beer – $8
• French Fries – $3

Seriously, the forecast for today reads “sunny and delightful.”

We’ll see you out there.

Update: Due to popular demand, Starr has extended happy hour at Frankford Hall until 7 p.m.

Happy Hour at Frankford Hall Beer Garden
When: Tuesday – Friday, 4-7 p.m.
Where: 1210 Frankford Avenue
More info: www.frankfordhall.com