Eat This Now: Chicken Wings at Smaxx

Chicken wings at Smaxx // Photo by Tiffany Watts

As a chicken wing fanatic, tasting and rating wings for my own edification is a favorite pastime. 

Since my friends know this about me, they sent me to Kansas City’s Historic Jazz District at 18th and Vine, to try some “real wings” from Smaxx Gourmet Restaurant–a restaurant known for their fried fish, cheesesteaks, burgers, and of course, their wings. 

As luck would have it, my friends also sent me with a precisely specific list of items to order: The lemon pepper wings tossed in buffalo sauce, a side of fried fish, and a side of deep-fried shrimp. 

As I waited for my food, I chatted with a Smaxx regular who ordered the fried fish. As we waited, he complained about the tourist tax listed on his receipt and told me about some of his other favorite bars and restaurants nearby. He suggests stopping by Soiree Steak & Oyster House on Thursday nights.

Fifteen minutes later, our conversation died down and I could see my steaming hot food being placed in to-go containers. Giddy with excitement for my food, the stranger and I parted ways and I walked towards the counter to get a closer look at the cooks making their finishing touches.  

Fried shrimp at Smaxx // Photo by Tiffany Watts

I found a relaxed seat on a wooden patio table outside. With the intention of saving my favorite food for last, I started with the side portions of fried fish ($7) and deep-fried shrimp ($7). The fish was mouthwatering. There was a harmonious balance between the well-seasoned, crunchy batter and the flaky, tender meat inside. The deep-fried shrimp was cooked well, and after a dip into the cocktail sauce, it quickly hit the spot. 

As for the chicken wings ($10),  my friends were right.

The layers of flavors that they were so particular about complemented each other well. The buffalo sauce had a kick that heightened the lemon pepper seasonings mixed into the crispy batter. Under all that flavor, there was even more to get excited about. Every bite introduced me to meat that was juicy, succulent, and exploding with flavor. These were “real wings” and maybe the best wings I’ve had in Kansas City. 

Smaxx Gourmet Restaurant is at 1827 Vine Street Kansas City, MO 64108.