CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — If you happened to order up a plate of wings for dinner you probably weren't alone.
Corpus Christi seems to be going through a wing frenzy with a number of new wing restaurants popping up across the city.
So what's driving their popularity?
Legends Sports Grill off SPID in Flour Bluff satisfies the wing obsession that no doubt has repeat customers like Gilbert Luna coming back for more.
"Everybody loves wings I guess, I love wings, I always go to the wing places but I'm always here," Luna said.
Owner Ashley Wilkey said her restaurant has now been open for 7 months after she saw a need for something saucy in this part of the city.
"We used to do food truck festivals and found this brick and mortar and decided it was a sign to go ahead and open up," Wilkey said.
Serving up a comfort food that is helping shake up the menu.
Whether you like bone in our out, mild or spicy, the sky is the limit when trying to decide which flavor to savor.
"My favorite would have to be the Asian, little sweet, little heat," said one of the staff.
If you are really brave, try their extremely hot wings called the 'Game Over'.
Customer Mike Jameson said it's the friendly staff that keeps him coming back. As for the wings— it was love at first bite.
"A lot of great options in Corpus now days, just can't get enough of it," Jameson said.
Across town another brand new option, The Terrace Restaurant and Bar at Doddridge and Alameda, has been serving up a full menu where wings have been a big hit.
"Good variety and we are really happy to see this one. It's close to the house and in the neighborhood," said patrons Brad and Robin Bonhan.
Just be sure to bring your appetite as they have everywhere from a 6 count wing plate up to 50.
Meanwhile out on Padre Island at Merida's Tapas and Cantina, owner May Mendoza said wings might soon be added to her menu of Latin America inspired food.
"Wings are just easy, a fun food we're sports people down here," said Mendoza.
Her restaurant has been open 3 weeks. Mendoza is also the president of the local chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association and has seen the boom in new restaurants especially locally owned.
"Mom and pops can do a better job, better value at what you get," she said.
Mendoza said despite the challenges restaurants faced following the COVID pandemic, now is a good time for new entrepreneurs.
"We're a destination city, a place where people want to come to," she said.
That's something to sink your teeth into.
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