Since 1982, the divey joint has soared above the rest when it comes to the messy morsels, but with the new Colony Square location, you get finger-licking wings, ribs, seafood and more in a slightly more upscale environment.

When it comes to poultry, we live by J.R. Crickets’ sage philosophy: Chicken is chicken, but the wing is the thing. Since 1982, the casual joint (some may even call it divey) has soared above the rest when it comes to the messy morsels, but with the new Colony Square location, you get finger-licking wings, ribs, seafood and more in a slightly more upscale environment (there are even cloth napkins so you don’t have to use eight bazillion paper ones... and there's also validated parking). Settle into a booth in the dining room or post up at the back bar in front of a flat screen and start eyeing the wing sauces, as that decision may take a while; the Fester (a buffalo and lemon pepper blend) rules the roost, but the Sanchez is a close second (teriyaki with lemon pepper sprinkles). If the wing is not your thing, consider baby back ribs, a buffalo chicken wrap, chef salad, or the Fisherman’s Feast (shrimp, scallops, clam strips and fish with fries and slaw), and feel free to forego the sports bar scene for the breezy patio.

With everyone chirping about J.R. Crickets’ wings, other things tend to get overlooked (which is why we’re here). The restaurant happens to have killer chicken and waffles you can request with wings or tenders (or shrimp…if you’re a weirdo). Sip on a frothy, green glass of Cricket Juice—a housemade specialty smoothie that tastes like a virgin pina colada (but feel free to de-virginize it with rum), and save room for homemade red velvet and key lime cake, compliments of the owner’s mother-in-law. Most nights of the week, there’s entertainment (trivia, open mic, karaoke, live music) so you and your birds of a feather can flock together for a good time. You’ll be all clucked up.

---

MENU HIGHLIGHTS:
10-Piece Chicken Wings, $8.29
20-Piece Chicken Wings, $14.69
Rib Platter, $13.29
Chicken & Waffles, $7.99
Buffalo Chicken Wrap, $8.79
Fisherman’s Feast, $13.99
Black and Blue Burger, $8.89

HOURS:
Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - midnight
Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.
Sunday, noon - midnight

Parking
2-hour validation from 11 a.m. - 4:59 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
4-hour validation from 5 p.m. - close (Monday-Friday)
4-hour validation on Saturday & Sunday