As Burger King is to McDonald's, Cincinnati-based Buffalo Wings & Rings is the chain-thorn in the side to sports bar/wingery, Buffalo Wild Wings. "Wild" technically cornered the market first, now with more than 300 restaurants in 32 states. But Wings & Rings is hot on its heels, named the fastest growing chain by Restaurant Business Magazine in 2008, now with only 50 locales, though boasting a possible once-a-week opening statistic by 2011.

Wings and Rings owner, recent French immigrant Phil Schram, has stated that his franchise aims to be more food-centric, but its sauce selection is blasphemous at half the choices of "Wild," considering the man comes from the land of sauces. And even if it is a Chicago-franchise specific exception, setting up shop walking distance from the "Cell" and hosting bags tournaments are not exactly the next Zagat parameters.

Combined with at least three booze specials a day, from $5 bombs to $4 shots of Jameson, poking out of every booth in laminated fashion, it wouldn't be absurd to call Schram a teller of tall tales. Aside from some gyros, there is no burger, wrap or fried starter that Wings & Rings has that "Wild" isn't already making, most of the time with more creative ingredients. Though on Tuesdays and Wednesdays the namesake dish goes for 49 cents a wing.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Gavin Paul