Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar in Brookings opened its doors Aug. 20 and is ready to “WOW” taste buds with its authentic Buffalo-style wings and 14 different signature sauces.

“B-Dubs,” as the restaurant is often affectionately called, is a sports bar with a full menu featuring everything from salads and appetizers to burgers and a variety of specialty items.

Buffalo Wild Wings has been one of Travis Morris’ favorite restaurants for years. Morris, an electronics engineering technology major from New York, has been looking forward to its opening ever since he heard it was coming to Brookings last year.

“My favorite thing at Buffalo Wild Wings is the wings,” he said. “I’ve been to many different places but the sauce there is definitely the best. I like the parmesan garlic and honey BBQ flavors most and sometimes even buy them to use as marinades at home.”

The restaurant chain, born in Kent, Ohio in 1981 by “two guys driven by hunger,” describes itself as one of the 10 fastest growing chains in the country. Headquartered in Minneapolis, there are 825 locations in 47 states and is the fifth location to open in South Dakota, following Rapid City, Watertown and a pair of locations in Sioux Falls.

Buffalo Wild Wings has been much anticipated since discussions about it began in 2010. On Aug. 30, 2011, the Brookings City Council voted to grant Buffalo Wild Wings a liquor license and the restaurant chain made its decision official.

The Brookings restaurant spans approximately 5,500 square feet and most locations range between 4,000 and 7,000 square feet. It features a full bar and a three-seasons “porch” along the east side, with shutters or removable panels that can be opened in mild weather for open-air dining.

Buffalo Wild Wings is located in the Village Square Shopping Center next to Dunham’s Sports, just a short walk from campus. The restaurant opens every day at 11 a.m. and closes anywhere from 1 to 2 a.m.