Woodie's Flat Debuts Malort BBQ Wings in Chicago
The Old Town sports bar is serving a limited-time wing flavor featuring the polarizing local liqueur.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Barbecue
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Would you try a wing flavor featuring the polarizing local spirit Malort?
As of October 2026, Woodie's Flat in Old Town has added Malort-infused barbecue chicken wings to its menu. These unique wings are available for a limited time through the end of the month.
Why it matters
The addition highlights a creative collaboration between classic smoked barbecue techniques and the iconic, often-polarizing taste of Chicago's signature spirit.
The wings are smoked for 2 hours over a blend of hickory and applewood before undergoing a double-fry process. They are seasoned with a signature spice rub and coated in the custom Malort-barbecue sauce.
The players
Woodie's Flat
This sports bar located in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood is known for its award-winning wing menu.
The details
The wings are prepared by smoking them for two hours over hickory and applewood, followed by a double-frying method to achieve their signature texture. Each batch is coated in a house-made spice rub and finished with the Malort-spiked barbecue sauce.
Timeline
The Malort wings became available starting October 2026.
The promotion is scheduled to end on October 31, 2026.
Culture Shift
This culinary experiment reflects a growing trend in Chicago of elevating the city's cult-favorite, notoriously bitter Malort liqueur into mainstream food culture. It signifies a playful departure from traditional sauce profiles in favor of hyper-local, recognizable, and social media-friendly flavor collaborations.
Chicago residents interested in trying the wings must visit the Old Town location before the end of October. These wings are a seasonal addition, meaning they will leave the menu permanently after the October 31 deadline.
The takeaway
Diners should be prepared for a distinct, bitter flavor profile that is characteristic of the regional spirit used in the sauce. It is recommended to try these wings as a novelty experience while the limited-time promotion remains active.
Further reading
Explore the local culinary scene by checking out our Barbecue section for more spots to grab wings in the city.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
Live Poll
Would you try a wing flavor featuring the polarizing local spirit Malort?
