Restaurant Review: Hurricane Grill and Wings in Pt. Jefferson, NY

Chicken wings are one of America's favorite appetizers and they come in more flavors than you can imagine. Hurricane Grill & Wings of Pt. Jefferson Station in Long Island, New York is a taste of Florida's tropical Treasure Coast right here in the chilly north. With an island atmosphere and an award winning array of over 35 exhilarating varieties of wings, Hurricane Grill & Wings is a great place for a pleasurable evening of casual dining.

I had the opportunity to visit Hurricane Grill & Wings a couple of times in recent months. The tropical atmosphere was evident from the moment I stepped into the waiting area, with island scenes all around and reggae music playing in the background. Both times I was greeted with a smile and was told there'd be a short wait for a table at this busy eatery.

Waiting in the small, comfortable vestibule, one can peruse the restaurant's signature wing menu posted on the wall. The varieties of wing sauces available, either for dipping or cooked right on the wings, are categorized via the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane scale, with five categories of mouthwatering choices. Here's a look at some of the enticing flavors available on the Hurricane Wing's menu:

Category 1: Mild and Sweet

These flavor sauces are for those who prefer the mild to the wild, and include such choices as raspberry sauce, salt and vinegar, Teriyaki glaze, and Mango BBQ.

Category 2: Warming Trend

Now we're starting to add a tiny bit of heat to the wings, with Medium Hurricane Sauce ("a slightly warm blend of buttery flavor and hot sauce"), Raspberry Ice (with horseradish), and Lemon Pepper Glaze.

Category 3: Ready for the Rush

The essence of these wings is the slightest of heat, with mildly spicy blends including Cajun, Fire and Ice (horseradish and hot sauce), Gold Rush (a mixture of honey mustard with some heat thrown in) and Ancho Chile Lime Sauce (with chile peppers, cilantro, citrus and garlic).

Category 4: Proceed with Caution

Here's where only serious spice lovers dare to order, with Extra Hot Hurricane Sauce, Jamaican Jerk and Honey Chipotle Barbecue.

Category 5: Seek Shelter

There are only two sauces in this hottest of wing categories, Ridiculously Hot Hurricane Sauce and Habanero Lime Toss, only for the bravest of the brave.

Hurricane Grill & Wings offers its wings in both traditional and boneless varieties and they offer handy napkin dispensers and even a moist towelette for the much needed wipes in between delectable bites. On both trips, my dining partners and I ordered a Flavor Sampler of 20 wings with 4 different sauces,, of course the sauces were different on both trips as I'd love to sample all of them one day.

Of course, Hurricane Grill & Wings is best known for its wonderful array of wing varieties, but they also offer up a nice selection of appetizers, salads, burgers, seafood and sandwiches for those who prefer to not to indulge in the wings.

Hurricane Grill & Wings has locations in five states around the country and their only New York restaurant is located at 1037 Rte. 112 in Pt. Jefferson Station. Check out their website here .

*Note- Portions of this review were previously published on Examiner.com.