Taste Of Oklahoma: How Mack's Wings In Tulsa Transforms Simple Into Super

A Tulsa restaurant is frying and shaking up some ultra-crispy wings with unique flavors that bring people from all over Green Country to sample them.

Mack’s Wings at Pine and Peoria sticks to a small menu to make sure each item offered is flawless.

Kimberly and Michael Manning opened Mack’s Wings nearly five years ago simply because they thought Tulsa needed it. With no restaurant experience, this was a risk— one that paid off.

The moment the clock strikes 11 a.m. at Mack’s Wings, it's lunchtime, and the orders start to pour in.

“They’re at the doors in their cars they’re ready," said Tatyanna Roberts.

Back in the kitchen, it takes a team to do the dance of frying, shaking, adding sides, and rushing those hot wings to hungry customers.

Tatyanna Roberts knows what her regulars like and aims to please.

The wings are customizable, and lots of people say the more seasoning and sauce, the better.

“Can I get the whole bottle of dry rub? And we’re like, certainly," said Roberts. 

Kimberly Manning was behind the register on Wednesday.

She co-owns the place with her husband, Michael.

The two met in Atlanta when Kimberly was visiting.

She worked in insurance, he moved to Tulsa and became an attorney, and about five years ago, Michael announced he wanted to open a wing place like the ones back home. 

"I really want to a put a restaurant in there, I was thinking like what?" Kimberly Manning.

“He came up with some the flavors himself which I was impressed with.”

The two opened Mack’s Wings in honor of their teenage daughter Mackenzie, who helps with the restaurant after school.

Michael still works as an attorney, but Kimberly quit her job and plunged headfirst into the wing world.

“It’s a limited menu. It's all about the wings. We have fries, boneless cauliflower, and that's it," said Manning.

Even though the menu is simple, the flavor is anything but.

The fan favorite is the handmade Oklahoma dry rub, which is applied to wings and fries for a burst of spice.

The Mack sauce is another top-secret concoction that is a hit with customers.

But if you’re looking to kick it up a notch, Tatyanna suggests their spiciest flavor, the inferno. It's so spicy, even she doesn't mess with it. 

"It’s just sriracha mixed with buffalo hot. It's crazy.”

The double layers of heat are a knockout– but surprisingly balanced.

Kimberly said the wings are delicious and unique, but what sets Mack’s apart is its ability to bring people from every background into a warm, inviting place where customer service is put at the forefront.

"People come from all over; we have people who drive in from surrounding areas," Manning said.

And even though this restaurant was a risk, Kimberly said she's now seeing the rewards.

“I learned a lot about myself," she said. "I really like serving people and making them happy.”

Story ideas: Kristen.Weaver@griffin.news

Food Instagram: @Kristeats