I went in expecting solid food and drinks.
I left thinking about wings and a burger that’s only available one day a week.
The “Campfire” Wings (Yes, They Light Them on Fire)
Let me start with this:
I am not a big fan of dining room gimmicks.
Lighting food on fire tableside usually feels unnecessary. It’s flashy. It’s often more show than substance.
But then I had the Campfire wings.
They only offer them twice a week. That alone tells you something. This isn’t a permanent menu stunt. It’s controlled. Intentional.
And now, you can order them so they set them ablaze right at your table.
When the fire hits, it’s not just for Instagram.
It adds real char. Real depth. It brings out a smoky edge that you don’t get otherwise. The sugars caramelize. The exterior tightens up. The flavor shifts.
It’s not theater.
It actually changes the wings.
And yes – I’ll admit it – watching your wings go up in flames is fun. It’s one of those moments where the entire table leans in. Phones come out. You grab the photo.
But the difference is this:
If the fire didn’t make them better, I’d call it out.
It makes them better.
That’s why it works.
The Friday-Only Burger
Now let’s talk about the burger.
They only serve it on Fridays.
One day a week.
Why? Because they order a custom beef blend made exclusively for them by a local butcher. They get a limited amount. When it’s gone, it’s gone.
No stretching supply.
No cutting corners.
No freezing patties to make it last.
Just fresh beef, once a week.
And this burger feels like a middle finger to smash burgers everywhere.
Now don’t get me wrong – I love a good smash burger. Crisp edges, diner vibes, all of it.
But this is different.
This is thick.
Juicy.
Deeply beef-forward.
There’s nothing flashy about it. No over-the-top toppings. No gimmicks. The star is the beef.
And when you build around that – when you actually trust the quality of the meat – you don’t need anything else.
It’s confident food.
Lock 1 Distilling isn’t trying to win with trends.
They’re lighting wings on fire – but only because it makes them better.
They’re serving a burger once a week – because that’s what it takes to do it right.
In a world where restaurants often chase volume and convenience, that kind of restraint stands out.
If you go:
Order the Campfire wings.
Go on a Friday for the burger.
And don’t be surprised if you leave thinking about both days later.
📍17 Culvert St., Phoenix, NY 👉 Follow them on Instagram
