Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached the greatest time of the year: the NFL playoffs.

And with the NFL playoffs rocking and rolling, it also means another one of our favorite pastimes is in full swing, devouring massive amounts of calories every weekend.

There's nothing like a giant spread on a football playoff weekend, especially when the weather is horrendous. It's all delicious and super filling. However, there is one that stands out from the rest. One food so synonymous and popular with the sport that it can cause food supply issues. I'm talking about chicken wings.

Who doesn't love devouring a perfectly fried, smoked, or grilled wings? Perhaps it's oozing in sauce or is perfectly dry-seasoned. Maybe it's a buffalo wing, or Thai Chili. The versatility is endless with this incredible vessel.

As we get deeper into the NFL playoffs, it's no wonder that more articles continue to come out about the wonderful world of wings.

The popular website Cheapism decided to put this list together a list of the best places to find wings all across the country. Maine's selection was a home run. This restaurant has incredible wings, and so much more. The menu is vast, the beer selection homemade, and the ambiance mighty fine at all of its locations. Maine's selection was the iconic Gritty McDuff's Brew Pub.

Gritty McDuff's (or 'Gritty's') has been a Maine staple ever since opening in its first brewpub in Portland in 1988. Gritty's has since opened two more locations, and are all a welcoming spot for all kinds, including families.

Gritty's is also known for being a major influence in craft beer's rise in popularity. It was one of the very first craft breweries in Maine, a state that has become synonymous with the industry.

But Gritty's is much more than beer. The food menu is outstanding. Burgers, sandwiches, legendary chicken fingers, and delicious nachos are just some of the highlights at this iconic joint. However, it's the delicious chicken wings that take the cake.

Gritty McDuff's via Facebook
Gritty McDuff's via Facebook
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The perfectly cooked wings come in a variety of flavors, including a few that utilize the brewpub's famous beer. I'm not lying when I say there is a flavor for everyone when it comes to these tasty treats.

But don't just take my word for it. Here is an excerpt from Cheapism's article on why the Gritty's came in the top spot for Maine wing superiority.

Gritty's treats its customers to wings tossed in Buffalo, Thai chili, teriyaki, smoky barbecue, garlic parmesan, "XXX" hot sauce, and cinnamon chipotle or Cajun dry rubs. We're partial to the beer in the barbecue sauce and the simplicity of a salt-and-vinegar rub.

That beer would be Gritty's Black Fly Stout, which is a perfect combination with barbecue sauce. It's like the beer was specifically designed for wings.

Gritty McDuff's via Facebook
Gritty McDuff's via Facebook
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Welp, now I'm ready to devour some wings. I guess it's time to make a trip to Portland, Freeport, or Auburn and grab some Gritty's wings for the games.

Congrats to Gritty's on the honor. It's always great to see a small Maine business get the recognition it deserves.

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Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

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