Think all wings are spicy and dry and better left as an appetizer? Think again. Cousin Vinnie’s World Famous Wings in Leesburg proves that winging lunch or dinner is one very delicious decision.
The potato salad should have been a sign. The freshly made red potato and dill salad tastes better than what you’d find at a family picnic, and next to the crispy tuna salad with almonds and chicken salad with dried cranberries in the Salad Trio, it’s impossible to decide which one is best.
Yes, Cousin Vinnie’s World Famous Wings is onto something big, and the potato salad is just the beginning.
“That’s my mom’s recipe,” explains owner Cynde Vittoria with a smile as she brings over the Philaduffalo Chicken & Cheese Dip, a delicious cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, shredded chicken, and Colby Jack cheese mix, served with a pile of tortilla chips for dipping.
This family-owned Leesburg restaurant, conveniently located on Hwy 441, has quickly garnered a loyal following since its opening last July. In fact, neither the pouring rain nor the Kentucky-Florida game could keep diners away on this balmy September night. Surrounded by framed caricatures of the Vittorias’ family and friends on the walls, patrons of all ages visibly enjoyed their meals, with frequent nods of approval while they ate. Owner Vinnie Vittoria, the restaurant’s namesake, is a flurry of energy and enthusiasm as he brings out items from the kitchen himself and meets every request personally—an extra side of blue cheese here, another Spicy Sausage and Cheese Fire Balls order there.
After the salad and chips-and-dip intro, Vinnie arrives with the restaurant’s star attraction—a plate of piping hot wings smothered in a mild Garlic Buffalo sauce. Cousin Vinnie’s always-fresh, never-frozen wings come with a choice of 24 sauces made fresh daily, including 17 without heat. From Buffalo, Barbecue, and Wild Mustard to Hawaiian Jerk, Parmesan, and Cajun, there’s a flavor for every palate here. Even healthy eaters will be pleased—every wing is fried in trans-fat-free oil.
“Nobody has them as fresh as us. Nobody has them as big as us. And nobody has 24 sauces like us,” says Vinnie.
And no wing restaurant, he adds, offers prices like Cousin Vinnie’s. Between the already-low prices—10 wings for just $7.99—and the daily specials throughout the week, the whole family can eat for a remarkably reasonable price. In honor of Monday Night Football, the Monday Madness special features discounts on large orders, including 45 wings for only $26.99. Every appetizer is half-price on Wacky Wednesday, and guests enjoy a free beer on Thirsty Thursday with any wing purchase.
When guests aren’t in the mood for fresh, juicy wings, the Chicken Parmesan Sub with freshly prepared chicken tenders or the phenomenal Philly Cheese Steak sandwich made with sliced sirloin steak fits the bill.
“I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better Philly Cheese Steaks than ours,” says Vinnie.
Thanks to Cousin Vinnie’s World Famous Wings, you’ll never have to leave town again for savory wings or a Philly Cheese Steak. Or Mom’s potato salad.
“I was raised to put love in my food,” Cynde says as she clears the now-empty plates, “so everything is made with love and pride here.”
Cousin Vinnie’s World Famous Wings
10700 U.S. Highway 441, Ste. 101
(across from Lake Square Mall and Home Depot)
Leesburg, FL 34788
(352) 253-2442
Open 11am–9pm, 7 days a week
Dine-in, take-out, and catering available
