The 20 tastiest chicken wings in America

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If variety trumps all in your book, look no further than this chain with 13 locations, mostly in the NYC metro. Started by four brothers in Coney Island, House of Wings slings halal drums and flats with your choice of blue cheese or ranch. The wings are all fried to order, so you’ll be getting the crispiest results every time. Best of all, the shop offers more than 20 sauces and flavor options that range in spiciness, like Cajun, hot honey, and spicy peach. 

Time Out tip: Think you can take the heat? Order your wings with Bay Ridge Burn, a house hot sauce that’s extra fiery (and not for the faint of heart). 

Address: 13 locations across the country (California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York)

Opening hours: Varies by location

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Nestled near Times Square on Restaurant Row, this pandemic-era restaurant has proven its staying power. With influences from Trinidad, Jamaica, Antigua, and beyond on the menu, Jasmine’s is serving real-deal island fare in the heart of New York. The wings are marinated and doused in the house jerk sauce. They’re crisp and charred, thanks to being grilled, and they’re said to deliver a notable kick of spice that’ll keep you going back for more. 

Time Out tip: Save room for plenty of authentic dishes, like escovitch (fried red snapper with spicy vinaigrette sauce), oxtail, and pepper shrimp. 

Address: 371 W. 46th St, New York, NY 10036

Opening hours: Tue 4-11pm; Wed-Thu noon-11pm; Fri noon-11:30pm; Sat 2-11:30pm, Sun 2-11pm

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This is where Korean- and American-style wings unite. Let the consistent crowd at this tiny wing joint be a sign: Deliciousness awaits. The wings are freshly prepared and can come slathered in three different sauces: sticky barbecue, chili-kissed Buffalo, or sesame-soy glaze, also called Seoul Sassy. Dressings aside, the chicken’s quality and flavor speak for themselves, thanks to its juicy interior and craggy, black pepper-dappled exterior.

Time Out tip: You can try the sauces on all sorts of chicken cuts. Think strips (breast tenders), drumsticks, tiny bites, or by the half or whole bird. 

Address: 2940 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11:30am-9pm

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West Philly is home to several Ethiopian restaurants, each more delectable than the last. While some are beloved for their buttery kitfo and berbere-kissed cheesesteaks, Doro Bet’s specialty is fried chicken. It’s battered in a gluten-free teff flour and buttermilk, then finished with your choice of lemon turmeric or spicy berbere seasoning. If it’s a boneless kind of day, there’s a chicken sandwich and tenders on the menu, too. 

Time Out tip: Follow Doro Bet on Instagram to see their Wing Wednesday wing specials. Past limited-time varieties include ginger-turmeric honey glaze, saffron-lemon sweet chili, and shawarma spice. 

Address: 4533 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia PA 19143

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11am-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm

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Tacos, empanadas, and anticuchos await at this sports bar that infuses pub classics with Latin flavor (hello, chimichurri fries, queso blanco grilled cheese, and guava BBQ pulled pork). The wings offer the same range, as they come with your choice of Bodega 88 dry rub, Asian citrus glaze, or Buffalo sauce. Reviewers report that the wings are impressively crispy, and many New Yorkers like them. 

Time Out tip: Happy hour is a daily affair at Bodega 88. Better yet, it happens twice, as there’s a late-night BOGO special on drinks after 10pm.

Address: 573 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am–midnight; Fri 11am-1am; Sat noon–1am; Sun noon–midnight

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One thing about a real-deal barbecue joint? Pitmasters know their way around any protein imaginable, chicken included. Blue Oak champions a number of regional influences, using low-and-slow pit cooking to achieve Texas-caliber brisket in NOLA, for instance. The smoked wings are a tasty departure from the standard breaded-and-fried bar snack. Sauce options are just as intriguing: house Buffalo, inferno, jerk BBQ, kung pao, Sichuan, and fan-favorite spicy rooster sauce.

Time Out tip: If you’re a chicken stan, don’t stop at wings. The BBQ haven’s chicken sandwich—a sweet-and-spicy glazed fried chicken thigh with pickles and ranch on a sesame bun—is equally beloved.

Address: 900 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

Opening hours: Daily 11am-9pm

This wing-and-burger spot launched in 2005 to rave reviews. Since then, two more locations have opened, making its no-frills wings more accessible across Portland. The chicken wings are fresh, never frozen, and raised sans hormones, so they may be smaller than you’re used to. Nevertheless, they’re worth the buy. Sauces range from classic (sweet BBQ, Buffalo) to modern (lime cilantro, spicy peanut, raspberry habanero). Did we mention the ranch and blue cheese dressings are made in-house every day?

Time Out tip: Vegans rejoice. Fire on the Mountain offers both “boneless” plant-based nuggets and vegan drumsticks alike, so you can dig in alongside your meat-eating friends. 

Address: 4225 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97217; 1708 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214; 3443 NE 57th Ave (Fremont), Portland, OR 97213

Opening hours: Daily 11am-11pm at Interstate and Burnside; Sun-Th 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

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Even crispy wing devotees won’t miss the fry on this Boston favorite. Instead of being frittered in hot oil, Monument’s citrusy wings are fire-roasted on wood to charred perfection. As if that weren’t enticing enough, they’re served with Calabrian chili oil and tangy buttermilk ranch for balanced dipping. The wings are so popular that they’re served all day long, including on the midday and late-night menus. 

Time Out tip: Lean towards New England delicacies when they’re available, like the North Shore roast beef sandwich or New England clam bake. 

Address: 251 Main St, Charlestown, MA 02129

Opening hours: Mon-Th 11:30am-midnight; Fri 11:30am-1am; Sat 9am-1am; Sun 9am–midnight

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This SF cornerstone has received several accolades for making some of the best wings in the city—and country. Chalk it up to the way they’re dry-fried, meaning lightly coated in a layer of starch to create an uber-crunchy exterior. At San Tung, which has been serving Chinese food since 1986, they’re deep-fried in a flavorful batter of ginger, garlic, and roasted red peppers. 

Time Out tip: If you prefer your wings hot, ask for the hot braised chicken instead. Those wings are battered, fried, then tossed with garlic, jalapeños, and vegetables. 

Address: 1031 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122

Opening hours: Thu-Mon 11am-3pm, 4:30-8:30pm

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This no-frills mainstay has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, plus has won several awards for its stellar barbecue. That said, any self-respecting Kentucky pit is churning out chicken worth skipping beef for, and Momma’s is one of them. In addition to ribs, chili, burnt ends, and smoked sausage, the resto claims they have the “best wings ever.” They’re dry-rubbed with mainly brown sugar, cornstarch, white sugar, garlic salt, paprika, powdered mustard, and ground cumin. Then, they’re smoked on hickory and flash-fried to order

Time Out tip: Save room for the pulled pork sandwich, which is the most popular order among Yelp reviewers. It comes with your choice of two sides, like green beans, mashed potatoes, or cornbread. 

Address: 102 Bauer Ave, Louisville, KY 40207; 119 S Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40222

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10pm

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This hole-in-the-wall bar is the definition of a local gem. There’s no fancy website or Instagram, and no curated menu to peruse online before going—it’s an IYKYK situation, but far from a secret among locals. The classic Buffalo sauce is a no-brainer for first-timers, but the dry rub is likely the crowd favorite. What some presume is a secret combination of ingredients like Old Bay and paprika turns into a robustly flavorful exterior crust on the humble wings. 

Time Out tip: Want your chicken hotter? Order them by levels of “sexy.” According to regulars on Facebook, each level calls for an extra teaspoon of habanero powder in the seasoning. 

Address: 5508 County Hwy N #3, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Opening hours: Daily 11am-2am

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This pick is a local favorite for crunchy, just-greasy-enough Korean fried chicken wings. And it’s no surprise why, considering Kyochon arguably put Korean-style wings on the map back in 1991. Today, there are stores around the world, including in LA’s K-Town. The double-fried poultry can come brushed with signature soy garlic, red hot (Korean chili), or sweet honey glazes. Alternatively, you can order them coated in five spices, yangnyum (sweet and tangy), naked, or orange-soy sauce. 

Time Out tip: Guests can opt for boneless wings instead of bone-in, as well as order Korean sides like tteokbokki, kimchi, and rice for balance.

Address: 3833 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Opening hours: Sun-Tue, Thu 11am–midnight; Wed 11am-1am; Fri, Sat 11am-2am

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This effortlessly cool Seattle haunt serves some of the city's most scrumptious burgers and fried chicken. It’s been a go-to for decades, but it’s now famous for fried chicken. Whether you want white, dark, or a half-bird, you can savor mild, hot, or very spicy wings with sides like kale Caesar salad or sour cream and onion mashed potatoes. Folks who fancy spice can order the Reaper Bite, a single piece of ridiculously hot fried chicken. That way, they can get in on the challenge without committing to a full basket. 

Time Out tip: For those who want standard Buffalo-tinged wings, follow Triangle Spirits on social media to stay up to date on Wing Wednesday specials. They’re often highlighted alongside a specific whiskey.

Address: 3507 Fremont Pl N, Seattle, WA 98103

Opening hours: Sun 11am-10pm; Mon-Thu 11am–midnight; Fri-Sat 11am-1am

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These Cambodian-style wings are among the craggiest and crunchiest in Philly. They’re deep-fried, then finished in your choice of dizzyingly flavorful lemongrass, sweet chili, or tamarind sauce. The skin is reportedly crackly and bubbly with frittered fat, while the interior remains tender and succulent. As far as non-fried options go, Sophie’s also offers grilled lemongrass-stuffed wings. 

Time Out tip: The grilled meat skewers are among diners’ favorite menu items. The beef skewers come laced with Khmer spices, while the chicken sticks are marinated in coconut curry before hitting the grill. 

Address: 522 Washington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Opening hours: Thu-Mon 11am-9pm

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Twin Tex-pats Justin and Jonathan Fox head this Austin-by-way-of-Atlanta brand. You’ll find dishes from all corners of the American BBQ tapestry on the menu, like chicken-fried pork ribs and pulled pork sammies with fried okra. But don’t skip the chicken wings, which are carefully smoked on hickory wood, then tossed in house wing sauce. They’re crisp, juicy, and arguably steal the show away from other proteins. 

Time Out tip: Inquire about the ATL Style wings (pictured), which are evenly coated in from-scratch hot sauce and dusted with lemon pepper for more acidity.

Address: Five locations in the Atlanta area

Opening hours: Hours vary by location

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The shareable plates and inventive menu at this Chicago selection combine American ingenuity with Asian family-style feasting traditions. With everything from char siu pork belly to kimchi stuffed cabbage on the menu, it may feel daunting to decide on an order. Whatever you choose, don’t skip the everything wings, which come glazed with sweet soy, jaggery, and dried chilis. Bonus? They’re finished with fried shallots and sesame seeds, plus served with tzatziki for dipping instead of ranch. 

Time Out tip: Mott St. does brunch just as seamlessly as evening fare. OpenTable named it one of the top 100 brunch restos in Chicago for 2026. 

Address: 1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-9pm; Fri 5-10pm; Sat 10am-2pm, 4:30-10pm; Sun 10am-2pm, 4:30-9pm

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Maine is a craft beer hub, so if you’re seeking microbrews and inventive bar fare, Great Lost Bear checks all the boxes. Part of the wings’ allure is their price (two pounds for $19.99), plus the fact that they’re fresh and served whole. Flavors include salt and vinegar, garlic parmesan, Thai, extra-spicy hellfire, and fan-favorite PB&J. But the dirty wings are arguably the must-try. They’re basted in hot sauce, then fried, creating a unique crust for a generous dusting of Cajun seasoning. They’re only served on Sundays, so plan accordingly. 

Time Out tip: Save room for the restaurant’s award-winning spicy chili, which is touted as the best in Portland. 

Address: 540 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04101

Opening hours: Daily noon–10am

For inventive spins on Southeast Asian cuisine, look no further than this Denver gem. Chicken wing fans have two options to choose from. As tasty as Thai- or honey garlic-sauced fried wings sound, it’s difficult to pass up the stuffed chicken wings, teeming with pork, lime leaves, veggies, and vermicelli. They come with greens in case you want to make DIY spring rolls before dunking the chicken in fish sauce.

Time Out tip: While it may not be the most classic pairing for wings, know that this spot has a stellar lineup of Vietnamese iced coffees. Varieties include banana, ube, black sesame, and salted cream. 

Address: 2133 S Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80227

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-10pm

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Leave it to this Newton pub to draw a diverse crowd with its 50 years of history and flowing spirits. Differences in age and lifestyle aside, all guests can agree on one thing: the spectacular chicken wings. Buff’s has received top honors from local publications for its fried poultry. Sauce options include peach bourbon BBQ, Carolina gold, and spicy Thai, to name a few, but our top choice is the sweet-and-spicy honey hot. The chicken comes plated nostalgically with blue cheese dressing and celery for dunking. 

Time Out tip: Are you the one person in your friend group who’ll always choose garlic Parmesan over Buffalo? Know that this Boston-area gem serves three wing sauces starring your favorite cheese, including cherry pepper Parm and garlic sriracha Parm. 

Address: 317 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458

Opening hours: Daily 11am-11pm

Los Angeles is home to the best Thai food in America, and Night Market serves some of the tastiest in the city. Chef Kris Yenbamroong draws inspiration from Bangkok's street food culture and northern Thailand's rural culinary traditions. Aside from dishes like crispy five-spice pork belly and spicy spring rolls, the peek gai hey-ha (aka party wings) are most popular. They’re coated in tempura flour, marinated in fish sauce, fried hard for maximum crunch, then coated in a three-flavor sauce that checks all the boxes.

Time Out tip: The crispy rice salad (nam khao tod) was named one of the most essential dishes in L.A. by The New York Times. It comes loaded with sour pork, raw ginger, onion, peanuts, chilis, and cilantro. 

Address: Locations in Silver Lake, Venice, and West Hollywood

Opening hours: Hours vary by location