Chicken wings remain a top choice for sports games and family cookouts across the U.S., with styles ranging from traditional Buffalo sauces to Indonesian ayam goreng kuning and South Korean dakgangjeong. Finding exceptionally juicy and tender wings requires visiting various regional joints and long-standing pubs across the country.
Bob Baumhower and Winky’s Wings Lead the Way in Alabama and Alaska
Baumhower’s Victory Grille in Alabama was founded in 1981 by former NFL defensive tackle Bob Baumhower. The bar is known for its scratch-made sauces and hormone-free bone-in wings, alongside hand-breaded boneless options. The chain secured top honors at the 2024 Best of Pike County Awards and the 2025 Best of Baldwin Awards, and Only in Your State crowned it Alabama’s best wings for 2026.
In Anchorage, Alaska, family-run Winky’s Wings serves a delectable range of wings alongside Cajun cuisine. The Anchorage Daily News highlights the Inferno heat level for its kicky, crunchy, and buttery profile, while other patrons favor the garlic Parmesan or Cajun dry rub.
The Dirty Drummer and Chick’n Headz Serve Phoenix and Bentonville
The Dirty Drummer in Phoenix, Arizona, has operated since 1975, earning Best of Phoenix honors for its bar food and wings. The neighborhood joint features 20 beers on tap, live music, and wing flavors like teriyaki, honey hot, and the sweet and spicy Red Gold.
In Bentonville, Arkansas, Chick’n Headz specializes in homestyle wings and catfish. Founded in 2020, the family-owned restaurant is endorsed by Visit Bentonville for football season bites, with regulars recommending the ranch, hot honey mustard, and lemon pepper sauces alongside waffle fries.
Shlap Muan and Jim’s Wings Bring Bold Flavors to California and Colorado
Shlap Muan Chicken Wings operates as a family-owned Cambodian joint in California, offering crunchy and meaty chicken enhanced by bold seasonings. Eater LA, the Long Beach Post, and the SF Chronicle have highlighted the restaurant, where Yelp named it a top eatery in the county and country for crowd favorites like Cambodian Dirt and Dirty Elvis wings.
In Fort Collins, Colorado, Jim’s Wings has served scratch-made wings and monthly sauces since 1991. The restaurant has earned top honors from local publications including the Fort Collins Coloradoan and NOCO Style, drawing customers who pair the wings with classic onion rings.
J. Timothy’s Taverne and Kid Shelleen’s Anchor Connecticut and Delaware
J. Timothy’s Taverne in Plainville, Connecticut, operates out of a building dating to 1789 and was inducted into the Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2011. The restaurant serves over 400 tons of wings yearly, highlighted by its double-fried, double-sauced Dirt Wings, which have been featured on the Food Network and the Travel Channel.
In Wilmington, Delaware, Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon has offered jumbo wings and charcoal-grilled burgers since 1983. The spot has secured multiple Best of Delaware honors from Delaware Today for flavor combinations like honey Old Bay and sweet chili chipotle BBQ.
Papa Bees and The Local Offer Award-Winning Sauces in Florida and Georgia
Papa Bees in Longwood, Florida, dates to the early 1980s and offers over 30 house-made sauce combinations, including honey garlic and spicy teriyaki. Recognized in Orlando Weekly’s Best of Orlando 2025, the family-owned business draws customers who drive hours for the wings and freshly made curly fries.
In Atlanta, Georgia, The Local operates a 21-plus karaoke dive bar recognized by Eater Atlanta and Atlanta Magazine. The establishment serves house-smoked wings with lemon pepper and rotating monthly flavors like Jamaican jerk BBQ and ghost pepper Buffalo.
Wing Kings Maui and Belmont Brew House Represent Hawaii and Idaho
Wing Kings Maui, a food truck founded in 2019, won best wings at the Best of Maui 2025 awards and a 2026 KHON2 poll. The truck serves ultra-crispy wings smothered in classic and bold sauces, paired with local fruit tropical drinks.
In Garden City, Idaho, Belmont Brew House draws crowds to its 43 craft-beer taps and exceptional wings. The dog-friendly spot won the 2025 gold medal for best chicken wings and the silver medal for best happy hour from Boise Favorites.
Gators Wing Shack and Ale Emporium Serve Illinois and Indiana
Gators Wing Shack Grill & Pizzeria in Palatine, Illinois, serves golden and evenly coated wings that have earned honors at Chicago’s annual WingFest and a Best of 2026 Award from BusinessRate. Regulars frequently recommend the original Buffalo and jalapeño BBQ flavors.
Ale Emporium in Indiana, founded in 1982, offers local beers and wings paired with four award-winning, secret Herman sauces. The sports bar has been featured on “America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow” and Axios Indianapolis, collecting top regional honors from iHeartRadio and FOX59.
Jethro’s BBQ and Woodyard Bar-B-Que Deliver Slow-Smoked Wings in Iowa and Kansas
Jethro’s BBQ in Iowa is celebrated for slow-smoked wings and pork ribs, earning consistent best wings titles from Cityview alongside a feature on Food Network’s “Man v. Food.” FinanceBuzz also named it Iowa’s most-beloved BBQ joint.
Woodyard Bar-B-Que in Kansas City, Kansas, offers slow-smoked jumbo wings with monthly garlic Parmesan flavors and daily specials like $1 wings. Spotlighted by Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations,” the restaurant is recommended by the Food Network in its guide on what to eat in Kansas.
Momma’s BBQ and Bayou Hot Wings Bring Southern Style to Kentucky and Louisiana
Momma’s Mustard, Pickles & BBQ in Louisville, Kentucky, serves Kansas City-style barbecue and was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” The restaurant was named best BBQ by the Courier-Journal in 2022 and Best of Louisville in 2025, alongside 2026 nods from Time Out and Southern Living.
Bayou Hot Wings in New Orleans, Louisiana, was founded in 2011 and features wings brined for 24 hours. Recognized multiple times by Eater New Orleans, the shop serves its seasoned chicken alongside house-made dips and sides.
The Great Lost Bear and Delia Foley’s Pub Represent Maine and Maryland
The Great Lost Bear in Portland, Maine, opened in 1979 and offers craft beers alongside substantial wings and house-made black pepper Parmesan dips. The pub’s Sunday-only Dirty Wings earned a spot on Time Out’s 2026 list of the best chicken wings in America.
Delia Foley’s Pub in Baltimore, Maryland, is an Irish bar celebrated for smoked wings, craft beers, and signature cocktails. The venue has collected awards from local competitions and recognitions from CBS News and 24/7 Wall St.
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