Americans adore chicken wings. Across the country, this meal has evolved from simple bar food to symbolizing regional flavor and culinary innovation. Each state flaunts a unique profile—smoky, spicy, sweet, and more. This list is your passport to the finest wings in the United States.
Alabama, Saw’s BBQ
Saw’s smokes its jumbo wings before flash-frying and tossing them in a tangy Alabama white sauce that’s creamy and utterly distinctive. The result is a Southern specialty that changes every person’s mind on what traditional buffalo wings should taste like.
Alaska, Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
The exceptional wings at Anchorage’s famous Moose’s Tooth are defined by crispy exteriors that lock in juicy meat. They double fry house-brined chicken wings to perfection and serve them with various scratch-made sauces, from mild to fiery.
Arizona, ATL Wings
After a 24-hour marinade, each wing at Phoenix’s ATL Wings is cooked to order. There are no pre-made batches. The lemon pepper dry rub consistently earns raves from wing enthusiasts nationwide, but you can choose from 18 flavors.
Arkansas, Foghorn’s Wings, Burgers & More!
Foghorn’s has over 50 wing flavors, so chances are high you’ll get your preferred flavor here. Visitors can choose between traditional bone-in and boneless wings and have them fried or grilled. Among their 40 sauces is the award-winning Acid Rain sauce.
California, San Tung
Lines form around the block for San Francisco’s legendary dry-fried wings at San Tung. A proprietary mix of garlic, ginger, and secret spices coats these wings before double-frying for a sticky caramelized exterior. Even celebrity chefs visit for these wings.
Colorado, Fire On The Mountain
Denver’s top wing spot has twelve homemade sauces, from mild to wild, to satisfy every craving. What sets them apart is their dedication to sustainability—every wing comes from free-range chickens, and they prioritize local ingredients whenever possible.
Connecticut, J. Timothy’s Tavern
This tavern has earned national acknowledgment for its “dirt wing” technique. This unique cooking method—where wings are fried, sauced, and then fried again—caramelizes the sauce and produces an exceptional depth of flavor. These wings are featured on numerous food shows.
Delaware, Crooked Hammock
While craft lovers will find good drinks at Crooked Hammock Brewery, their Pineapple Express wings will easily make any wing lover return for more. Infused with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, it’s like a tropical twist.
Florida, Sports Grill
Since 1987, Miami wing lovers have flocked to Sports Grill for their “Special Grilled” wings. Grilling after frying ensures a unique caramelized exterior. Their signature Dale sauce combines sweet and spicy elements that perfectly capture Florida’s multicultural flavors.
Georgia, The Wing Bar
The Wing Bar in Atlanta has garnered accolades for its handcrafted sauces and commitment to quality. Serving antibiotic-free and fresh (never frozen) wings, it offers a range of flavors, including its famous Hot Honey and Mild Buffalo.
Hawaii, Soul Chicken
This Korean-style fried chicken restaurant in Honolulu is popular for its crispy and flavorful wings. Their menu caters to diverse palates by featuring a variety of sauces. The best ones? Sweet and spicy Yang Nyeom and the fiery Hell’s Gate.
Idaho, The Lift
Here, there is a variety of sauces and rubs to cater to every spice level. Their crispy, flavorful wings are perfect for a cold drink on game day. Moreover, the laid-back atmosphere and great service make it a must-visit.
Illinois, Buffalo Joe’s
This Evanston staple is known for its spicy Buffalo wings, and its range of heat levels tends to be mild and adventurous. It’s a flavor experience not to be missed, especially when paired with their signature sauces, loved by locals.
Indiana, Keystone Sports Review
Indianapolis’s oldest sports bar has been perfecting wings since 1951. The magic here lies in the breading, which is crushed saltine crackers for an unmatched crisp. This unique Hoosier technique locks in moisture and delivers highly crunchy and juicy wings.
Iowa, Jethro’s BBQ
Wings undergo a three-hour hickory smoke before a quick flash-fry for an incredible depth of flavor in this place. This slow-and-fast method achieves richness that standard frying can’t match. With six regional BBQ sauces, visitors have options to choose from.
Kansas, The Peanut
Jumbo whole wings—drumette and flat connected—soak in a 24-hour marinade for unmatched flavor at Kansas City’s oldest bar. Their legendary hot sauce recipe has remained unchanged since 1933, a witness to timeless perfection, and the wings are massive.
Kentucky, Momma’s Mustard, Pickles & BBQ
Louisville’s award-winning wings get their signature Kentucky flair from bourbon barrel wood smoking. A bold dry rub of coffee and bourbon-infused spices creates deep, complex flavors that epitomize the Bluegrass State. Multiple regional competition wins are proof that they’re exceptional.
Louisiana, Bayou Hot Wings
Cajun flavors are flaunted here. Their signature “Bayou BBQ” sauce highlights local ingredients like Steen’s cane syrup and Louisiana-grown peppers. For the fearless, the notorious “Voodoo” sauce, a fiery blend of five peppers, pushes the limits of spice tolerance.
Maine, Binga’s Wingas
This go-to wing spot takes flavor to the next level with a 48-hour brew marinade followed by maple wood smoking. The sauces are made from scratch and infused with Maine-harvested ingredients like wild blueberries and maple syrup.
Maryland, Kislings Tavern
Kislings Tavern perfectly balances heat and sweetness with its signature wings tossed in a house-made sauce. This meal stands out in Maryland for winning multiple awards. A lively atmosphere and commitment to quality keep locals and visitors coming back.
Massachusetts, Buff’s Pub
Celebrity chef Ming Tsai counts Buffalo wings here as his guilty pleasure. Boston Magazine crowned them the best wings in the region. Since 1977, this bar has been perfecting Buffalo wings with a precise 375-degree Fahrenheit fry that guarantees crispiness.
Michigan, Sweetwater Tavern
A secret herb marinade has set this Detroit wing institution apart since 1982. By never freezing their wings, they lock in tenderness and maximize flavor absorption. A unique steaming process before flash-frying ensures juicy meat beneath a spice-coated skin.
Minnesota, D-Spot
At St. Paul’s most innovative wing spot, over 100 bold flavors challenge the adventurous palate. Chef Darin Koch crafts unexpected combinations like “Black Widow” (blackberry-chipotle) and “Tsunami” (curry-coconut-basil). With a precise, scientific approach, each sauce’s viscosity perfectly coats every wing.
Mississippi, Murky Waters BBQ
These Gulfport wings, slow-smoked over pecan wood, are a true barbecue masterpiece. A quick flash-fry adds the perfect crunch before they’re coated in Mississippi-style sauces that balance multiple flavors. The wings here are rooted in Gulf Coast barbecue traditions.
Missouri, Pappy’s Smokehouse
Pappy’s Smokehouse takes wings to a whole new level. Each piece is smoked low over apple and cherry wood, which results in deep flavor layers. A signature glaze added at the finish delivers enough kick to make these wings stand out nationally.
Montana, Desperado Sports Tavern
Missoula’s top-wing joint brings Montana’s natural bounty with locally inspired flavors. With accolades like “Best Wings in Missoula” and “Best Wings in the State,” you can only expect peak quality servings. Desperado’s “Sissy Sauce” is a must-try.
Nebraska, Cappy’s Hotspot Bar & Grill
Wing enthusiasts are in for a treat at Cappy’s. Their jumbo wings are plump and meaty and can be enjoyed bare or smothered in one of 27 signature sauces or rubs. They have multiple menu options, including classic Buffalo.
Nevada, Voodoo Wing Company
In Las Vegas, Voodoo Wing Company stands out with its daring and inventive wing flavors. The “Voodoo” sauce is a perfect mix of heat and sweetness and has earned a loyal following. Visit to find out what the rave is about.
New Hampshire, Wing-Itz
Their signature “Maple Bacon” flavor features New Hampshire maple syrup reduced with applewood-smoked bacon and delivers a uniquely New England take on wing perfection. Using hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken as the base for their house-made sauces, Wing-Itz prioritizes quality.
New Jersey, Peck Peck
Peck Peck in Teaneck specializes in authentic Korean-style chicken wings. Their soy garlic wings are particularly noteworthy. Beyond the crispy exterior is a flawless balance of sweet and savory that lovers of Korean wings can’t get enough of.
New Mexico, The Owl Bar & Cafe
This bar sets the gold standard for Hatch green chile wings. They soak their chicken wings in a chile-laced buttermilk marinade before dusting them with a custom spice blend. A drizzle of local honey rounds out the flavor, forming a fiery yet perfectly balanced taste.
New York, Anchor Bar
Buffalo Wings, as we know them, started here. In 1964, Teressa Bellissimo created the now-iconic blend of Frank’s RedHot sauce and butter to serve a late-night snack. More than half a century later, the original recipe remains unchanged.
North Carolina, Seoul Food Meat Co.
Korean and Southern flavors meet at this spot, where wings are double-fried for unbeatable crunch. Bold sauces bridge both worlds, with “Carolina Gold” fusing with tangy mustard barbecue and rich gochujang for a layered balance of spice and sugar.
North Dakota, Sickies Garage
At this Fargo joint, wing-making is a craft perfected through meticulous technique. A full day of brining retains deep flavor, while air-drying before frying guarantees crunchiness. Their signature “Burn Out” sauce blends locally grown chiles and rich Dakota honey.
Ohio, Roosters
Since 1988, this Columbus staple has mastered the art of simple, perfectly executed wings. The proprietary breading, made from over 20 spices, adds depth before the wings even hit the fryer. These wings are cooked fresh and never frozen.
Oklahoma, The Garage
The Garage, known for its burgers, also serves some of Oklahoma’s best wings. Their crispy, perfectly sauced wings include Buffalo and sweet Sriracha. With a casual, fun vibe and a great drink selection, it’s an ideal spot for wing lovers in the State.
Oregon, Pok Pok
When Chef Andy Ricker introduced Vietnamese-style wings to Portland, he changed the game. Before frying wings to caramelized perfection, this spot marinates them in fish sauce and palm sugar. That’s why Pok Pop chicken wings have a deep umami flavor balanced with sweetness.
Pennsylvania, Federal Donuts
Fried chicken and donuts may seem weird, but this Philadelphia eatery proves it’s perfect. Wings soak in a herbed buttermilk bath for 24 hours before being twice-fried for peak crispness. You can enjoy dry seasonings like “Za’atar” and “Shabazzi.”
Rhode Island, Boneheads Wing Bar
Freshly made to order, these wings embrace the comforting flavors of Italian-American cooking and show the state’s love for strong flavors. Their signature “Rhode Island” style coats each wing in rich garlic butter before a final dusting of parmesan and herbs.
South Carolina, Home Team BBQ
Wings here are smoked over oak and hickory for three hours to absorb deep, rich flavor before getting tossed in a tangy, mustard-laced Alabama white sauce. The result is a bite that’s as smoky as it is creamy.
South Dakota, Circus Sports Bar & Grill
Popular for its delicious Hot Wings, this local favorite offers a variety of flavors, including mild, medium, hot, Buffalo BBQ, sweet BBQ, and garlic parmesan. Regulars and travelers appreciate their wings’ juicy and crisp texture.
Tennessee, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Nashville’s legendary hot chicken culture extends to wings at this fiery institution. A cayenne-heavy paste gets slathered onto freshly fried wings and delivers a slow-building, sweat-inducing burn. The overnight marinade ensures that every inch carries bold flavor.
Texas, Pluckers Wing Bar
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and these wings are no exception. Oversized and hand-breaded, they’re served with creative sauces that highlight Texas flavors. Standing out here is a Dr Pepper glaze, made by reducing the soda into a rich, sticky sauce.
Utah, Trolley Wing Company
What began as a quirky trolley car eatery in 2000 has become a Salt Lake City institution. Their brew-brined wings retain moisture while the honey habanero sauce (locally harvested honey) delivers a slow-building warmth with natural depth.
Vermont, Archie’s Grill
Vermont’s signature flavors shine in these locally inspired wings. Maple syrup from nearby farms is reduced with fermented chili paste to create a rich, smoky-sweet glaze. A side of house-made buttermilk ranch crafted with Vermont dairy completes the experience.
Virginia, Mookie’s BBQ
Smoked low and slow over hickory and cherry wood, these wings achieve the ideal balance of tenderness and crispness. A final toss in their signature Virginia-style sauce, infused with apple cider, gives a sweet-tangy finish.
Washington, Tamarind Tree
Vietnamese flavors redefine chicken wings at this Seattle favorite. Marinated in fish sauce and lemongrass, the wings crisp up beautifully before being coated in a sweet-savory glaze. The result is a perfectly balanced dish that showcases this area’s love for global influences.
West Virginia, Clutch Wing Shop
This spot taps into Appalachian ingredients to set itself apart. Sorghum molasses and bourbon create the base for the “Wild & Wonderful” sauce, which gets a fiery boost from three types of peppers. Over 20 other sauces are available here.
Wisconsin, Points East Pub
Flawless execution makes them Milwaukee’s most famous pub for wings. It starts with a slow fry, followed by a turn on the grill to develop smoky, caramelized edges. Their one-and-only house sauce, a well-guarded secret, delivers tangy, buttery heat.
Wyoming, The Library Sports Grille & Brewery
Wings get the royal treatment in Wyoming with a house-brewed brine and a slow applewood smoke. The result? Incredibly juicy, flavor-packed wings. Each batch finishes with bold sauces like their signature “High Plains Honey Hot”—a sweet-heat classic that’s pure Wyoming pride.
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