Exploring Top Chicken Wing Destinations in the U.S.

Chicken wings are an essential part of American cuisine, particularly during football season. Variations of this beloved dish have expanded far beyond their origins in Buffalo, New York, where they gained popularity in the 1960s. Today, creative takes on chicken wings can be found nationwide, often earning notable praise and awards.

The Takeout recently shared a list of top chicken wing locations across the country. This selection was based on factors such as customer reviews, reader polls, local news coverage, and wing events. Here are five outstanding destinations from Oregon to New York that are recognized for their exceptional chicken wings.

Fire on the Mountain in Portland, Oregon

This eatery, established in 2005, is renowned for its unique sauce offerings. Flavors include Spicy Peanut, Raspberry Habanero, and Jamaican Jerk. The Buffalo Lime Cilantro sauce claimed first place in the Creative Spicy category at the 2018 National Buffalo Wing Festival. That same year, the restaurant earned third in the Craft Wings category. Fire on the Mountain also features a rotating “sauce of the month,” along with vegan wing options.

Scovilles in Salt Lake City, Utah

Named after the Scoville scale, which measures chili pepper spiciness, Scovilles offers both fiery and mild options. Choices range from intense Ghost Pepper and Carolina Reaper rubs to gentler Cajun Honey BBQ and Buffalo Cilantro Lime flavors. In 2025, “Best of Utah” awards honored Scovilles with “Best Wings” for their flavor and crispiness.

Wings, Etc. in Topeka, Kansas

This restaurant is a regular in the chicken wing spotlight. For five consecutive years, from 2020 to 2024, it was awarded “Best Wings” by the Topeka Capital-Journal’s Community Choice. In 2021, it earned the “Twisted Wing King” title at the Topeka Wing Fling, noted for its Buffalo sauce combined with a lime-pepper rub. Customers particularly enjoy their Hot-Honey Garlic and Tweener sauces, according to The Takeout.

Ale Emporium in Indianapolis, Indiana

Since 1982, Ale Emporium has been serving Indianapolis with their popular Hermanaki wings. This dish features crispy, sweet, and spicy jumbo wings covered in a delicate spice blend and a house teriyaki sauce. Axios Indianapolis gave a nod to their traditional Buffalo wings in 2024.

Bar-Bill Tavern in Buffalo, New York

As the birthplace of the Buffalo wing, the city offers no shortage of incredible wing spots. Although Bar-Bill Tavern didn’t originate the Buffalo wing, it ranks among the best in the area, as recognized by locals and Visit Buffalo Niagara. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen shared in 2019 that it is his preferred spot for wings, according to Barstool Sports Radio.

Sadie Chafe is part of the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.