Succulent, saucy wings are an essential on game day – and a menu must-have at bars and restaurants across the USA. Between flats and drums, smoked and deep-fried, and Asian sticky sauce and Alabama white sauce, there are countless ways these meaty morsels can be cooked up and served. Feeling hungry? Don’t wing it. We've found the best spot in every state to eat the deliciously messy meal.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the most drool-worthy, finger-licking chicken wings in every single US state.

Our ranking is based on restaurant reviews, awards and accolades, and on the opinions of our well-traveled (and well-fed) team. The list is unavoidably subjective.

Classic American-style lunch spot Yo’ Mama’s Restaurant absolutely nails its hot wing recipe, with the crispiest chicken you’ve ever eaten tossed in a lip-smacking savory, sweet, and spicy sauce and served with French fries, bread, and ranch sauce. The restaurant also offers a golden fried version, which you can opt to have with Belgian waffles, fresh fruit, and syrup. 

A pizza restaurant might not be your first choice for killer wings, but diners at Moose’s Tooth are keen to recommend the house special here. Sold by the pound, the joint's wings are available with a choice of two sauces: spicy Korean, and tongue-tinglingly hot habanero. The spicy Korean wings are the ones customers love the most; they’re slightly sweet, with a pleasant spiciness and perfectly balanced seasoning.

If you want tender wings, where the bone slides straight out the flesh, family-run Valley Wings is the place to go. Here, wings are cooked to perfection and tossed in tantalizing sauces and seasonings – such as the favored honey hot, which combines sweet and spicy. Find the dish at one of three locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Apache Junction.

When there's a game on in Arkansas, those in the know head to Foghorn’s Wings for multiple TV screens, cold beer, and the best wings in the state. The traditional wings are large – and after they’ve been fried to perfection, they’re covered in just the right amount of sauce (you won’t be served slippery wings here). Customers especially love the flavor of the sauce.

There are so many options for great chicken wings in California, but San Francisco's San Tung steals the crown. The Chinese restaurant's original dry fried chicken wings, which are deep fried in batter with garlic, ginger, and roasted red peppers, receive rave reviews. Customers say they’re the crispiest, juiciest, sauciest, most flavorful wings ever, and that they're definitely worth the hype.

Denver's Fire on the Mountain, which has locations in Washington Park and Highlands, attracts customers from all over for its high-quality chicken wings (which are cage-free, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free). Plus, the sauces the wings are tossed in and served with are phenomenal. Options include raspberry habanero, extra-hot Buffalo, and Cajun dry rub. However, it's the spicy peanut sauce that inspires glowing reviews. The dish comes with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Around since the early 1990s, J. Timothy’s Taverne has earned its reputation as the finest wing purveyor around. It even has its own special ordering process. First, you'll need to choose a flavor; options include original Buffalo, honey gold BBQ, teriyaki, and sweet red chili. But then it gets more complicated, because each flavor can also be ordered 'dirt-style,' which means fried and sauced, then fried again, and sauced again. It all results in beautifully caramelized wings.

An atmospheric pub with great cocktails, The Crooked Hammock Brewery serves up a deliciously novel take on chicken wings. The Pineapple Express wings are slow cooked, fried in coconut breading, and served with a pineapple and jalapeño sauce. They're a firm favorite with customers, who describe them as to die for.

If you're looking for some great wings in Orlando, fun and friendly Korean fast food joint Chi Kin is the place to go. Here, the chicken pieces are double fried for the ultimate crunch, then tossed in a sauce of your choice. An all-time favorite is sweet soy; not too salty or sweet, it’s perfectly mild, so it's great if you prefer things less spicy.

The best wings in Georgia can be found at The Wing Bar, an Atlanta joint set up by two friends in 2017. Always on point, the wings are crunchy on the outside – and they're sauced to perfection, according to satisfied customers. If you’re indecisive, you can go half and half on flavors. But why gamble, when the agave BBQ wings get such great reviews?

Korean take-out spot Good Chicken must have been misnamed; its fried chicken wings aren't good, they’re fantastic. The batter is light and crisp, and the sauce they're drizzled with is full of flavor. The garlic chili wings are popular, but the mild and subtle honey shoyu wings (with a honey-soy glaze) are a total crowd-pleaser. 

The chicken wings from swish Boise bar and restaurant Barbacoa Grill are served with a hibachi (a portable Japanese charcoal cooker) – which, besides looking impressive on the table, can be used to toast up the glaze. Customers describe the wings as scrumptious, and they come with polenta chips and chipotle ranch.

Like a bit of everything on your wings? Then Chicago's Mott St has the answer. The restaurant's much-loved Everything Wings are coated in a soy glaze, two types of chili, fried shallots, and the joint's special 'everything' seasoning. The sweet, spicy, and sticky jumbo-sized wings are served with a cooling tzatziki dip – and customers say they're insanely good.

Family-run sports bar Ale Emporium, which has locations in Fishers, Greenwood, and Indianapolis, is famous for its Hermanaki wings – a dish inspired by one of its founders. These jumbo wings are seasoned with peppers and spices, then smothered both in teriyaki and the bar's own secret sauce. The result is a little spicy and a little sweet, and customers say that the dish never disappoints. You also get ranch or blue cheese sauce on the side.

Chilled sports bar 2 Dogs Pub serves some of the best bar food in Iowa, including great chicken wings. Choose between boneless or jumbo bone in, then select from a lengthy list of sauces or dry rubs – signature Buffalo and spicy Firestarter are popular. You can also ask for the wings to be fried extra crispy. Not only that, but you get to choose from ranch or blue cheese sauce for dipping.

At dive-style sports bar The Peanut, which has six locations in Kansas, the wings take a little longer to cook (a minimum of 20 minutes) because they’re made fresh to order. But, if you’re patient, you’ll be rewarded with fall-off-the-bone wings that are well seasoned and cooked to a crisp. Customers say they're absolutely delicious.

Louisville BBQ joint Momma's has scooped a heap of awards for its smoked wings. Simplicity is key here; there's only one type of wing available, and you won't find lots of fancy sauces to pick from. However, when everything tastes this good, you won't be complaining. Don't miss the delicious house-made ranch dressing, either.

A visit to New Orleans isn't complete without stopping at Bayou Hot Wings for a fix of lightly battered and sauced wings. Here, the options range from no spice (think garlic butter Parmesan) to seriously hot (watch out for the Bayou Beast). In the middle, you'll find the sweet and spicy Bayou Sweet Heat – a customer favorite. You can have your wings covered in the sauce, or you can have the sauce served on the side as a dip.

There are some fun flavor options at Portland's The Great Lost Bear (including Thai and PB & J), but you can't go wrong with the classic Buffalo wings. These wings are served whole instead of jointed – and they're cooked until crunchy, and coated in a sweet and mildly spicy sauce. The serving size is huge, and you'll get a blue cheese dip on the side. If that’s not enough of a reason to visit, there are Maine-brewed beers on offer, and the customer service is excellent.

Old Bay hails from Maryland, so it only makes sense that the best wings in the state are flavored with the legendary seasoning. The blend is often used on seafood, but here it works perfectly on crispy chicken wings, marrying the flavors of celery salt, pepper, paprika, and more with the mild and tender chicken. It’s no wonder they’ve been deemed the best wings in Maryland by multiple publications. The atmosphere and staff at Full On get high praise, too; some customers say eating here feels like being around family.

With meaty ribs, succulent brisket, and pulled pork on the menu, it could be tempting to overlook the wings at BBQ joint The Smoke Shop – but you definitely shouldn't. Famous for a reason, they're smoked for two hours, then lightly fried and tossed in agave syrup and spices. Many customers say that the wings are their favorite dish on the menu.

Characterful Detroit pub Sweetwater Tavern says chicken wings are what it does best – and 15,000 pounds of them are sold each week across all Sweetwater locations, so it must be doing something right. The award-winning Sweetwater Wings are marinated for 24 hours, so they’re intensely flavored, but not super spicy. They're so good they've kept customers coming back for years.

Looking for great wings in Minnesota? Head to cool sports bar Red Cow, which has six outposts in the state. Its Japanese Sticky wings, which are sweet and spicy with a hint of citrus, have been described by customers as the best they've ever tried. You can have them on the bone, or get them gluten-free and boneless.

At award-winning barbecue and craft beer joint The Pig & Pint, the pecan-smoked wings in Pepsi-Cola glaze get people talking. Customers love how different they taste; they say that they're packed with flavor, and that the meat pulls away from the bone in the most delicious way. If they're not already smoky enough for you, you'll be pleased to know that they come with a delicious smoked garlic ranch dressing.

If you’re a fan of elevated fast food, Salt + Smoke, which has five locations, has you covered. The joint's smoked wing plate comes with two sides and a bacon and Cheddar popover (an egg batter roll). The wings are crispy on the outside while still being tender in the middle – and some customers say they’re the best they’ve ever tasted.

Sports bar Desperado Sports Tavern regularly wins accolades and awards for its wings, which it fries, then tosses in house-made sauces. The top option is Sissy Sauce, which is mild and sweet – and you can ask for the wings to be extra crispy, too. Wings fans call them the best in town and say the bar is the best place to be on game day.

Sports bars aren’t always known for their exceptional food. However, Oscar's was started by three local guys who believe that food is just as important as sports and cold beer. The bar's renowned 'char buffed' wings are fried, tossed in sauce, then finished on the grill, so the sauce is baked on. Options range from classics like Buffalo, BBQ, and garlic Parmesan to more adventurous sauces like Thai chili bourbon. Customers think they're the best wings around. 

If you want something a little more down to earth than the bright lights of the Vegas strip, head to local favorite Johnny Mac's in Henderson. Johnny Mac himself is originally from Buffalo, so he knows a thing or two about good wings. The jumbo wings come with a choice of sauces, including hickory BBQ and lemon pepper, and customers say they're super crispy and hot.

Hand cutting its wings daily from good quality chicken, cool spot Wing-Itz prides itself on its 'wing butchery.' It also offers 30 house-made sauces and rubs, ranging from mild to super spicy. Regulars really love Sweet Sin, which is big on both flavor and heat – and the wings come with blue cheese or ranch sauce, too. The restaurant has outposts in Hampton, Dover, and Newmarket.

At fusion joint TaKorea BBQ, which blends Korean barbecue with tacos and cocktails, the double fried wings are cooked twice to melt away the fat – leaving behind tender meat and a crunchy exterior. Customers say they're huge, incredible tasting, and totally worth the wait time. In terms of sauce options, the crowd favorite is the Crispy Soy; however, if you like your food to have some fire, opt for the Red Bull HOT.

The huge bone-in chicken wings at Albuquerque sports bar–style restaurant Two Cranes Bistro and Brew inspire obsession. They’re prepared with a dry rub before being grilled and served with your choice of sauce on the side. Options include naked, Buffalo, chipotle, or Dr Pepper BBQ. Customers say they're far better than you'll find at any chain restaurant.

The historic Bar-Bill, whose original East Aurora location has been standing for around 150 years, is famous for its chicken wings, which can be covered in a dozen or so sauce options. The Cajun honey butter BBQ wings are described as both unique and outstanding. If you have a preference between flats and drums, you can specify which you'd like to eat for an extra cost. Orders are prepared speedily, and they come with house blue cheese dressing.

At the traditional Midwood Smokehouse, which has five North Carolina locations (including three in Charlotte), there’s a choice between fried and hickory-smoked chicken wings – which can be served dry rubbed or with your preferred sauce. The smoked wings, smothered in zingy North Carolina vinegar and South Carolina mustard, are a firm favorite.

You have to be tough to tolerate the Shark Wings at Grand Forks institution the Parrot’s Cay Tavern. The dish is swimming in Shark Sauce, a spicy concoction that’s somewhere between Buffalo and barbecue. You can pick your heat level from nine options; 40 is at the top of the scale, but they say anything over 12 will make you sweat. There are plenty of milder flavors for less daring customers, too.

If you struggle to pick a sauce flavor, cozy sports bar The Oak Tavern is the place for you. Its wings are rubbed, slow smoked, and grilled until nicely charred (or deep fried, if that's what you've requested), then served alongside a selection of sauces in squeezy bottles. This means you can try out several different flavors, such as Sweet Memphis BBQ, Buffaloak, Spicy Berry, Jamaican Me Crazy, and Carolina Gold, at the same time.

Entirely dedicated to hot, fresh, intensely flavored wings, Tulsa's Mack’s Wings opened its doors in 2019 and quickly established itself as a go-to spot. It offers all the classics, including Buffalo and lemon pepper – but its original invention, Oklahoma Dry Rub (a mild, sweet, and savory blend), is a flavor sensation. Those who don't eat meat can try it on cauliflower wings, too.

Perhaps a surprising spot to find the best wings in the state, Hat Yai is a Thai restaurant known for its curries and fried chicken (and it has two Portland locations). Order the Hat Yai fried chicken wings, and you’ll get two large, juicy free-range chicken joints with a pot of sweet tamarind dipping sauce and sticky rice. If you're in the mood for curry, there's the option to add a chicken wing on top.

Korean fried chicken is famous for its light and crunchy batter. At Crunchik’n, a Korean fusion joint with three outposts on the Jersey Shore, the dish stays true to the restaurant's name. Crunchik'n marinates its chicken for 24 hours, making it extra flavorful – and after that, the pieces are battered and fried until golden, then coated until dripping in a sauce of your choice (soy garlic is a customer favorite).

The sweet soy wings on the appetizers menu at fancy pub The Shanty are a local favorite. Looking as appealing as they taste, they’re served drenched in a sweet, sticky ginger and chili sauce, and loaded with chopped scallions. Be warned: the sauce is so heavenly, you’re going to want to lick the plate.

For the best wings for miles, head to laid-back barbecue joint Home Team BBQ in Charleston. There are five other locations in the state, but this is the original and largest. Decked out in reclaimed barn materials, it's a happening spot day and night. The main event? Fiery Ron’s Smoked Chicken Wings, which come slathered in dry rub, smoked, and served with Alabama white sauce and optional 'Death Relish' dip.

Even if they're not actually known all around the globe, the World Famous Hot Wings from Circus Sports Bar & Grill certainly cause a stir locally. Available in mild, medium, hot, Buffalo BBQ, sweet BBQ, and garlic Parmesan varieties, they’re always juicy and crisp. Keep an eye out for the joint's regular offers, too.

At unassuming hole-in-the-wall joint Rocky’s, you’ll find some of the best soul food in Nashville – including some irresistible wings. There's a large range of sauces to choose from, from mellow classics like lemon pepper to the seriously spicy Rocky Hot. You should definitely try the tangy Strawberry Kick, though, which customers call unique and delicious.

The battered wings from high-end Korean chicken joint Hiwings have been described as life changing. Crispy and saucy, they’re a textural delight – and they come with 12 sauce options. Not for the faint hearted, all-time bestseller peach habanero is addictive and seriously hot. It’s also a popular option to choose SOS (sauce on side) if you’re afraid to jump in at the deep end.

Tex-Mex joint Stellar Wings might not look like much from the outside, but trust us – venture indoors and you’ll find the best wings in Utah. They’re big and rich, and can be flavored with a huge choice of rubs and sauces. The medium hot and mango habanero wings come highly recommended. You’ll also get a generous portion of fries, as well as celery, carrots, and dip.

Anywhere featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives is surely worth a visit – and when you check out the smoked wings from Bluebird Barbecue, you’ll understand why it made the cut for the show. Its 'pitmaster' dry rub and Alabama white sauce make for a six-pack of smoky, well-seasoned, crispy (but never dry) fried wings.

Everything at WingsWay is made to order – and if you place your order by phone, the restaurant will even call you when it's ready. The choice of house-made sauces is hefty, and includes limited-time options such as the sweet-and-sour Pineapple Trail and seriously hot Fireball. Guests love the garlic Parmesan and signature WingsWay, a sweet and spicy option. Come hungry, as everything you order also comes with fries. 

At comfort food spot Simply Soulful, the chicken wing dinner is a popular order. You get six fried chicken wings, two sides (the mac ‘n’ cheese and collard greens are always good), and a cornbread muffin. Customers say you can tell the recipes have been passed down through generations, as the chicken is crisp and juicy, and nothing is too salty or sweet.

Cold beer and budget-friendly wings are what sports bar The Bucket is all about. You can get a mammoth plate of 100 for $110 – great for sharing in a group. Choose between fried and smoked, and pick a couple of sauces from options that include spicy honey, Buffalo ranch, and Carolina Reaper. Don’t pass on the house-made ranch dressing, either; it’s a customer favorite.

By naming its dish Our Famous Wings, Milwaukee's Points East Pub has certainly raised expectations – but these wings do have a seriously great reputation. The restaurant deep fries drums and flats, dips them in sauce, then grills them again so the sauce is baked on rather than wet to the touch. Be sure to check out the restaurant's impressive beer selection, too.

The first time you visit Western-style diner Born in a Barn won’t be the last. Weary travelers who stop to try the joint's smoked wings and traditional fried wings say they're mind blowing. A particular favorite? The yakitori smoked wings, which come in a dark, sweet, and savory Japanese-style glaze, topped with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. It’s not just the food that hits the spot, either; the customer service is equally impressive.

Now discover your state's best fast food dish – and where to try it

Last updated by Laura Ellis.