Sometimes you just gotta 'wing' it.
Save all of the deep dish, hot dog, and burger debates for later. If there's one thing Chicago undeniably has the winning title for, its wings. We teamed up with Stella Artois to bring you the best of the best in Chicago. So grab a bib and get some of the tastiest, most satisfying wings the city has to offer – and trust us, when it comes to these wings, you definitely won't want to chicken out.
Image via Facebook/Output Lounge
1758 W. Grand Ave. - West Town
We live and die by these wings. The flavors. The plumpness. The tenderness. The sauciness. This unassuming sports bar packs everything you need into your wing night experience. With 15 sauces on the menu—ranging from your basic “Mild” to “Jim Bean Honey BBQ” to “Hot Chipotle Ranch”—no taste buds go unpleased in here.
Photo Via Facebook/The Aberdeen Tap
440 N Aberdeen St 2nd Floor - Fulton Market
Don't overlook the cozy tavern on the corner! The Aberdeen Tap serves prime-level bar food, you know, the kind that oozes flavor and leaves your fingers lick-able. An ice cold Stella Artois paired with steaming jumbo-sized wings? That's perfection. They serve their wings with a variety of sauces to choose from and have and cauliflower vegan options as well!
Photo Via Barn Hockey Bar
1659 W Ogden - West Loop
The Barn Hockey Bar in West Loop is known for a myriad of things; Blackhawks games on big screens, golf simulators, specialty cocktails, but the wings? Oh, nothing beats the wings. Known as being "franchise-defining" The Barn's wings are what elevates your whole experience. We recommend the Asian BBQ flavor, and pair it with a Stella Artois of course!
7301 N Western Ave - East Rogers Park
Looking for a lot of wings? Yeah, we mean a LOT. Mullen's Sports Bar is the place to go. Their catering pans can serve up to 30 people per pan, with over a dozen creative flavors from mild to spicy. So, if you're trying to serve the crew at home, grab a case of Stella Artois and a couple of big wing pans from Mullen's, and you're set!
Photo Via Brehon Pub
713 N Wells - River North
The Irish are known for their corned beef and cabbage but...wings? Absolutely. You'll understand when you sink your teeth into their tender breaded and fried wing selection with four incredible sauces to choose from; cool buffalo bleu, sweet teriyaki, spicy thai, and tangy bar-b-que. Try them all and pallet cleanse with an ice-cold Stella Artois.
Image via Facbook.com/TheFifty50
2047 W. Division St. - Wicker Park
The Fifty/50 has jumbo-sized wings and an award-winning sauce made from four different types of peppers. It’s a clear standout in our book. The Fifty/50 Doubles as a nightclub as well as one of the best wing places, so make sure to grab a drink while you're partying the night away - we recommend a Stella Artois, of course.
2105 S. State St. - South Loop
We know buffalo is the most obvious sauce association when it comes to chicken wings—and Reggies excels there as well—but this South Loop restaurant and music venue’s BBQ wings have always had a sweet, tangy place in our hearts.
Image via Facebook.com/JakeMelnisksCornerTap
41 E. Superior St. - River North
If you go to Jake Melnick’s and don’t get the wings have you really even been to Jake Melnick’s? Chicken wings are a culture at this River North neighborhood bar. Stay in your comfort zone with the “Traditional Buffalo.” Get adventurous with the PB&J Thai Peanut flavor. Or scorch your tongue with the XXXX sauce—made with habanero and ghost pepper.
Image via Danteschicago.com
3028 W. Armitage - Logan Square
1938 W. Chicago Ave. - Ukrainian Village
Duh. Pizza is what it’s all about at Dante’s. However, wings are basically pizza’s right-hand man. We especially appreciate the smoky goodness of Dante's grilled wings.
Image via Facebook.com/WildGooseBar
4265 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lincoln Square
Wild Goose’s jumbo buffalo wings have a longstanding reputation as North Center’s pride and joy— amongst wing fans and sports fans that frequent this joint alike.
Image via Facebook.com/CrispChicago
2940 N. Broadway St. - Lakeview
Crisp is Lakeview’s best take on Korean-style wings. Get them “in the buff” or saucy, full wings or drumsticks, sweet or spicy. Do you really think you’re going to go wrong with any of the options here?
Image via Facebook.com/HootersWellsSt
Hooters
660 N. Wells Street - River North
8225 W. Higgins Road - O'Hare/Norwood Park
St. Canal St. & Roosevelt Rd - South Loop
Sorry, not sorry. You know you love ‘em.
Image via Facebook.com/Bwrchicago
3434 S. Halsted St. - Bridgeport
1520 Carlemont Dr. - Crystal Lake, IL
Just like cheeseburgers and french fries, this beloved chain makes chicken wings and onion rings into its classic combo. With plenty of sauces and heat levels to choose between, you owe yourself more than one trip here.
Image via Facebook.com/TheBirdsNestBar
2500 N. Southport Ave. - Lincoln Park
Good luck finding a “best of” list in this town without Bird’s Nest on it. The Lincoln Park sports bar is a classic stop for wing fans looking to get sauced.
Image vis Facebook.com/UncleRemus
5611 W. Madison St. - Austin
737 E. 47th St. Chicago - Bronzeville
Many consider Uncle Remus to be the reigning West Side chicken wing. This extra saucy, extra crispy chicken is sure to win you over.
Image via Facebook.com/Peach's ON 47th
4652 S. King Dr. - Bronzeville
Spicy, sweet, and served on white bread to help soak up last night’s booze, Peach’s “hangover wings” are a great way to start your mornings and get you back on track.
Photo via Cleo's Pub
Cleo's 1935 W Chicago Ave. - West Town
Cleos is another West Town favorite for wings. Offering a bit more in the way of sauce options—buffalo, BBQ, honey habanero, and teriyaki—you can stop here and explore the range of flavors anytime.
1732 W Division St. - West Town
2163 S China Pl. #1f - Chinatown
5237 W Touhy Ave #7 - Skokie
Of course, we had to include Bonchon on here! With multiple locations around the area. Hit up Bonchon for some authentic Korean fried chicken and explore the rest of their menu.
Photo via Facebook/BounceChi
324 W Chicago Ave. - Near North Side
Bounce’s “hot Cheeto wings” wouldn’t make this list if they didn’t hold up as well in your mouth as they do on your Instagram feed. They’re both fun to look at and fun to eat.
1535 N Wells St. - Old Town
Come feast up on three floors of this Old Town spot! The self-proclaimed "Best Damn Wings In Chicago". Perfect for any sort of hang - you gotta try their smoked wings!
PHOTO VIA CLEO'S SOUTHERN CUISINE
4248 S. Cottage Grove - Bronzeville
190 N Wells St. - The Loop
Cleo's Southern Cuisine offers a creole twist on southern classics. With accolades from across the country, their wings are best enjoyed with waffles or their signature 24-karat muffins. They also have a pop-up location at Time Out Marketplace in the West Loop.
Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know at [email protected]!
