Top Chicken Wing Destinations Across the U.S.

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Chicken wings are a cherished American favorite, especially during football season. Starting from their origins in Buffalo, New York, wings have evolved with countless variations found nationwide. The Takeout curated a list featuring the best chicken wings in every state, using customer reviews, reader polls, local news, and wing competitions as criteria.

Fire on the Mountain — Portland, Oregon

This Portland eatery, established in 2005, is known for its innovative sauces. Flavors include Spicy Peanut, Raspberry Habanero, and Jamaican Jerk. Its Buffalo Lime Cilantro sauce claimed first place in the Creative Spicy category at the 2018 National Buffalo Wing Festival. The restaurant also won a third place in the Craft Wings category the same year. Fire on the Mountain rotates a monthly featured sauce and offers vegan wings as well.

Scovilles — Salt Lake City, Utah

Scovilles, named after the spiciness-measuring Scoville scale, provides a wide range of fiery choices. Options include sauces and dry rubs like Scotch Bonnet, Ghost Pepper, and Carolina Reaper. For those who prefer milder tastes, options like Cajun Honey BBQ and Buffalo Cilantro Lime are available. Scovilles was awarded “Best Wings” by Salt Lake City Weekly in its 2025 “Best of Utah” awards for the wings’ crispiness and flavor.

Wings, Etc. — Topeka, Kansas

Wings, Etc. in Topeka is no stranger to acclaim, having been voted “Best Wings” by the Topeka Capital-Journal’s Community Choice for five consecutive years from 2020 to 2024. The locale also received the “Twisted Wing King” title at the Topeka Wing Fling in 2021, celebrated for its Buffalo sauce and lime-pepper rub hybrid. Customers love their Hot-Honey Garlic and Tweener sauces.

Ale Emporium — Indianapolis, Indiana

Open since 1982, Ale Emporium is famous for its Hermanaki wing. This option is a combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors mingling with a secret spice blend, special house sauce, and teriyaki. Their Buffalo wings also received praise from Axios Indianapolis in 2024.

Bar-Bill Tavern — Buffalo, New York

No wing list would be complete without Buffalo. Bar-Bill Tavern, although not the origin of the Buffalo wing, stands out as a top local establishment noted for its wings by locals and Visit Buffalo Niagara. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen even called it his favorite wing spot in 2019.

Sadie Chafe is a Lifestyle team writer at Fox News Digital.