Wings are a food favorite for those of all ages, and Chicago may just have some of the best. Check out some of Concierge Preferred’s favorite wing spots across the city.
Jake Melnick’s
If you’ve never had a tower of wings, Jake Melnick’s will do it for you. Literally. Jake Melnick’s has been a favorite spot for locals since opening twenty years ago. The restaurant & sports bar’s proximity to bustling Michigan Avenue has also made it a top dining and drinking destination for tourists, especially during summer. The wings come in so many different flavors that you will have to come back to try more. Plus, they just launched their Trivia Tuesdays! Every Tuesday at 7:00 pm, join the fabulous staff at Jake Melnick’s for gut-busting trivia questions and mouth-watering wings. Winners are awarded a $50 gift card, so bring your smartest friends and biggest appetites. You won’t be disappointed!
Offset BBQ
Visit Offset BBQ for a unique take on signature barbeque staples. The restaurant’s wings are marinated, smoked, fried, and tossed in one of three sauces: BBQ, White, or Huli Q.
Old Irving Brewing Company
Old Irving Brewing Company is a classic, family-friendly brewery with a not-so-classic version of bar foods, such as wings, mac and cheese, and burgers. Taste the restaurant’s ‘Wing of the Week’ for one-of-a-kind, experimental flavors. Or, head to the daily wing lineup for traditional flavors: Mole BBQ, Valentia Hot, Tokyo Hot, Spicy Honey Mustard, and more. Enjoy your food with an open view of the complete brewing process.
Hooters
With over 300 locations, Hooters is one of the best-known restaurant chains in the country. And they happen to be renowned for their … chicken wings! Their Original Hooters Style wings have been on the menu for over thirty years now: breaded by hand, tossed in your choice of sauce, and served by your favorite Hooters girl. Not into traditional wings? Try Hooters’ Smoked Wings or Hooters’ Daytona Beach ® Style Wings.
Joe’s on Weed Street
Smoked wings and live country music are the name of the game at Joe’s. This warehouse-style venue is perfect for a party complete with wings! Select from a variety of delicious flavors, including Carolina Gold and Texas Gold Garlic Parmesan Rubs. Served with celery and carrots and your choice of ranch or bleu cheese. Enjoy some classic Southern tunes while munching on some time-perfected wings!
Output Lounge and Sports Bar
Rated the best exotic and hot wings, Output Lounge has wings for everyone. Prepared regular, boneless, grilled, or chipotle-style, these wings are full of flavor and bowl-spun in unique sauces. Elect for more traditional lemon pepper or explore something different, such as Jim Beam Zesty Orange, Sweet & Spicy, or Mango Ghost Pepper.
Harold’s Chicken
Ask any Chicagoan and they will tell you where it’s at: Harold’s Chicken. A true Chicago staple for over 60 years, munch on wings served with fries, bread, and coleslaw. Their chicken wings range from 4 pieces all the way up to 100, so whether you are getting together with a group or grabbing a quick dinner for yourself, Harold’s Chicken is your spot. With 13 locations across the city, there is sure to be one near you.
Gus’s Fried Chicken
Experience true southern tradition with this Memphis staple. As they continue to expand, Gus’s still holds their tradition and family recipe at the heart of their business. At Gus’s Fried Chicken, patrons can choose from a variety of fried chicken pieces, including crispy wings. Select a combo plate of breasts and wings, along with southern sides of baked beans, potato salad, or more to try it all! Their complementary flavors will keep you wanting more.
Lady Gregory’s
Nestled in Andersonville, Lady Gregory’s is the ultimate Irish bar and restaurant. Although the restaurant only serves one wing dish, Kalbi hot wings served with garlic dill dip, they are sure to wow your tastebuds. Order a Classic Old Fashioned or a Guinness to enhance the flavor of these wings, and you will be back for more.
bb.q Chicken
If you’ve always wanted to try Korean Fried Chicken, we have the spot for you! bb.q Chicken has taken traditional Korean ingredients and methods to their delicious recipes. With both traditional flavors and seasonal, adventurous ones, take your love of wings to the next level. Explore Korea through bb.q Chicken’s outstanding flavors and customer service.
The Moonlighter
Logan Square is home to one of the best wings spot in Chicago. If you’re looking for a cozy, laid-back vibe, The Moonlighter provides a space that will make you feel at home. Their wings selection is small, but they are the perfect complement to any other dish or drink you want. They even have a vegan option! Don’t skip a reservation for this great spot!
Monk’s Pub
Monk’s Pub has an extensive menu, but you should stay for the wings. Their spot in River North will give you the pub-grub vibe while still providing excellent food. Whether you prefer bone-in or boneless wings, Monk’s Pub drenches its wings in signature sauces, including Sriracha Bourbon and Mango Habanero. Combine their wings with some other sides, and you are sure to be back for more.
Au Cheval
If you come to Chicago, Au Cheval is a place you can’t miss. Decorated with dark leather booths, dim lights, and a vintage soundtrack, Au Cheval should be your escape from the business of Chicago. Their calming atmosphere allows you to enjoy their great food and your great company. Order the “General Jane’s Fried Chicken” for a high-quality take on the classic chicken wing.
Wingman
The Ogden Chicago
Watching a sporting event at the United Center? The Ogden Chicago is the perfect place for your before and after food. Plus, Cheer for your favorite sports team at this all-out, lively sports bar, complete with numerous TVs that keep the action going! Chow down on some wings while rooting for your team, and you should even reserve a spot on their bar stools. The Ogden offers both saucy and dry-rubbed wings, and you can’t go wrong with either choice.
Del Seoul
Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, Del Seoul is a crowd favorite for Korean Street BBQ. Their K-Town Chicken Wings are perfect for sharing or indulging by yourself. Also, add their rice and kimchi to your order for the complete experience. If you’re sick of an old chicken wing, try their Original Ganpoongi Chicken. Breaded and glazed to perfection, their O.G. Chicken is perfect for any customer looking for an amped-up flavor.
Soulé Chicago
Explore some Creole flavor at Soulé Chicago! Make your way to West Town for an upgraded version of Creole food, including their Jerk Chicken Wings. Once you pair these wings with their BBQ Shrimp or Fish and Grits, Soulé Chicago will treat you to an authentic, Southern tour of cuisine. Join famous fans, including Scottie Pippen and Ruth E. Carter, in exploring the best chicken wings Chicago has to offer!
Dak Wings
Travel up to Edgewater and the North Side to eat some of the best wings in Chicago. Starting as a mom-and-pop restaurant, Dak has expanded quickly, becoming one of the top 50 restaurants in all of Chicago. Their wings are of the highest standard, and they make everything fresh and in-house. Choose between their 5-piece or 10-piece Jumbo Wing Platter. Pair your wings with their Signature Sauce and Spicy BBQ Sauce, or get your wings plain. Then, order some of their sides, including egg rolls or fries, just to name a few. You are sure to walk away with your mouth watering for more!
Woodie’s Flat Chicago
Located in Old Town, Woodie’s Flat Chicago hosts some of the best social events in Chicago. Their menu has lots of items, but you’ll be most impressed by their variety of wings. From their Cheesy Garlic to Sweet Bourbon Glaze, all wing lovers can get in on the action. They even have new sauces each month! In addition to their wing flavors, daredevils are welcome to take on their Hot Wing Challenge. Take a look at their menu for all their daily specials!
Bird’s Nest Bar
Voted “Best Wings in Chicago” by the Chicago Tribune, Bird’s Nest Bar has gained well-deserved fame for its wings. Bird’s Nest elevates the typical bar grub by making everything from scratch with an added unique touch. Whether you are getting wings for yourself or a large party, Bird’s Nest has enough wings for everyone. Try their Bird’s Nest Hot Sauce if you like it spicy, or order their Honey BBQ for a sweet-tangy combo.
The Fifty/50
The Fifty/50 has pioneered what bar food can be. The owners of the Fifty/50 have been pushing bar food boundaries since 2008, with their wings being the star of the show. Jumbo size and breaded for extra crunch, the Fifty/50 will have you coming back for more. Combining four different hot peppers and aged for eight weeks, their Award-Winning Buffalo sauce is the crowd favorite. Order your wings bone-in, boneless, or applewood-smoked, and leave the rest up to the chefs.
Badabing Wings
This family business survived the pandemic, so you know it has to be good! Whether you’re a fan of Chicago’s gangsters or rappers, Badabing Wings has a flavor for your favorites. We recommend Al Capone’s Garlic Buffalo or their Godfather’s Sweet n Spicy. These wings are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Even though we don’t know what old-times gangsters and chicken wings have in common, owner Jose Lopez has created a one-of-a-kind connection between them! Badabing Wings is quick, cheap, and oh-so-good. Head to Uptown to see what all the hype is about!
Bronzeville Wingz
Bronzeville Wingz puts the zing in wing. Their wings have perfected classic flavors. Sometimes, simpler is better! They have everything from Boneless Wings to Jumbo Party Wings, giving you options that fit every budget. With over 30 sauce flavors, you have a range of options from the experts. Head to Bronzeville to see why Bronzeville Wingz
Beck’s Chicago
Beck’s is the North Side’s pride and joy. And if you try their wings, you might just find out why. Their wings are world-famous, and we want you to taste them! Choose from one of their sauces, including honey sriracha or their mysterious “xxx” flavor. Smothered with sauce and crisped to perfection, these wings come in a variety of different amounts, so grab your buddies and watch a game at Beck’s. Paired with a signature cocktail or a seasonal beer, you won’t be disappointed.
SPIN Chicago
Gather around a ping pong table for community, and more importantly, wings! Whether you are a master or a beginner, SPIN is the perfect place to elevate your ping pong game. Their wings are an absolute knock-out as well, complete with a beer brine, sriracha honey sauce, and breaded with ginger buttermilk. If you’re a fan of wings but don’t play ping pong, they have nights for all abilities. Everyone can get in on the action!
Great Sea Restaurant
The drive to Avondale is 100% worth it for Great Sea’s wings. No wing-lover’s trip to Chicago would be complete without dining at the Great Sea Restaurant. Home to their famous spicy wings, Great Sea Restaurant is also affordable, delicious, and casual. Try their Lollipop Wings for a juicy, sweet twist, a perfect complement to their spicy sauce. They combine Chinese quisine with wings, creating their unique addition to the best wings in Chicago. Try something new in Chicago because there is only one Great Sea Restaurant!
