New York City, a culinary melting pot, boasts an impressive array of restaurants serving up some of the best chicken wings in the world. From classic buffalo wings to innovative, globally-inspired variations, NYC has something for every wing aficionado. This guide dives into 22 of the best spots to satisfy your craving, covering diverse styles, price points, and atmospheres. Whether you're looking for a casual dive bar experience or a sophisticated fine-dining setting, you'll find the perfect place to enjoy delicious chicken wings in NYC.
The Best NYC Chicken Wing Joints: A Diverse Lineup
This list isn't ranked—each location offers a unique and fantastic wing experience. Finding your personal favorite is part of the fun!
Classic Buffalo Wings & Sports Bars
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Duffy's: A long-standing NYC institution, Duffy's is known for its classic, no-frills buffalo wings. The generous portions and consistently crispy skin make this a reliable choice. Expect a lively, sports-bar atmosphere.
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The Wing: This chain specializes in various wing sauces and flavors, offering a wide selection to cater to diverse palates. They're known for creative sauce options beyond the traditional buffalo style.
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Blind Tiger Ale House: With multiple locations across the city, Blind Tiger provides a comfortable setting to enjoy wings alongside an extensive beer selection. Their wings are consistently good, and the atmosphere is perfect for a casual hangout.
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American Bar & Grill: A classic American sports bar offering large portions of reasonably priced wings with a variety of sauces. Expect a rowdy and fun atmosphere, especially during game days.
Elevated Wing Experiences
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Mission Chinese Food: While known for its innovative Chinese-American cuisine, Mission Chinese Food's kung pao chicken wings are a must-try. These aren't your average wings; expect a spicy, flavorful, and unforgettable dish.
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Yardbird Southern Table & Bar: This upscale Southern restaurant offers a refined take on the classic wing, with options featuring unique sauces and flavorful glazes. The atmosphere is more sophisticated than your typical wing joint.
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Lilia: This highly acclaimed Brooklyn restaurant offers delicious, expertly-prepared wings as part of their ever-changing menu. Expect inventive flavors and a higher price point reflecting the restaurant's quality.
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Emily: Another popular Brooklyn pizzeria, Emily also serves surprisingly excellent wings. Their creative flavor combinations elevate the classic dish to new heights.
Unique & Globally-Inspired Wings
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Sweet Chick: This Brooklyn-based restaurant offers a fun, upbeat atmosphere and inventive takes on chicken and waffles, often including unique wing preparations. Think creative flavors beyond the typical buffalo style.
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Peter Luger Steak House: While primarily known for its steaks, Peter Luger also serves surprisingly delicious chicken wings. Their preparation emphasizes simplicity and high-quality ingredients.
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Blue Smoke: This barbecue joint offers delicious, smoked wings. The smoky flavor adds a unique twist to the classic dish. The restaurant also serves an array of Southern comfort food.
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Koreatown Wings: As the name suggests, this place specializes in Korean-style fried chicken wings. Expect crispy, flavorful wings with a range of Korean-inspired sauces and toppings.
Hidden Gems & Neighborhood Favorites
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Papa Joe's: A small, unassuming spot, Papa Joe's is beloved by locals for its classic, perfectly-fried wings. They don't have a fancy ambiance, but the wings themselves are exceptional.
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Joe's Shanghai: This dumpling house also serves surprisingly delicious chicken wings, adding another layer of flavor to their already impressive menu.
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Anchor Bar (Buffalo, NY): While technically not in NYC, a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the buffalo wing is a worthwhile experience for any serious wing enthusiast.
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Don't Tell Mama: This long-standing Upper West Side establishment offers classic bar fare, including surprisingly solid chicken wings in a fun, lively atmosphere.
Diverse Options & Catering to Preferences
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Buffalo Wild Wings: This chain offers a wide array of sauces and flavors, catering to a wide range of tastes. It's a reliable choice for large groups with varied preferences.
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Hooters: Another popular chain, Hooters provides a casual, sports-bar atmosphere alongside its classic wings and various sauces.
Beyond the Traditional: Unique Wing Experiences
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Shake Shack: Though not primarily a wing place, Shake Shack's chicken shack items often include flavorful wings that are a great option for a quick, tasty meal.
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Five Guys: Similarly, Five Guys occasionally features chicken tenders or wings alongside their famous burgers and fries, providing a different approach to the classic dish.
Finding Your Perfect Wing: Considerations
| Factor | Description |
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| Style | Classic Buffalo, Korean Fried, BBQ, Smoked, etc. |
| Sauce/Flavor | Mild, Medium, Hot, Spicy, Sweet, Tangy, etc. |
| Size & Portion | Individual orders, shareable platters, family-sized meals |
| Atmosphere | Casual sports bar, upscale restaurant, dive bar, etc. |
| Price | Budget-friendly, mid-range, upscale |
This guide only scratches the surface. NYC's ever-evolving culinary scene means new and exciting places serving chicken wings are constantly emerging. So get out there, explore, and find your own personal favorite NYC chicken wing spot! Remember to check restaurant websites for menus, hours, and locations before visiting. Happy wing hunting!
