Best Wings in Chicago (2025)
There are two reasons why we love the wings at Crisp. The first is the Seoul Sassy sauce, which will undoubtedly be the one seed in the East region of the 64-team March Madness sauce tournament we plan on holding. The second is the fact these wings are juicy and perfectly fried. The wings aren’t the only thing worth eating though, and some of Crisp’s other items definitely serve a much-needed purpose. The Korean burritos and the Buddha Bowl bibimbaps are pretty good too if you want to get some vegetables involved. Crisp is a serious takeout operation, but wings are always best when fresh out of the kitchen, so you can also consider taking a trip to this low-key spot that unassumingly blends in with everything else on the stretch of Clark in Lakeview. Post up at one of the communal picnic tables with some friends or grab a seat at the small bar if you're there for a solo meal. The people working at Crisp always look like they are having fun, and the feeling is contagious when you take a bite into those Seoul Sassy wings. Food Rundown Kimchi The kimchi has a nice balance of spice, tartness, and funk. Get a side of it to eat plain with your wings or to mix with the bowls or burritos. Seoul Sassy Whole Jumbo Wings The Seoul Sassy sauce is on the sweeter side and absolutely divine. As we already pointed out, they are real wings, so an order of five for yourself should do the trick. Spring for the half chicken over the wings if you want some white meat too. Buffalo Fried Chicken We ordered half of a buffalo chicken once just to test it out. It’s solid if you like buffalo sauce, but the Seoul Sassy is just too good to get anything else on the chicken front. Buddha Bowls Buddha Bowls are Crisp’s take on bibimbap. There are three different sizes, the only difference being the number of veggetables you get. They're solid, but the real reason you should be here is for the chicken. Korean Burrito Burritos, but with a Korean twist. Steamed white rice, lettuce, tomato, corn, onion, and seasoned carrots all wrapped in a flour tortilla with your choice of bulgogi, chicken, or veggies. We prefer the bulgogi version.
Home of Chicago’s cult-favorite lollipop wings since the 1980s—sweet, sticky, and fiery to your spice level. Praised by local food critics and included on The Infatuation’s citywide wings list; a North Side rite of passage.
Output is a sports bar in West Town with has great chicken wings. Instead of the typical variations you get at most bars, they have flavors like savory lemon pepper and roasted garlic BBQ. They’re so delicious on their own that extra dipping sauces are unnecessary. Come here to watch sports, drink beer, and eat as many wings as you can. RESERVE A TABLE WITH RESERVE A TABLE
Bird’s Nest In Lakeview is a bar with great chicken wings. Each wing is meaty and juicy, and has wonderfully crunchy bits. Order them with the Birds Nest hot sauce (which is perfectly peppery), and you have a perfect drinking snack.
On the surface, Toons in Lakeview looks just like a typical dive bar. Faded wooden floors. Classic wooden stools. An old pool table and dart board, sports memorabilia, and a giant fish above the bar make it feel like a frat house decorated by the "Free and For Sale" Facebook group. But what sets this place apart is their perfectly fried wings. They're nicely balanced with crispy skin and tender meat, and are the ideal canvas for their different sauces. Both the garlic parm and standard Buffalo are great, but the garlic Buffalo is the ideal combination of the two—zesty, tangy, and just a little spicy
Offerings at this hip haven in Bucktown crisscross the globe. Chef Edward Kim has a vivid imagination and his cooking takes detours through delicious landscapes, pulling off a rare feat of cooking delicious Midwest/Asian food with a touch of novelty. Take the crispy cauliflower, for one. These wok-fried cauliflower florets are crisp and juicy, then served with a sweet and tangy chili sauce, Szechuan peppercorn and coriander for a savory dish that's both warm and wonderful. Garlic fried rice may be simple and to the point but it's oh-so-good with pungent garlic and flavorful seasoning. Do keep an eye out for the special Chinese New Year menu.
In Pilsen, chef Thai Dang’s caramelized fish sauce wings are a city staple—savory, sticky, and herb‑bright. The restaurant’s Bib Gourmand pedigree and acclaim from national and local outlets make these wings a destination.
Lincoln Park’s indie sports bar smoking wings over oak before saucing them—Bourbon Barbecue and garlic Buffalo are standouts. Frequently featured by Eater Chicago and a regular at local wing competitions.
North Center’s award‑winning wings come classic or Wild Style, draped with house ranch, secret seasoning, and nacho cheese. A neighborhood original often praised by local writers and wing festival judges.
Uptown’s halal wing specialist, reopened in 2025 by friends of the late founder to carry on his recipes. The Infatuation lauds the juicy, well‑seasoned meat; Block Club Chicago covered its community‑backed revival.
Rogers Park tavern since 1950 where thin‑crust pizza shares the stage with generously portioned, well‑sauced wings. A true neighborhood hub, highlighted by local food press for its community focus and long‑running menu staples.
Logan Square’s wood‑fired spot turns out crisp, lightly sauced wings with Tapatío heat and grilled citrus. A sleeper pick locals mention alongside its pizzas and bagels, and a smart stop before a Boulevard stroll.
