It’s no secret, the Phoenix metro area loves chicken wings. Whether you like them smothered in sauce, tongue-scorching hot, seasoned with a dry rub, dunked in ranch, or as a main course, there’s no wrong answer. That’s why we narrowed down the top 10 restaurants to satiate your cravings.
Smackin’ Wings
Locals call this spot the “Home of Lemon Pepper,” though the shop modestly states it only perfected the flavor. In fact, there are seven variations of it including one with hot honey, sweet chili, and ranch. Not a fan? If you’re not a fan, don’t worry; there are over 10 other sauces and rubs to choose from including Thai fire, Phoenix dry rub, garlic Parmesan, Korean barbecue, and more.
For the full experience, pair any wing flavor with Smackin’ Fries topped with a homemade ranch and oozy cheese sauce, and a thirst-quenching lemonade. Stop in on Wednesdays for a hot deal: when you buy any six-piece wing meal with fries, you get another meal free. 1430 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, smackinwingsaz.com
Mac Daddy Wingz and Cheez
Grab a seat in this lively sports bar and catch the game while you eat. After all, owners Makayla and Preston Simmons pride themselves on using quality ingredients at their Tempe shop, and that includes the fried wings. There’s plenty of sauces to choose from including golden BBQ, hot honey lemon pepper, and raspberry hot, to name a few. Curb your craving Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 3134 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, macdaddywingz.com
Dirty Drummer
The Dirty Drummer is known for double-dipping the wings, but in the best way possible. In fact, on request and for an extra $1, the wings are sauced first, grilled, then tossed in sauce again. Co-founders Frank Armstrong and Dave Werner developed this method when they opened the first shop in 1975. Today, Armstrong’s daughter Dana and two of her friends run the shop and have kept the cooking method going.
Look for classic flavors such as garlic Parmesan, barbecue, and hot honey. Can’t pick just one? Order the Dirtyworks, which combines all available sauces. Visit on Wednesdays for trivia, Fridays for karaoke, and throughout the month to hear local bands. 2303 N. 44th St., Phoenix, thedirtydrummer.com
Sneakybird
Looking for a lighter wing option? Sneakybird serves oven-roasted wings that are remarkably crispy and juicy. Choose from seven dry rubs, or go for a saucy wing in flavors such as hot peach, Fool’s Gold (smoky barbecue with honey mustard), sweet Thai, and more. For those who like a little sweet with the savory, try the salted maple rub. Taking them home? The patented to-go container helps keep the wings warm and fresh for the ride. Multiple locations, sneakybird.com
Ace of Wingz
If you like your wings drenched, Ace of Wingz coats them with enough of the good stuff to warrant numerous wet wipes. We recommend you try the signature strawberry hot, and then dive into an order of honey hot lemon pepper, buffalo ranch, and garlic butter Parmesan. Dry-rub fans should try the sour cream and onion for a unique bite. Stop in on Munchie Mondays to pair six traditional wings with loaded fries and mac ’n’ cheese. Multiple locations, aceofwingz.com
Valley Wings
Locals love chef and owner Myron Milton, who started the brand in 2018 when he felt the Phoenix wing scene was lacking. Good thing he did, it’s been one of the top spots for chicken wings ever since.
Once there, choose from boneless or traditional wings, and top with an array of flavors including honey hot, Korean barbecue, garlic parmesan, and the signature Valley Sauce. Keep an eye out for specials such as $1 Wing Wednesdays, and don’t overlook the Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries. The original North Phoenix location is closed Mondays, while the Scottsdale shop is open all week. 15414 N. 19th Ave., Suite C, Phoenix; and 1495 N. Hayden Rd., Suite D-10, Scottsdale, valleywingsonline.com
bb.q Chicken
For sheer variety in flavor and style, this Korean-inspired concept checks the box for most unique and diverse. Whether you choose boneless or traditional wings, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch.
Fan favorites include honey garlic, Gangnam Style and Galbi, a sweet, savory and smoky option. Go on the wing wild side with the Feel Crunch flavor, a collaboration with K-pop star Felix that features caramelized onion seasoning and golden flakes. Cheese lovers can dive into BBoom Chicken, smothered in gouda, cheddar, Parmesan and blue cheese. Multiple locations, bbqchicken.com
Crazy Mike’s
Unlike most wing shops, this one lets you choose the amount of flats and drums you want per order. Not matter the style, all the wings are battered with rice flour for an extra-crispy finish. Pick from a variety of standout flavors including curry, honey mustard, Crazy Mike’s Dry Rub, and traditional Buffalo, all at your preferred heat level. Not much of a dipper? The homemade ranch might make a convert out of you. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., except Wednesdays, when it closes at 8 p.m. 5350 W. Bell Rd., Suite 130, Glendale, crazymikeswings.com
Long Wong’s Hot Wings Peoria
Family-owned and operated for more than 25 years, Long Wong’s Hot Wings has been holding down the wing game in the northwest Valley with meaty wings packed with flavor. But don’t get confused, it’s not the same business as the Phoenix Long Wong’s (more on that below).
Here, sauces range from mild to fiery, with honey hot BBQ, honey mustard and garlic Parmesan among the top contenders. Specials such as the lunch combo and Wing Wednesday also make this one of the more affordable stops on the list. Pair your wings with a Kool-Aid for the full experience. 8345 W. Thunderbird Rd., Peoria, longwongspeoria.com
Long Wong’s
Now for the second iteration. Owners Ron and Andy Goldstein come from New York, and wanted to bring Buffalo-style wings to the area. Touted as the original Long Wong’s, its claim to fame is the Suicide Sauce, which really is that hot. No one will blame you for saving your bravery for another day and opting for Thai chili, spicy ranch, honey hot, or one of the milder sauce choices instead.
Bone-in and boneless wings are available by the bucket — including 50- and 72-piece orders — tossed with Chop Fries or packed into a Wong Box alongside green chile mac. 2812 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, longwongs28st.com
