Takeout Ranks Best Chicken Wings In Every State

Chicken wings define American dining, especially when the football season kicks off. They are saucy, spicy, mild, fried, or smoked. No matter the preparation method, they remain a staple on tables across the nation. These snacks have evolved significantly since their humble start in Buffalo, New York, where the dish took hold in the 1960s. Today, inventive versions appear at restaurants everywhere. Some of these spots have earned glowing reviews and serious accolades.

The Takeout recently assembled a list featuring the best chicken wings in every single state. They selected winners based on customer reviews, reader polls, local news coverage, and wing competitions. Here are five top destinations ranging from Oregon to New York.

Prices for your favorite restaurant might drop soon, but that is another story entirely. Let us look at the champions first.

Fire on the Mountain in Portland, Oregon, has been around since 2005. This locally owned eatery is famous for its freshly made, inventive sauces. Flavors include Spicy Peanut, Raspberry Habanero, and Jamaican Jerk. Their Buffalo Lime Cilantro sauce took first place in the Creative Spicy category at the 2018 National Buffalo Wing Festival. That same year, the restaurant won third place in the Craft Wings category. They also offer a rotating "sauce of the month" and vegan wings for everyone to enjoy.

Scovilles in Salt Lake City, Utah, lives up to its name by bringing serious heat. The Scoville scale measures pepper spiciness, so this spot loves intense flavors. Guests can choose from an array of sauces and dry rubs. Options include Scotch Bonnet, Ghost Pepper, and the Carolina Reaper. Those who dislike extreme fire opt for milder choices like Cajun Honey BBQ or Buffalo Cilantro Lime. Scovilles earned the title of "Best Wings" in Salt Lake City Weekly's 2025 "Best of Utah" awards. Critics raved about the wings' crispiness and sauciness during that review cycle.

Wings, Etc. in Topeka, Kansas, is no stranger to the spotlight. Their wings were crowned "Best Wings" by the Topeka Capital-Journal's Community Choice for five years straight. That streak ran from 2020 through 2024 without interruption. They also won the title of "Twisted Wing King" at the Topeka Wing Fling in 2021. This honor came thanks to their Buffalo sauce and lime-pepper rub hybrid. Customers love the Hot-Honey Garlic and Tweener sauces found on the menu there.

Ale Emporium has served Indianapolis since 1982. One of their most popular items is the Hermanaki wing. It is a crispy, sweet, and spicy jumbo wing covered in a secret spice blend. The dish also features the restaurant's special house sauce and teriyaki. They do the classics well too. Their Buffalo wings were praised by Axios Indianapolis in 2024 for their quality and taste.

Would a chicken wing round-up be complete without mentioning Buffalo? Home of the legendary wing, that city has no shortage of places to get a fix. Although Bar-Bill Tavern is not where the Buffalo wing was originally created, it holds its own against the giants. Locals and Visit Buffalo Niagara say it serves up some of the best wings in the area. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen told Barstool Sports Radio back in 2019 that Bar-Bill Tavern was his favorite local spot to grab a plate of wings.