From Portland to Buffalo, here are 5 of the best chicken wing destinations across America
Maine’s Appetite for Wings: A National Tour of the Best
For millions of Americans, chicken wings have become the unofficial football‑season food. From the first greasy slather in Buffalo’s back alleys in the 1960s to today’s endless array of sauces, the wing has earned a place on every table and in every menu. A recent ranking by the food‑blog site The Takeout—drawn from customer reviews, reader polls, local news coverage and wing‑competitions—has spotlighted five standout destinations across the country. Here’s a closer look at why these spots are worth a trip.
1. Fire on the Mountain – Oregon (2005–present)
Fire on the Mountain is a family‑owned joint that has been simmering in the Portland area since 2005. The chefs are known for their freshly made, creative sauces, many of which have won awards. In 2018, the restaurant’s Buffalo Lime Cilantro sauce captured first place in the Creative Spicy category at the National Buffalo Wing Festival, while a second entry earned third place in the Craft Wings category. The menu changes weekly, with a rotating “sauce of the month” that keeps regulars guessing. The restaurant also serves vegan wings, proving that the love of a good wing can cross dietary lines.
2. Scovilles – Salt Lake City, Utah (2025 “Best of Utah”)
Salt Lake City’s Scovilles lives up to its name. The restaurant’s menu is built around heat, offering everything from Scotch Bonnet and Ghost Pepper sauces to a dry rub featuring the Carolina Reaper. For those less inclined to burn their tongues, milder options such as Cajun Honey BBQ and Buffalo Cilantro Lime are available. The 2025 “Best of Utah” awards, presented by Salt Lake City Weekly, named Scovilles as “Best Wings,” citing the wings’ crisp texture and generous sauciness. The combination of flavor and texture has made Scovilles a local staple.
3. Wings Etc. – Topeka, Kansas (2020–2024 “Best Wings”)
Wings Etc. has been the go‑to spot for wing lovers in Topeka for over a decade. From 2020 through 2024, the restaurant’s wings were crowned “Best Wings” by the Topeka Capital‑Journal’s Community Choice awards. In 2021, the wing joint earned the title “Twisted Wing King” at the Topeka Wing Fling, thanks to a Buffalo‑sauce‑and‑lime‑pepper rub hybrid that blended tradition with innovation. Customers rave about the Hot‑Honey Garlic and Tweener sauces, and the place remains popular with both locals and travelers alike.
4. Ale Emporium – Indianapolis, Indiana (1982–present)
Ale Emporium has served Indianapolis since 1982 and is a mainstay of the city’s wing scene. Among its most celebrated items is the Hermanaki wing—an oversized, crispy piece finished in a secret spice blend, house sauce, and a touch of teriyaki. The establishment also offers classic Buffalo wings, which Axios Indianapolis highlighted in a 2024 feature. The combination of quality, consistency, and a willingness to experiment keeps the Ale Emporium in the conversation whenever the topic turns to wings.
5. Bar‑Bill Tavern – Buffalo, New York
The birthplace of the wing is a place that still thrives. Though Bar‑Bill Tavern did not create the original Buffalo wing, it has become a local favorite, earning praise from both visitors and the city’s tourism board. In 2019, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen revealed to Barstool Sports Radio that Bar‑Bill Tavern was his go‑to spot for wings, underscoring its standing among the city’s best.
Why the Rankings Matter
The Takeout’s list isn’t simply a fan‑favourite poll; it reflects a careful analysis of several factors. The website aggregated customer reviews, ran reader surveys, scoured local news stories and evaluated each establishment’s performance in official wing competitions. The result is a snapshot of the national wing landscape, showcasing regional variations and the creativity that keeps the humble chicken wing a cultural staple.
From Oregon’s award‑winning sauces to Utah’s fire‑hot offerings, Kansas’s community‑voted champions, Indiana’s long‑standing favorites, and Buffalo’s historic taverns, the ranking paints a picture of how wings have evolved into a dynamic, statewide tradition—and beyond. For wing lovers in Maine and across the country, the list offers a roadmap for the next delicious excursion.