Let’s be real—chicken wings aren’t meant to be eaten neatly. If you’re not getting sauce on your fingers and maybe even a little on your face, you’re probably doing it wrong. I’m personally a bone-in wing kind of person. Sure, it might make me look like a caveman while I eat, but let’s be honest, there’s no elegant way to devour a plate of wings. And there shouldn’t be! Wings are meant to be messy, flavorful, and fun.
Forks? Those are for boneless wings. And let’s face it—boneless wings aren’t even wings. They’re just glorified chicken nuggets. So, if you’re in Austin and craving real wings, whether smoked, fried, or slathered in sauce, our guide to the best for the best chicken wings in Austin has you covered. Bring plenty of wet wipes!
Stiles Switch BBQ and The Switch
For smoky, post oak-flavored wings, Stiles Switch BBQ and its sibling, The Switch, are absolutey must-visit spots. With flavor options like tangy Alabama white sauce and honey BBQ, plus a hot sauce made with brisket fat, this spot is a carnivore’s dream. Locations: 6610 N. Lamar Blvd. | 166 Hargraves Drive, Suite G-100
Tommy Want Wingy
This trailer specializes in French-cut lollipop wings, fried to crispy perfection and tossed in your choice of sauce. Whether you go for Buffalo, sweet chili, or spicy pineapple, these juicy, handheld delights are worth every bite. Multiple locations
COVER 3
This upscale sports bar takes wings to another level with their crispy, jumbo-sized wings served with house-made sauces that bring a perfect balance of heat and flavor. A great spot for watching the game while indulging in some top-tier wings. Locations: 2700 W. Anderson Ln.
Wingzup
Variety is the name of the game at Wingzup, where you can get your wings grilled, smoked, or fried and choose from over 25 different sauces. Whether you like them bone-in or boneless, there’s something for everyone. Location: 1000 E 41st St. Suite 210
LORO
This Asian smokehouse from the minds behind Uchi and Franklin Barbecue serves smoked and grilled wings with a Southeast Asian flair. Their sweet and spicy sambal glaze makes them a standout choice. This year for the Super Bowl, get 20 Smoked Wings hot sauce, miso blue cheese for $39.95 Location: 2115 S. Lamar Blvd.
Chi’Lantro BBQ
Famous for their Korean-Mexican fusion, Chi’Lantro BBQ serves up Korean-inspired wings that are crispy, spicy, and full of bold flavors. Their signature gochujang sauce brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making these wings a must-try. Multiple locations
Roots Chicken Shak
Chef Tiffany Derry’s spot inside Mueller H-E-B fries up some of the crispiest wings, using duck fat for an extra layer of richness. Location: 1801 E. 51st St.
The Cavalier
These wings are brined and fried to juicy, golden perfection. Start with an order here before diving into their equally impressive burger. Location: 2400 Webberville Road
Lao’d Bar
One of Austin’s hottest new spots, Lao’d Bar impresses with wings coated in a caramel fish sauce enriched with crab fat, delivering an intense, sweet-savory experience. Location: 9909 FM 969, Building 4
Black Sheep Lodge
This South Lamar staple keeps things classic with medium Buffalo sauce wings that hit all the right notes. Pair them with a cold beer for the ultimate bar food experience. Location: 2108 S. Lamar Blvd.
Turf N’ Surf Po’ Boys
Known for its seafood and sandwiches, Turf N’ Surf also offers crispy, flavorful wings with a Cajun twist. Their house-made sauces and perfectly fried texture make them a hidden gem for wing lovers. Location: 407 Lavaca St.
Side Eye Pie
Wings here are confit in duck fat overnight, then crisped in an oak-fired oven. The Calabrian chili Buffalo sauce is a winner, but the lemon-Parmesan option offers a different kind of umami kick. Location: 3901 Promontory Point Drive
Kinda Tropical
For an East-meets-West twist, Kinda Tropical serves up wings with a spicy tamari glaze and lime ranch dip. Feeling adventurous? Try the ghost pepper-mango wings for an extra kick. Location: 3501 E. Seventh St.
Spicy Boys Fried Chicken
With spicy influences from Thailand and Korea, Spicy Boys brings bold flavors to their wings. Start with a 5-piece and tell your homies whats good. Multiple food truck locations
Delray Cafe
For a taste of Buffalo-style authenticity, Delray Cafe delivers quintessential wings in a laid-back setting. Location: 1133 E. 11th St.
Hold Out Brewing
Wings here get a brown sugar brine, lending a caramelized finish. They’re served with Frank’s Hot Sauce enhanced with butter, Worcestershire, lemon, and horseradish, plus a buttermilk ranch with white soy sauce. Location: 1208 W. Fourth St.
Frazier’s Long & Low
This dive bar mixes up the flavors with tangy Korean-style wings, but if you’re feeling Texan, their BBQ-sauced wings are just as worthy. Location: 2538 Elmont Drive
Deckhand Oyster Bar & Seafood
While best known for their seafood, Deckhand also serves up a surprisingly great batch of wings. Their Thai-style wings are a standout, offering a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Locations: 500 Parker Dr, Austin & 4211 S. Lamar Blvd.
Sazan
Best known for ramen, Sazan also serves Indomitable Wings with a curry spice kick. Location: 6929 Airport Blvd. #146
Plucker’s Wing Bar
An Austin institution, Plucker’s is known for its extensive selection of wing flavors, from classic Buffalo to their signature Fire in the Hole for those who like it extra spicy. Pair your wings with their famous waffle fries and fried pickles. Multiple locations
CM Smokehouse
BBQ meets wings at CM Smokehouse, where the smoked and fried wings bring a rich, deep flavor you won’t find anywhere else. Their house-made sauces, including golden BBQ and spicy buffalo, make these wings a must-try. Location: 1701 E. Cesar Chavez St.
The Victory Tap (Pflugerville)
A hidden gem in Pflugerville, The Victory Tap delivers crispy, saucy wings with a solid lineup of beer pairings. Their garlic parmesan and mango habanero wings are especially popular. Location: 111 E. Main St., Pflugerville
No matter what type of wing experience you’re looking for, Austin has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Whether you love them classic, smoked, spicy, or internationally inspired, these local favorites have you covered.