Are chicken wings Atlanta's favorite guilty pleasure? It sure seems that way. And while straight-up Buffalo-style hot wings still rule the roost at most places, the variety of unusual flavors continues to surprise and please adventurous diners.

Joey Ivansco/jivansco@ajc.com (ENLARGE)
Chicken wings at Harlem Bar
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MIDTOWN

Taco Mac

Taco Mac is Atlanta's original wing joint. And its multiple locations have become the epitome of the changing face of sports bars, with more of everything. The newest, in Midtown, features some 140 beers on draft and another 280-plus in the bottle. And you can watch multiple games on 50 high-definition TVs. As for the classic Buffalo-style wings, choose from mild, medium, hot, Three Mile Island or death. Special orders include "swimming" in sauce, extra crispy and all drums or flats.

• 933 Peachtree St., 678-904-7211, www.taco-mac.com

EDGEWOOD AVENUE

Cafe Circa

Cafe Circa features a sexy atmosphere and a menu that's playfully sophisticated but friendly and familiar. Executive chef William Linares mixes Caribbean-style dishes with American influences. Weird but surprisingly tasty, his chocolate chicken wings are deep-fried drums rolled in thick, dark chocolate syrup and sprinkled with white chocolate shavings. Much more fiery than sweet, they're sort of like Buffalo wings and Mexican mole. Fun food, but utterly messy.

• 464 Edgewood Ave. N.E., 404-477-0008. www.cafecircaatl.com

CANDLER PARK

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

Texas twins Jonathan and Justin Fox make heaps of smoky, spicy barbecue — including dry-rubbed brisket, tender-tasty pulled pork (on a plate or in a sandwich) and meaty ribs. They also do lots of good sides — from fresh collards to decadently creamy mac-n-cheese and addictive tater tots. But their super hot, smoked chicken wings are something like a secret weapon. Just be prepared to feel the burn.

• 1238 Dekalb Ave. 404-577-4030. www.foxbrosbbq.com

EDGEWOOD AVENUE

Harlem Bar

Harlem Bar has something of an edgy, urban vibe. But inside, the ambiance is surprisingly cozy — at least when things aren't too busy. And the simple, Southern cooking, served well into the wee hours, couldn't be more comforting. The chicken wings may be the best thing on the menu. Fried and glazed with barbecue sauce, they're a riot of textures and flavors — crackling, sticky and meaty; sweet, salty and hot — with chunky blue cheese dressing for dipping.

• 262 Edgewood Ave. N.E., 404-588-0014