Saucy, crispy and flavorful: 10 of the best wing spots in metro Atlanta

Moe's and Joe's is a staple in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood. CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM
Curtis Compton

Drums or flats? No matter which one you prefer, chicken wings in the city of Atlanta are unlike anywhere else in the world. We take our wings very seriously and there are many incredible spots to discover and visit around town.

Although there are many options and extraordinary varieties to try, we have highlighted some of the top wing spots to check out (in no particular order). Who knows, maybe one of these will become your new go-to wing spot.

The Bando

With 90s-themed decor, this “food museum” on MLK Drive is a spot that’s buzzing on social media with its unique “crack” wings covered in powdered sugar. They offer several meal combos with special names like No Cap, Finesse, Parlay, What Up Doe and the Crack Wings Combo. After some delicious wings, be sure to get their Boss Up dessert that includes six deep-fried Oreos.

Location: Southwest - 3050 M.L.K. Jr Dr. SW, suite M; Website: thebandoatl.com

Pit Boss BBQ

Come for the barbecue, stay for the wings. Pit Boss BBQ in Hapeville has some must-try smoked wings. The slow-cooked wings are big, juicy, packed full of flavor and will leave you wanting to come back for more. Their house-made lemon pepper sauce truly elevates the wings to a whole other level.

Location: Hapeville - 800 Doug Davis Dr.; Website: pitboss-bbq.com; Contact: 404-768-0036

Trap Wingz ATL

Self-described as having the “best crispy wings in Atlanta,” Trap Wingz ATL has an extensive list of wing flavors that will satisfy any kind of wing craving. From Trap Sauce, Glam Sauce, Sweet Cayenne, classic Lemon Pepper, to Cajun, Polynesian, Mango Habanero and many more - there’s also Heart Attack (which is extra hot) for those heat-seekers. They also have an assortment of “Trap Lemonade” flavors to pair with your wings: regular, blue raspberry, cotton candy, green apple, strawberry, grape, mango and piña colada.

Location: Downtown - 265 Park Ave. W NW; Instagram: @trapwingzatl; Contact: 770-899-9496

B and L Wings

Next time you want to try a new twist on lemon pepper, be sure to try B & L’s signature Hot Honey Lemon Pepper. It’s the kind of lemon pepper flavor you didn’t know you needed in your life. With that, you’ll want to also try their unbeatable Sweet Bleu Cheese (which pairs perfectly with the wings for dipping) as well as their Ranch Fried Okra. Is your mouth watering yet? For vegetarians and vegans, they have delectable fried cauliflower wings, too.

Location: Northeast - 800 Forrest St. NW; Website: bandlwingsllc.com; Contact: 678-822-2584

Clay’s Sports Cafe

Over in Sandy Springs, Clay’s Sports Cafe has been a local neighborhood hangout spot with awesome wings since 1991. Their wings are large and perfectly flavored with a variety of sauces to choose from, like Hot Teriyaki, Jalapeño, Hot Ranch, BBQ, Lemon Pepper, Jerk, Honey Garlic Parmesan and more. You can order anywhere from 5 to 100 wings with cajun fries, tater tots or chips.

Location: Sandy Springs - 5975 Roswell Rd.; Website: clayssportscafe.com; Contact: 404-843-1233

The Local

If you’ve been to The Local for karaoke, then you might be familiar with their house-smoked wings and other pub fares. This cozy dive bar offers one-of-a-kind sauces such as Jerk BBQ, Extra Spicy Korean BBQ and Tikka Masala, just to name a few. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Tikka Masala is definitely worth trying, you won’t be disappointed.

Location: East Atlanta - 758 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE; Website: thelocalkaraoke.com; Contact: 404-873-5002

Moe’s and Joe’s

Next time you’re at Moe’s and Joe’s for a $5 PBR pitcher, make sure to order some of their great wings too. This Virginia-Highland tavern has been around since 1947 bringing in locals time and time again. Whether you’re getting their Original, Lemon Pepper, Hot or Super Horace Hot, these wings will be some of the best you’ve had around town. To top off your meal, make sure to try the Mojo Fries which include fries covered in melted cheese, bacon, jalapeños and scallions served with a side of ranch.

Location: East Atlanta - 1033 North Highland Ave. NE; Facebook: @moesnjoes; Contact: 404-873-6090

Three Dollar Cafe

With 10 locations all over Atlanta (both OTP and ITP), Three Dollar Cafe is the perfect family-friendly restaurant for some delicious wings. Offering a wide variety of food, they have some great combo deals with 10, 20 or 30-piece wings and even offer a shrimp and wings combo as well. From their signature TDC sauce with different heat levels: mild, medium, hot, extra hot, to teriyaki, garlic parmesan, lemon pepper or spicy BBQ, they have all the classic flavors you would want.

Location: Multiple Locations; Website: threedollarcafe.com

J.R. Crickets

We can’t talk about wings in Atlanta without highlighting the staple that is J.R. Crickets. Since opening more than 40 years ago and operating 10+ locations in metro Atlanta, there is no doubt that J.R. Crickets’ popularity has soared. While their famous “Lemon Pepper Wet” is amazing and incomparable, they also have other great flavors to try: Three Mile Island, Buffalo BBQ, Dirty Bird and more. If you love chicken and waffles, order their Waffle and 5 Wings combo for a whole new experience.

Location: Multiple Locations; Website: jrcrickets.com

Magic City Kitchen

Atlanta’s Magic City, one of the most renowned strip clubs in the world, has been mentioned in countless rap songs, but the wings are almost as equally legendary. Fried and sauced to perfection, there’s everything from lemon pepper, Honey Garlic, Thai Chili, Garlic Parmesan, BBQ, Teriyaki, Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ (named after NBA star Lou Williams) and more. Check out their menu and see what the “magic” is all about.

Location: Downtown - 241 Forsyth St. SW; Website: magiccitykitchen.com; Contact: 404-584-5847

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