The Best Wings in Charlotte

A focus on farm fresh ingredients, handmade cocktails and sustainable meats quickly helped Haymaker gain popularity in the Uptown area. Their roasted duck breast, Panisse, Brasstown Farm NY strip and pork belly are all great ways to round out a meal. It’s their chili sorghum wings featuring smoked white BBQ, scallion and benne, though, that ranks them as having some of the best wings in Charlotte. There are impressive paintings, vintage photography and a wealth of unique lighting fixtures that create a pleasant and upscale ambiance that cannot be missed.

Hardwood adorns much of the Stoke restaurant, but it’s the shelves full of wine, comfy seating and contemporary layout that creates the aura that patrons keep returning for. This eatery is located in the Uptown Marriot, so it’s no surprise that most of the décor aims for a high-end feel. They don't show up on many lists related to the best wings in Charlotte – but that's mostly because some fail to think outside of the box. Their Six Stone Guinea Hen and Wood Fired Chicken both include some deliciously sauced wings – guests just end up with a whole lot more of the bird!

Utilizing an imported Italian oven, wood-fired grill and rotisserie, Rooster's at Southpark has a unique preparation style that not many eateries can match. They focus on Italian, French and Spanish cuisine, so guests can enjoy diverse offerings that include roasted chicken pizza, calamari, and brisket burgers. Their wood-roasted wings also easily qualify as some of the best wings in Charlotte. Taxidermy roosters line the walls – a nod to the eatery’s namesake – and the atmosphere is rounded out by a lodge-like appearance and even a private dining area.

The exposed ceiling joists and original brick walls in The Cellar at Duckworth's remain true to the prohibition-era feel that the building has had since 1912. The vintage doors, antique lighting and other aged décor helps this atmosphere remain consistent. The rare and specialty beers – maintained at temperatures appropriate to their style – are far superior to the gut punches that may have been sneakily enjoyed during the 1930s, though. Their offering of the best wings in Charlotte is a little different – since it’s duck confit rather than chicken – but it’s still worth a visit.

One step into Ri Ra Irish Pub immediately teleports patrons to Ireland. After being restored in the country and then shipped to America, this is about as close to a true Irish pub as one could get. Drams of whiskey and pints of Guinness are enjoyed surrounded by a stone fireplace, vintage statues, old-school advertisements and a massive stone archway sculpture. They also have a good selection when it comes to choosing the best wings in Charlotte. Flavors include mild, sweet chili, wild and the increasingly popular Guinness BBQ.

Locally brewed beers and a wine list featuring dozens of selections are certainly a huge draw for Harry’s Grille & Tavern. Their relaxing atmosphere – which features contrasting red and black walls, a variety of caricature portraits and an impressive amount of natural light – is also likely a big part of why people come back. Their variety of steaks, meatloaf, burgers and seafood are also quite impressive. For those seeking the best wings in Charlotte, though, it might just be their Mapleleaf Farms duck wings that result in repeat visits.

Seafood, authentic wood-fired steaks, select wines and specialty cocktails are par for the course at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. Located at Stonecrest Shopping Center, this castle-like building is hard for any passerby to miss. A large fireplace, rustic sculptures, soft lighting and gorgeous paintings manage to make the interior just as impressive as its external counterpart. Their smoked wings and Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are a great way to get started, but make sure to try the steak sandwich, fish tacos, aged ribeye and baby back ribs as well.

Declared as a ‘Chef to Keep Your Eye On’ by Esquire, Chef Rocco Whalen brings a unique culinary flair to the city with his Fahrenheit restaurant. Some patrons have listed their short ribs as some of the best wings in Charlotte, but these are actually wagyu steak served with teriyaki lo Mein. For those who want a little something extra, the fried Brussels, pimento tots and variety of pizzas should do the trick. While the interior décor is impressive, everyone should make an effort to enjoy the skyline, fire pits and overall beauty of their rooftop dining.

The Chima Steakhouse also offers a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline, but it's their roaming gauchos that make the eatery stand out. These professionals visit tables with a selection of 15 different slow-roasted meats. Since everything is brought around on skewers, guests don’t need to worry about removing some of the best wings in Charlotte from the bone themselves. The beef ribs and lamb chops are also favorites, but patrons should make an effort to try everything at least once. Imagery of the gauchos – essentially Brazilian cowboys – adorn the walls as a reminder that this cuisine is uniquely cultural.

Those seeking out an authentic Mexican experience in the city need to visit Cantina 1511. All the décor – ranging from wall murals and flora to the Latin color scheme and vintage movie posters – embody the festive spirit of the country. The Pig Wings Carnitas certainly fall under the category of best wings in Charlotte, but unlike some other options, they’re not made from chicken. These pork shanks are flash fried before being tossed in salted orange caramel. Other delicious menu options include carne asada, al pastor salmon, crab & avocado quesadillas and a variety of fajitas.

Proudly proclaiming itself to be the best and only authentic British pub in Charlotte, the Big Ben Pub Restaurant strives to create an experience that patrons will want more of. This includes hosting live music and trivia night events every week. No worries: the British flag on the sign out front is impossible to miss. Inside, there are several more flags in addition to beefeater statues and “football” décor. The Big Ben's Chicken Wings come in three flavors – with a colonial curry twist – and are arguably the best wings in Charlotte.

The Southpark location of Red Rocks Café is easy to spot thanks to the huge red tented patio area. The interior lighting and tablecloths maintain the focus on red as an element of décor, and there are several televisions around to keep everyone up to date on the sporting event of the day. Everyone who visits this eatery should try the filet medallions, ribs, lobster and sea bass, but they should also make sure to start out with a delicious entrant to the best wings in Charlotte contest: Andrew Slattery’s Buffalo Wings.

Offering classic American fare in a tavern atmosphere, the Rusty Bucket aims to excel in its cocktail craft as much as it does in cuisine. They offer a variety of carefully crafted specialty cocktails in addition to a large selection of wine and beer. The Rusty Bucket Wings are a perfect compliment to any beverage, and they come in five delicious flavors. While the sports memorabilia and big screen televisions are impressive, they’re likely only secondary for anyone seeking out the best wings in Charlotte.

What happens when an award-winning craft beer selection is combined with awesome decor and a variety of indoor games to play? The Fox & Hound is created. The Pineville Road location has a similar menu to the other franchise spots – including some of the best wings in Charlotte – and it televises the most important sporting events ranging from UFC to NFL. Whether someone is enjoying the pool tables, darts or the televised game, they’ll have access to both classic and boneless buffalo wings.