These places take their chicken wings seriously, and for that, we salute them.
Some consider the wing to be a mere side item. An afterthought, shoved onto the back of menus to fill out the selection. And while many restaurants and pubs are found guilty of that very act of negligence, some actually have their black belts in fried wing glory.
These are restaurants that take the wing to the next level, with flavor that kicks taste bud butt like Stephen Chow going off against a horde of ax-wielding mobsters (Kung Fu Hustle, excellent film, highly recommend).
We respect any place that has achieved Shaolin-level mastery of the great wing technique, so we just put together a list of the best places in Columbus. So enter humble young disciples, and make sure to try these 10 masters of the winged arts.
OH Pizza and Brew
Known for more than just their pizza, OH Pizza and Wings sports a pretty decent list of sauces. From the Sweaty Neck to the Grippo’s BBQ Dry Rub, they’re going to have something hot and spicy and just up your alley.
Where: 250 N. 3rd St Columbus, OH 43215
Website: OH Pizza and Brew
O’Reilly’s Pub
This neighborhood bar is known for its Pepper Burger but the selection of awesome foods doesn’t stop there. Their wings are crisped just right and reasonably priced with sauces that are straight up addictive.
Where: 2822 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Website: O’Reilly’s Pub
Barley’s Brewing
The wings at Barley’s are called Unconventional Wings but really they should be renamed to “wings we never want to live without”. They are grilled, they come either dry-rubbed or sauced and if you’re after some serious spice, you can test your limits by ordering your wings tossed in a sauce called Dragonsbreath.
Where: 467 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Barley’s Brewing
Press Grill
While other establishments may pull you in with an extreme variety of sauces or other wingy gimmicks, Press Grill keeps it simple. And through that simplicity, they’re able to achieve some of the most underrated wings in the city. They only offer four sauces, medium, honey bbq, hot, and honey mustard, and each of the options is actually perfect.
Where: 741 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Press Grill
Gallo’s Tap Room
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If you’re hoping to enjoy a beer, a game, and some good old hot wings, Gallo’s is the place to be. They have three spice levels, mild, medium, and hot, with different sauce options in every tier.
Where: 5019 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43214
Website: Gallo’s Tap Room
Meshikou Chikin
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A unique take on the fried chicken wing, Meshikou serves them up with some amazing side options. The wings are double fried and you can have your choice of sauces in a variety of Asian flavors, including K Pop Spicy, Sichuan Nom Nom, Indo-Sambal, and more.
Where: 1504 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Website: Meshikou Chikin
Roadhouse Wings & Grille
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No one does crispy wings quite like Roadhouse. All of their sauces and dry rubs are made in-house, plus they run some of the best wing night specials in town.
Where: 2177 Hilliard Rome Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026
Website: Roadhouse Wings & Grille (Facebook)
City Tavern
If deep-fried wings are calling and you simply can’t take it anymore, stop what you’re doing and head to City Tavern. All of their sauces are great, but you really can’t go wrong with their Original City Sauce.
Where: 697 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: City Tavern
Shaker’s Public House
The wings at Shaker’s Public House are the real deal. They’re flavorful, cooked to perfection, and the sauces are unique. And speaking of deals… they have some awesome ones throughout the week, including $.80 wings on Wednesdays, all day. Unfortunately, the restaurant just experienced a pretty substantial fire over Labor Day weekend. But it would be criminal not to include them here for when they eventually re-open.
Where: 385 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
Website: Shaker’s Public House
Wings Over
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Breaded chicken with a combination of sauce or dry rub spices, you can choose from an absurd combination of flavors. If super hot buffalo is your thing, pick up the Afterburner. More into BBQs? That’s okay, they have seven different types that you’re going to love.
Where: 1315 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
Website: Wings Over
Featured image via City Tavern Facebook“
