Table of Contents
The Purpose of this Post
The purpose of this post is to highlight many of Memphis Tennessee’s best fried chicken and chicken wing restaurants. This post will be successful in my eyes if I can provide you with a number of high quality options to choose from where you can obtain delicious chicken in nearly every part of the greater Memphis area.
The List, In No Particular Order
What’s up?! I hope you’re having a hell of a good week!
Perhaps you’re just visiting from out of town, or maybe you’re a native Memphian. Regardless, I’m sure you’ll discover at least one chicken wing joint below that you haven’t tried or haven’t heard of that will blow your mind!
Moreover, if you find this list helpful, I highly recommend that you save this to your browser for later, since the landscape of chicken wings in Memphis is constantly changing and I will be updating this guide. Also, you should share this with your friends, since I bet they’ll find a wing spot on here that they’ll find useful as well!
Lastly, if you have more to add to this list, or perhaps you think I should try a different flavor at a spot that you love, then leave me a comment below with your thoughts! I would love to hear from you.
Enjoy!
- Ching’s Best Damn Wings
- Wing Guru
- Central BBQ
- D’bo’s Wings n’ More
- The Dirty Crow
- The Wing Factory
- Alex’s Tavern
- Riko’s Kickin Chicken
- Crumpy’s Hot Wings On Highland
- Runway Grille & Deli
- Bone’s Wings
- Crumpy’s Hot Wings Downtown
- Los Comales Mexican Bar & Grill
- Yo Mama
- Wilson’s Wings n’ Things
- Midtown Crossing Grill
- Slider Inn
- Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken
- Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken
- Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
- All Star Hot Wings
- Ms. D’s Wings
- 901 Wings
- Best Wings of Memphis
- Ubee’s
- Garibaldi’s Pizza
- These Damn Wings
- Bayou Bar & Grill
- Next Door
- Bosses
- Germantown Commissary
- Young Avenue Deli
1. Ching’s Best Damn Wings
Although I say this list isn’t ordered by preference, If I do have a preference, it is for Ching’s Best Damn Wings! In fact, Lafayette Williams Memphis favorite has a Honey Extra Hot Sauce that will blow your mind out of the water.
Also, not to mention that their crinkled, seasoned fries are consistently the best dry seasoned fries I’ve ever had in my life. Seriously, if you only go to one place, go here. In my experience, you will only be grateful that you did!
2. Wing Guru
Consistently listed up there as one of the best wing joints in the greater Memphis area, it is controversially compared to Ching’s in head on, no holds barred competitions between consumers.
I highly recommend you give this place a try, and maybe I’ll see you there!
3. Central BBQ
Although a primarily thoroughbred in the art of Barbecue, Central’s has some of the most consistent, large, and Tasteful smoked wings out there.
I personally adore their chicken, and you should give them a try. Also, be sure to pick up a rack of ribs while you’re there ;).
4. D’bo’s Wings n’ More
The owner/founder of D’bo’s is believed to be one of the first to bring the hot wing craze to Memphis, Tennessee. You can find a number of his locations around Memphis, and their unique sauce and long standing consistency will be sure to leave you pleased!
Moreover, they are also known for their Daiquiris, which I’ve never had, but which I’ve also heard great things about! So, I recommend that you get one and let me know what you think.
5. The Dirty Crow
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best hole in the wall restaurants in Memphis. Everything from their burgers, their cheese fries, to their smoked-then-fried wings (which come in a multitude of flavors) are delectable. You can’t go wrong here.
Lastly, be sure to check out their Instagram page, where they post whenever they have live music coming in! Their outside patio is ideal for some tunes and some beers.
6. The Wing Factory
Located in one of Memphis’ many food deserts, The Wing Factory houses a consistent and tasty wing.
Give them a try if you’re nearby, and be sure to check them out for delivery if you aren’t nearby!
7. Alex’s Tavern
In my opinion, the top dive bar in Memphis is Alex’s Tavern. Stop by for a quick beer, and grab some tenders while you’re at it!
Their wings come in Classic Hot and Greek. Believe me, these are no joke in the flavor department, and you’ll want to make sure you come hungry because Rock Mo’s sauce will knock you on your ass!
Lastly, keep in mind this place is cash only, but does have an ATM in the corner for all you card-goers.
8. Riko’s Kickin Chicken
An underappreciated gem in the no man’s land between Midtown and the Medical District, Riko’s Kickin’ Chicken is a surefire contender for best chicken in Midtown!
Reasonably delicious, and one of the few wing spots in a 2 mile radius, Riko’s will surely give you the taste you’re craving!
9. Crumpy’s Hot Wings On Highland
Heavily popular, Crumpy’s on Highland boasts as a strong competitor for the best wings in Memphis! They have incredible sauces, fry their chicken better than most, and have a scrumptious fry seasoning that leaves you licking your fingers clean.
Give them a chance, and you won’t regret it, that’s my guarantee. Plus, they reside near the University of Memphis Campus, so if your in town for a sporting event, you aren’t a far cry from flavor!
10. Runway Grille & Deli
I know this post if for fried chicken, but Runway Grill has an incredibly special offering with their grilled wings. Moreover, they combine the uniqueness of their grilled wings with a tangy sauce that smacks your lips like a slap to the face.
Plus, since they are near the Memphis International Airport, you can grab some of these bad boys on your way out of town if you’re so inclined!
11. Bone’s Wings
Tucked away in South Memphis, Bone’s Wings is a hot hitter, seeing as they crush it out of the ballpark every time I’ve ordered their food on Delivery. So, I imagine that if I were to get their food in store that it would be magnificent.
Grab them if you’re around South Memphis, but I can recommend these if you are ordering delivery to a hotel, and they’ll show up hot and delicious!
12. Crumpy’s Hot Wings Downtown
Give this place a visit if you know what’s good for you! Not only do they get orders up insanely fast, but they also have so drool inducing chicken that just tingle my tongue with anticipation just thinking about it!
Plus, beyond the chicken, the owner is a local business owner who has several small businesses around the city. He supports his family and his son, who is undergoing treatment at St. Jude. He is supporting a huge cause, and even if you don’t support his restaurant, I recommend you show support to St. Jude for all of the noble work they do.
13. Los Comales Mexican Bar & Grill
Shockingly good, these Hot Wings, or Alitas as they are called on the menu, come dry so you can dip them or pour sauce on them to you heart’s desire. Although they are Mexican made, I guarantee you’ll find true Buffalo New York authenticity in these wings!
Available at multiple locations, I highly recommend Los Comales for their food and drink selection, because they are so damn affordable! Check out their menu and see what you like, because they have a lot of great options to choose from.
14. Yo Mama
Simply exquisite, this well placed location will take care of all of your North Memphis Wings desires. In fact, “It’s so good, it’ll make you slap yo mama!”
A smaller joint, but absolutely a welcome presence to those engaged around Jackon Avenue and in the Hollywood area. I can;t say if you’ll slap yo mama, but I bet you’ll be glad you went!
15. Wilson’s Wings n’ Things
A highly engaging wing joint located in the shadow of the Crosstown Concourse. The proprietor, Wilson, has a wholly unique sauce that no one else in Memphis ha come close to. His Honey Hot has some special zing to it that this author hasn’t been able to replicate in his recipes.
Pass through this location, and say hi to Wilson for me! But, make sure you pick up some of his South Memphis Kool-Aid before heading out. It’s delicious!
16. Midtown Crossing Grill
Primarily a pizza joint with a bar affixed to it, this joint outsources their wings to a barbecue company, who smoke them and delivers daily birds to the restaurant. Midtown Crossing then deep fry the wings and adds their own delectable sauce to them.
Believe me when I say that this chicken is off the chain, and it pairs incredibly well with their Egg’s Benedict Pizza and a pitcher of freshly French Pressed coffee!
17. Slider Inn
Perhaps the simplest, most straight forward Hot Wings in Memphis, The Slider Inn simply does nothing wrong with their fantastic chicken appetizer. Accompany your chicken with a well crafter Jameson Slushy, and now you have yourself a pairing to contend with!
Not just a chicken joint, The Slider Inn makes top notch sliders and boasts possibly the best outdoor eating space in Memphis. They host a big, wide open deck that contains an indoor/outdoor covered area with heating for the Winter months!
18. Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken
Unquestionably the best Nashville Hot Chicken made Memphis style that you will ever eat. Adapted from Lou’s mother’s recipes as a child, the flavor in this chicken is literally off the chain, as Guy Fieri, host of Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dive’s” would say. In fact, this restaurant was premiered on the very show!
If you haven’t tried it out yet, try making Uncle Lou’s Corruption Seasoning Mix at home for yourself!
A stone’s throw from the Memphis International Airport, Uncle Lou’s is by far my favorite place to take people who need some Sweet and Spicy Love Sauce in their life. But, when you go, make sure to say hi to Uncle Lou for me and order some of his Honey Buttered Biscuits, because they are the best biscuits you will ever encounter, hands down.
19. Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken
The Original Southern Fired Chicken Joint in Memphis Tennessee, Gus’ has it all! They do mixed dark and white, they do sides, they have atmosphere and they have locations! Odds are, you’ve seen their restaurant pop up in your town or in a city across the United States, and there’s a great reason for that. The reason is that they make the best Southern Fried Chicken in the South.
Sure, there may be contenders, but numbers are tough to contend with, and the numbers show that the people have voted. Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken is expanding, and the people are getting what they want!
20. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
One of the most popular Nashville Hot Chicken Chains coming out of Tennessee right now, Hattie B’s is sure to soothe your appetite for chicken ranging from mild to super extra hot! Plus, their sides, featuring stars like Pimento Mac and Cheese are a clear winner in the add-ons game.
An excellent ambassador for the Nashville Hot Chicken Brand, you’ll be marking it on your calendar to explore more of Nashville’s specialty poultry in the months to follow!
21. All Star Hot Wings
A local chain, All Star has conveniently located establishments across Memphis and large, tasty chicken that is consistent.
Give these a try if you’re nearby, just make sure you keep track of which location you call!
22. Ms. D’s Wings
These wings are fire! Plus, you’ll be glad to know they have a multitude of flavors. Just check out their website, especially if you’re in search of wings in Bartlett
A little on the small side, these wings pack a powerfully flavorful punch that I’m sure you’ll love!
23. 901 Wings
Highly recommended by their patrons, 901 Wings has a strong cult following in Memphis.
A conveniently located restaurant nearby downtown, I recommend you try out their largely talked about chicken!
24. Best Wings of Memphis
One of the largest wing chains in Memphis, this is often what comes up when you do a Google search for “the best wings in Memphis”. I’ve heard positive reviews of this chain, from friends who believe it to be a reliable chain.
Generally located in Midtown and towards East Memphis, you may have to drive in order to find some of these chicken wings.
25. Ubee’s
Located in a premier area, right down the street from the central University of Memphis Campus, Ubee’s comes highly recommended from a friend who is both a Memphis native and who attended University of Memphis!
Highly reviewed, I recommend you check this place out the next opportunity you get. Plus, there are a few bars nearby there that have a lot of fun to offer late night patrons.
26. Garibaldi’s Pizza
Garibaldi’s double bakes their wings in their pizza ovens! Now that is special.
Offering 3 well located restaurants, Garibaldi’s has a lot to be proud of, and I bet you’ll enjoy it as much as many others have in the past!
27. These Damn Wings
A strong Up and Comer located on Lamar avenue. This new business has a strong Instagram presence and a fresh new look.
Although I can;t personally vouch for these wings, I am anxious to try them out and want to give them a try at my next availability!
28. Bayou Bar & Grill
An excellent spot to chow down on some Cajun food, Bayou Bar & Grill has a sauce known as “Zydeco” sauce. A mysterious name, coupled with a mysterious description, “A milder, sweeter kick”.
I have had their BBQ Shrimp before and it was incredible, so I have no misgivings about going here to try out their food. Plus, they offer regular hot wings, but the kicker is they offer to combine Zydeco and Hot sauce. That sounds like a real game changer!
29. Next Door
Owned by the same proprietor as Sweet Grass, the Hot Wings at Next Door are off the charts good! The best Hot Wings that I’ve had in the Cooper Young area, hands down.
Not to mention, that they have endless wings every Monday so you can fill your face with awesome chicken while filling your soul with Football. Now that’s a combo you’ll catch me indulging in this coming Fall!
30. Bosses Wings
Conveniently located by the Poplar Avenue/240 overpass, Bosses is a top contender serving chicken fanatics out in East Memphis.
They produce a reliable product that has fans returning back time and time again for. I think you’ll have a positive experience here, especially if you’re staying in the hotels just across the 240 loop.
31. Commissary
A well known Germantown and Collierville favorite BBQ joint, Commissary also offers smoked chicken wings for the particularly peckish who dine there.
Considered some of the best food in Memphis hands down, I think you’ll find yourself happy if you choose to try the chicken at this restaurant.
32. Young Avenue Deli
The popular deli in the heart of the Cooper Young district of Midtown Memphis, Young Avenue Deli hosts the most impressive array of sandwiches on that end of the city.
Although they have plenty more to offer than wings, I won’t be steering you wrong by recommending Young Ave as a premier food joint to grab a couple of crispy wings at!
very nice thank you
Thank you for reading!