Years ago, I read a travel blog claiming to know the “Best Chicken Wings in America,” and I thought it would be fun to try a few while traveling. Over time, I’ve sampled some of the country’s finest: Pok Pok in Portland, Oregon, The Sweetwater Tavern in downtown Detroit, the original Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, and of course, The Peanut in Kansas City.
But no matter how far I roam, my cravings always come home. There’s just something about the wings in the Little Apple. Maybe it’s the perfect crunch I find at my favorite Aggieville spots. Maybe it’s the sweet-heat at a local bar where the staff knows your name before you finish walking in. Maybe it’s sharing a platter with friends after a K-State game, where every bite feels like a victory. I’ll continue to chase “the best” wings across the country, but the very best are truly right here.
Here are Manhattan’s Best Wings as chosen by the staff of Manhattan City Lifestyle, without any particular order:
Aggieville Brewing Company
Aggieville Brewing Company has taken wings to an art form. Each wing starts its journey smoked over white oak at 260º for two hours, infusing a subtle, smoky depth that sets the stage for flavor. After their slow smoke, the wings are finished with a crisp, golden fry in rich beef tallow, creating a perfect balance of tender interior and crunchy exterior. From there, the real fun begins with Aggieville’s house-made sauces. Their classic buffalo packs a spicy, tangy punch, while the BBQ sauce hits that perfect sweet-and-smoky note. But the showstopper is the Tiger Wings, a sticky-sweet glaze combining hot sauce and brown sugar that earned them the title of 2025 Wing Wars champions. For wing lovers in Manhattan, Aggieville Brewing Company isn’t just a stop; it’s a destination. 612 Pillsbury Dr.
RC McGraw’s Bar & Grill
McGraw’s Bar & Grill has made wing night legendary in Manhattan, but don’t worry if you can’t make it on a Tuesday or Thursday—they’re available any day. Each wing is carefully seasoned and baked to lock in flavor and juiciness. After baking, the wings are refrigerated, then fried to order, ensuring a perfectly crisp exterior with tender, flavorful meat inside. From there, the sky’s the limit with sauces. Classic fans can go mild or hot with Buffalo, or enjoy the sweet-savory balance of Spicy or Honey BBQ. Adventurous eaters have options like Caribbean, Thai Sweet Chili, or Mango Habanero, while Garlic Parmesan adds a savory punch and Korean BBQ delivers a sticky, bold finish. With so many sauces and a flawless fry, RC McGraw’s wings are a playground for flavor seekers. Each bite is crafted to satisfy, whether you like them sweet, spicy, or somewhere in between. 2317 Tuttle Creek Blvd.
Moe’s Original BBQ
Opened in 2020 and owned by Dave Alt, Moe’s Original BBQ has quickly made a name for its wings. Each wing starts with a brine of salt water and brown sugar, locking in juiciness before a slow, three-hour smoke at 200º infuses deep flavor. Once smoked, the wings are finished in the fryer, achieving a perfect balance of tender inside and crisp outside. Sauces elevate them even further: the house-made wing sauce is a classic favorite, while occasional jerk wings add a spicy twist. Their house-made BBQ sauce hits that smoky-sweet note every time. Then, there’s the Alabama white sauce. This stuff is better than ranch or bleu cheese. It’s a blend of mayo, hot sauce, BBQ rub, lemon & sugar, and a creamy, tangy complement for all of Moe’s offerings. Moe’s wings earned top honors as the 2024 Wing Wars champions and are available for catering and tailgates. More than just BBQ, Moe’s wings are a must-try on the outskirts of Manhattan. 11855 Cassie Ln, St. George
Sunny’s Bulgogi House
Near the gates of Fort Riley, Sunny’s Bulgogi House in Ogden brings Korean-style wings with a deeply personal touch. The story starts with the family’s roots. Originally a barbershop in Junction City, they opened the Sunny’s Family Salon in Ogden in 2012, and expanded into their culinary venture next door in 2014. Every wing is crafted with care, following family recipes or original takes, reflecting cooks who are serious about their craft and always exploring ways to improve. The wings are your choice of sweet or hot, with each delivering a vibrant punch of flavor without any dredge or flour, letting the quality of the meat shine. While “Bulgogi” literally means “fired beef,” Sunny’s expands the concept to chicken and pork, giving diners a taste of Korea with a Kansas twist. At Sunny’s, wings aren’t just food. They’re a family tradition, a labor of love, and a continually evolving culinary experiment that keeps customers coming back for more. 308 Riley Ave. Ogden
McCool’s Bar + Kitchen
McCool’s Bar + Kitchen, opened in 2022 by Jeff Zerr and Casey McCool, has quickly become a go-to spot for wing enthusiasts. Freshness is the name of the game: wings are never frozen and are cooked to order in a fryer reserved exclusively for them, using seasoned oil for perfect flavor and crispiness. Daily, diners can choose from 20 flavors, plus a rotating weekly special, with inventive options like Flaming Hot Cheeto, Maple Bacon, Gator Glaze, Gangnam Style, and Hot Yaki, keeping taste buds intrigued. McCool’s also caters to bulk tailgate orders and offers delivery via DoorDash. Midweek perks include 75¢ wings on Wednesdays with $5 Busch Light pitchers, making it a local favorite for both flavor and value. Wing lovers can join the free Wing Club, sampling all 20 wings plus five rotating specials to earn a t-shirt. At McCool’s, wings aren’t just food. They’re an experience, a weekly ritual, and a playground of bold, inventive flavors. 710 N. Manhattan Ave. Aggieville.
Tallgrass Taphouse
Tallgrass Taphouse serves wings that are as bold and flavorful as their taps. Their Korean Fried Chicken Wings are twice-fried to achieve the perfect crunch, then tossed in a sticky soy-chile glaze and finished with toasted sesame seeds, fresh scallions, and served with a side of creamy gochujang ranch. The result is a harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors that hits every bite. For those craving a classic, the Buffalo Fried Chicken Wings don’t disappoint. Also twice-fried for maximum crispness, they’re coated in the Tap House Buffalo Sauce and served with tangy bleu cheese, making each bite satisfyingly spicy and creamy. Whether you’re after adventurous Korean-inspired flavors or a traditional buffalo kick, Tallgrass Taphouse delivers wings that are perfectly cooked, flavor-packed, and ideal for pairing with a cold beer. These wings make it easy to see why the Taphouse is a favorite spot for wing lovers in Manhattan. 320 Poyntz Ave
No matter how far I travel, my cravings always circle back to the Little Apple. There’s just something about the wings in our own backyard.
Manhattan’s wings are a flavor-packed adventure with each spot offering its own twist, making every bite a must-try for locals and visitors alike.