The Best Wings in Charlotte

Back in the 1980s, no one thought much of Charlotte, North Carolina when it came to food diversity. But this all changed when the Carolina Panthers and Johnson & Wales University made their way to the city. A burgeoning restaurant scene emerged with local specialties like barbecue, spicy fries, and Cheerwine. Many breweries call Charlotte home, specializing in bar favorites like chicken wings. But where are the savviest foodies choosing to spend their hard-earned bucks? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. OpenTable’s committed connoisseurs have dined at thousands of eateries around to bring you this list of the best wings in Charlotte. Book a table before they fill up!

The OpenTable Team

12 Restaurants

Updated January 14, 2020

Restaurants:	Haymaker, Stoke, Rooster's Wood-Fired Kitchen - South Park…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	American, Contemporary American, European…
Neighborhoods:	Uptown, SouthPark…

Haymaker

Price: Moderate

American

Uptown

4.3

1661 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Stoke

Price: Expensive

Contemporary American

Uptown

4.3

894 reviews

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!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Rooster's Wood-Fired Kitchen - South Park

Price: Moderate

European

SouthPark

4.7

2590 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Cellar at Duckworth's

Price: Expensive

Gastro Pub

Uptown

4.8

2274 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ri Ra Irish Pub - Charlotte

Price: Moderate

Irish

Uptown

4.5

707 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Charlotte - Stonecrest

Price: Moderate

American

Charlotte

4.5

4105 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Fahrenheit - Charlotte

Price: Expensive

American

Uptown

4.3

7210 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Chima Steakhouse - Charlotte

Price: Very Expensive

Steakhouse

Uptown

4.7

7507 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cantina 1511- Mooresville

Price: Moderate

Mexican

Mooresville

4.3

140 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Big Ben Pub

Price: Moderate

English

Southend

4.0

97 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Red Rocks Cafe - Charlotte

Price: Moderate

American

SouthPark

4.7

2737 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Rusty Bucket - South Park

Price: Moderate

American

SouthPark

4.5

352 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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