You can't depend on a canned energy drink to give you wings of the crispy chicken variety. Run, drive, or fly to these restaurants for worthy wings.
If you're into baked, softer wings with savory-sweet-smoky sauce, 1702 surely satisfies. Go for their signature Raspberry Chipotle sauce. They're the perfect snack while you attempt to try every beer from the massive tap list.
For more information, visit 1702az.com.
There isn't enough tequila in the Tequila Cilantro wings to get you drunk, but they pair nicely with Barrio's Rae’s Ruby Red IPA on tap. If you order these during happy hour, they're a steal.
For more information, visit barriobrewing.com.
These rustic wings are soft, but have a Caribbean kick to say the least. Since they're cooked so long, the bones can break easily — chew carefully.
For more information, visit ceedeecafe.com.
These super smoky, peppery, fall-off-the-bone wings are covered in a sweet tangy sauce. It's a lip-smacker for sure.
For more information, visit Mr. Cookman's on Facebook.
These smoked wings are also fried for a superb crunch. Choose from House-made BBQ, Traditional Buffalo, Garlic Parmesan, Sweet Heat, and Teriyaki.
For more information, visit thehorseshoetucson.com.
These crunchy wings stay seriously crunchy, even if you've spent the past five minutes trying to get the perfect photograph. There's something special about these wings that Rocco won't tell us.
For more information, visit roccoslittlechicago.com.
These smoked-and-never-fried wings pair marvelously with a pint of Salida Del Sol Amber or Icebreak IPA.
For more information, visit sentinelpeakbrewing.com.
When you're dining at Serial Grillers,
The Habanero BBQ wings are killer.
Fancy beer available, not just Miller,
Horror film decor, but no Thriller.
For more information, visit serialgrillersaz.com.
These wings are classic with just a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity. The Habanero Jerk and Hot Pickle are relatively recent additions worth a try.
For more information, visit tridentgrill.com.
Sometimes you crave orange chicken from Panda Express. Don't listen to that voice, though. Get these spicy orange wings and you'll forget what a panda looks like. The side of fried rice has also earned its own cult following.
For more information, visit wingsandrice.com.
Wait patiently as these hot wings are frying away. You'll hear the timer in the kitchen and your Pavlovian reaction will kick in before you know it. Pick from 12 different sauces.
For more information, visit wingfactorytucson.com.
Since Broadway's subterranean wing scene has nothing on Wings Over Broadway, stay above ground and go spicy with Cajun or Golden Hot. Maybe even the Afterburner Challenge, if you dare.
Keep up with Wings Over Broadway on Facebook.
The best day to stroll in is on Wednesday for fifty-cent wing night (dine-in only). Flavors include hot, BBQ, raspberry chipotle, garlic parm, naked, and teriyaki. Also, not listed on the menu is Sriracha Teriyaki (pictured).
For more information, visit woodennickeltucson.com.
Where's your wing of choice? Tell us in the comments.
Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the food truck Tran's Fats. Although he...
