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.
1702
1702 E. Speedway Blvd.
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.
Barrio Brewing Co.
800 E. 16th St.
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.
CeeDee Jamaican Kitchen
5305 E. Speedway Blvd.
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.
Mr. Cookman’s
Food Truck
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.
The Horseshoe Grill
7713 E. Broadway Blvd.
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.
Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria
2707 E. Broadway Blvd.
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.
Sentinel Peak Brewing Company
4746 E. Grant Rd.
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.
Serial Grillers
5737 E. Speedway Blvd. • 1970 W. River Rd.
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.
Trident Grill
2033 E. Speedway Blvd. • 2910 N. Swan Rd. • 250 S. Craycroft Rd.
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.
Wings & Rice
5502 E. Pima St. # 110
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.
Wing Factory
6330 E. Golf Links Rd.#132
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.
Wings Over Broadway
5004 E. Broadway Blvd. • 8838 E. Broadway Blvd.
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.
Wooden Nickel Tavern
1908 S. Country Club Rd.
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.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
