The Best Wings in Boston

A hip spot by Fenway Park, Hojoko serves up cutting-edge Asian fusion cuisine in the middle of the nearby Verb Hotel. Crafted out of a former Howard Johnson's location, Hojoko is an excellent place for a filling meal and some of the best wings in Boston. Stop in here before or after a Sox game to soak up the atmosphere and try some of the Hojoko buttermilk-brined chicken wings. Adventurous eaters should also try the "brains on crack." This dish includes crispy calves' brains with Hojoko XO butter and lemon zest. Eaters can also go for the roll-your-own "Lazy Bones" handrolls with a full selection of favorites.

Longfellow is from the acclaimed owners of the Harvard Square favorite Alden & Harlow. In fact, Longfellow is right above the standout Cambridge restaurant near Harvard's famed Brattle Theater. Stop into Longfellow after strolling around the Square or enjoying a throwback feature at the Brattle for some of the best wings in Boston. This lively, upscale bar features hickory-smoked wing flats with dill pickled celery and blue cheese dressing. Don't miss the Longfellow burger with ham crisps, pretzel cheese, and pepper slaw. Longfellow "messy fries" come with malt vinegar syrup and smoked yolk mayo.

Right next to the TD Garden, Ward 8 is a lively place perfect for dining before or after an event or Celtics and Bruins game. Head to the "starters" menu to try some of the Ward 8 smoked chicken wings with spicy dry-rub celery and charred slaw. For some more poultry, go for the duck wings with sweet chili, sesame, and cilantro. A highlight on the entrees menu is the macaroni and cheese. This hearty dish features house-made pasta along with a three-cheese blend and bacon bits. Try the Nashville hot fish sandwich with fried haddock for a spicy treat.

Forage is a hip, welcoming Cambridge restaurant with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients and traditional New England recipes. It's also a place with some of the best chicken wings in Boston. Try the smoked chicken drums, made with maple and sweet Annie glaze, cabbage, and Rowan berry jam. For the main course, go for the red wine-marinated hanger steak with confit beef shins and Brussels sprouts. Forage also offers several different four-course tasting menus.

This fun and entertaining restaurant in Boston's South End features some of the best wings in Boston. Start a meal with the spicy Thai wings, made with Szechuan peppercorns, ginger, lemongrass, and Thai chilis. Another favorite at Fat Baby? The Thai peanut salad, made with napa cabbage, bean sprouts, and crispy wontons. Don't miss the specialty rolls, like the E.T. roll. This out-of-the-world meal includes tempura-fried tuna maki, avocado, eel, spicy aioli, and kabayaki sauce.

A hot spot in the heart of Boston's Ink Block neighborhood, Lion's Tail is a stylish spot for wings, drinks, and much more. Stop in for a local beer or craft cocktail and some of the best wings in Boston. The crispy chicken wings feature a sweet Thai chili glaze, sesame, scallion, and creamy blue cheese. For a hearty entree, try the Lion's Tail burger. This blend of chuck and short rib features American cheese, lettuce, and horseradish-mustard aioli.

Right around the corner from Fenway Park, Basho is an excellent spot for after-work drinks or some excellent wings after a Sox game. This lively spot is full of a young, energetic crowd enjoying the restaurant's fusion dishes and excellent sake options. Start with the deep-fried chicken wings made with Basho hot sauce or the lightly-fried shishito peppers with a spicy garlic sauce. Try one of the Basho signature rolls for dinner. The "Nookie Roll" includes torched toro, shrimp katsu, and avocado katsu. Pair the meal with a light Japanese lager or an excellent sake.

Boston's District Hall in Fort Point is the location for Gather. This fun spot boasts a hearty after-work crowd for Fort Point and some of the best wings in Boston. Start with the Gather garlic-roasted wings, made with a Hoisin sauce glaze and spicy sambal Oelek crema. For an entree, try the curry-spiced seafood stew. This colorful favorite brings together mussels, clams, salmon, trout, bay scallops, and much more into one hearty dish. A traditional New England lobster roll features lobster salad with coleslaw, a brioche roll, and crispy fries.

Right in the heart of Downtown Crossing, The Merchant is a haven for after-work crowds and tourists crossing the city. Settle in with a selection from the restaurant's exceptional beer menu and try the crispy chicken wings with sweet and sour soy glaze and spicy Asian slaw. For dinner, try the pan-seared dayboat scallops with roasted corn and sweet potato hash. Grilled sea trout comes with kimchee fried rice, housemade bacon, and a "one-hour" organic egg. Pair the meal with one of Jack's Abbey house lagers from nearby Framingham.

Another entry onto the Boston scene from celebrated chef Jason Santos, Citrus & Salt boasts some of the best wings in Boston. With "Mexicali" cuisine and a laid-back vibe in the middle of Bay Village, Citrus & Salt is a relaxing place for dinner with friends or family. Crispy chili-lime chicken wings come with charred onion and blue cheese relish along with green onion ranch. For the main course, try the sweet plantain tacos with roasted pepper salsa and feta. Another highlight is the braised short rib made with broken yellow rice and ancho-fig marmalade.

Head into the middle of Boston's fabled "Southie" neighborhood for some of the best wings in town. Right in the heart of Dorchester, Moonshine 152 is a hip and lively spot with a creative menu. Alongside the wings, be sure to try the famous "Leslie Knope" fried chicken and waffle. Named after the character from "Parks and Recreation," this standout recipe features sriracha-bourbon "awesome sauce" and cinnamon honey butter. Another intriguing menu standout? The Louisiana-style braised rabbit pasta. It features roasted tomatoes, toasted almonds, and brown buttercream sauce.

The heart of Boston's South End is the location for some of the best wings in Boston. Five Horses South End location is a lively place with a young and energetic crowd. This stylish and engaging spot features one of Boston's best beer and whiskey selections. They go alongside excellent "drunken" wings with lime flavoring. Pair those wings with the house-special jalapeno cheddar mashed potatoes for a hearty kick of a meal. Grab one of the excellent local beers alongside dinner, with selections from Trillium, Fiddlehead, Night Shift, and elsewhere on the menu.

Buttermilk & Bourbon brings the tastes of New Orleans to Boston's busy and upscale Back Bay region. The restaurant's buttermilk-fried chicken is the highlight of the menu. Choose from wings, boneless fried thighs, or a bone-in half-chicken. The fried chicken comes in Nashville hot, sweet and spicy, BBQ syrup, or white BBQ sauce versions. For another highlight Southern taste, try the sweet and hot grilled octopus or fresh fried beignets. Grab a beer from the local Lord Hobo or Maine Brewing Company selections or try the "Creole Sazerac" cocktail with rye and sugar.