The Best Wings in Charlotte

by The OpenTable Team

Updated January 14, 2020

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!

Haymaker

4.3

4.3 (1695)

$30 and under

American

Uptown

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

LenaGvip

Dined 2 days ago

First time for brunch and it was fabulous. Family joined and were thankful we chose this spot.

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4.3

4.3 (908)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Uptown

About the restaurant

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!

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined 3 days ago

The staff was so attentive, had the shrimp and grits and it was the most amazing dish. Will definitely dine here again.

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Popular dish

Sticky Pork Shank

Rooster's Wood-Fired Kitchen - South Park

4.8

4.8 (2634)

$30 and under

European

SouthPark

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 7 days ago

Food was delicious and service was excellent. Cost was very reasonable.

The Cellar at Duckworth's

4.7

4.7 (2329)

$31 to $50

Gastro Pub

Uptown

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

IkeN

Dined on Jan 2, 2023

Very good food. Nice drinks. Can be a little pricey.

Ri Ra Irish Pub - Charlotte

4.5

4.5 (734)

$30 and under

Irish

Uptown

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

DMfromConcordNC

Dined on Jan 1, 2023

This was our first time eating here and we were very pleased with our experience. My first impression was of their interior, having visited Ireland a few years ago, I felt like I was in an actual Irish pub. The pretzel bites with the beer cheese was very good and the portion size was generous for two people. I had the cranberry salad with chicken, it was excellent. My husband had fish n chips and it was good as well. We will definitely put this establishment on our “let’s go to” list for places to eat.

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Popular dish

Fish & Chips

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Charlotte - Stonecrest

4.6

4.6 (4241)

$30 and under

American

Ballantyne

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

JUDYG

Dined on Jan 1, 2023

Fantastic New Years Day dinner with the family. Everything was delicious.

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Popular dish

Creme Brulée Cheesecake

Popular dish

Lobster Spinach Queso

Popular dish

Caesar Salad

Fahrenheit - Charlotte

4.1

4.1 (7367)

$31 to $50

American

Uptown

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

JasminB

Dined 5 days ago

It is a very special place. Good service and food. I took my husband there for his birthday dinner . I made a reservations for 5pm, the atmosphere was very nice the first 40 minutes. When the place started getting full it become very crowded, we couldn’t hear each other. After dinner we had a drinks at the cocktail bar. The outdoor view was stunning. Recommend for special occasions and celebrations.

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Chima Steakhouse - Charlotte

4.7

4.7 (7623)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Uptown

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

KarenR

Dined 2 days ago

While the meat is amazing, the salad bar is also the star of the this steakhouse! The food selection is stellar and the presentation is excellent.

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4.0

4 (97)

$30 and under

English

Southend

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Aug 22, 2023

Never been there, but the food was good with a different ambiance

Red Rocks Cafe - Charlotte

4.7

4.7 (2823)

$30 and under

American

SouthPark

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

FoodForPleasurevip

Dined 7 days ago

Service is always great. The owner’s commitment to the community as well as to the service & food they provide is special. Hadn’t been in a while. Lots of new menu items. Very extensive menu.

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Rusty Bucket - South Park

4.5

4.5 (358)

$30 and under

American

SouthPark

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

MaybeMoreNextTimevip

Dined on Nov 26, 2023

Consistently good - fun and busy place with better than average bar food. Great drinks and the $7 margarita on Saturday nights is a steal. We always enjoy dinner here - great wings / pizza is excellent / love the beef stroganoff / the buffalo chicken sandwich is a winner / great fries every time. We go about once a week and love it.

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