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!

Stoke

4.4

4.4 (941)

$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

Barbara

Dined on Dec 1, 2024

Our large group (12) had a great time at Stoke for a pre-Symphony meal. Good service. Good food. Good time.

Rooster's Wood-Fired Kitchen - South Park

4.7

4.7 (2922)

$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

AngieVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Everything was great tonight … they were packed and still maintained 5 ⭐️ service

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The Cellar at Duckworth's

4.8

4.8 (2675)

$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.

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PauletteVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The food was excellent!! Loved the atmosphere and service was great!

Ri Ra Irish Pub - Charlotte

4.4

4.4 (798)

$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.

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Anne

Dined 5 days ago

The food was good as well as the service. We will come back.

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Popular dish

Fish & Chips

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Charlotte - Stonecrest

4.7

4.7 (4883)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

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.

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Vanessa

Dined 2 days ago

My burger was a bit over done but still tasted good. Their tater tots are so good. I didn't think I liked tater tots until I had theirs.

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Fahrenheit - Charlotte

4.2

4.2 (7871)

$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.

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Janna

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent food and they were willing to accommodate gluten free where they could even though most of their menu has gluten. View was spectacular and worth going outside for even though it was quite cold. They do have a large outdoor fire so it was quite lovely. I'd visit again for sure when I'm in town again.

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Chima Steakhouse - Charlotte

4.7

4.7 (8081)

$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.

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Maria

Dined 2 days ago

Absolutely enjoyed everything tonight at Chima. The meat service was amazing, drinks were awesome, and service was incredible. Chris was our server and he made the experience so enjoyable! Anyone looking to dine in Charlotte should definitely stop at Chima. 100% recommend. Thanks for a great night to all the staff!

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Red Rocks Cafe - Charlotte

4.8

4.8 (3188)

$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.

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stanVIP

Dined 2 days ago

One of our favorite charlotte restaurants Food is always excellent. Great menu- lots of choices-prepared perfectly. Very fair prices. Service is above and beyond. And management is always available A gem in South Charlotte.

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Rusty Bucket - South Park

4.7

4.7 (399)

$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

Henry

Dined 5 days ago

Ty. our servicer, was excellent. The food was good. thge salads and pizza were excellent. Onion rings were good too