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Best Chicken Wings In Chicago

CRISP
(Photo Credit: crisponline.com)

It was only 50 years ago that chicken wings were the least desirable part of the chicken and thrown away more often than they were used. Now, better known as Buffalo chicken wings, this recipe has become a desired delicacy and a favorite food throughout the Midwest. The first menu was actually created in the 1970s, which included chicken wings created with a powerful sauce. Today, wings have grown far beyond the traditional Buffalo sauce, and the following restaurants have some of the best chicken wings in Chicago, coming in a variety of different styles and flavors.

Harold's Chicken Shack #55
100 W. 87th St.
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 224-3314

Founded by successful entrepreneur Harold Prince who has established a chain of restaurants, Harold's Chicken Shack has more than one location in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. This is just one of the favorites. Their wings are known for being filled with meat and hot off the grill. All wing dinners are served with bread, french fries and coleslaw, however, you can substitute for an additional price if you want to try their fried okra or delectable onion rings. Harold's menu includes other combos such as perch, catfish with chicken as well as liver and gizzards. For limited time only, you can sign up for their mailing list and receive a free four piece wing dinner.

Crisp
2940 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 697-7610
www.crisponline.com

Lakeview neighborhood's pride and joy, Crisp offers several choices when it comes to chicken wings. It is the Seoul sassy chicken wings that are truly a delight to customers — a sweet, subtle sauce of soy, garlic, ginger and other savory spices. Besides Seoul sassy, Crisp offers an excellent Buffalo sauce that compliments their jumbo chicken wings nicely. Several of Chicago's finest food critics have given kudos to their combination of wings and sauce. Crisp also offers Korean chicken fried meals from wings to a baby Buddha salad that combines spinach, bean sprouts, carrots and zucchini. You can order online and have it delivered within a certain proximity.

Wings
(Photo Credit: Jake Melnick's Corner Tap's Facebook)

Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
41 East Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 266-0400
www.jakemelnicks.com

Voted Best Hot Wings at Chicago's Wing-fest a few years ago, they have become so hot you must sign a waiver before eating. The jumbo chicken wings are seasoned with the one of the hottest peppers on the planet, known as the Trinidad Scorpion. If you are able to finish the hottest wings, you will have your picture taken to include in Jake's Wall of Flame. For those who can't take the burn, Jake offers traditional Buffalo wings and wings that are wood grilled with garlic and cayenne.

Related: Best Chicken Joints In Chicago

House Of Wings
2447 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 929-9421

Known as the best wings in Lincoln Park, House of Wings offers tiny wings that are just right, beautifully cooked and covered in either buffalo or barbecue sauce. Sauces offer a tangy, sweet Asian flavor different from most other wing spots. You can order trays of their great wings for your next party and add an excellent blue cheese dressing to the mix. House of Wings also offers a wonderful Italian beef and great burgers. You may carry out or order delivery by phone.

Bird's Nest Bar
2500 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(743) 472-1502
www.birdsnestbar.com

Not just your typical bar with the usual bar-type snacks, Bird's Nest Bar creates most everything from scratch, including their crispy chicken wings. Wings can be purchased for less than 50 cents a piece on Thursdays and Sundays. The rear lounge provides live entertainment, and you may reserve the room for your next celebration. Three drink party packages are also available when planning your next event. Carry-out is also available.

Related: Best Speak Easy Bars In Chicago

Karla Sullivan is a Career Coach Examiner on Examiner.com. However, her writing extends well beyond that scope, with inspirational articles in high level publications such as AARP, Grand Magazine, Reunion Magazine and Mature Years.
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