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A variety of wings from Jack Rose’s Wing Club menu
A variety of wings from Jack Rose’s Wing Club menu
Jack Rose [official]

Where to Find Hot, Tender Chicken Wings Around D.C.

Standout options for Buffalo-style, crispy Korean, jerk, and Hennessy wings

by Missy Frederick and Travis Mitchell Updated
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A variety of wings from Jack Rose’s Wing Club menu
| Jack Rose [official]
by Missy Frederick and Travis Mitchell Updated

While D.C. cooks have been known to spike chicken wings with everything from Old Bay seasoning to creme fraiche sauce, classic hot wing sauce still reigns supreme for many people. And pandemic life has only increased the demand, leading kitchens across the city to add wings of all flavors to their menus.

For those looking to satisfy a craving for the messy snack, here are several bars and restaurants serving spicy, saucy wings around town in all levels of Buffalo-style heat. Some past favorites have closed, and others like Boundary Stone and Smoke & Barrel have gone dark for the winter. Options range from carry outs and dive bars to some of the city’s top chef-driven kitchens.

D.C. allows indoor dining at 25 percent capacity. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, but this should not be taken as endorsement for dining out, as there are still safety concerns. The Washington Post is tracking coronavirus cases and deaths in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. More information can be found at coronavirus.dc.gov. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

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Little Prince Pizza (Multiple locations)

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Like many restaurateurs, chef Michael Schlow has made a pandemic pivot to comfort foods. His ghost kitchen Little Prince Pizza, which operates out of restaurants in Glover Park and Mt. Vernon Triangle, grills up wings in four flavors. Go with the jalapeno honey glaze for a hint of heat and sweetness that lets the grill flavor come through. Order for pickup or Doordash delivery here.

2505 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 625-5400
(202) 625-5400
Little Prince [official]

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Wingo’s Glover Park (Wisconsin Ave)

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This Glover Park wings haunt has more than 20 sauces to choose from, including options dubbed “bite me” and “suicidal” on the hottest end of the scale. For something more unique, try the mango habanero, sriracha or hot garlic.

2218 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 878-6576
(202) 878-6576

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

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Although the bourbon, honey and habanero “whiskey wings” remain the signature here, Jack Rose now offers fried and grilled wings in a variety of flavors. Heat ranges from mild garlic truffle Parmesan to a kicking option with harissa and herbed feta. Check out the Jack Rose Wing Club section of the menu for takeout through Tock or delivery via Caviar and Doordash,

2007 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 588-7388
(202) 588-7388
Jack Rose [official]

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Oohh's & Aahh's

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The soul food standby on U Street NW fixes wings as either an appetizer or an entrée (accompanied by two sides). Fried chicken pieces are finished in traditional Buffalo sauce, teriyaki, lemon pepper, or a barbecue sauce reminiscent of D.C.’s iconic mumbo sauce. Order online here.

1005 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 667-7142
(202) 667-7142
Fried wings from Oohh’s & Aahh’s
Fried wings from Oohh’s & Aahh’s
Oohh’s & Aahh’s [official]

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KoChix Chicken

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While many D.C. residents get their crispy Korean chicken fix from mega-chain Bonchon, Shaw diners in the know flock to this family-run carryout from chef-owner Karen Park. There are three flavors for wings or drums: soy garlic, mild honey spicy, and hot honey spicy. Order online here for an individual portion or a family style 40-pack for $49.99. — Gabe Hiatt

400 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 232-3468
(202) 232-3468

Also featured in:

Fedwings

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From the team at Federalist Pig, Fedwings dry brines its wings for 24 hours and smokes them with hickory before their fried and seasoned. Dipping sauces include Alabama white bbq, sticky garlic, ranch and more. Order for pickup or delivery on Doordash or Uber Eats.

1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Fedwings [official]

Stoney's (Multiple locations)

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This neighborhood hangout may have built its reputation on grilled cheese, but its wings are exactly what they should be: spicy, while retaining their crispiness.

1433 P St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 234-1818
(202) 234-1818

Also featured in:

Ghostburger

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Beef isn’t the only way to order at Espita’s burger- and cheesesteak-based spinoff. The wings are served by the pound, coated with a spicy, buttery Fresno chile sauce, and served with a side of ranch dressing. Order online for pickup or delivery.

1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 827-5237
(202) 827-5237
Fresno chile wings from Ghostburger
Fresno chile wings from Ghostburger
Leah Judson/For Ghostburger

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Stan's

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This downtown dive bar offers chicken wings fried or baked — the former is the way to go — with a tangy-sweet mumbo sauce for dipping.Order takeout online or go for limited indoor dining.

1029 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 347-4488
(202) 347-4488

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Duffy's Irish Pub

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Arguably D.C.’s most famous wings, Duffy’s version leans traditional: fried in peanut oil and served with a choice of sauces. They’re half-priced on Wednesdays. The bar staff here even uses wings as garnishes for Bloody Mary cocktails. Order for pickup or delivery or reserve a table for indoor seating and outdoor seating.

1016 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 462-9464
(202) 462-9464

Also featured in:

Present Company Public House

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Located inside D.C.’s oldest firehouse, this pub cranks out Nashville-style hot wings sure to bring on a sweat. Orders are dressed with whiskey, maple, dill, ranch, and shaved celery. There’s a patio out front, and takeout orders are accepted over the phone.

438 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 289-1100
(202) 289-1100

Also featured in:

Cane

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The pimento wood-smoked jerk wings from this standout Trinidadian rum bar on H Street NE are one of chef Peter Prime’s signatures. Order takeout online and get delivery through Grubhub or Uber Eats. — G.H.

403 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 675-2011
(202) 675-2011
Jerk wings from Cane
Jerk wings from Cane
Cane/Caviar

Also featured in:

Chiko (Multiple locations)

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Double-fried dry spiced chicken wings are on the menu every day at Chiko, the popular Chinese-Korean counter with locations in Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and Bethesda. Order online for pickup or delivery here.

423 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 558-9934
(202) 558-9934
A wings sampler at Chiko.
Chiko [Official photo]

Also featured in:

In A Minute Cafe

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This Capitol Heights soul food carryout from veteran catering chefs Reginald Mack and Steven Wilson coats its wings in a sweet Hennessy sauce, Old Bay, jerk, or lemon pepper. Order five for $5 or get a cafe combo ($25) with five wings, crab fries, and three mini crab cakes. — G.H.

9244 E Hampton Dr #203, Capitol Heights, MD 20743
(240) 390-7146
(240) 390-7146
Hennessy wings from In a Minute Cafe
Hennessy wings from In a Minute Cafe
In a Minute [official]

Also featured in:

Hard Times Cafe (Multiple locations)

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Local chili chain Hard Times grills its wings, and its “original Texas” style is geared towards diners with a high tolerance for heat. Other varieties include chile-lime and sweet red chili. Hard Times also has boneless wings.

1404 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 837-0050
(703) 837-0050

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Little Prince Pizza (Multiple locations)

2505 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Like many restaurateurs, chef Michael Schlow has made a pandemic pivot to comfort foods. His ghost kitchen Little Prince Pizza, which operates out of restaurants in Glover Park and Mt. Vernon Triangle, grills up wings in four flavors. Go with the jalapeno honey glaze for a hint of heat and sweetness that lets the grill flavor come through. Order for pickup or Doordash delivery here.

2505 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 625-5400
(202) 625-5400
Little Prince [official]

Wingo’s Glover Park (Wisconsin Ave)

2218 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

This Glover Park wings haunt has more than 20 sauces to choose from, including options dubbed “bite me” and “suicidal” on the hottest end of the scale. For something more unique, try the mango habanero, sriracha or hot garlic.

2218 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 878-6576
(202) 878-6576

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

2007 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Although the bourbon, honey and habanero “whiskey wings” remain the signature here, Jack Rose now offers fried and grilled wings in a variety of flavors. Heat ranges from mild garlic truffle Parmesan to a kicking option with harissa and herbed feta. Check out the Jack Rose Wing Club section of the menu for takeout through Tock or delivery via Caviar and Doordash,

2007 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 588-7388
(202) 588-7388
Jack Rose [official]

Oohh's & Aahh's

1005 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The soul food standby on U Street NW fixes wings as either an appetizer or an entrée (accompanied by two sides). Fried chicken pieces are finished in traditional Buffalo sauce, teriyaki, lemon pepper, or a barbecue sauce reminiscent of D.C.’s iconic mumbo sauce. Order online here.

1005 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 667-7142
(202) 667-7142
Fried wings from Oohh’s & Aahh’s
Fried wings from Oohh’s & Aahh’s
Oohh’s & Aahh’s [official]

KoChix Chicken

400 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

While many D.C. residents get their crispy Korean chicken fix from mega-chain Bonchon, Shaw diners in the know flock to this family-run carryout from chef-owner Karen Park. There are three flavors for wings or drums: soy garlic, mild honey spicy, and hot honey spicy. Order online here for an individual portion or a family style 40-pack for $49.99. — Gabe Hiatt

400 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 232-3468
(202) 232-3468

Fedwings

1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

From the team at Federalist Pig, Fedwings dry brines its wings for 24 hours and smokes them with hickory before their fried and seasoned. Dipping sauces include Alabama white bbq, sticky garlic, ranch and more. Order for pickup or delivery on Doordash or Uber Eats.

1517 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Fedwings [official]

Stoney's (Multiple locations)

1433 P St NW, Washington, DC 20005

This neighborhood hangout may have built its reputation on grilled cheese, but its wings are exactly what they should be: spicy, while retaining their crispiness.

1433 P St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 234-1818
(202) 234-1818

Ghostburger

1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Beef isn’t the only way to order at Espita’s burger- and cheesesteak-based spinoff. The wings are served by the pound, coated with a spicy, buttery Fresno chile sauce, and served with a side of ranch dressing. Order online for pickup or delivery.

1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 827-5237
(202) 827-5237
Fresno chile wings from Ghostburger
Fresno chile wings from Ghostburger
Leah Judson/For Ghostburger

Stan's

1029 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005

This downtown dive bar offers chicken wings fried or baked — the former is the way to go — with a tangy-sweet mumbo sauce for dipping.Order takeout online or go for limited indoor dining.

1029 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 347-4488
(202) 347-4488

Duffy's Irish Pub

1016 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Arguably D.C.’s most famous wings, Duffy’s version leans traditional: fried in peanut oil and served with a choice of sauces. They’re half-priced on Wednesdays. The bar staff here even uses wings as garnishes for Bloody Mary cocktails. Order for pickup or delivery or reserve a table for indoor seating and outdoor seating.

1016 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 462-9464
(202) 462-9464

Present Company Public House

438 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Located inside D.C.’s oldest firehouse, this pub cranks out Nashville-style hot wings sure to bring on a sweat. Orders are dressed with whiskey, maple, dill, ranch, and shaved celery. There’s a patio out front, and takeout orders are accepted over the phone.

438 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 289-1100
(202) 289-1100

Cane

403 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

The pimento wood-smoked jerk wings from this standout Trinidadian rum bar on H Street NE are one of chef Peter Prime’s signatures. Order takeout online and get delivery through Grubhub or Uber Eats. — G.H.

403 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 675-2011
(202) 675-2011
Jerk wings from Cane
Jerk wings from Cane
Cane/Caviar

Chiko (Multiple locations)

423 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Double-fried dry spiced chicken wings are on the menu every day at Chiko, the popular Chinese-Korean counter with locations in Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and Bethesda. Order online for pickup or delivery here.

423 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 558-9934
(202) 558-9934
A wings sampler at Chiko.
Chiko [Official photo]

In A Minute Cafe

9244 E Hampton Dr #203, Capitol Heights, MD 20743

This Capitol Heights soul food carryout from veteran catering chefs Reginald Mack and Steven Wilson coats its wings in a sweet Hennessy sauce, Old Bay, jerk, or lemon pepper. Order five for $5 or get a cafe combo ($25) with five wings, crab fries, and three mini crab cakes. — G.H.

9244 E Hampton Dr #203, Capitol Heights, MD 20743
(240) 390-7146
(240) 390-7146
Hennessy wings from In a Minute Cafe
Hennessy wings from In a Minute Cafe
In a Minute [official]

Hard Times Cafe (Multiple locations)

1404 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Local chili chain Hard Times grills its wings, and its “original Texas” style is geared towards diners with a high tolerance for heat. Other varieties include chile-lime and sweet red chili. Hard Times also has boneless wings.

1404 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 837-0050
(703) 837-0050

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