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The Best Wings in Charlotte

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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!

A photo of Haymaker restaurant
4.1
4.1 (1846)
$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
Todd
Dined on Dec 15, 2024
Incredible find in Uptown. Great tapas style restaurant with awesome cocktails and a very friendly staff. Our server was well versed in the menu options and drinks. We will definitely be back!
A photo of Stoke restaurant
4.2
4.2 (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.
A photo of Rooster's Wood-Fired Kitchen - South Park restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2911)
$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
Mary
Dined 3 days ago
Always a lovely dining experience. Great food, wonderful, attentive wait staff.
A photo of The Cellar at Duckworth's restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2651)
$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
TraceyVIP
Dined on Dec 17, 2024
Always an amazing dinner! Been at least 6 times now and it’s always been great 👍🏼
A photo of Ri Ra Irish Pub - Charlotte restaurant
4.4
4.4 (796)
$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
Carey
Dined 4 days ago
The waitress was rude and unfriendly. Will not be back because of her poor attitude.
A photo of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Charlotte - Stonecrest restaurant
4.7
4.7 (4865)
$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.
Top review
Karen
Dined 2 days ago
Firebirds is one of my favorite restaurants. The ambiance is nice, the service is great, and the food is delicious; however, I decided to try the Parmesan crusted chicken, and it was not very tasty. Steer clear as there are so many other options.
A photo of Fahrenheit - Charlotte restaurant
4.2
4.2 (7862)
$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
Freedom
Dined on Dec 15, 2024
The staff was very courteous and knowledgeable on the menu items. This particular night that we visited, the staff went above and beyond to ensure our experience was a memorable one. We do plan on going again very soon.
A photo of Chima Steakhouse - Charlotte restaurant
4.7
4.7 (8060)
$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
StephenVIP
Dined 1 day ago
To be honest we had a great time. But. Was saved by the manager. We booked weeks ago with a credit guarantee. The girl at the front was so rude. So much we about walked out. She could not find our reservation which we found eventually which had been cancelled somehow by the restaurant. Can’t explain. But. The manager sorted. She did everything she could to prevent us having a table. Now we have notification that reservation is complete ?? Anyhow. Food and service after her was tremendous as always. Really enjoyed it. Our waiter was awesome. So this is our normal Xmas day event. Hopefully again next year and in-between.
A photo of Red Rocks Cafe - Charlotte restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3172)
$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
Dianne
Dined 3 days ago
It was a Birthday dinner. Everyone was attentive without intruding.
A photo of Rusty Bucket - South Park restaurant
4.7
4.7 (395)
$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
James
Dined on Dec 17, 2024
Everyone in our group enjoyed their meal. Our server was attentive, friendly and helpful. Noise level increased as more patrons filled the dining room.
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