The ultimate guide to chicken wings across greater Milwaukee
From legendary grilled wings in Bay View to award-winning buffalo spots in Waukesha, the Milwaukee area offers an exceptional variety of wing destinations perfect for families, sports fans, and wing enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive guide covers more than 45 locations spanning the North Shore, western suburbs, southern communities, and even worth-the-drive spots in Racine and Kenosha. Whether you're craving traditional buffalo, smoky BBQ, Korean-style double-fried, or something you've never tried before, greater Milwaukee delivers.
The Milwaukee wing scene has quietly become one of the Midwest's best, anchored by iconic spots like Points East Pub (serving one perfect grilled wing since 1994) and newer standouts bringing Korean and Asian fusion flavors to the table. Most importantly for families, many of these destinations welcome kids with open arms, serve affordable wing nights throughout the week, and offer the kind of casual atmosphere where chicken-sauce-covered fingers are part of the experience.
Milwaukee city: Where legends are made
Milwaukee proper boasts the highest concentration of exceptional wing spots, including several with national recognition. These range from century-old taverns to modern gastropubs.
Points East Pub at 1501 N. Jackson Street on the Lower East Side represents Milwaukee's most famous wing destination. Featured on Thrillist and Buzzfeed's "Best Wings in America" lists, this 21+ establishment has served exactly one wing flavor since 1994—and they've perfected it. Wings are deep-fried, dipped in their signature spicy-smoky house sauce, then finished on the grill for a unique crispy-yet-sauced texture. A dozen wings runs around $14 and constitutes a full meal. The garlic fries are legendary accompaniments. Note: dine-in only, no takeout, adults only.
Club Garibaldi at 2501 S. Superior Street in Bay View operates from a building dating to 1907, where bartenders grill wings on a tiny range behind the bar. Wings are marinated for days before grilling, resulting in a spicy, slightly sweet flavor profile unlike anything else in the city. Their Wednesday wing special at $0.65 each draws massive crowds, so arrive early. Like Points East, they offer one perfected flavor rather than variety. Dine-in only.
O'Lydia's Bar and Grill in Walker's Point at 338 S. First Street takes a different approach with 14 house-made sauces ranging from mild Jameson Brown Sugar to their blistering Fiery Arbol. Wings are grilled then finished in the fryer for a beautifully crusty skin. Their Wednesday wing night offers $0.95 wings plus $0.50 off taps starting at 5 PM. O'Lydia's ranks as one of Milwaukee's most family-friendly wing destinations, and they offer free shuttles to Brewers games.
Steny's Tavern & Grill at 800 S. 2nd Street in Walker's Point employs a four-step cooking process—brining, frying, saucing, and baking—that creates exceptionally crispy, sticky wings. Regular pricing runs 6 for $8 or 12 for $16, with Thursday wing night offering 6 for $6 starting at 6 PM (dine-in only with drink purchase). The sports bar atmosphere makes it ideal for game days.
For something completely different, Todd I Believe I Can Fry at 2159 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue in Bay View specializes in Korean-style double-fried chicken. This small takeout spot offers eight Asian-inspired sauces including Tom Yum (zesty citrus dry seasoning), K-Spice, Soy Garlic, and Szechuan Spice. Pricing runs $10 for 6 wings up to $27 for 21 wings, with specials on Wednesdays and Sundays. This is Milwaukee's premier destination for authentic Korean fried chicken.
Hidden gems in Washington Heights and the near west side
Milwaukee's west side neighborhoods harbor some underrated wing destinations that locals fiercely protect.
Spitfires on State at 5018 W. State Street in Washington Heights earns consistent "best wings" accolades with their 27 homemade sauces including creative options like Ginger Sesame, Bourbon Mustard, Caribbean Jerk, and Blueberry BBQ. The Spicy Garlic remains a customer favorite. This establishment specifically welcomes families and receives praise for its homelike atmosphere. Their Friday fish fry also earns high marks.
The Neighborhood Draft at 5921 W. Vliet Street was founded by a former TomKen's kitchen manager who brought insider knowledge to create distinctive offerings. Their JB3 sauce—a blend of Jerk, Bourbon, Brown Sugar, and Buffalo—can't be found elsewhere. For heat seekers, the Dragon Buffalo combines coconut milk, ghost peppers, curry, and buffalo sauce. Ten wings run about $14.
Maxie's Southern Comfort near the Wauwatosa border at 6732 W. Fairview Avenue offers something unique: hickory-smoked, buttermilk-brined, battered wings with a Cajun-buffalo hybrid sauce. The smoking process adds depth you won't find at traditional wing spots. Tuesday specials offer half off the regular $11.50 price. The Southern comfort food menu provides excellent options for kids and non-wing-eaters.
Downtown and the Third Ward: Game day destinations
The downtown corridor offers convenient wing options for Brewers and Bucks games, plus the food hall scene has brought fresh competition.
Milwaukee Brat House at 1013 N. Old World 3rd Street combines German beer hall charm with solid wings. Their options include BBQ, Hot BBQ, House Buffalo, Tiger Sauce, Garlic Teriyaki, and Parmesan Cayenne Dry Rub. Wings emerge juicy and meaty without being drenched in sauce. The family-friendly beer hall atmosphere and shuttle service to games make this ideal for sports outings.
Mr. Wings inside 3rd Street Market Hall at 275 W. Wisconsin Avenue has earned "#1 Wings" recognition multiple years running. Owner Manny Ramirez draws on international travels to create globally-inspired flavors including O.G. Buffalo (vinegar-based original), Gold Digger (mustard-barbecue blend), and Jamaican Jerk. Wings are soaked and breaded fresh per order, never frozen. The food hall setting makes this exceptionally family-friendly with options for everyone.
Camino at 434 S. 2nd Street in Walker's Point (with a second location in West Allis) has become Milwaukee's go-to for all things chicken. Their crispy-charred drumettes come with a pound of fries for $15. The hot wings pack serious heat—approach with caution. Fire pits on the back patio create a welcoming atmosphere for families.
North Shore communities: Family-friendly favorites
The North Shore suburbs offer excellent wing options in settings particularly well-suited for families with children.
Maxwell's at W63N699 Washington Ave in Cedarburg has achieved near-legendary status in a historic 19th-century building. Their wing specials are remarkable: $0.30 per wing on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday—possibly the best wing deal in the entire Milwaukee area. The charming pub atmosphere, outdoor patio with barrel tables, and live music nights make this a destination. Kids' menu items include burgers, fish fry, and their award-winning cheese curds.
Spanky's Hideaway at 5208 W. County Line Road in Mequon represents the quintessential hidden gem. This family-owned establishment (since 2010) occupies a historic late-19th-century building decorated with tiny figurines placed by customers over the years. Wing specials include $0.60 wings during happy hour (3-7 PM) and on Tuesdays, with $0.50 wings on some nights. Eight flat-screen TVs, free pool on weekends, and a kids' play area make this perfect for families. Wings and a beer cost under $20.
Circle B Recreation at 6261 Highway 60 in Cedarburg delivers a unique proposition: bowling alley plus excellent wings. Their Thursday wing special offers $0.50 per wing, and they claim "best wings in town." For families seeking activity plus dining, this can't be beat. Thunder Alley bowling runs $11 per person for two hours.
Crave Bar and Food at 11940 N. Port Washington Road in Mequon provides jumbo wings with crispy skins in an upscale casual setting. Happy hour specials (Monday-Friday 2-5 PM) include $7.77 appetizers. Reviews consistently praise the "perfect amount of heat." The dog-friendly patio lets kids run around while parents enjoy drinks.
In Shorewood, Three Lions Pub at 4515 N. Oakland Avenue offers the only authentic British pub experience in the Milwaukee area, complete with quality wings. The Shorewood Village Pub at 4488 N. Oakland Avenue counters with a true neighborhood bar feel and $0.45 wings plus $1 off all drinks on Monday nights.
Western suburbs: Award winners and lakefront views
The western corridor from Wauwatosa through Lake Country contains some of the area's most awarded wing spots along with unique waterfront dining.
Lou's Lucky Penny at 739 W. St. Paul Avenue in Waukesha was voted #1 Wings in Waukesha by Waukesha Eats and holds Milwaukee Wings "Certified Wing Joint" status. Their breaded wings come with eight sauces and three dry rubs including Mango Habanero, Maple Bacon, and Dill Pickle. Wing nights on Tuesday and Friday feature $0.75 wings (dine-in) or $0.95 to-go, plus $2 tallboys and free pool. The Native American-owned, family-operated establishment was remodeled in 2021 with an outdoor patio featuring a central fireplace.
TomKen's Friendly Fried Chicken at 8001 W. Greenfield Avenue in West Allis operates as Milwaukee's breaded wing institution. Their three-step process chars the outside while keeping meat tender, with sauce cooked into the meat rather than sitting wet on top. Signature sauces include Buffalo Sings the Blues (buffalo with bleu cheese crumbles in the sauce) and rotating weekly creations from "Flying Brian the Wing King." Their Monday and Thursday wing nights serve over 2,000 wings each at roughly $0.75 each versus $1 regular pricing.
Leff's Lucky Town at 7208 W. State Street in Wauwatosa earned Milwaukee Magazine's "Best Place to Watch the Badger Game" recognition. Their 12 wing flavors range from Mild through Ass-Kickin' plus unique options like Caribbean Jerk Dry Rub and Honey Sriracha. Tuesday wing night offers half-price wings from 4 PM to midnight plus a different special flavor each week.
For lakefront dining, Foolery's on Okauchee Lake at N52W35091 W. Lake Drive in Oconomowoc offers stunning water views alongside wings that reviewers call "best wings hands down, so many flavors." SandBar Sports Pub at W278 N2315 Prospect Ave in Pewaukee finishes wings on a charcoal grill for distinctive smoky flavor, served with your toes in the sand during summer months.
Delafield Brewhaus pairs hand-tossed wings with house-brewed craft beers. Eight wings cost $12.50 in flavors including Mild Buffalo, Sriracha Haus Buffalo, Naga-Wicked BBQ, Thai Chili, and Haus Dry Rub. The brewpub setting works well for families interested in the brewery experience.
The Neighbors Bar and Grille at S16 W22255 Arcadian Ave in Waukesha specializes in grilled (not fried) wings with Thursday specials. Their homemade "Wing Chips" top house-made potato chips with wing sauce, cheese, bacon, and fried chicken. Kids' menu available, outdoor deck is dog-friendly.
Southern suburbs: Hidden gems and legacy establishments
The southern corridor offers excellent value and some establishments with decades of history.
Hideaway Pub & Eatery at 9643 S. 76th Street in Franklin was voted Best Chicken Wings in Franklin. Their Wednesday wing special gets described as "can't be beat," with teriyaki wings earning particular praise. The recently remodeled banquet hall hosts events for 50-220 guests. Open since 1995, daily specials include Mexican Mondays, Wing Wednesdays, and Friday Fish Fry.
South Bound Again Saloon at 9504 S. Chicago Road in Oak Creek rose from the ashes of the beloved original South Bound Saloon. They offer two wing nights—Tuesday AND Thursday—at $10 for 12 wings. Their 12+ sauces include both dry rubs (Bourbon Peach, Maple Bacon, Dill Pickle, Jerk) and wet sauces (Kiss Your Ass hot, Thai Chili, Asian Sesame). Milwaukee Wings designated them a "Certified Wing Joint."
Erv's Mug at 130 W. Ryan Road in Oak Creek represents 45+ years of family tradition as a women-owned establishment since 1979. Their "Erv's Buffalo Wings" deliver over a pound of hand-prepared wings for $10.49 with heat levels from Wimpy to Inferno. The true scratch kitchen and 32 craft beers on tap create a unique atmosphere filled with antique saloon memorabilia.
Golden Chicken operates locations in both Oak Creek (7828 S. Howell Ave) and Hales Corners (10605 W. Forest Home Ave), each with 60+ years of history serving hand-battered fried chicken and wings. The Oak Creek location offers 10 bone-in wings plus fries plus soda for $12.69.
St. Francis Brewery at 3825 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue pairs crispy wheat beer-inspired wings with house-brewed craft beers. Sauces include Brewhouse Buffalo, BBQ, Thai Chili, and Garlic Parm. The brewery and entertainment venue atmosphere works well for families seeking something beyond typical sports bars.
Panther Pub & Eatery at 5651 Broad Street in historic downtown Greendale provides a local community gathering spot with a modern twist on classic pub fare, while Lakeside Pub & Grill at 3800 E. Layton Avenue in Cudahy offers 14 TVs for sports viewing with a neighborhood sports bar feel.
Northern destinations: Grafton, Port Washington, and West Bend
Northern communities offer compelling reasons to venture beyond the traditional metro area.
The Stillery at 1304 12th Avenue in Grafton combines quality wings with an astounding 400+ whiskey selection. Wing flavors include house Stillery Sauce (bourbon-based using Woodford Reserve), Nashville Hot, Buffalo, Hot Honey, and Dry Rubbed. The kids' menu comes with high chairs and leak-proof cups—thoughtful touches for families. The private "Rickhouse Room" hosts parties.
Good Land Wing Co (formerly Wing It!) at 620 W. Grand Avenue in Port Washington operates as Port Washington's first and only dedicated wing establishment. Their 25+ sauce options include Sriracha Bourbon, Tiger Sauce, Peach Mustard, and Thai Chili. Excellent value with medium portions (14-16 wings) at $13.99 and party packs of 50 wings plus fries plus 4 beers for $51.25.
Brazen Head Pub at 147 N. Main Street in West Bend delivers authentic Irish pub charm with wings that reviewers call "impressively impressive in both size and flavor." Their Thursday wing night at $0.75 per wing sells out quickly—arrive early. All sauces are house-made, with Garlic Parmesan earning particular praise. They also won the 2025 Wisconsin Beef Association's "Best Burger" contest.
Worth the drive: Racine and Kenosha standouts
The Racine-Kenosha corridor offers several destinations worth a 30-45 minute drive from Milwaukee.
Buckets Pub 2nd Round at 2031 Lathrop Avenue in Racine has earned "best grilled wings in Racine" recognition over 39+ years in business. Monday and Wednesday wing nights draw crowds for their grilled specialties. The 30-minute drive from Milwaukee rewards with distinctively charred, juicy wings.
Rivals Sports Pub & Grille at 6325 120th Avenue in Kenosha specializes in grilled bone-in wings across 11 sauces and 13 dry rubs. The Bourbon Sauce (sweet, savory, oak tones) and Sticky Garlic earn high praise. Sand volleyball courts and outdoor patio with full-service bar make this a summer destination. $10.79 for a standard order.
DeRango's Restaurant at 2135 31st Street in Kenosha—known locally as "The Pizza King"—also excels at wings with 9 sauce options ranging from mild and sweet to bold and spicy. The Italian restaurant setting provides excellent family dining with delivery and catering available.
Waterfront Warehouse at 3322 Sheridan Road in Kenosha employs a unique triple-cooking method: wings soak in a secret marinade for two hours, then get grilled, baked, and finished in the fryer. Nine signature sauces include Coconut Curry and Cajun Lime Dry Rub. $15.99 per order.
Rustic Road Brewing Company at 5706 Sixth Avenue in Kenosha offers something rare: vegetarian wings made from mushroom protein alongside traditional bone-in and hand-breaded boneless options. Happy hour (4-6 PM weekdays) includes 3 free wings with each pint purchased.
Award-winning destinations you shouldn't miss
Legend Larry's in Sheboygan (733 Pennsylvania Avenue) has won 30+ national and international awards including multiple victories at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, NY. While the 60-minute drive exceeds typical metro distances, wing purists should make the pilgrimage. Their 13 signature sauces range from Memphis Style BBQ through the extreme DOA ("Dead on Arrival"). Sauces are available for retail purchase at regional stores.
Planning your wing adventure: Weekly specials guide
The most budget-conscious wing enthusiasts can eat well every day of the week:
Monday brings $0.45 wings at Shorewood Village Pub, $0.75 wings at TomKen's (West Allis), and the only opportunity to try Vanguard's legendary Smitty Wings in Bay View (20 wings for $25).
Tuesday offers $0.30 wings at Maxwell's (Cedarburg), $0.60 wings at Spanky's Hideaway (Mequon), $0.75 wings at Lou's Lucky Penny (Waukesha), half-price wings at Maxie's and Leff's Lucky Town, plus $10 for 12 wings at South Bound Again (Oak Creek).
Wednesday delivers $0.65 wings at Club Garibaldi (Bay View), $0.95 wings at O'Lydia's (Walker's Point), and $0.90 wings at Scores Sports Bar (Racine).
Thursday features $0.30 wings at Maxwell's (Cedarburg), $0.50 wings at Circle B Recreation (Cedarburg), $0.75 wings at Brazen Head Pub (West Bend) and TomKen's (West Allis), plus 6 for $6 at Steny's (Walker's Point) and $10 for 12 at South Bound Again (Oak Creek).
Friday maintains $0.75 wings at Lou's Lucky Penny (Waukesha).
Saturday continues $0.30 wings at Maxwell's (Cedarburg).
Family-friendliness at a glance
For the most kid-friendly experiences, Circle B Recreation (bowling plus wings) in Cedarburg, Maxwell's (charming historic setting) in Cedarburg, Spanky's Hideaway (kids' play area) in Mequon, Spitfires on State (homelike atmosphere) in Milwaukee, O'Lydia's (welcoming vibe) in Walker's Point, and The Stillery (dedicated kids' menu) in Grafton rank among the best options. The 3rd Street Market Hall food hall downtown provides variety for mixed groups.
For adult date nights or 21+ gatherings, Points East Pub, Club Garibaldi, and Elsa's on the Park deliver elevated experiences.
Conclusion
The greater Milwaukee wing scene offers remarkable depth and variety across an expansive geographic area. Maxwell's in Cedarburg delivers the area's best value at $0.30 per wing three nights weekly, while Points East Pub and Club Garibaldi represent bucket-list destinations for any serious wing enthusiast. Families will find welcoming atmospheres throughout the region, from North Shore gems like Spanky's Hideaway to southern stalwarts like Hideaway Pub & Eatery. For those willing to venture further, Legend Larry's 30+ national awards make the Sheboygan drive worthwhile, while Kenosha's grilled wing specialists at Rivals and Buckets Pub in Racine prove that Milwaukee's wing excellence extends well beyond city limits.
Whether your preference runs toward traditional buffalo, smoky BBQ, Korean double-fried, or creative weekly specials from "Flying Brian the Wing King" at TomKen's, greater Milwaukee rewards exploration. The best strategy: pick a wing night special that matches your schedule, bring your appetite, and embrace the sauce-covered adventure.
