It’s not the original location (Spring Street,) but neither is the one in the former IHOP that calls itself such. However, the Union City J.R. Crickets is definitely the crunkest, which may explain why the wings seem to be the best in the franchise. Some locations vary on the crispness of these classic fried wings – an unfortunate result due to their popularity after the “lemon-pepper-wet” shout-out on Donald Glover’s show Atlanta. But, the Jonesboro Road location offers solid “Fester” wings (the proper name for LPW,) the standard buffalo that made the ATL-based chain a success, and, of course, delicious fries. J.R. Crickets has survived this long for a reason, and they keep spreading throughout Atlanta because those wings are just plain good. 

Renowned writer and Atlanta native Rembert Browne and former mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms agreed onstage in a live conversation held during a past A3C hip hop festival on one point: LT’s is an Atlanta wing institution. The greatness of the wings here is in the down-home simplicity, which are fried and tossed in a whole lot of sauce, no matter what flavor is ordered. The house special blends sweetness and heat, though it’s the Cajun lemon pepper that regulars to LT’s will likely recommend to newcomers. Customers routinely mix and match wings here.

This wing joint is a two-for-one deal acting as both a food museum and restaurant on a mission to give back to its community. Only open Friday through Sunday, the wings here are on point and not to be missed. This includes the Bando’s signature “crack” wings, which are tossed in a sweet and savory seasoning, deep fried, and then dusted with a sweet and salty powder. The menu also includes lemon pepper wet and hot wings, along with creative flavor combos like butter ranch and strawberry hot wings. Don’t skip the deep-fried Oreos or the Detroit-style coney dogs topped with chili, onions, and mustard. Pair wings with crinkle fries and a Faygo grape or red pop soda. Follow on Instagram for menu updates. Read more about the Bando from Butter ATL.

With multiple locations in the city and metro Atlanta, A Town Wings serves a variety of saucy and spiced wing flavors on its menus, and in multiples of up to 100 pieces, too. Wings here come seasoned in flavors ranging from honey lemon pepper and hot teriyaki to garlic parmesan and Cajun-style. Make sure to also order a batch of fried rice.

Urban Wings on the edge of Underwood Hills takes its sauce options to the next level. There are over 25 different wing flavors on the menu, including a take on the American Chinese classic orange chicken, a flavor blend of bourbon and smoked chipotle, and Thai peanut. Heat levels range from mild to extra hot. People can also choose between ordering wings, chicken tenders, a sandwich, or panko shrimp. Grab a side of fried pickles, fried green beans, or jalapeno bites, too.

This wing shop, owned by Bradwick and Lawonda Malone, operates out of the ghost kitchen facility Forrest Neighborhood Kitchen in the Berkeley Park neighborhood and might serve some of the city’s best wings, too. Choose from 16 flavors here, including hot honey lemon pepper, spicy pineapple, and spicy mango to sauce those meaty drums and flats.

If you know, you know. And Atlantans have known for years that the wings from this shoe-modeling establishment are as magical as the entertainment here. Regardless of the form of entertainment offered at Magic, the wings are legitimately good. These wings are well fried with a snappy skin and are sauced properly, too, especially the honey garlic and plain battered versions.

Not even the Braves leaving Turner Field (now Center Parc Stadium, home to the Georgia State Panthers) has stopped the crowds from swinging by for smoked wings by the pound at Tom, Dick, & Hank. While the restaurant also prepares wings fried and tossed in dry barbecue rub, it’s the smoked wings that really took off here. The flavor goes deep to the bone of both the flats and mini drumsticks. While the restaurant is still one of the best places near downtown Atlanta to watch sports, it’s the wings that win every time. 

Clay’s Sports Cafe in Sandy Springs has been doling out some of Atlanta’s best wings since 1991. After temporarily closing in 2016 to relocate, Atlanta’s wing lovers rejoiced when the sports bar finally reopened in its new location a year later. Clay’s is back in the wing business — and some say, better than ever at it. Wings here range in heat from mild to hot, with flavors like lemon pepper, bbq, teriyaki, honey bbq, jerk, garlic parmesan, honey mustard, and ranch.

More than a few Atlantans have become addicted to Minero’s charcoal-grilled wings. The dry-rubbed chicken gets a significant char and carries the flavor of cookouts in the backyard. Once done, wings are dropped into a brown paper bag, splashed with Valentina hot sauce, and then tossed and shaken. It softens the crispy texture from fresh-off-the-grill meat, but it’s a novel preparation and delicious enough that folks don’t seem to mind or even notice.

This gritty pub on Ponce is the overwhelming “people’s choice” for smoked wings. Even as smoked wings have become one of Atlanta’s most popular styles, the wings at The Local are crispy yet still juicy, a difficult combination to master. Order the dry-rubbed jerk or lemon pepper, or try the sauced versions like the tikka masala or spicy Korean BBQ.

There can’t be a wing map in Atlanta that doesn’t include Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q and its hickory smoked wings. The wings get a spice rub prior to soaking up the wood-burned flavor in the smoker. Wings are then flash-fried and tossed in sauce so good, the brothers Fox have bottled it for sale. Fox Bros. may not be the new-new, but these wings have become low-and-slow favorites in Atlanta. There’s also a location at the Works in Underwood Hills.

For those in search of wings featuring 100-percent local poultry, look no further than this popular East Atlanta Village takeout spot. Order from ten to 50 wings tossed in sauces like honey mustard, Sriracha, agave barbecue, Old Bay, and lemon pepper here. Wing combo meals come with crinkle fries and a drink, too. The menu also includes vegan wings called “vings”.

Don’t think too long about how wings marinated in Vietnamese fish sauce will taste, just order asap. There’s a zippy, funky flavor embedded in that meat, which gets crispy without the need for breading, yet still retains a shiny glaze from sweet chili sauce. The interior chew remains wonderfully moist. Wings come with a side of white rice and pickled vegetables, too. There’s also a location in Norcross. 

Wide variety and bold creativity thrive at this Decatur restaurant on Clairmont for craft beer and Asian-inspired wings. There are several flavors to try here, but it’s the house wings, which come in multiples of eight and are marinated for about 14 hours, that sell out nearly every night. The 14-hour soaking produces a measured blast of honey, vinegar, and soy sauce. Try the Korean garlic spice for sweet heat and a kick of funk.

This low-key Clarkston sports bar obviously includes wings on its menu. Flats and drums here can come dressed in a variety of flavors, ranging from Buffalo sauce and honey mustard to bourbon barbecue, lemon pepper, or the pub’s popular sweet and spicy sauce. Wings are served with celery and blue cheese dressing or a side of fries.