Okay, so this is an endlessly debatable topic. As a huge consumer of wings, I like them even when they’re bad. But there are a few key venues which many agree are the best starting points for those seeking the best wings on the Upper West Side.
Blondies Sports
212 West 79th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam)
We have to start with the chicken champion of NYC. Blondie’s is a popular Upper West Side bar, and their wings are even more popular. Winning combination!
Monday night special: all the wings you can eat for $20.95! You’ll need to be really hungry to break even, but it’s a tempting challenge.
Flavors include classic buffalo, Honey Mustard, Barbecue, Honey Barbecue, and Garlic.
Available heat levels: Weak, Plain, Mild, Medium, Hot, Smoking, Scorching&Co.
facebook.com/Blondies-Sports-NYC
Advertisement
Koko Wings
248 West 106th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam)
This Korean wing specialist serves spectacular fried wings, all of which come from 100% vegetarian-fed chickens.
Flavors include original crispy, soy garlic, and hot spicy.
If wings aren’t your chicken preference, you can also get drumsticks or strips.
Playa Betty’s
320 Amsterdam Ave (between 75th and 76th Streets)
This Cali-style Mexican joint may be more known for their delectable frozen margaritas, but their wings are really quite great. Their “Rad Wings” are sweet and spicy, made with a classic Catalina dressing.
Recommended: Best UWS Happy Hours
Emerald Inn
250 West 72nd Street (between West End and Broadway)
This friendly, family-run Irish bar has been a staple of the Upper West Side since 1943 (though their old location was on Columbus Ave). While they stick with the two basic options of mild or spicy, that’s all you’ll need. And during their happy hour (4-7pm daily), you can get them for 50 cents a pop!
Recommended: Best Upper West Side Brunch Spots
Lion’s Head Tavern
995 Amsterdam Ave (109th Street)
This popular Columbia hangout offers their “famous wings” as the first item on their menu.
Wing hotness levels include mild, medium, hot, nuclear, and ass-burner.
Flavor options are cajun, BBQ and teriyaki.
Lion’s Head has plenty of TV screens, cool wall decorations and an elevated back room.
For non-stop tips on bars and restaurants on the Upper West Side, sign up for our newsletter!
