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. 

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. — Beth McKibben

Residents who lived in or attended school near the West End over the last two decades are likely familiar with the wing shack that sat in the parking lot across from what used to be the Georgia Dome. Now that Mercedes-Benz Stadium has changed the landscape, Jamal’s has changed locations to the edge of Westview Cemetery. But, the crispy fried, sauce-soaked wings have stayed exactly the same — delicious. Expect the savory flavor to literally shine through, especially on the honey bar-b-que and hot lemon pepper flavors.

This hot, crispy chicken joint in Summerhill is known for their sandwiches with chicken fried to perfection. But don’t sleep on the wings. Order anywhere between a six wing plate for $10 to a 50-piece party platter for $75, with flavors like garlic-honey, buffalo, and of course, lemon pepper wet. Chicken biscuits (“bizkits”) are sold on Saturdays.

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.

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. — Beth McKibben

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.

Siblings Howard and Anita Hsu started Sweet Auburn BBQ in the historic Sweet Auburn district’s curb market on Edgewood Avenue near downtown Atlanta. Now with a restaurant in Poncey-Highland, the smoked wings at both locations are still a favorite among the restaurant’s customers. Order the coconut lemongrass wings, which are reminiscent of a Thai soup or the Thai chili-style “Wu Tang” wings for a little heat.

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.”

There’s something to be said for spectacularly fried wings — not overcooked to the point of dryness, but not under-fried to where the grease mixes with the sauce. This balance makes the sticky, sesame wings at Poor Hendrix a standout on the menu, as does the colorful presentation of sesame seeds and chives against the maroon-colored drums and flats in the basket. These wings are not always on the menu, so be sure to keep an eye out. — Beth McKibben

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. — Beth McKibben