Don’t miss out on a chance to try some of the top rated wings that Nashville has to offer. Around here, we love to eat and these restaurants are known for serving up chicken wings that make the perfect lunch, dinner, or late night snack.
Ghot Wingz
4.6 ★
Starting out today’s list is Ghot Wingz on Gallatin Pike in east Nashville, a locally owned spot that offers wings and tenders tossed with any of over 25 flavors. This particular menu came to be about ten years ago, when a local couple decided that they wanted to serve up quality chicken to anyone that walks across their threshold. Some noteworthy flavors they have listed include Caribbean Zing, Summin Different, and Honey Bourbon, though the list seems to go on endlessly. Since their opening in 2005, Ghot Wingz has made their mission to feed the masses quite apparent. Though they are closed on Sunday and Monday, you can come in from 11 am (12 pm open on Saturday) until 7 pm. Make your way to this local restaurant and taste what happens when you “ghet wingz” from Ghot Wingz.
StrikeOut Wingz
4.8 ★
No this is not a bowling alley, but enjoying the food served at StrikeOut Wingz will leave you feeling like you just got a perfect score at any game. After some time spent as owners of a food truck, the local couple decided to upgrade to the Nolensville Pk location. Now, StrikeOut Wingz can be enjoyed on Ewing Dr AND on 18th Ave. Nashville is definitely thrilled to have triple the access, not to mention how often StrikeOut Wingz features a pop up booth at countless local events. Order some fried Twinkies and a gallon of Kool-Aid (the most superior of drinks to serve with wings) and try out flavors like lemon pepper or sweet & sassy, on the side if you want it. StrikeOut Wingz is constantly trying to find ways to become more active within the Nashville community so don’t be shocked when you start to see their signs and booths all over the city. A dollar spent with StrikeOut is a dollar spent on Music City. Check out their website for official hours as they vary from location to location.
Germantown Pub
4.3 ★
Two locations throughout Nashville and another in Madison has Helen’s Hot Chicken growing in popularity and their wings are only a small part of the menu. Along with shrimp and lobster tail, Helen’s Hot Chicken has a full selection of chicken including wings that will taste like you didn’t pay enough for them. Add on some okra or even a waffle as your side and don’t break the bank with Helen’s Hot Chicken. Find Helen’s Hot Chicken on Jefferson St or Scarritt Pl and check the website out to see what hours are like at either location. Might even want to consider them for your next wedding or partying, their catering options are top notch and bound to keep an entire party happy for an affordable price. Regardless of the location that you are closest to, Helen’s Hot Chicken is known for having a funky vibe that feels inviting no matter who you are.
Official Wings
4.7 ★
Still newer to Nashville’s culinary scene, Official Wings added themselves to the roster in 2020 with no plans to stop moving forward. Find this little hidden gem on Jefferson St and grab some of Nashville’s tastiest wings. They only serve the biggest wings cooked up perfectly every single time. Add a side of fried okra, even if you don’t think you enjoy okra, you haven’t tried it the way that Official Wings does okra. Outdoor seating is plentiful and their door is easy to access even with a wheelchair or walker and they even have a small parking lot that usually has a spot or two open. Take your pick from any flavor but don’t skip the garlic parmesan. Vegetarians will rejoice in knowing that any wing order can be made with fried cauliflower instead. Come by any day except Tuesday from 11 am – 9 pm and take part in being one of the people who knew about Official Wings before they got huge.
Smokin Thighs
4.5 ★
Family friendly, affordable, and home to the “Thighs in a Pile” platter, Smokin Thighs has two locations in Nashville and they are determined to be some of the best wings you’ve ever tried. Consistently open every day, you can test out this menu from 10 am – 10 pm for lunch or dinner. Order a plate of these jumbo smoked wings or spend 40$ and get the full dump truck if you’re feeling up to one heck of a challenge. Side choices include mac n cheese (with or without bacon) and smoked chicken baked beans. From Charlotte Ave to Westwood Ave, either of the Smokin Thighs restaurant locations will have you feeling like you’ve walked right into a neighborhood barbecue hosted by all of your best friends.
Jonathan’s Grille
4.6 ★
Right before the year 2000 caused a boom in commercial sales with all those mega chains we can’t seem to escape, Jonathan’s Grille opened up their first location in 1999. Based in Nashville but featuring multiple locations throughout the state, Jonathan’s Grille takes pride in being an upscale dining experience without feeling like an intimidating one. Sit down to watch the game with your plate of wings at this restaurant on 8th St in Germantown, they have a television within view of every available seat. Along with their immaculately clean setting, Jonathan’s Grille features sauce flavors like bbq sriracha or dry rubs like buffalo lemon pepper. Ask for the fried cauliflower appetizer for those with a vegetarian or Vegan pallet. During the week, Jonathan’s Grille is happy to see you from 11 am – 12 am, remaining open until 2 am on the weekends. Don’t worry about arriving too late, their evening menu still serves wings up until the kitchen closes. Get your wings with or without the bone at Jonathan’s Grille, they will be waiting for you with a smile.
Waldo’s Chicken and Beer
4.5 ★
Two styles of chicken preparation await those who decide to take a trip to 4th Avenue for a visit to Waldo’s Chicken and Beer. Among the many variations of chicken based restaurants, Waldo’s Chicken and Beer strives to be one of the best out there. While this menu mostly consists of fried or fire roasted chicken plates, they have an order of wings that taste great with the Alabama white sauce. Every day, the folks at Waldo’s Chicken make all of their food from scratch and you can taste the difference with just one bite. Check them out on 4th Ave from 11 am until at least 9 pm every day, 10 pm on the weekends. When you order chicken from Waldo’s Chicken and Beer, you know that they put only the best ingredients into anything the menu has to offer.
South Side Kitchen & Pub
4.5 ★
Jumbo sized chicken wings and a massive selection of Whiskey are just two reasons that you should take some time to have a meal with South Side Kitchen & Pub on Nolensville Pk. Begin your meal with an appetizer of jumbo wings in the dry rub or sauce of your choice and then wash it down with any pick from an expansive whiskey selection. Tuesday through Sunday, South Side Kitchen & Pub is here for you when you want to watch the game, play some pool and relax. Tuesdays are the time to approach, as happy hour lasts from the time they open at 11 am until closing at 10 pm. If you come in to watch a game while you eat and drink, inquire about the specials they offer for sports fans.
Honky Tonk Central
4.4 ★
Three stories tall and full of more than just wings, Honky Tonk Central is right in the middle of all the things you hear about when people discuss Nashville’s music scene. Bands, lights, dancing, and a party that doesn’t seem to end are all part of the Honky Tonk Central aesthetic. Whether you’re coming in for the live music, great view, or seemingly endless drinks, Honky Tonk Central’s buffalo wings will be the icing on top of an already stupendous time out. Right in the middle of all the fun, you can find Honky Tonk Central on Broadway and come by any day that feels right from 11 am – 3 am. There’s no way you can miss out on this huge establishment if you’re already out and about looking for music to enjoy. Broadway St is home to all things Music City related and Honky Tonk Central adds to all the fun. With all the room they have available, you won’t feel nearly so crowded when you spend the afternoon or evening partying at Honky Tonk Central.
Peg Leg Porker BBQ
4.6 ★
Being humble about everything except what food they serve is what Peg Leg Porker BBQ is all about. Upon walking inside, you might believe that this is just another low key barbecue joint but that could not be further from the truth. Once you take a bite of their wings, you will know that Peg Leg Porker is not here to play games when it comes to food. Outside of the hot wings (that live up to their hype) there are colorful menu choices like kool aid pickles. If you are truly curious to find out more about that, you will just have to visit them on Gleaves St to find out what that is all about. Try out the banana pudding for dessert if you manage to leave room for something sweet after the fact. From 11 am – 9 pm at least, Peg Leg Porker BBQ is full of friendly staff members that want nothing more than your company for the day.
Bowie’s
4.6 ★
We saved one of the best (or at least most dramatic) for last with Bowie’s on 3rd Ave. Here in Nashville, trying to stand out among a sea of neon signs and live venues can prove to be challenging but not for Bowie’s. Keep an eye out for the massive lightning bolt bearing the venue’s name when you walk just a few blocks away from Printer’s Alley to find them. Rock N Roll is the name of the game at Bowie’s so prepare to hear some loud tunes. This accommodating staff is known for their friendly nature and will take good care of you from drinks through dessert, with an order of wings somewhere in between. Wednesday through Sunday after 4 pm, there’s no reason to skip the trip to Bowie’s for some wings. You never know, one of your favorite bands might be the reason they are so packed one night.
Conclusion
Don’t forget to take a look at some of our previous articles before you leave the site to start trying out every order of wings you can get your hands on. Here at The Nashville Insider, we cover topics like this regularly. Let us help make the most of your visit to Music City and check out topics including (but not limited to) Nashville’s favorite Vegan food, venues, and activities. There’s nothing quite like a visit to this city and we want to be sure you spend your time with only the best of what Nashville has to offer, including our #BarBike tours. Book a tour with one of our knowledgeable hosts on the bar bike and get to know Nashville in a fun and affordable way.