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Departure Cherry Creek Ryan Dearth

The Essential Guide to Wings in Denver

More than a mindless snack, this varied collection of chicken wings is the main event

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Often sited as the centerpiece finger food at sports bars, casual pubs and barbecues, deep-fried, baked, smothered in spicy buffalo or sweet and sticky teriyaki, whichever way you like this all-American dish is the ultimate game day food.

Who actually made the first batch of finger-lickin’ chicken wings remains up for debate, though Buffalo, New York stakes its claims as the original home of the wing.

While the deep-fried, hot sauce-doused version remains the favorite among chicken-wing enthusiasts, the little bites have evolved with creative takes, including Korean, Vietnamese, American barbecue and more.

The Mile High City is no stranger to just winging it – cranking out these go-to bites with a twist. So whether you’re looking for a Buffalo wing while watching the game or a sweet Asian wing alongside a refreshing craft cocktail for happy hour, this list covers it all.

Note: This list is organized north to south. If you don't see your favorite, leave it in the comments below.

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Highland Tavern

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If you’re looking for that old school sports bar with a familiar menu the Highlands Tavern has to be it. Televisions are scattered throughout the space and beer flows liberally at all times. While waiting for one of the many must-try burgers, order a round of crispy confit chicken wings with your choice of sauce from buffalo to effing hot, ktown to barbecue.

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Fire on the Mountain

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Not only did the Highlands restaurant win first and second place for its sauces, but it’s also been featured on the Food Network’s Outrageous Food. It’s no wonder that Fire on the Mountain’s wings have gained national attention – the sauces alone are worth sampling — wings or not. Flavors include classics such as mild, medium and hot, but the real intrigue comes from the more unique flavors, including “soon to be famous” spicy peanut, raspberry habanero, buffalo lime cilantro and monthly additions.

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Freshcraft

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Nearly every item at Freshcraft is made from scratch. The extensive menu doesn’t stop at the tapped beer list and more than 100 bottles, but carries over into the food. Try the garlic chile chicken wings, made with crispy wings tossed in a garlic chile glaze, then garnished and served with a cilantro sauce and celery for a cooling side.

Freshcraft

Ace Eat Serve

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CapHill’s popular ping-pong hub isn’t just the go-to spot for some friendly competition Tuesdays, but if you put your paddle down for a bite, try the Asian-inspired fare. From bao buns to ramen and bibimbap, don’t skip over the tiger wings made with a sweet and salty sauce — you’ll be surprised how quickly you devour a plate of eight of these.

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Vine Street Pub & Brewery

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A staple in the City Park neighborhood and one of four Mountain Sun brewpubs, Vine Street has earned it’s hot spot status in Uptown by consistently pouring great drafts and offering patrons delicious bites. We recommend diving into an order of the Mountain Sun wings tossed in your choice of hot or barbecue sauce.

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Fainting Goat Pub

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You don’t have to be an Atlanta Falcons fan to enjoy all that this Golden Triangle pub has to offer. The Fainting Goat is especially packed during the NFL season, and what could possibly go better with the game and a cold pint then wings. Traditional wings are available, but if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous try the pig wings made with pork shanks, house BBQ sauce and Gorgonzola cheese.

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Departure

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Top Chef Gregory Gourdet introduced us to a menu boasting bold and modern flavors mixed with Asian influences. While the dim sum is noteworthy, the departure wings should not be overlooked. The tender wings are glazed in a sweet chili sauce then garnished with shredded carrots and served over a bed of lettuce.

Departure Cherry Creek

South Broadway restaurant, Cho77 is widely known for its street food-inspired menu. Although the menu is brief the flavors remain bold and enticing. From poke bowls to wonton noodles with pork belly, soup dumplings to fried rice, there’s a little something tasty for every palate. They may not be your standard wings but the grilled chicken wings are a must-try made with Vietnamese caramel sauce and cilantro.

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Pub On Pearl

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WashPark’s corner pub is no stranger to classic fare done right. Previously known as the Corner Pub, the Pub on Pearl has been pouring pints and serving delicious bites for more than five decades. The pub wings are tossed in your choice of sauce from hot to mild and BBQ, spicy garlic, asian and cajun then served with ranch or blue cheese.

Facebook

Highland Tavern

If you’re looking for that old school sports bar with a familiar menu the Highlands Tavern has to be it. Televisions are scattered throughout the space and beer flows liberally at all times. While waiting for one of the many must-try burgers, order a round of crispy confit chicken wings with your choice of sauce from buffalo to effing hot, ktown to barbecue.

Facebook

Fire on the Mountain

Not only did the Highlands restaurant win first and second place for its sauces, but it’s also been featured on the Food Network’s Outrageous Food. It’s no wonder that Fire on the Mountain’s wings have gained national attention – the sauces alone are worth sampling — wings or not. Flavors include classics such as mild, medium and hot, but the real intrigue comes from the more unique flavors, including “soon to be famous” spicy peanut, raspberry habanero, buffalo lime cilantro and monthly additions.

Facebook

Freshcraft

Nearly every item at Freshcraft is made from scratch. The extensive menu doesn’t stop at the tapped beer list and more than 100 bottles, but carries over into the food. Try the garlic chile chicken wings, made with crispy wings tossed in a garlic chile glaze, then garnished and served with a cilantro sauce and celery for a cooling side.

Freshcraft

Ace Eat Serve

CapHill’s popular ping-pong hub isn’t just the go-to spot for some friendly competition Tuesdays, but if you put your paddle down for a bite, try the Asian-inspired fare. From bao buns to ramen and bibimbap, don’t skip over the tiger wings made with a sweet and salty sauce — you’ll be surprised how quickly you devour a plate of eight of these.

Facebook

Vine Street Pub & Brewery

A staple in the City Park neighborhood and one of four Mountain Sun brewpubs, Vine Street has earned it’s hot spot status in Uptown by consistently pouring great drafts and offering patrons delicious bites. We recommend diving into an order of the Mountain Sun wings tossed in your choice of hot or barbecue sauce.

Facebook

Fainting Goat Pub

You don’t have to be an Atlanta Falcons fan to enjoy all that this Golden Triangle pub has to offer. The Fainting Goat is especially packed during the NFL season, and what could possibly go better with the game and a cold pint then wings. Traditional wings are available, but if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous try the pig wings made with pork shanks, house BBQ sauce and Gorgonzola cheese.

Facebook

Departure

Top Chef Gregory Gourdet introduced us to a menu boasting bold and modern flavors mixed with Asian influences. While the dim sum is noteworthy, the departure wings should not be overlooked. The tender wings are glazed in a sweet chili sauce then garnished with shredded carrots and served over a bed of lettuce.

Departure Cherry Creek

CHO77

South Broadway restaurant, Cho77 is widely known for its street food-inspired menu. Although the menu is brief the flavors remain bold and enticing. From poke bowls to wonton noodles with pork belly, soup dumplings to fried rice, there’s a little something tasty for every palate. They may not be your standard wings but the grilled chicken wings are a must-try made with Vietnamese caramel sauce and cilantro.

Facebook

Pub On Pearl

WashPark’s corner pub is no stranger to classic fare done right. Previously known as the Corner Pub, the Pub on Pearl has been pouring pints and serving delicious bites for more than five decades. The pub wings are tossed in your choice of sauce from hot to mild and BBQ, spicy garlic, asian and cajun then served with ranch or blue cheese.

Facebook

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