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A white bowl of brick-red wings, dry-fried
Fried chicken wings from the Lighthouse
Kara Stokes/Eater Portland

Mind-Blowing Chicken Wings in Portland and Beyond

Whether they’re in tangy lemon-pepper, sports bar Buffalo-style, or searingly hot pepper sauces, Portland has wings for days

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Fried chicken wings from the Lighthouse
| Kara Stokes/Eater Portland

For a city that’s nowhere near Buffalo, Atlanta, or Seoul, Portland is still infatuated with chicken wings. Whether it’s traditional Buffalo-style, Southern Thai, or Atlanta lemon-pepper, Portland restaurants, bars, and food carts have found a multitude of ways to take the most humble part of the bird and turn it into a standout snack. Below, find some killer wings of various styles all over Rip City. Those craving something more substantial should check out Eater’s fried chicken map for even more golden poultry, or to the Korean fried chicken map for yangnyeom goodness.

Note: Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

1st Street Pocha

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Beaverton’s Korean destination Du Kuh Bee closed without fanfare in the height of the pandemic, a devastating loss to the city. It’s a relief, then, that 1st Street Pocha, the Korean restaurant that took its place, is as good as it is — especially its fried chicken. The rice flour dredge gives these thick wings a satisfying crispness, one that stands up to its sticky-spicy glaze. The restaurant’s soy garlic wings are a better fit for those afraid of spice.

Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar

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This wood-paneled, old school Linnton mainstay is worth the drive out Route 30 for its Louisiana dry-fried wings, doused in well-rounded spice and served with a satisfying side of blue cheese for dipping. The meat itself is juicy and well-seasoned — plus, they’re a bargain during happy hour.

Toki Restaurant

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During the heyday of Han Oak, the gargantuan chicken wings, tossed in a salty-sweet “essence of instant ramen” dust, often stole the show; devotees dreamed of taking buckets of those wings home. When sibling restaurant Toki opened, that fantasy became a reality, with a bonus: Not only does Toki pack up takeout versions of the dry-dusted wings, it also sells three other versions, ranging from gochujang-tamarind to chile-oil-dunked “Korean hot chicken.” All are spectacular.

Buffalo Gap Saloon & Eatery: Restaurant & Bar

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The reigning Portland Buffalo wing champion according to the PDX Wing Guys, this Macadam watering hole does, in fact, make a very strong chicken wing. Large in size but still trimmed, these baked, deep-fried, and sauce-tossed wings are fall-apart tender; the GapDaddy Winger sauce, however, is really what makes them special, a Buffalo-esque base with a hint of barbecue smokiness.

North Williams’ Lúa serves a robust selection of Vietnamese food, from house-made woven rice noodles to street food snacks. Fried wings tossed in a balanced-yet-flavorful tamarind glaze are a surefire pick from the latter category. It brings the light, crisp crust of Korean fried chicken and hints at the glory of Pok Pok’s famous Vietnamese wings. They’re served with banh mi-style shredded pickled daikon and carrots for tartness and crunch.

Erica’s Soul Food

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This bright yellow cart, newly relocated to Northeast Martin Luther King Boulevard, has become a go-to for chicken wings, specifically the Atlanta-style lemon-pepper, a rarity in Portland. For the uninitiated, ATL-style wings are from the more-is-more school, a hybrid of hot Buffalo wings and zesty lemon-pepper glaze, served “extra wet” with fries and ranch or blue cheese for dipping. This popular style is just one of the nine wing varieties on offer, so feel free to branch out with peach sriracha or Buffalo bacon ranch; plus, the cart can serve eight of the nine wings as vegan, soy-protein-based wings. Order them directly from the cart for takeout.

Nacheaux

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Now based out of the East Portland bar Swan Dive, this cart-turned-restaurant-turned-pop-up is primarily known for its fried chicken burritos and Crunchwraps; however, its chicken wings are a sleeper hit on the menu. Fat chicken wings, either dredged and fried or just fried, are juicy and tender, with flavors like mole barbecue and Cajun dry rub. In true Nacheaux fashion, the menu and wing lineup changes and grows based on chef Anthony Brown’s whim, and gets pretty wild when he feels like it — we’re talking wings dusted with a house-made, Nacho Cheese Dorito-inspired seasoning powder, known as the Doriteaux.

Alberta Market

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As one of the best deals in Portland, these no-frills fried chicken wings are lightly-breaded, super juicy, and served with jojos. Locals have been ordering these well-seasoned wings at this Alberta convenience store for years, with good reason: It’s a delicious bargain, served fresh and hot in a bag to go.

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Chicken Wings #seasonings #broastedchicken

A post shared by Portland Epicurean (@motoman55) on

Palomar

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In terms of certified flavor-bomb status, Palomar’s mojo-braised wings end up at the top of the leaderboard in Portland. Citrusy and garlicky, the chicken wings start with a braise in the bar’s knockout mojo before they land in the fryer. They’re finished with a toss in even more mojo, this time mounted with butter for extra lusciousness. They’re unlike any other wings in town.

A hand with a jalapeño tattoo drops a plate of wings at a table at Palomar.
Chicken wings at Palomar
Carla J. Peña/Eater Portland

Hat Yai

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At either location of Earl Ninsom’s casual counter-service restaurant Hat Yai, Southern Thai fried chicken is a glorious mix of dripping-juicy meat and a crunchy, cumin-and-coriander-scented crust. Combination sets come with standard Malay-style curry, flaky roti, drumsticks, and thighs, but wings can be added for $3 each. Two wings on their own, plus sticky rice are also available; customers can order them to-go or gnaw away at one of the blue-and-white-checkered tables.

Fire on the Mountain Buffalo Wings

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With three locations and a fervent following, the ultra-popular, brewpub-vibed Fire on the Mountain takes Buffalo-style wings seriously. There are roughly a dozen different sauces to choose from which range in spice level, like a zesty lime-cilantro, smoky-sweet Jamaican jerk, and the peppery sweet raspberry habanero. Vegan wings are also an option here, for non meat-eaters who want to try their hand (and tastebuds) at the masochistic levels of spice in El Jefe. Fire on the Mountain operates three locations in Portland, all east of the Willamette.

FOMO Chicken

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A food cart in Pod 28, just off of East Burnside, FOMO was ahead of the curve delivering knockout KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) in Portland. The wings here are served bone-in or boneless, and come with a few options: One, a sticky-sweet Korean garlic sauce, another a spicy Korean sauce. Those who cannot choose, however, don’t have to, as diners can order them half-and-half. Even on their own the spicy wings aren’t overly hot, but a lovely level of heat to balance the gently sweet notes.

Chimcking

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Similar to Happy Valley’s Bonchon, Chimcking is a Korean franchise with Portland outposts in Beaverton and Hollywood. This is classic Korean fried chicken, dredged in tapioca starch and twice-fried for that perfect golden crackle. Wings come in garlic-soy or spicy. Order a combo of both and don’t forget the pickled daikon cubes on the side, paired with an ice cold Hite. 

Big's Chicken

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While the signature dish is Alabama-style barbecue chicken, the Glisan and Beaverton locations of this restaurant from the folks behind Laurelhurst Market offer wings that are marinated, smoked, fried, and then tossed in dry spice. The crackly skin holds up under its various sauces, including the Alabama white. This family-friendly spot has open seating and multiple TV screens to watch the game.

LoRell's Chicken Shack

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Based in the Carts on Foster pod, LoRell’s self-identifies as a “Chicago-style” wing cart; in this case, that means crunchy-fried, colossal chicken wings arrive with a dusting of savory seasoning powder and squiggle of hot honey or “G sauce,” which lands somewhere between a smoky barbecue and a vinegar-based hot sauce. For a while, LoRell’s was a hidden gem, but now, the secret is out.

Mando's

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This bright red food cart developed a cult following in East Portland and Gresham thanks to its hardcore “Remix Wings.” Mando’s is generous-but-not-excessive with the dredge, which just allows for a nice level of crispy crunch. These lightly golden, salty-sweet wings are also available boneless, for anyone afraid of gnawing on a little bone.

1st Street Pocha

Beaverton’s Korean destination Du Kuh Bee closed without fanfare in the height of the pandemic, a devastating loss to the city. It’s a relief, then, that 1st Street Pocha, the Korean restaurant that took its place, is as good as it is — especially its fried chicken. The rice flour dredge gives these thick wings a satisfying crispness, one that stands up to its sticky-spicy glaze. The restaurant’s soy garlic wings are a better fit for those afraid of spice.

Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar

This wood-paneled, old school Linnton mainstay is worth the drive out Route 30 for its Louisiana dry-fried wings, doused in well-rounded spice and served with a satisfying side of blue cheese for dipping. The meat itself is juicy and well-seasoned — plus, they’re a bargain during happy hour.

Toki Restaurant

During the heyday of Han Oak, the gargantuan chicken wings, tossed in a salty-sweet “essence of instant ramen” dust, often stole the show; devotees dreamed of taking buckets of those wings home. When sibling restaurant Toki opened, that fantasy became a reality, with a bonus: Not only does Toki pack up takeout versions of the dry-dusted wings, it also sells three other versions, ranging from gochujang-tamarind to chile-oil-dunked “Korean hot chicken.” All are spectacular.

Buffalo Gap Saloon & Eatery: Restaurant & Bar

The reigning Portland Buffalo wing champion according to the PDX Wing Guys, this Macadam watering hole does, in fact, make a very strong chicken wing. Large in size but still trimmed, these baked, deep-fried, and sauce-tossed wings are fall-apart tender; the GapDaddy Winger sauce, however, is really what makes them special, a Buffalo-esque base with a hint of barbecue smokiness.

Lúa

North Williams’ Lúa serves a robust selection of Vietnamese food, from house-made woven rice noodles to street food snacks. Fried wings tossed in a balanced-yet-flavorful tamarind glaze are a surefire pick from the latter category. It brings the light, crisp crust of Korean fried chicken and hints at the glory of Pok Pok’s famous Vietnamese wings. They’re served with banh mi-style shredded pickled daikon and carrots for tartness and crunch.

Erica’s Soul Food

This bright yellow cart, newly relocated to Northeast Martin Luther King Boulevard, has become a go-to for chicken wings, specifically the Atlanta-style lemon-pepper, a rarity in Portland. For the uninitiated, ATL-style wings are from the more-is-more school, a hybrid of hot Buffalo wings and zesty lemon-pepper glaze, served “extra wet” with fries and ranch or blue cheese for dipping. This popular style is just one of the nine wing varieties on offer, so feel free to branch out with peach sriracha or Buffalo bacon ranch; plus, the cart can serve eight of the nine wings as vegan, soy-protein-based wings. Order them directly from the cart for takeout.

Nacheaux

Now based out of the East Portland bar Swan Dive, this cart-turned-restaurant-turned-pop-up is primarily known for its fried chicken burritos and Crunchwraps; however, its chicken wings are a sleeper hit on the menu. Fat chicken wings, either dredged and fried or just fried, are juicy and tender, with flavors like mole barbecue and Cajun dry rub. In true Nacheaux fashion, the menu and wing lineup changes and grows based on chef Anthony Brown’s whim, and gets pretty wild when he feels like it — we’re talking wings dusted with a house-made, Nacho Cheese Dorito-inspired seasoning powder, known as the Doriteaux.

Alberta Market

As one of the best deals in Portland, these no-frills fried chicken wings are lightly-breaded, super juicy, and served with jojos. Locals have been ordering these well-seasoned wings at this Alberta convenience store for years, with good reason: It’s a delicious bargain, served fresh and hot in a bag to go.

View this post on Instagram

Chicken Wings #seasonings #broastedchicken

A post shared by Portland Epicurean (@motoman55) on

Palomar

In terms of certified flavor-bomb status, Palomar’s mojo-braised wings end up at the top of the leaderboard in Portland. Citrusy and garlicky, the chicken wings start with a braise in the bar’s knockout mojo before they land in the fryer. They’re finished with a toss in even more mojo, this time mounted with butter for extra lusciousness. They’re unlike any other wings in town.

A hand with a jalapeño tattoo drops a plate of wings at a table at Palomar.
Chicken wings at Palomar
Carla J. Peña/Eater Portland

Hat Yai

At either location of Earl Ninsom’s casual counter-service restaurant Hat Yai, Southern Thai fried chicken is a glorious mix of dripping-juicy meat and a crunchy, cumin-and-coriander-scented crust. Combination sets come with standard Malay-style curry, flaky roti, drumsticks, and thighs, but wings can be added for $3 each. Two wings on their own, plus sticky rice are also available; customers can order them to-go or gnaw away at one of the blue-and-white-checkered tables.

Fire on the Mountain Buffalo Wings

With three locations and a fervent following, the ultra-popular, brewpub-vibed Fire on the Mountain takes Buffalo-style wings seriously. There are roughly a dozen different sauces to choose from which range in spice level, like a zesty lime-cilantro, smoky-sweet Jamaican jerk, and the peppery sweet raspberry habanero. Vegan wings are also an option here, for non meat-eaters who want to try their hand (and tastebuds) at the masochistic levels of spice in El Jefe. Fire on the Mountain operates three locations in Portland, all east of the Willamette.

FOMO Chicken

A food cart in Pod 28, just off of East Burnside, FOMO was ahead of the curve delivering knockout KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) in Portland. The wings here are served bone-in or boneless, and come with a few options: One, a sticky-sweet Korean garlic sauce, another a spicy Korean sauce. Those who cannot choose, however, don’t have to, as diners can order them half-and-half. Even on their own the spicy wings aren’t overly hot, but a lovely level of heat to balance the gently sweet notes.

Chimcking

Similar to Happy Valley’s Bonchon, Chimcking is a Korean franchise with Portland outposts in Beaverton and Hollywood. This is classic Korean fried chicken, dredged in tapioca starch and twice-fried for that perfect golden crackle. Wings come in garlic-soy or spicy. Order a combo of both and don’t forget the pickled daikon cubes on the side, paired with an ice cold Hite. 

Big's Chicken

While the signature dish is Alabama-style barbecue chicken, the Glisan and Beaverton locations of this restaurant from the folks behind Laurelhurst Market offer wings that are marinated, smoked, fried, and then tossed in dry spice. The crackly skin holds up under its various sauces, including the Alabama white. This family-friendly spot has open seating and multiple TV screens to watch the game.

LoRell's Chicken Shack

Based in the Carts on Foster pod, LoRell’s self-identifies as a “Chicago-style” wing cart; in this case, that means crunchy-fried, colossal chicken wings arrive with a dusting of savory seasoning powder and squiggle of hot honey or “G sauce,” which lands somewhere between a smoky barbecue and a vinegar-based hot sauce. For a while, LoRell’s was a hidden gem, but now, the secret is out.

Related Maps

Mando's

This bright red food cart developed a cult following in East Portland and Gresham thanks to its hardcore “Remix Wings.” Mando’s is generous-but-not-excessive with the dredge, which just allows for a nice level of crispy crunch. These lightly golden, salty-sweet wings are also available boneless, for anyone afraid of gnawing on a little bone.

Related Maps