It’s not Buffalo, New York, but Winston-Salem still has a lot to offer when it comes to buffalo wings. As a long-time local (35 years), I’ve had plenty of time to sample them at all the restaurants across town. This article spotlights four top-notch places for wings in Winston-Salem, some not known for or renowned for their tasty wings (the last restaurant on this list is most surprising).
Ronni’s Restaurant
Address: 1615 Lewisville Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012
Ronni’s Restaurant in Clemmons is the first place many locals will recommend for buffalo wings, and for good reason. Just outside Winston-Salem, Ronni’s is known for consistently delivering flavorful and perfectly cooked wings coated in a buffalo sauce with heat levels from mild to nuke. They also have other sauce flavors to add to your wing order for more adventure. Ronni’s is definitely a dive with a very local, non-commercial feel. The casual atmosphere and outdated interior add to the entire experience and put Ronni’s Restaurant on our list of top hidden gems in Winston-Salem.
East Coast Wings + Grill
Address: Multiple Locations
East Coast Wings is becoming a popular chain along the East Coast (hence the name), but it all started here in Winston-Salem. It’s about more than just the traditional buffalo flavor at East Coast Wings. This local restaurant franchise stands out for its extensive menu with over 50 wing flavors, from the classic Buffalo to options like Hey Mon Honey, a honey flavor with hints of lemon basil and roasted garlic, Mango Bango, a Mango Habanero mixed with Bang Bang sauce, to an entire list of unique dry rubs. East Coast Wings + Grill is a great place to explore delicious, one-of-a-kind wing flavors. The wings are always delicious here, but I always order mine crispy!
P.B.’s Takeout
Address: 1412 S Hawthorne Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
P.B.’s Takeout is known for having some of the best hot dogs in Winston-Salem. I’d been eating lunch at this cash-only classic in Ardmore for years. After an Instagram connection recommended the wings, I finally bit the bullet and exchanged my reliable hot dog order to try them (thank you, @michellee.willi!). There are few choices regarding flavor, but these are some of the best traditional buffalo wings in town! The sauce is tangy and strikes the perfect balance between heat and flavor. If it’s lunchtime and you find yourself at P.B.’s, I challenge you to switch it up and go for the wings!
Finnigan’s Wake
Address: 620 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Finnigan’s Wake, an Irish pub in downtown Winston-Salem, is not the first place you’d think of for wings. But trust me, their wings are a standout item on the menu and might just be the best in the area. The hot honey chipotle, mild, and BBQ sauces are all rich flavors that pair perfectly with a pint of Guinness. It’s not a combo I’d typically recommend, but it works beautifully.
