Alameda might be known for its historic naval base and Victorian architecture, but locals know it’s also a battleground for crispy, saucy glory. Sure, you can find wings at any sports bar—but these seven spots elevate the humble drumette to an art form. From sticky-sweet Korean glazes to buffalo so fiery it’ll make you question your life choices, here’s where to get your fix.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
$$ | (510) 764-3786 | WEBSITE
Speaking of excellent places to eat barbecue in Alameda: Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que. The restaurant is conveniently located with free parking, and we like it for all the same reasons. The food is great, the staff is pretty friendly, and you can dine inside or take it to go. The restaurant’s layout is an ode to the many classic barbecue joints of the South (excluding fancy tablecloths and white linens, which you probably won’t find here).
Many of those barbecue staples decorate the menu in various delicious forms.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
$ | (510) 749-9499 | WEBSITE
Mountain Mike’s Pizza has been the best chicken wing spot in Alameda for a while now, and it’s still a favorite for a relatively casual night of grabbing affordable food with friends. The indoor space varies by location, but the online ordering system is seamless for quick pickup or delivery. There’s often a good party situation happening too, and the service is always outstanding, in case you want to bounce around between pizza and wings.
Saltbreaker
$$$ | (510) 263-8232 | WEBSITE
Saltbreaker is a hidden gem tucked away on the side of Alameda, but this creative spot is absolutely worth seeking out. The space has a cozy, inviting atmosphere with quick service that makes it perfect for either a fancy lunch break or a casual evening out. Food lovers will appreciate this place.
The menu features deliciously prepared dishes like the deviled eggs with candied bacon, broccolini, and the seafood gumbo special, plus vegetarian options such as the crispy eggplant sandwich and gluten-free choices. You can also enjoy amazing cocktails crafted by the friendly, knowledgeable staff, or try the refreshing non-alcoholic grapefruit and rosemary drink.
It’s one of our favorite places to eat in the area, but we always end up staying longer, because the overall experience is just that good.
Monkey King At The Brewery
$ | (510) 522-8886 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a spot with a little more flavor—perhaps one that serves Asian fusion wings at a fairly affordable price—try Monkey King At The Brewery. This place will definitely make you feel like you’re at a casual eatery, but it’s not too basic. There are plenty of dishes to choose from and the food is solid.
The menu is broken up into three different categories: wings (like the lemon pepper or salt and pepper), sides (like the garlic noodles or crab fries), and desserts (like the churros or s’mores fries). They’re all perfectly fine options to enjoy with a beer from next door on a relaxed evening.
Ohgane Alameda x Vons Chicken
$$ | (510) 775-7538 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue, especially the kind that reminds you of those satisfying meals with friends, you’ll probably love Ohgane Alameda. We’re focusing on their Vons Chicken wing offerings here, but it’s part of the same experience. Plus, we’re not aware of any other spot in Alameda where you can enjoy tasty yangnyum and padak wings while sitting in a modern, cool atmosphere with TVs for entertainment.
They have grills set up at the tables that let you cook familiar cuts like brisket and short ribs right there. You can order another plate of meat without having to stop the conversation. It’s a great option for a meat-filled lunch with friends, but also just a fun and interactive dining experience to mix things up.
Fire Wings
$ | (510) 239-4040 | WEBSITE
Fire Wings is a restaurant that lives in a perfect intersection between family-friendly spots and modern casual dining. It’s been around for a few years now, and has our favorite wing concept in the area. It feels somewhere between a polished contemporary space and a relaxed neighborhood hangout. There are polished concrete floors throughout the dining room, fresh green onions topping every order of wings, and customers clearing their own tables (the service model is fast and friendly).
You can try a wide variety of flavors like garlic Parmesan, salt and pepper, and Thai chili, there’s a popular chicken sandwich with a high-quality bun, and we absolutely love this Alameda wing institution.
Domino’s Pizza
$ | (510) 865-8000 | WEBSITE
Domino’s Pizza is exactly what it sounds like. And if you like quick, reliable spots where you can grab a generously-topped pizza while saving time, then you’ll enjoy it here. The staff is friendly and happy to get your order ready promptly, with Primo managing the kitchen calmly even during busy periods. But in addition to ordering ahead online, you can sit down and eat it too. This is a very straightforward pizza option—and those are consistently good in Alameda.
So keep this place in mind for a weeknight dinner, or next time you just want to have a tasty meal without much fuss.