Chicken wings might technically be an appetizer, but in Mesa, they’re a culinary institution. This guide celebrates the city’s most legendary wings—from the classic Buffalo icons that would be carved into Arizona’s wing hall of fame to Korean-style glazed masterpieces and ghost pepper challenges that sound like tavern tales until you taste them. Whether you’re a mild-sauce traditionalist or a heat-seeking enthusiast, consider this your essential Mesa wing pilgrimage.
Rosati’s Pizza
$ | (480) 214-3233 | WEBSITE
Great pizza joints are as common as tumbleweeds in this desert town, and you can read our ranking of some of the area’s most popular. But the one that first pops to mind when we think ‘reliable takeout pizza’ is the stuffed pizza at Rosati’s Pizza in Mesa. With pepperoni, spinach, and green olives, this hearty pie is both flavorful and satisfying, with lots of fresh-ingredient goodness. It comes with exceptional customer service, guaranteed to make you feel like a valued regular.
Fat Willy’s Crismon & Baseline
$ | (480) 380-6307 | WEBSITE
Fat Willy’s feels like a classic Arizona sports bar, from the neon signs to the bustling tables. But there’s nothing ordinary about this Mesa spot’s standout dishes. The chimichanga and the steakhouse burger are hall of famers, but the southwest eggrolls, in particular, are simple perfection. We love the contrast of textures in every bite: the crispy exterior, the savory filling, and the creamy chipotle ranch.
The friendly, efficient service makes every visit feel special, even if the mixed drinks sometimes miss the mark. It’s the kind of place that leaves you planning your next trip back.
ATL Wings
$ | (480) 428-5223 | WEBSITE
Sometimes, it’s the ATL seasoning. Other times, the dry rub. No matter what, ATL’s signature wings arrive hot and fresh, spanning the length of your basket. The wings are pure flavor: crispy skin, saucy coating, and a crunch that makes eating off the bone enjoyable. They’re moist too, and so tender they glisten, with a spicy kick to amplify the taste. Plan on sharing, and accept the fact that all other wings will disappoint going forward.
Zero Degrees
$ | (480) 474-4083 | WEBSITE
Zero Degrees also offers regular chicken wings, but the Mangonada is the thing people line up for every hot afternoon at this Mesa counter. The spicy, mango-chili-dusted drink is named for the tropical fruit that flavors it, and it’s as refreshing as it sounds—halfway between smoothie and slush, with sweetness that tastes even more vibrant when ice-cold. The tangy tajín rim coats your lips if you don’t sip it fast enough, but we doubt you’ll face this issue.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken Mesa
$$ | (602) 573-3571 | WEBSITE
Krispy Krunchy Chicken Mesa—a straightforward spot tucked inside a gas station—has been serving up their signature fried chicken, hot and fresh, for years. The golden pieces they pull from the fryer are perfectly seasoned with a simple but effective blend of spices. You can get a small order for yourself, or a family-sized bucket, or even a whole party platter. In fact, all those cars pulling into the gas station are grabbing buckets to take home for dinner.
The Buffalo Spot – Mesa (Southern Ave)
$ | (602) 962-7768 | WEBSITE
More like a dozen wings for two, but who’s really counting? This is half the reason people come to this friendly spot on Southern Avenue, ourselves included. With that signature buffalo sauce, these perfectly cooked wings have just the right heat, all under a generous sprinkle of seasoning. Some places might insist they have the best wings in Mesa, but The Buffalo Spot perfected them. Order them every time.
Hungry Howie’s Pizza
$ | (480) 380-0500 | WEBSITE
Hungry Howie’s gives you a clue that they make the best pizza in Mesa with a sign that says, “We have flavored crusts.” They’re letting you know that they have a special oven, and bake their pies on site. The result is a crust that doesn’t get soggy (they get a fresh not-too-greasy topping blend), and is dotted with cheese. With nothing but a hint of garlic, it’s a lovely version of the classic American pizza.
Smashburger
$ | (480) 378-6600 | WEBSITE
Smashburger makes our favorite burgers in town. The patties are gorgeously juicy. The cheese is perfectly melted, and the buns are soft and fresh. There will likely be a line at this Mesa spot, but Smashburger is a well-oiled machine and you won’t have to wait too long. Besides, it’s worth it: Eating one of these burgers still warm from the grill is a borderline religious experience.
RedLine Pizzeria
$ | (480) 649-5500 | WEBSITE
After a hearty personal St. Patrick’s pizza, you’ll want something simpler. Enter RedLine’s classic mozzarella sticks, a reliable favorite that looks like golden breaded logs and tastes like the comforting, gooey essence of cheese. Inside a crispy coating, you get a stretchy pull of melted mozzarella with a side of marinara. It blurs the line between appetizer and snack, and it’s nothing too fancy, but something you’ll keep coming back for.
Tipsy Chicken
$ | (480) 265-8766 | WEBSITE
Some say the fried chicken is the most iconic American comfort food. But have they looked to the wings? Specifically, to the Korean fried chicken wings that Tipsy Chicken has been serving in Mesa. These local classics lean a bit on the crispier side, staying crunchy even after an hour. Those seeking soggy wings will have to go elsewhere—this version maintains its satisfying texture. The pork belly with corn cheese and beef bulgogi with fries deliver tasty flavors that keep customers raving.
With accommodating staff for dietary needs, ample seating, and a fun ambiance featuring music and TV, it’s a must-visit for a satisfying meal—though the metal chairs might test your comfort. Clean bathrooms and lovely atmosphere round out the experience.
Hooters
$ | (480) 839-4767 | WEBSITE
Full disclosure: These wings aren’t actually our favorite item at Hooters. That would be the crispy waffle fries. Or, on a different day, the variety of other good flavors on the menu. The truth is, every wing here is incredible, and we frequently daydream about ordering them all in one go (including during the all-you-can-eat Wednesdays). But this breaded wing is both instantly recognizable and so fun to eat.
It perfectly captures the lively sports bar spirit of the popular chain with its vibrant atmosphere and engaging staff.
DMac & Wings
$ | (480) 245-4541 | WEBSITE
DMac & Wings used to be a late-night wing spot, a beloved local joint that first opened in Mesa’s strip mall scene. Their current location is on the main drag, and though they’re now a full-service comfort food destination, the chicken wings with barbecue sauce should still be the main event. For $14.95, you will receive perfectly seasoned wings, in a generous basket reserved exclusively for this purpose.
Inside there’s every flavor you could imagine—lemon pepper, barbecue, crispy—hiding under a tangy sauce. When they arrive, they will be steaming hot (sort of). This is a satisfying touch but also makes them soggy, so eat them quickly before they lose their crisp, preferably with the help of a side of Mac and cheese.