Mountain View is the ultimate meet-up-for-wings destination. For one, there’s a diverse array of spots to choose from, each catering to different tastes and occasions. Secondly, its central Silicon Valley location means you can suggest it and feel confident that wing enthusiasts will actually show up – no matter what tech campus they’re coming from. From classic buffalo joints to innovative Asian-fusion kitchens, here are 8 great places to feast on wings in Mountain View.
Clifford’s Chicken & Fish
$ | (650) 336-7367 | WEBSITE
That’s right, the hidden gem in a residential area with easy parking has officially become a local favorite. While it’s by no means the bustling sit-down restaurant you’re picturing in your head, it’s still a great option to grab fried chicken with friends in a clean, friendly space. They’re currently optimized for takeout with counter service only and generous portions that are made fresh to order.
You don’t need a reservation, but we recommend getting there early as you never know when the regulars will show up.
Bonchon
$ | (650) 282-5633 | WEBSITE
Bonchon is a Korean-inspired fast food spot that’s become a go-to destination in Mountain View for group gatherings and community events. They’re currently open daily with a lively ambiance and a menu that features everything from crispy fried chicken to bulgogi bibimbap. That said, the time to come is during peak hours, when the kitchen is firing on all cylinders and the garlic fries loaded with Parmesan cheese come out hot and fresh.
The smallest serving is 8 pieces, so there are plenty of options for leftovers, and the prices are reasonable for the quantity and quality you receive.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (650) 969-7272 | WEBSITE
This reliable pizza spot in Mountain View (it’s part of the national chain) has maintained its reputation over the years, and the current location has solidified itself as the kind of place you can order from last minute after work or for a casual gathering. Plus, you can always count on there being a Papa Pairings deal waiting for you with their online offers.
All their pizzas are satisfying, but we love the medium cheese pizza with mushrooms which comes with the option for extra spicy garlic dipping sauce.
Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria
$$ | (650) 961-6666 | WEBSITE
While we’d come here just for the excellent East Coast pizza (the place has been serving up those thin, well-baked crusts for years), the incredible accommodating service is the reason we’ll keep bringing our whole crew back. With helpful staff who quickly seat large groups, complimentary bread, and enough kindness to qualify as genuine hospitality, this welcoming Castro Street spot is exactly where we want to be eating lasagna and garlic bread this season.
Vons Chicken | Mountain View
$ | (650) 282-5315 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you just want to crush some crispy Korean fried chicken after a long day at work. When the craving hits, head to Vons Chicken. The state-of-the-art spot in Mountain View has a clean and spacious interior with tables and counter seating, meaning you won’t have to squeeze into a cramped booth. They aren’t taking reservations, but if you come early on a weekday, you’ll be able to walk right in.
One of their family-style meals for four with a side of coleslaw and pickled radish is always a good idea after a few rounds.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
$ | (650) 988-9090 | WEBSITE
Our go-to spot after the kids’ soccer games has settled into its Mountain View location. Though the interior has that handsome sports bar feel, there’s also a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere ideal for gathering with friends for one pizza and one pizza only. There’s a solid pizza selection, some vegetarian options, and a topping-heavy menu ranging from pineapple to tandoori sauce.
There’s also consistently excellent service with Komal and the staff ready to assist, especially if there are issues with those online orders.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
$ | (415) 424-6854 | WEBSITE
Tucked near a market I frequent, Krispy Krunchy Chicken has become a monthly habit for me, especially with their new location opening up. The place offers a decent-sized outdoor dining area, though there’s no seating available—it’s strictly takeout. Their chicken is advertised as crispy and crunchy on the website, but I found it not crispy at all; however, it was extremely tender and juicy, though slightly too spicy for my mild palate.
The Mac n cheese and instant mashed potatoes with gravy reminded me of KFC, and the biscuit was small but good. Don’t miss their ‘triple eats’ option, and you can always request for it to be fried fresh.
The Cookout Food Truck
$ | (650) 300-9945 | WEBSITE
You can find The Cookout Food Truck parked behind Fred’s Place on Old Middlefield Rd in Mountain View, but this surprisingly flavorful spot has a simple setup ideal for actually enjoying your meal without fuss. They have a limited menu that usually includes a bunch of mouth-watering dishes that go great with any of the fish.
Our favorites include the catfish – with its crispy cornmeal crust paired perfectly with tartar sauce – and the bacon bourbon cheese fries, with thick, ridge-cut fries smothered in flavor.