The 5 Best Chicken Wings Around Aspen

Chicken wings have secured their spot as one of the valley’s most crowd-pleasing foods — casual, sharable and universally appropriate, whether après-ski, late-night or game day. The key, of course, is balance. Crisp skin. Tender meat. A sauce or dry rub that hits the right notes without overpowering everything else. Highlighted in the Best of Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt contest, these local kitchens interpret a classic: smoky, spicy, buttery, tangy or somewhere in between. Wings may be simple, but they’re rarely boring in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Home Team BBQ

Home Team BBQ brings a Southern sensibility to their wings, emphasizing slow-smoking and texture before sauce ever enters the conversation. The result is wings that carry flavor all the way through, not just on the surface. Their sauces offer range — from tangy to heat-driven — making it easy to match the moment, the mood or the beer on the table. The atmosphere supports the food, too: relaxed, unfussy and built for sharing plates among friends. It’s the kind of wing experience that encourages one more round.

New York Pizza

New York Pizza keeps things straightforward, which is part of the charm. Known primarily for slices and late-night cravings, their wings have built a following of their own. They lean into comfort over complexity — wings that satisfy because they’re done well and served with confidence. Whether ordered alongside a pie or as their own meal, the wings feel familiar in the best way: casual, flavorful and reliably solid after a day outside.

Zane’s Tavern

Zane’s Tavern is a go-to for pub-style wings that fit naturally into the sports-friendly, lively energy of the space. Their wings tend to lean classic, with sauces that strike that ideal middle ground — flavorful without being fussy. It’s the kind of place where no one feels the need to debate wing styles; people just order, dig in and enjoy. The atmosphere does half the work, but the wings hold their own.

Hominy Southern Kitchen

Hominy Southern Kitchen approaches wings with the same perspective they bring to all of their dishes: food should feel warm, heartfelt and rooted in tradition. Their wings often reflect deeper Southern flavor profiles — layered spices, slow-building heat and sides that show just as much care. The result is wings that feel like they belong in a meal, not just as something to snack on. They’re built for savoring, not rushing.

Rock Island Oyster Bar & Grill

Rock Island Oyster Bar & Grill may be known for seafood, but their wings have earned a spot of their own. With a menu that leans coastal and creative, the wings here often play with flavor in ways that break from typical pub expectations. They strike a balance between bold seasoning and clean finish, making them a natural match for the restaurant’s energetic, coastal-inspired atmosphere. It’s a wing option that surprises, in a good way.

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