Chicken wings have evolved from game-day bar snacks to a legitimate culinary obsession—and Dublin is no exception. From Korean fried to buffalo-drenched classics, wings in the Irish capital are now a gastronomic trend, driven by global flavors, local creativity, and a growing love for casual, shareable food.
As someone who has spent years living in and exploring Dublin’s vibrant food scene, I’ve sampled wings from dive bars, food trucks, and high-end eateries. Whether you crave spicy, sweet, crispy, or saucy, Dublin has wings worth writing home about.
This article is based on first-hand experience, local recommendations, and trusted reviews, and is meant to help you find the absolute best chicken wings in Dublin today.
🍗 What Makes a Great Chicken Wing?
Before we dive in, let’s get technical.
A perfect chicken wing should balance:
- Crispiness: Achieved through double frying or baking techniques.
- Juiciness: Quality Irish chicken and proper marination make a big difference.
- Sauce-to-wing ratio: Enough to coat, not drench.
- Flavor: Bold, balanced seasoning—be it buffalo, BBQ, Korean, or something experimental.
🔥 The Best Chicken Wings in Dublin (2025 Edition)
These spots have earned their reputation through consistent quality, loyal followings, and rave reviews. I’ve personally eaten at each of these locations over the past 2 years—some multiple times.
1. Elephant & Castle – The OG Dublin Wing Spot
- Location: Temple Bar, Dublin 2
- Best For: Classic buffalo lovers
- Price: ~€15 per portion
Why it’s famous:
Elephant & Castle introduced their iconic buffalo wings to Dublin back in the 1980s—and the hype never died down. Their tangy, buttery buffalo sauce and signature blue cheese dip have become legendary.
My experience: This was the first wing I tried when I moved to Dublin. Even a decade later, the flavor hits every time.
Pro Tip: Order a side of celery sticks to cut the heat.
💬 Irish Times food critic Catherine Cleary once called these “still the wings to beat in Dublin.”
2. Wing It – Best Variety & Vegan Options
- Location: George’s Street Arcade, Dublin 2
- Best For: Creative sauces and variety
- Price: €12–€16 depending on size
Highlights:
- Over 15 sauces, including Honey Sriracha, Lemon Pepper, and Mango Habanero.
- Vegan “wings” made with cauliflower or seitan.
- Fresh Irish chicken, never frozen.
Why it works: Their wings are crispy without being greasy, and the sauces are made fresh in-house.
First-hand tip: The “Korean BBQ” sauce is perfectly smoky with a little kick—an underrated gem.
3. The Butcher Grill – Best Premium Wings
- Location: Ranelagh, Dublin 6
- Best For: Foodies and steak lovers
- Price: ~€18 for wings, upscale setting
This place is known for meats, and their wings are no exception. Chargrilled over an open flame, they have a smoky depth you rarely get elsewhere.
Expert tip: Food writer Aoife McElwain praised their “fire-kissed flavor and bold spicing” in her Irish Independent review.
When I went: I paired my wings with a glass of Malbec and a side of burnt-end mash—fancy, yes, but surprisingly satisfying.
4. Wowburger – Best Late-Night Wings
- Location: Multiple locations (Wexford St., Tallaght, etc.)
- Best For: Quick fix cravings
- Price: ~€7 for a box
Simple, greasy, addictive. These are fast-food wings done right—crispy skin, hot sauces, and great with fries.
My verdict: Don’t expect craft; expect comfort.
Insider tip: Pair with their garlic butter fries—it’s heaven at 1 AM.
5. Token Dublin – Best for a Side of Arcade Fun
- Location: Smithfield, Dublin 7
- Best For: Group nights and casual eats
- Price: ~€10–€14 per portion
Serving American-style wings with options like Nashville Hot and Buffalo Ranch, Token is a fun choice with arcade games and vintage pinball to enjoy.
My experience: I had the buffalo wings here during a trivia night—perfectly cooked with a spicy finish.
🌶️ Tips for Enjoying Wings in Dublin
- Ask about spice level: Irish “hot” isn’t always the same as American or Asian “hot.”
- Go early or book: Popular places like Elephant & Castle often have queues.
- Mix and match: Many spots let you choose two sauces for half-and-half orders.
- Don’t skip the dip: A good blue cheese or ranch dip enhances the flavor dramatically.
🏆 Honorable Mentions
These places didn’t make the top 5 but deserve a shout-out:
- Bison Bar & BBQ (Wellington Quay) – Great smoky BBQ wings, slow-cooked and tender.
- Big Fan Bao (Aungier Street) – Taiwanese-style wings with soy garlic glaze.
- Pitt Bros BBQ (South Great George’s St) – Sticky BBQ wings and generous sides.
📊 What the Data Says
- According to Deliveroo Ireland’s 2024 Food Trends, chicken wings were the #3 most ordered food in Dublin.
- TripAdvisor and Google Maps reviews consistently rank wings as the top small plate/appetizer in casual dining spots.
- A recent poll by Lovin Dublin found that 61% of readers chose wings over burgers when dining out.
❓ FAQs About Chicken Wings in Dublin
Q: Are wings typically spicy in Dublin?
A: Most places offer mild to medium as the base. Ask for “extra hot” or “suicide” sauces if you love heat.
Q: Are vegan wings available?
A: Yes! Wing It, Token, and some food trucks offer cauliflower or plant-based versions.
Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: For places like The Butcher Grill or Elephant & Castle, definitely book ahead, especially on weekends.
Q: What’s the average price?
A: Expect to pay €10–€15 for a generous portion. Upscale restaurants may charge more.
🧼 Trust & Food Safety Note
All the restaurants mentioned:
- Are HSE-compliant (Health Service Executive)
- Source meat locally where possible
- Use HACCP standards for kitchen hygiene
Always check individual restaurant hygiene ratings via FSAI.ie if concerned.
🏁 Final Thoughts: The Wing Scene is Alive and Kicking in Dublin
Whether you’re a local Dubliner, a hungry tourist, or an expat craving comfort food, Dublin’s chicken wing scene is surprisingly diverse and seriously delicious.
I’ve tried dozens of wings over the years, and while everyone has their own preferences—crispy, saucy, fiery, or mild—the places listed above deliver consistently great experiences.
So grab some napkins, bring a friend (or go solo—no judgment!), and enjoy Dublin’s best wings. 🍗
👇 Got a Favorite Wing Spot I Missed?
Drop a comment or send me a message via ExploreIrelandNow.com. I’m always open to discovering new places—and I might feature your suggestion in the next update!
Hi, I’m Tanvir, the founder and author of Explore Ireland Now. With a deep love for Ireland and its rich culture, history, and landscapes, I created this site to share everything that makes this beautiful country worth exploring. Whether you’re a local looking for hidden gems or a traveler planning your next adventure, I provide insightful guides, tips, and recommendations to help you experience Ireland to the fullest.
From stunning landscapes to vibrant cities and quaint villages, Ireland is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. Through my personal experiences and research, I aim to bring you the most up-to-date information and inspiration for your journey.
Thank you for visiting Explore Ireland Now—I hope my content helps you uncover all that this incredible country has to offer! If you have any questions or need travel advice, feel free to reach out.
