Spending time in the city and want to find the best Des Moines chicken wings? Don’t worry, we have you covered.
If there’s one dish that brings pleasure to the masses, it has to be a humble portion of chicken wings. Something so simple, yet with so many varieties that never fails to deliver happiness. The fact that you usually wash them down with some beer is just an added bonus…
Des Moines has some great spots for wings, so we wanted the find the best of the best. You know, the kind of chicken wings that are so good you’d travel all the way across the city for them…
Jethro’s serves up some seriously tasty BBQ in each of their locations all across the state. Check out the spot in Des Moines, however, for a full afternoon of indulgence. Although there are some other incredibly tempting items on the menu, make sure you stick with the classic wings. Savour them one by one and be sure to order seconds.
The Iowa Taproom is easily one of the best craft beer bars in Des Moines. They specialise in specifically Iowa beer, which flows from their impressive wall full of 99 taps. However, they also offer a creative take on American food as well. Plates of 10 wings come doused in sauces like Peanut Chilli, Bourbon BBQ, and Dragon’s Breath.
There’s nothing else quite like the chicken wings at The Chicken Coop. They’re flame-broiled wings, which gives them a unique texture and flavourful taste. And, they’ve got more than a few choices to appease even the pickiest of eaters. Mild, sweet, or traditional are the categories, with numerous sauces in each.
If you’re visiting Des Moines and want to mingle with some locals, head to the 1908 Draught House. They’ve gone some seriously tasty wings, and they stick to simplicity when serving them. Order them in baskets of eight and choose from simple sauces: Barbecue, 3-Bag Mild, Sweet Chilli, Buffalo, Garlic Parmesan, Hot Barbecue or Tropical Habañero.
Unlike most other chicken wing spots in the US, Motley School Tavern is nothing close to an old-school pub. It’s actually a modern twist on a gastropub, serving up modern looks and fresh plates. Their smoked chicken wings come doused in a house hot sauce and buttermilk.
Hickory-smoked wings are what most wing-crazy locals crave from Big Al’s. He’s synonymous with BBQ in Des Moines, and his wings are out of this world. Load up on a basket and then graze your way through the other delectable hickory-smoked treats on the menu; everything is absolutely irresistible.
You didn’t think we’d forget about one of the absolute best spots for chicken wings in Des Moines, did you? El Bait Shop also made our list of the 50 Best Craft Beer Bars in the US. With over 250 beers on tap, they’ve got the largest selection of American microbrews in the entire world. And, that’s great considering you’ll need help washing down their famous wings. Try the BBQ dry-rubbed with Mo’Rub Universal Seasoning.
Craving more from this foodie city? Check out the 7 Best Burgers In Des Moines.
Elizabeth has lived and worked in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, all of which have contributed to her passion for travel writing. When she's not writing, you can find her exploring little hideouts in Colombia or watching photography tutorials on YouTube. Contact: [email protected]
