Summary
More than pizza or burgers, chicken wings hold a special place in the hearts of Minneapolis sports fans. Ordering a piping-hot basket of wings while you sip on a cool drink in the glow of a big screen is what the good life is all about.
However, while many can agree that wings are the perfect pre-, mid-, and post-game snack, the debate around what makes for great chicken wings is ongoing. Are wings better with a dry rub or sauce? Do you value spice blend over spice level? Additionally, does texture play a role—should wings be crunchy, tender, or ideally both?
Reasonable people can disagree on what constitutes the perfect chicken wing. Nonetheless, these three Minneapolis eateries are home to some of the best finger-licking wings in the city.
Blue Door Pub
As one of the best sports bars in Minneapolis, it’s only natural that the Blue Door Pub would top this list. The restaurant offers nearly a dozen wing varieties, ranging from mild and crunchy to tongue-meltingly spicy—with numerous exciting flavors on the spectrum in between. In addition to the traditional buffalo sauce, the menu features a sweet chili lime sauce, a habanero-peanut sauce, and a crowd favorite: a sweet, smoky maple bacon bourbon sauce. Made with real maple syrup and bourbon whiskey, these wings are sticky and sweet with a slight boozy kick.
Fill up on a heaping basket of wings, or share and pair with some of the restaurant’s signature sides. Along with standard pub fare of tater tots, onion rings, and cheese curds, the menu boasts such delicacies as duck wontons, deep-fried green beans, and crunchy Spam bites.
Tip: Order a side of tater tots and ask for them to be tossed in your favorite wing sauce. You’re welcome.
Runyon’s
For some of the best traditional buffalo wings in the city, you cannot go wrong with Runyon’s in the North Loop. Unlike many other wing joints, this spot offers only one sauce for its wings—but this sauce is quintessential.
Runyon’s has been perfecting its recipe for over three decades, and it consistently impresses. The vinegar-based sauce has just a mild kick, coating wings without drowning them. Baskets can be ordered in regular, double, or party sizes, all accompanied by celery and a creamy, homemade bleu cheese dipping sauce filled with real bleu cheese chunks. The dish’s minimalistic approach is part of its charm—it provides everything you want in chicken wings, without excess.
The pub features an impressive selection of beers and liquors, and its close proximity to many of Minneapolis’ finest entertainment and cultural venues such as Target Field, Guthrie Theater, and First Avenue makes it an ideal place to ramp up or wind down an exciting evening.
Tip: Since Runyon’s is near downtown, parking can be tricky. Opting for the light rail might be a hassle-free choice. The pub is just a 10-minute walk from the Target Field Station.
Monte Carlo
Opened in 1906, the Monte Carlo is one of the oldest eateries in Minneapolis. The menu showcases a wide array of seafood, yet it’s intriguing that this spot would also serve some of the finest wings in the city. The chicken at the Monte Carlo is tossed and fried with a rich mix of Asian spices. These wings are exclusively dry rub, featuring unique flavors like cinnamon and orange, which make sauce unnecessary. However, don’t request ranch dressing with your wings—you won’t find it here.
In addition to the full food menu, the restaurant offers a lengthy wine and cocktail list, alongside various adult malts and floats perfect for dessert. If you’re feeling nostalgic, try the Dreamsicle Float, made with orange soda and vanilla ice cream, bringing back memories of summer afternoons enjoying frosty treats. It’s rounded off with a splash of vodka to remind you of adult life.
Tip: When the weather is nice, grab a seat on the patio, where the brick-floored outdoor area features comfortable chairs and umbrellas for shade.
