Chicago suburbs have lots of things to look for and to see. It’s always nice to be able to touch grass and to enjoy cozy local festivities in a calm neighborhood. However, at one point, you will crave some hot wings to get you through your day.
We’ve selected some of the best wing restaurants that you may be able to find in the suburbs of Chicagoland, IL.
4. Chicken Lit Tenders & Wings
Location
931 E Ogden Avenue Suite 103, Naperville, IL 60563
About the Business
Chicken Lit is a new spot in the community, but it had already made a buzz. The staff here is extremely friendly and provides some of the juiciest chicken around. They’ve learned a number of different approaches and techniques for preparing chicken wings. Every dish is also made with high-quality ingredients and creative spice combinations to delight your taste buds.
Review
I have a few complaints about this place. The wings here are great, and the chicken is very tender. The sauces are perfectly on and the combination of flavors is excellent. Large wings, juicy, tender, crispy outside, topped with a wonderful range of sauce options. Mmmmmm!
These are some of the meals they offer:
- Whole or Split Wings
- Flat and Drum Pieces
- Fish Burgers
- Chicken Wraps, Burgers and Egg Rolls
- House Fries
- Popcorn Chicken
- Onion Rings
- Mozzarella
- Calamari
- Fried Jumbo Shrimp and Oysters
Their specialty seems to be the tenders, though I may have to try those some other time.
3. Gators Wing Shack (Palatine)
Location
1719 N Rand Rd, Palatine, IL 60074
About the Business
Award-winning grill and pizzeria (as well as sports bar), famous for its Garlic Buffalo and Garlic Buffalo Wings offerings. Opened in 2001. The original Gators Wing Shack was located in Wheeling (inaugurated in 1996).
Review
This place is famous for its wings (with 16- 1st Place Awards from the Chicago Wing Fest) and rightfully so. Its Garlic Buffalo wings are memorable, and for those with a spice fetish, the Jalapeño BBQ Wings are probably the best blend of sweet and spice you could ever taste. Also, for those with egg allergies, the wings are just lightly dusted with flour, so they can munch away without any worries.
Another thing they do superbly is the cheese curds. The pizzas are decent, but the wings are clearly their forte.
Be mindful that the prices are not exactly cheap, but, for the most part, you pay for what you receive.
Here is a shortlist of what you can find in their menu:
- Garlic Buffalo
- Garlic Buffalo Wings
- Half-pound Boneless Wings
- BBQ Wings
- Italian Beef
- Gators Buffalo Cheese Pizza
- Buffalo Shrimp
- Jalapeño Buffalo Fries
- Fried Chicken Breast Salad
- Gator Burger
Be sure to check out the drinks menu. They offer a decent assortment of beers and wines. Also, don’t forget to try out Eli’s Original Cheesecake!
2. Schwings (Stone Park)
Location
1743 N Mannheim Rd, Stone Park, IL 60165
About the Business
Specializes in seafood and chicken wings alike. They claim the food is never frozen before being prepared and the shrimp is wild-caught from the Gulf.
Review
This is a place that excels in both chicken and shrimp (a rare occurrence). The whole meal screams homemade, meaning you won’t get two equal meals. The sauce selection is also highly varied, well-made, and goes perfectly in tandem with the breading. Can’t miss that garlic parmesan!
The shrimp is a treat in its own right, especially the shrimp popcorn, though I just ate a small portion.
The beverage selection is not as varied but you still get the typical fountain for refills, which is nice.
Regarding the restaurant, It’s a very comfy and nice place. The attention was friendly and polite, just what you would’ve expected from a small-town restaurant.
Overall, a great option to eat wings in Stone Park!q
These are some of the menu’s highlights:
- Fried Shrimp
- Jumbo Shrimp
- Chicken Wings
- Homemade Banana Cake
- Frog Legs
- Fried Clam Strips
- Pizza Puffs
- Catfish Filets
- Fried Oysters
- Scallops
I would personally go for their BBQ sauce to accompany my wings. Have not tried Mango Habanero but, apparently, it has mixed reviews.
1. Buffalo Joe’s (Evanston)
Location
812 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60201
About the Business
Buffalo Joe’s specializes in buffalo wings and burgers. There are currently two restaurants, one in Evanston and one in Howard Street, at the edge of Rogers Park.
Review
Buffalo Joe’s has become a landmark for the Evanston community, and it’s easy to see why. As you enter, you will notice a relatively austere ambiance. It looks like your regular mom-and-pop restaurant that has endured thanks to the support they’ve received over the years from the neighbors.
Their food offering is good, but the buffalo wings are definitely the stars of the show! The cheddar chips are no slouch by any means, though, especially the mouthwatering spicy variant covered with hot jalapeños. The sauces are mild and tasty, with a delicious cheesy aftertaste, meaning your tastebuds won’t get overwhelmed. Of course, if you order the “suicide”, prepare for a spice attack!
The menu includes:
- Cheddar Chips
- Buffalo Chips
- Single Order (mild, spicy, suicide or BBQ)
- Smokehouse Burger
- Italian Beef
- Buffalo Chicken
- Char Dog
- Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Sour Cream & Bacon Crumbles
- Mexican Potato
Finally, please try the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie (their staple dessert). It’s gooey!
Conclusion
The Chicago suburbs are filled with some great food offerings that may very well compete with those of the most thriving metropolitan areas around the US. We’ve just disclosed some of the highest-rated independent food providers in Chicagoland (save for Chicago itself) and we hope this guide serves to walk you through your culinary journey across Chicago’s quieter neighborhoods.
