It’s September, also called the month when pizza begins to look lonely when sitting on a plate unaccompanied by its fall sidekicks: rooster wings.
Whether or not you want your wings fried or smoked, lined in sauce or a easy dry rub, flavored with spicy chile or blueberry barbecue sauce, the Bay Space has nearly each type of rooster wing one might fantasize about on an NCAA Saturday or NFL Sunday.
Listed here are a few of our favorites, new and outdated. Many of those locations aren’t sports activities bars, so plan your takeout or supply orders accordingly.
Norm’s Place (Danville)
Clients get pleasure from joyful hour whereas at Norm’s Place in Danville. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Space Information Group)
When Ben Seabury bought this 20-year-old Danville restaurant, Norm’s Place, final yr, he knew he wished to make main enhancements to the menu, the kitchen, the furnishings, the bar space, the outside house and your entire structure of the constructing. He even bought the adjoining property, leveled one of many partitions and linked the 2 areas to create an final dwell leisure expertise.
However there’s one factor Seabury knew he wasn’t going to alter in any respect: the rooster wings ($18 for 10).
“No way,” he stated. “These wings are famous. It’s a secret recipe with a secret dry rub that makes it arguably one of the best wings around. We coat them, bread them, deep-fry them and serve them with ranch and blue cheese. Everything is made in-house. They’re moist and crispy, mini, breaded pieces of heaven.”
Agreed.
Particulars: Open Tuesday by Sunday, 11 a.m. till 9 p.m., and till 10 p.m. on the weekends, at 356 Hartz Ave. in Danville; normsgrille.com
Pho Ha Noi (Cupertino, Fremont, Milpitas, San Jose, Palo Alto)
The Vietnamese wings on the Pho Ha Noi eating places within the Bay Space are coated in a sauce of savory nuoc cham and garlic. (Linda Zavoral/Bay Space Information Group)
Since we first found these garlic & fish sauce wings just a few years in the past, entrepreneur Helen Nguyen has expanded from two eating places to 5. She opened lavishly appointed places of her common Pho Ha Noi restaurant in Fremont and Milpitas and has taken over an enormous downtown Palo Alto house.
Extra wings in additional locations!
These free-range rooster wings are deep-fried, then tossed in a sauce of garlic and nuoc cham. There’s further sauce within the backside of the platter in order that we fish sauce lovers can dip some extra. Refreshing slices of calmly pickled carrot and daikon come on the facet ($12-$14.50 for six wings, relying on the placement).
Particulars: Most eating places open day by day for lunch and dinner; Milpitas is closed on Tuesdays. https://phohanoi.com/
Ghostwood Kitchen (Redwood Metropolis)
The blueberry barbecue wings from Ghostwood Kitchen in Redwood Metropolis add a seasonal sweetness to this soccer season snacking favourite. (Kate Bradshaw/Bay Space Information Group)
Ghostwood Kitchen, which manufacturers itself as a neighborhood brewpub, opened in summer time 2023. Because of its quite a few TVs and spacious inside, it’s grown right into a sports activities bar – one which’s cover-free and family-friendly, with an arcade.
The restaurant pairs its wings ($16) with a choice of sauces, together with dry lemon pepper, blueberry barbecue, tequila lime jalapeño, delicate buffalo or teriyaki. The blueberry barbecue sauce was an amazing various for individuals who like their wings spice-free however nonetheless flavor-dense. Trying to diversify your subsequent gametime snack platter? Go for the restaurant’s “Ghostwood Trio” snack set ($25), which provides guests the choice to choose three of the next: fries, cheese curds, fried pickles, brussels sprouts, fried shrimp, rooster bites, or wings.
Particulars: Open 12-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Thursday, 12-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday at 911 Important St, Redwood Metropolis; ghostwood.com.
Batch & Brine (Lafayette)
The smoked dry-rubbed Memphis wings at Batch & Brine in Lafayette. Who desires a dry wing? At this Contra Costa gastropub, you’ll. Although Buffalo and teriyaki kinds can be found, the smoked wings with Memphis dry rub are the way in which to go ($16 for eight wings). One thing in regards to the cooking methodology appears to lock in all of the juices, leaving you with supremely tender, smoke-kissed meat and a spice crust finest described as “crack.” It’s OK to say that — wing aficionados use the time period on a regular basis.
Stuart Swanson, of El Cerrito, chats with Olivia Ventura, of Berkeley, whereas having lunch on the Batch & Brine restaurant in Lafayette, Calif., on Friday, March 22, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Space Information Group)
After which there are the sauces: ranch, apricot mustard, blue cheese, Calabrian chile aioli. An awesome technique is getting the wings and dipping them within the Alabama white sauce, whose creamy-vinegar zing completely enhances the recent, smoky rooster.
Particulars: Open for lunch and dinner day by day at 3602 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette; batchandbrine.com
Jake’s and The Garret (Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Campbell, Los Gatos, Willow Glen)
This venerable South Bay chain, launched in Saratoga and Campbell within the Nineteen Seventies, has been successful raves for its pizza since these days. However don’t sleep on the wings ($17.95 for 10, with carrots, celery and both ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce).
If you happen to’re not a fan of the ever present, fiery Buffalo type, chances are you’ll at all times be looking out for flavors that don’t scald your tongue. Every of those places presents 5 or 6 flavors: a lemon-pepper dry rub, delicate barbecue, golden barbecue, citrus chipotle, mango habanero and, in fact, Frank’s Crimson Scorching for many who need sufficient warmth to match a scorching Niners sport.
Can’t determine? Attempt the citrus chipotle, a properly sauced, juicy wing with a contact of orange and simply sufficient warmth on the again finish.
Particulars: Discover the 5 addresses and their hours at www.jakessouthbay.com.
Fortunate Three Seven, Oakland
The rooster wings with lumpia and dipping sauce at Fortunate Three Seven in Oakland, Calif. (John Metcalfe/Bay Space Information Group)
This bare-bones nook joint on Oakland’s Fruitvale Avenue attracts traces for its down-home Filipino cooking, served to-go or for consuming on exterior counters. It sells wings by the one piece ($2.50), giving diners room to order different tasty issues: coconut-chicken adobo, pork longanisa with fried egg, 7-inch lumpia that crackle like crispy cigars.
The Filipino restaurant Fortunate Three Seven in Aug. 2025 in Oakland, Calif. (John Metcalfe/Bay Space Information Group)
Many of us within the East Bay swear by the “G-Fire Wings,” that are freshly fried and sprinkled with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. The soy-based glaze is nice – nearly dessert-level – and sticky in a great way. Pair it with a facet of garlic rice, and let the juices soak in for a satisfying snack.
Particulars: Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday at 2868 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland; lucky-three-seven.com
The Farm (Palo Alto)
This newly opened all-day cafe, positioned simply off the top of California Avenue, specializers in brunch and lunch — avocado toast, Belgian waffles, salads, pizza and such. However we had been intrigued by the outline of the wings ($14 for six, which features a facet of salad or potatoes).
The kitchen marinates meaty drums and flats from Mary’s Natural Rooster, then bakes them as a substitute of deep-frying. This leads to tender, moist wings. And so they sport a sprinkling of Mediterranean herbs and spices, a special type of savory to your soccer snacking. Is {that a} contact of sumac we detect?
Particulars: Open from 7 a.m. weekdays and eight a.m. weekends till 9 p.m. at 2450 Park Blvd., Palo Alto; https://dinefarmfresh.com
Hearth Wings (Alameda, Hayward, San Mateo, Saratoga, San Jose, Oakland, Pinole, Pittsburg, Vallejo, Santa Rosa)
At Hearth Wings, which has places across the Bay Space, a big selection of wing customizations can be found, with 20 flavors, considerable dipping sauces and bone-in or boneless variants. These are boneless mango habanero and garlic parmesan wings. (Kate Bradshaw/Bay Space Information Group)
Based in Sacramento in 2015, Hearth Wings has expanded dramatically since then, slinging wings in over 20 varieties all through greater than 35 places, primarily in Northern California, but additionally southern California and Texas.
The model has seven basic wing flavors, seven dry rub flavors, and 7 fusion flavors, so there actually is a wing for each palate – from the spice-intolerant to the heat-hungry. The mango habanero wings, rated a two flames out of three, in response to the Hearth Wings web site, had been piquant and flavorful. In the meantime, a vibrant marinara sauce paired with the garlic parmesan dry-rub wings offered a heat-free various.
Particulars: Hours fluctuate by location; firewings.com.
Social Chicken, Lafayette
The “KFC” Korean Fried Rooster wings with apricot glaze and herbed dipping sauce at Social Chicken in Lafayette, Calif. (John Metcalfe/Bay Space Information Group)
KFC is far and wide now. Not Colonel Sanders, however Korean fried rooster, popularized by over-the-ocean chains like Bonchon and acknowledged for its supremely crispy batter and fiery seasonings.
Esin and Curtis deCarion, who personal Esin Restaurant & Bar and Revel Kitchen & Bar in Danville, provide a zhuzhed-up model of KFC at this stylish restaurant in Lafayette. It begins with high quality Mary’s Rooster, each wings and drumettes, and a batter that’s meatier than most and crumbles nearly like cookies. A sweet-sour apricot glaze with a slight spiciness is drizzled on prime, and the wings are dipped in a fresh-herb white sauce ($16.50 for six or seven). Pair them with a neighborhood draft beer, or one of many bar’s takes on the Moscow Mule.
Particulars: Open 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday at 3593 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette; social-bird.com
Residence Eat (Santa Clara, Cupertino, San Jose, Sunnyvale, Fremont, Milpitas)
Residence Eat followers say the Basic Dry Fried Rooster Wings with Candy Soy Sauce are a should order. (Bay Space Information Group)
Based in 2015, Residence Eat (also called Style Wok) advanced from a Taiwanese-style eatery with sizzling pots to what its homeowners describe as a restaurant that “combines Sichuan, Hunan, Taiwan and independently developed fusion dishes.”
The ten-page menu is obtainable for lunch and dinner three hundred and sixty five days a yr, and till 11:30 most nights.
Out of all these dishes on the large menu, the basic dry fried rooster wings with candy soy sauce are a prime vendor– and by far essentially the most commented-on dish on Residence Eat’s Yelp pages.
Fried to order, the piping-hot wings ship moist rooster encased in a crackling exterior that’s candy and garlicky. Bits of chile pepper are sprinkled on prime.
Particulars: Discover addresses, hours at www.homeeat.com
Southside Station (Berkeley)
Thai wings and crispy-fried rooster thighs at Southside Station in Berkeley. (@eatsouthsidestation on Instagram)
It’s not essentially the most elegant location – a counter-service spot within the galaxy of characterless eating places that cater to UC Berkeley – however relaxation assured they know the best way to deal with a wing. Proprietor Louie Chaivisut is a Le Cordon Bleu grad who ran a preferred fried-chicken popup at Berkeley’s Cheese Board. Right here, his specialty is Thai-style JUMBO wings (the menu makes use of all caps), expertly fried and coated in a “zing powder” that makes the whole lot dang close to irresistible ($14 for 5 wings).
The rooster is dry-marinated in garlic, onion, sugar and pepper, then calmly fried and dusted with that powder, which is a mixture of chiles, rice and lime. You’ll be able to dunk the wings in creamy Sriracha sauce, however they’re juicy and sophisticated sufficient to not require it. In the meantime, vegetarians can go for the Dusty Tofu which is fried natural tofu nuggets sprinkled with that very same magic mud ($15).
Particulars: Open day by day for lunch and dinner at 2504 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley; eatsouthsidestation.com
State of Thoughts Public Home and Pizzeria, Los Altos and Redwood Metropolis
For these on the lookout for a gluten-free or vegetarian various to rooster wings this upcoming soccer season, State of Thoughts Pizza Home serves cauliflower “wings,” coated in buttermilk, breaded in gluten-free flour and fried, then topped with sauce. On this case, it is the chipotle cola barbecue sauce. (Kate Bradshaw/Bay Space Information Group)
When brothers Lars and Andrew Smith had been planning the menu for his or her pizzeria a couple of decade in the past, they knew they wished wings – primarily as a result of they, alongside their dad, had lengthy been wing fanatics, devotees of the choices from outlets like Rooster College and Depraved Rooster.
“Our wing-eating history is strong,” Lars says. So to make their very own, they sought out high-quality rooster, crafted their sauces from scratch and developed a range that serves a spectrum of warmth preferences. Normally, the buffalo and chipotle cola barbecue sauces are hottest, however in addition they provide habanero orange, jalapeno lime and ghost pepper glazes (the spiciest of the menu choices), he says.
To accommodate some dietary restrictions, in addition they developed vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free cauliflower “wings,” soaked in buttermilk, breaded in a gluten-free flour and fried till crispy.
Buffalo wings are among the many varieties of rooster wings obtainable on the menu at State of Thoughts Public Home and Pizzeria in Redwood Metropolis. (Kate Bradshaw/Bay Space Information Group)
As for soccer season, you will get your snacks to go – they provide takeout as much as catering-sized orders – or stick round. They’ve cable and provide all-day joyful hours on Mondays – very best for Monday Night time Soccer – and since they don’t have desk service, you gained’t be pushed out the door earlier than the sport’s over.
“We try to make it a fun place for community gatherings during sports or after sports because we love that energy,” Smith says.
Particulars: Open 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday and 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday at 3710 Florence St, Redwood Metropolis, and 101 Plaza N, Los Altos; stateofmindpublichouse.com.
Mr. Lee Rooster (Harmony)
The unique fried rooster wings at Mr. Lee Rooster in Harmony (photograph by Jason Mastrodonato/Bay Space Information Group).
Perhaps it’s been a protracted day — or a protracted week, month and even yr (cue the “Friends” theme track) — and also you’re in want of a heat, snug, crispy meals to assuage your soul and lightweight up your style buds. Mr. Lee’s rooster wings ($15.99 for 10) are what you’ve been on the lookout for.
Each chew comes with a crunch, with the flaky-fried pores and skin so tasty it’ll have you ever scooping the crumbs out of the underside of the container. The meat is juicy, sizzling and tender. The flavour is easy and never too salty, permitting the stainless textures to paved the way. It’s the way in which fried rooster must be.
Contained in the restaurant, the vibe is chill. Clients drink beer and watch sports activities on the small bar space. Some are enjoying pool within the adjoining get together room. Okay-Pop performs on the audio system. Take a load off, loosen up and indulge.
Particulars: Open day by day 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and till 11 p.m. on the weekends, at 1651 Willow Go Rd. in Harmony; mrleechicken.com.
San Tung (San Francisco)
Now and again you come throughout a chew of meals so good you’ll be able to’t fairly put your finger on the one factor that makes it scrumptious. Normally it’s as a result of it wasn’t one factor; it was all of the issues. The flavour mixture. The way in which it was cooked. The feel. The chewing expertise. Typically all of it works in good concord, like a exactly choreographed orchestra wherein each instrument is being performed at a world-class stage.
Perhaps it’s the expertly fried, ultra-meaty-but-not-so-meaty-it’s-suspicious rooster that makes San Tun’s wings ($18.50 for a dozen) the very best round. Perhaps it’s the candy chile sauce that doesn’t style spicy till you’ve completed your meal and understand your tongue remains to be stinging.
It’s laborious to say precisely why the unique dry-fried rooster wings from San Tun are the very best stuff you’ve eaten in months. You simply know they’re.
At San Tung in San Francisco, the unique dry fried rooster wings are fried in batter with garlic, ginger and roasted crimson peppers, then tossed in a candy chili sauce (photograph by Jason Mastrodonato/Bay Space Information Group).
Professional tip: Order forward, skip the hour-long-line of hangry prospects, stroll straight in, go to the again and seize your meals. You aren’t at San Tun to make pals.
Particulars: Open Thursday by Monday, 11 a.m. to three p.m., and 4:30 to eight p.m. at 1031 Irving St. in San Francisco; santungsf.com.
Wing Bros (Antioch, Brentwood)
Mango habanero and buffalo sauce is leaking out of the field at Wing Bros in Antioch, and instantly what you signed up for: a taste explosion that’s positive to require a fist filled with napkins and a number of moist wipes.
No, Wing Bros isn’t right here to facilitate a high-end eating expertise. These wings ($10.80 for six, $14.70 for 10) are lined in sauce, slippery to carry and prone to stain the corners of your mouth and crevices of your fingertips. And typically, that’s precisely what you want.
Particulars: Open day by day, 11 a.m. till 9 p.m., and till 10 p.m. on the weekends, at 8610 Brentwood Blvd. in Brentwood, and within the Empire Procuring Middle in Antioch; wing-bros.restaurants-world.com.
