What are the best restaurants for chicken wings in Okaloosa County? Here are 5 favorites

Collin Bestor, Northwest Florida Daily News
·2 min read

Feeling the wing fever? Prepare for a finger-licking adventure as we take a wild ride through Okaloosa County's most "cluck"-tastic chicken wing joints. These spots aren't just ordinary wing places; they are flavor havens, saucy wonderlands, and crispy heavens that will leave diners flapping for more.

The list is not a ranking of the establishments; it just presents five of the county's top locations.

Buffalo's Reef

A Fort Walton Beach institution, Buffalo's Reef offers a classic wing experience.
A Fort Walton Beach institution, Buffalo's Reef offers a classic wing experience.

116 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach; 850-243-9464; buffalosreef.com

The origin story of the humble chicken wing has many versions, but the most widely accepted one is that Teressa Bellissimo served them for some regulars at her establishment in Buffalo, New York. The rest is history.

Thanks to Buffalo's Reef, diners don't have to drive up the eastern seaboard to get authentic chicken wings. Flavors range from mild for the tame to Carolina Reaper for the bold. Pair that with the happy hour special (4-6 p.m.) of the $1.75 domestic draft, and you've got yourself a very satisfying experience.

Buffalo Jack's Legendary Wings and Pizza

The buffalo at Buffalo Jack's is always in a festive mood.
The buffalo at Buffalo Jack's is always in a festive mood.

11275 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin; 850-424-6288; buffalojackslegendarywings.com

People can be skeptical when trying something described as "legendary." Rest assured; these wings live up to the hype: crispy exterior, juicy interior. The sauce isn't too overpowering; you can still get the flavor of the chicken with each bite. Winning "Best in Destin" in 2021, this establishment brings a New Orleans flair to everything on the menu. Just don't mind the massive buffalo overlooking the bar that is always decorated in keeping with the time of year.

Fatboys - Crestview

With live music, trivia, and karaoke: Fatboys in Crestview offers a energetic nightlife for everyone to enjoy.
With live music, trivia, and karaoke: Fatboys in Crestview offers a energetic nightlife for everyone to enjoy.

482 Wilson St. N., Crestview; 850-634-6333; ilovefatboys.com

Fatboys offers thriving nightlife and a fantastic wing. Unlike other places on this list, Fatboys offers entertainment like trivia nights and live music to accompany the food. The wings are solid; the sauces are all made in-house. The only complaint might be that you did not order more wings the first time around.

Landsharks Pizza Company

For the heat seeker, Landsharks Pizza makes you sign a waiver before partaking in the Liquid Death challenge
For the heat seeker, Landsharks Pizza makes you sign a waiver before partaking in the Liquid Death challenge

1128 E. John Sims Parkway, Niceville; 850-424-6743; landsharkspizza.com

Do you love heat? Do you want to sign a waiver to feel the rush of "liquid death"? If you answered yes to any of those questions, Landsharks Pizza may be your place. With 22 sauces and dry rubs available, the options can be endless. Try the peanut butter and jelly sauce if you want something more tame. Please don't knock it until you try it; it is really good.

The Shack

Smoked wings set The Shack apart from the others.
Smoked wings set The Shack apart from the others.

104 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, Fort Walton Beach; 850-664-0345; theshackfwb.com

Located on the water, The Shack smokes its wings and thus separates itself from every other establishment on this list. Even though the eatery specializes in seafood, The Shack makes the list because of its smoked wings; all the other places fry theirs. What can be better than wings on the marina?

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Best restaurants for chicken wings in Okaloosa County