Chicken wing connoisseur offers 10 great places in Columbus to get wings for the Super Bowl

Columbus chicken wing connoisseur Austin Yochus keeps a spreadsheet of chicken wing stops and specials, a list that currently features nearly 120 eateries in the area.
Columbus chicken wing connoisseur Austin Yochus keeps a spreadsheet of chicken wing stops and specials, a list that currently features nearly 120 eateries in the area.
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Chicken wings are a football season staple, especially on Super Bowl Sunday — the two go together like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

From classics such as naked, Buffalo and barbecue wings to the more exotic seasoning of lemon-pepper, Sriracha and mango habañero, a finger-lickin' flock of drums and flats will make your feast complete while watching the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the San Francisco 49ers.

Scouting out the 10 best places to get chicken wings in Columbus is like finding a needle in a haystack. The city boasts such a wealth of wings that it's hard to know where to begin.

So why not turn to an expert?

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Columbus resident Austin Yochus has been documenting wing joints and the specials they offer for the past four years, a project he began during quarantine in the early months of the pandemic. He receives tips of new wing places through the Facebook group Chicken Wing Connoisseurs of Columbus, researches them and ads them to a spreadsheet, which currently stands at 117 eateries around the city.

So, what are his pro picks?

"What makes my 'best wings' in Columbus may be different than the next person, as we each have our own preferences. I prefer breaded and fried, crispy wings, where some people prefer unbreaded and grilled or smoked," Yochus said.

"It's extremely difficult to pick 10 of my favorites, as many deserve to make the list just as much as others. There are still many wings that I want to try throughout the city."

That said, Yochus shared some of his favorites and why he enjoys them. In no particular order, here are 10 wing places sure to make game day super:

Shakers Public House

One of my favorites for a long time. The wings are just how I like them, and the service is great. Several great sauces and dry rubs to choose from. They are currently operating from a ghost kitchen after they lost their restaurant to a fire. (shakerspublichouse.com)

Galloway Tavern

Another one of my favorites, they have a unique cooking process where they "double bake" their wings, which locks in the flavors. Also, great prices on their wings. (614-870-7239)

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Lovell's Tavern

Just tried them for the first time but really enjoyed their wings and flavors. They were large, crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. (facebook.com/p/Lovells-Tavern-100057161842627)

CM Chicken

This is a Korean fried-chicken chain. Unique because the flavors are different, and the chicken is incredibly crispy. Very large portions. (cmchickenohio.com)

Roadhouse Wings & Grille

Some of my favorite unbreaded wings. They have good flavors and prices. (roadhousewingsandgrille.com)

Pastimes Pub & Grill

Lots of wing flavors to choose from. Great atmosphere with lots of TVs, multiple locations. (pastimespubandgrill.com)

Austin Yochus prepares to dive into one of his favorite Super Bowl snacks.
Austin Yochus prepares to dive into one of his favorite Super Bowl snacks.

JT's Pizza & Pub

Great wings and even better pizza (the best). The ranch sauce is delicious. Great environment for watching sports. Great service! (jtspizzacolumbus.com)

Lucky's Grille

Huge, crispy, and juicy wings. Good flavors. (luckysgrilletaphouse.com)

Four Points

Large smoked wings. Crispy, hot, juicy, flavorful. Not overly sauced. (pizzalewiscenter.com)

Grandview Café

Used to be my favorite wings. I like their white BBQ flavor. Crispy and juicy. (grandviewcafe.com)

Yochus, whose favorite wing sauce is Carolina Gold, offered a pro tip to those planning on carryout orders.

"If you are ordering wings for takeout, ask for your sauces on the side rather than having the chicken tossed in the sauce," he wrote. "This will help the chicken retain its crispiness."

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Austin Yochus lists 10 Columbus spots for Super Bowl chicken wings