Buffalo gets the credit for inventing the chicken wing, but Pennsylvania has quietly built a wing scene that can hold its own. From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, neighborhood bars are tossing wings in sauces that range from classic hot to flavors you have never heard of.
Some spots offer more than 150 choices, while others keep it simple and just nail the basics. Here are eight bars across the state where the wings give that famous New York city some real competition.
1. Bigham Tavern, Pittsburgh, PA
Thirty-plus wing flavors is a lot of choices for one neighborhood bar on Mount Washington. Bigham Tavern leans into that variety, with sauces like hot garlic, margaritaville, and gnabernero sharing the menu.
The boneless wings stand out here. They come out crispy outside and moist inside, and plenty of Pittsburghers rank them as the best in the city, with some saying they rival anywhere in the country.
Portions are generous for the price, and the staff keeps things moving fast. Expect to spend around $20 to $30 per person.
Beyond wings, the kitchen turns out pub favorites like a Pittsburgh Salad and Irish Nachos. There is even a full vegan menu, a kids’ menu, and brunch on weekends.
Hours run late, until 2 AM every night, with doors opening at 10 AM on weekends. Sunday afternoons get busy, and street parking can be tricky, so plan a little extra time.
2. The Union Tap House, Philadelphia, PA
Some bars try too hard. The Union Tap House in Philadelphia’s Manayunk area does the opposite, keeping things no-frills and letting the food do the talking.
Wings arrive the classic way, with bleu cheese and celery on the side. It is a straightforward plate, and that is exactly the point.
The rest of the menu reads like a Philly bar menu should. Think chicken cheesesteak, a Tap House Bacon Burger, and even French toast for daytime visits.
Trivia night, bar games, and live music give regulars a reason to stick around. Dogs are welcome too, which is a nice bonus for neighborhood walkers.
Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, the busiest stretches. The bar opens at 4 PM on Mondays and 11 AM the rest of the week.
3. Kelly’s Pub & Eatery, Scranton, PA
When the website address literally includes the words hot wings, you know where the kitchen’s heart lies. Kelly’s Pub & Eatery in Scranton has made its signature wings the main event for years.
The wings come out crispy, tossed in flavorful sauces, with fresh celery alongside. Many in the area consider them some of the best hot wings around Scranton.
The French onion soup has its own following, and the fries earn praise too. Comfort plates like open-face roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy round out the menu.
The setting is down-to-earth with Irish touches. Prices are friendly, usually $10 to $20 per person.
Kelly’s opens at 4 PM Monday through Saturday and closes on Sundays. Parking is easy, with a free lot and street spots.
4. Odis 12 Sports Bar & Grille, Erie, PA
Erie sits less than two hours from Buffalo, so the wing bar is set high here. Odis 12 answers with more than 150 flavors.
That number is not a typo. You could visit every week for years and still not try every sauce on the list.
If choosing feels overwhelming, the Favorite Wing on the menu is a smart place to start. Combo Balls, pizza, and burgers fill out the order for groups.
The room is airy and unassuming, built for watching games without fuss. There is outdoor seating and a private dining room too.
Prices stay around $10 to $20 per person, and parking is plentiful. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times.
5. Champs Sports Grill, State College, PA
Game day in State College means crowds, and Champs Sports Grill is built to handle them. Big TVs cover the walls, and the menu is loaded with pub fare made for sharing.
Wings are a headline item, and they pair well with nachos when a group settles in. The menu goes further than you might expect, with blackened salmon salad, cheese raviolis, and a French dip.
Trivia night and bar games keep things lively when there is no game on. Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy weekends.
Doors stay open from 11 AM to 2 AM every day. A free parking lot makes it an easy stop for visitors coming into town.
6. Machs Gute Pub and Grille, Bethlehem, PA
Machs Gute roughly means good luck in German, a fitting nod to Bethlehem’s roots. Luck has little to do with the wings, though.
They come out crispy and juicy, with a nice balance of sauce and portions that run big. Many in the Lehigh Valley put them among the best in the area.
The space is basic and comfortable, a true neighborhood bar with a sports bar feel. A patio adds extra seating in warm weather.
French onion soup, the Gute Burger, cheesesteaks, tacos, and onion rings all deserve attention too. Prices stay friendly at $10 to $20 per person.
Note that the pub is closed on Mondays. Sunday hours run from noon to 9 PM, and there is a free lot.
7. The Lancaster Dispensing Company, Lancaster, PA
History buffs and wing fans can share a table at this downtown spot. The Lancaster Dispensing Company sits in a historic building on North Market Street.
The buffalo wings come out crispy, and the blue cheese has a reputation as the best in town. Plenty of folks call these the top wings in Lancaster.
Crab stuffed mushroom caps, fish and chips, and a Monte Cristo sandwich make the menu worth exploring. There are full vegan and vegetarian menus as well.
Weekly live music keeps the intimate tap room busy, especially on Friday evenings. Reservations are not taken, so timing matters.
It opens daily at 11 AM. Nearby garages and lots make parking manageable.
8. The Sturges Speakeasy, Harrisburg, PA
Garlic buffalo wings are the order that has people in Harrisburg making bold claims, even comparing them favorably to Buffalo itself. The Sturges Speakeasy earns that talk.
The tavern serves contemporary American pub food, and its wings rank among the best in town. A rooftop deck gives the place an edge over most wing bars.
The menu goes well beyond wings, with a prime rib sandwich, Speakeasy Skillet Chicken, a Mac and Cheese Burger, and steak and eggs. Breakfast and brunch are served too.
Hours stretch from 11 AM to 2 AM on weekdays, starting at 10 AM on weekends. Reservations help on Thursday and Saturday nights.
Street parking near Forster Street can fill up, so a paid lot may save time. Stops like this make Pennsylvania a serious wing state.
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