If you enter a food debate with a Chicagoan, you’ll get a lot (A LOT) of strong opinions, but even the most die-hard city-dwelling foodie will admit that Oak Park and the near west suburbs offer craveable wings well worth the trip. Oak Park and its neighbors have mastered the sweet-heat glaze, the unapologetic dry rub, the crisp that stays crisp, and the perfect dipping sauces.
With your input—yes, we got your DMs, emotional pleas in comment threads, and late-night “don’t forget this place” messages—we compiled a list of the best of the best, just due west. So don’t come for us. These are your picks; we just tallied the votes.
So let’s dive into the locals’ picks for the wings crowned “very best” in Oak Park and beyond.
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Berwyn
Babygold Barbecue | 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn, IL
If your idea of a great time is listening to jazz or bluegrass while enjoying fantastic barbecue (think: rich, smoky, perfectly cooked baby back ribs served with classic sides), you should visit Babygold, a legendary roadhouse with an irresistible atmosphere connected to the iconic FitzGeralds with live music every night. Don’t skip the New Orleans–style char-grilled oysters, po’boy sandwiches, or pulled pork or brisket sandwiches made on a croissant with pickles and slaw.
The wings: Large, juicy Babygold Barbecue wings have a light breading that creates a perfect meat-to-crisp ratio. Pair the jumbo creole ranch wings with an order of the meaty beans loaded with chunks of brisket, the house-pickled veggies, and the pimento mac and cheese.
People also love it for: A Sunday brunch with tempting options ranging from traditional dishes to unique chef creations that honor American barbecue and Cajun cuisine.
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Oak Park
Kettlestrings Tavern | 800 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
Owned by several local families and inspired by Oak Park founders Joe and Betty Kettlestrings, this tavern brings together neighbors, friends, and families over classic bar fare with a contemporary twist. The menu features everything from chicken wings to signature burgers to trendy salads. In addition to a constantly evolving selection of wine, draft beer, and cocktails, the tavern offers a thoughtfully curated cocktail menu. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the sports pub or relax in the upscale cocktail lounge that boasts a speakeasy vibe.
The wings: Perfectly cooked, tender Kettlestrings Tavern barbecue wings are flavorful, juicy, heavily sauced, and loaded with spices. The traditional Buffalo-style and jerk-rub versions, served with a side of blue cheese or ranch for dipping, also keep guests coming back again and again.
People also love it for: Games, games, and more games. Kettlestrings Tavern is big on community and sports; there’s always a game on and plenty of locals around to cheer (or commiserate) with.
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One Lake Brewing | 1 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL
The 1920s building in which One Lake Brewing is located was once home to a bank; today one of the former bank vaults holds the brewpub’s tanks and another acts as a cooler. One Lake Brewing has both a rooftop terrace and a street-level patio, not to mention a striking two-story chandelier made from beer bottles. It serves its acclaimed barrel-aged Been Czar, Done That stouts, IPAs, and other in-house brews along with guest taps from nearby breweries. One Lake’s beers are known for their lower alcohol by volume (ABV), making them a popular choice among local families who visit often.
The wings: Chef Mike Carroll, whose impressive background includes stops at Alinea and Half Acre Beer Co., delivers an approachable menu. Highlights include a house burger made with Slagel Farms beef, fish and chips made with walleye that’s straight from Lake Superior, and crispy chicken wings, served plain or tossed with your choice of classic Buffalo or sweet barbecue sauce, along with blue cheese or ranch for dipping and carrots and celery on the side.
People also love it for: Its Soccer Mom seltzer, plenty of wine options, and a craft cocktail menu. Wednesday through Friday, happy-hour specials include $5 house beers, $5 glasses of wine, $5 small plates, and $3 sliders.
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Brookfield
Sebastian's Ale & Whiskey House | 8900 Fairview Avenue, Brookfield, IL
Not only is the food next-level at Sebastian’s Ale & Whiskey House, but there are also over 50 craft beers available on tap, as well as more than 300 choices of whiskey, scotch, and bourbon. The menu at this friendly sports bar features unique twists on classic tavern fare, including creative bacon-centric dishes such as bacon-wrapped mozzarella cheese sticks and bacon croquettes, a house burger, a hearty meatloaf dinner, and a full page of impressive vegan dishes.
The wings: Traditional and boneless chicken wings are breaded in a house-made batter and served with your choice of a wide selection of sauces—really wide! There are nearly 20 options, ranging from lemon pepper, mild mango, and teriyaki to chili garlic, Nashville, and something called XXX.
People also love it for: Live sports—there are TVs everywhere!—and dine-in specials. Happy hours, available Tuesdays through Fridays, feature a build-your-own-pizza option and 75-cent boneless wings with the purchase of any side. On Thursdays, kids eat free, and Wednesdays are bingo nights!
River Forest
Bertolli’s Pizza | 7973 Lake Street, River Forest, IL
A beloved River Forest fixture known for its service, Bertolli’s Pizza has served as a home away from home to the community for more than four decades. The small, no-frills dining room belies the rich flavors and high-quality ingredients of Bertolli’s Chicago-style pizza (available in pan, stuffed, and thin crust) and delicious homemade Italian classics.
The wings: “Killer” wings you dream about—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—are a hidden gem at this go-to delivery, takeout, and eat-in spot. Go for the honey garlic wings, which are slightly salty with just the right amount of spice, or the honey barbecue, with the perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors.
People also love it for: Being adjacent to Frank’s Deli, which offers neighbors everything they need in a pinch, from old-fashioned Italian grocery items like imported cheeses, salamis, olive oils, and fresh pastas to delicious homemade subs and sandwiches to go. Head to the butcher shop for a special cut of veal, lamb, beef, pork, or your own special meatball mix.
Head West for Some of Chicagoland’s Best Wings
From Chicago’s Northside to the Southland to the West Side, you'll find unique local barbecue favorites. Still, even the city’s most passionate wing lovers venture west to Oak Park and the near west suburbs to fulfill their need for mouthwatering wings. Getting there is easy: Just take the CTA or Metra, or head west on I-55. The hardest decision is which spot to visit first.
