New Haven, CTChicken Wings

Archie Moore's began in New Haven and grew into a small Connecticut group, and the CTbites wings guide credits the original with an early Connecticut take on the Buffalo wing. The kitchen tosses its wings in nine sauces, and the guide singles out peach chipotle, raspberry bourbon, and general tso's alongside the plain buffalo. Order a mix of the classic buffalo and one of the sweeter glazes, and settle into the neighborhood-tavern room on Willow Street where they built the reputation.

A small Westville corner cafe that the CTbites wings guide flags for the rotating specialty sauces it runs on top of the classic buffalo and boneless options. The two the guide calls out are BBQ Parm and Buffalo Garlic Parm, both leaning on a heavy dusting of cheese. It is the kind of neighborhood spot where the wings share a menu with sandwiches and brunch, so order a plate of the parm-dusted wings and settle in for a while.

Side Street Grille in Hamden earns its spot in the CTbites guide for a long, playful wing menu built around house sauces. The guide names Wango Tango, the fiery Screamin' Demon, and a mango habanero among the standouts, so this is the stop for anyone who wants heat with a little fruit behind it. Order a sampler across a couple of the signature sauces and you get a fair read on the kitchen's range in one sitting.

Rawa brings a Mediterranean angle to the wing, and the CTbites guide highlights its oven-roasted wings tossed in a fiery house spice blend rather than the usual fried-and-sauced approach. The method gives them a drier, more seasoned crust than a buffalo wing, closer to a roasted-meat preparation. It is a good pick when you want wings that taste of spice and char instead of vinegar and butter; get them with a garlic sauce on the side.