New Orleans, LAChicken Wings

Southern Living singled it out among the South's standout wing spots, a nod nola.com carried, and this South Claiborne shop dresses crispy brined wings in scratch-made Louisiana sauces like Steen's cane-honey barbecue and a Crystal-based bayou sweet heat. The counter near Loyola and Tulane keeps a steady student and neighbor following.

A 7th Ward counter-service wing shop known for saucy bone-in wings, loaded combo boxes, and a creamy-ranch signature flavor. Where Y'at counts it among the city's wing destinations, and the no-frills setup keeps orders moving for a neighborhood crowd that comes for the sauces.

Founded in 2013 by Greg Tillery as a food truck before expanding into brick-and-mortar rooms, this local operation is known for lemon pepper, its Wazam sauce, and sweet-heat wings. Where Y'at counts it among the city's wing spots, and the menu pairs the wings with fried shrimp and Creole sides.

A casual smokehouse-and-daiquiri spot from chef Nathanial Zimet, known for smoked wings served alongside counter-service po-boys and frozen drinks. Where Y'at counts it among the city's wing destinations, and the Carrollton room draws neighbors who want smoked wings and a daiquiri in one stop.