We head to HarMar Mall with friend and wing compatriot, Patrice, who grew up in Texas near where Wingstop was born.

QUICK LINKS

The Story
The Verdict
Score Breakdown
Details
Photo Gallery

THE STORY

Wingstop? Wingstop. Yes, it’s growing national chain. Yes, we try to mostly cover local places. Does that mean we won’t stop in an try wings from this or other major chains? Of course not, wing lovers. Our mission is clearly stated: We’re out to find the best wings in the area, and – who knows? Maybe a business built solely on wings has some advantages.

First, some context: Patrice, our dear friend and fellow wing lover, grew up in Richardson, Texas. Right next door to Garland, Texas, where Wingstop was born in 1994. In that light, it’s almost like Patrice is Wingstop’s Texas sibling and like they probably have lots to talk about, over wings. So, yes it’s a chain, but a chain with personal connections and one with a business model built on our favorite food.

Whatever we expected, here’s what we got: Wings, served in a space that felt like a chain (curveball!). Wingstop decorates its space with an aviation theme – I guess I get it, wings, flying, yada-yada, but still…feels like a reach to me. Thankfully we’re not an ambiance blog.

Let’s get to it: These were great wings. Fresh, crispy (a 9.5 in the texture category), and impressive consistency from wing to wing (Rumor has it that Wingstop sorts through wings and gets rid of imperfect ones. Is that true, Wingstop people? Where, we wondered, do those other wings end up? Can we have them?).

The sauce wasn’t a universal pleaser (one taster said it tasted artificial), but it mostly hit the spot even as it veered from Franks and Butter. Notable mention to the Louisiana Dry Rub flavor – and judging by some pretty abysmal Mango Habanero wings, we’re thinking dry rub is the way to go here if you’re not feeling buffalo.

So there you have it! Our first national chain review. That wasn’t so bad, eh? (Andrew Jumps in decorative Wingstop-branded plane and flies away.)

THE VERDICT

80/100

Texture: 9.5/10

Flavor: 8/10

Meat Quality: 8.5/10

Value: 7/10

Experience: 7/10

Total: 40/50 possible points

SCORE BREAKDOWN

Andrew

Texture: 8
Flavor: 7
Meat Quality: 8
Value: 8
Experience: 6

Notes: I peeked in the kitchen and counted at least 9 fryers. #wingsecrets

Esther

Texture: 10
Flavor: 7.5
Meat Quality: 9
Value: 8
Experience: 7

Notes: What the heck? These wings were so good. The crispiest wings in the land, for sure. The Buffalo sauce was not standard F and B but delivered a decent alternative flavor.