News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

6 Popular Wing Spots That Just Aren't Worth It Anymore

These six popular wing chains have customers questioning whether the price is still worth it.

By Amanda Machado , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Nov. 12, 2026

Add Us On Google

A $20 bill used to go a long way toward feeding a group of friends wings. At some chains, it barely covers 10 pieces now. In some markets, a 10-piece order of traditional wings at Buffalo Wild Wings could reach $21.49, about $2.15 per wing before tax. And that's before ranch, fries, and drinks, which can turn a quick order into a surprisingly expensive meal.

If you're trying to stretch your restaurant budget, those prices are worth a closer look. Small orders could have the highest per-wing cost, and sauces and sides could push the bill even higher. Here's how six popular wing chains compare, and where promotions might help you get more for your money.

Earn $100 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card (Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $100 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Cardholders can also earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Price per wing: $1.40 to $2.15

Buffalo Wild Wings has become a familiar target for customers who feel the chain charges more while delivering less. Former fans say the wings have gotten smaller as prices have climbed, making it harder to justify returning.

At Buffalo Wild Wings, traditional wing prices could vary widely by location. In some markets, a 10-piece order can cost $21.49, putting each wing at about $2.15 before tax. That's a steep price for a portion that may not satisfy a particularly hungry diner.

Buffalo Wild Wings does offer ways to save. Its weekly BOGO promotions include deals on traditional wings on Tuesdays and boneless wings on Thursdays, subject to the offer's terms. Boneless wings are generally cheaper than traditional wings, making them worth considering if you're more interested in the sauce than the bone-in experience.

Make Money: 8 dumb ways to make money (almost anyone can do this)

Pizza Hut's WingStreet

Price per wing: $1.50 to $1.85

Pizza Hut's WingStreet wings are convenient when you're already ordering a pizza, but you would be surprised to know that you are getting the most expensive item on the menu. A commonly cited estimate puts the cost at around $1.85 per wing, though prices depend on the order size, location, and promotion.

One extra cost to watch is dipping sauce. Pizza Hut's official menu notes that sauces like ranch and blue cheese may cost extra. That could make a small order more expensive than it first appears, especially if everyone wants a dip. Check Pizza Hut's official WingStreet menu for current prices and available options.

Hooters

Price per wing: $1.27 to $2.10

Hooters is known for its original-style wings, but the value depends on how many you order and which preparation you choose. The chain has drawn complaints about the value of its wings, with some customers saying quality and portion sizes no longer justify the price.

The cost might be especially hard to justify on smaller orders. For instance, six Original Style Breaded Wings cost around $12.49, or $2.08 per wing. A 20-piece order lowers the cost to about $1.47 per wing, while 50 wings work out to roughly $1.27 apiece. Buying in bulk improves the price, but it doesn't guarantee a better experience.

Earn as much as $1K doing simple online tasks

A company called Freecash has compiled all sorts of quick cash tasks from about a dozen advertisers and market research companies thirsty for more data. Freecash has paid out over $13 million to users since 2019, and has over 50,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot.

Wingstop

Price per wing: $1.26 to $1.60

Wingstop has a loyal following for its sauce selection, but customer complaints increasingly focus on price and inconsistent execution. Recent reviews describe wings that seem smaller than expected, greasy or overly salty food, soggy fries, and orders that don't always arrive correctly. The cost of 10 classic bone-in wings varies widely by state, costing $12.59 in Phoenix and $15.99 in Seattle, which is about $1.26 to $1.60 per wing before extras. The chain's ranch and fries could add to the cost, too. Wingstop could still be a good option when a promotion brings the price down, but paying full price for a small order is harder to justify when the experience is inconsistent.

Domino's

Price per wing: $1.15 to $1.29

Domino's wings have a recurring problem in customer reviews: people complain they're too small, lack enough sauce, and cost too much for what amounts to a few bites of chicken. At roughly $1.03 to $1.10 per wing, depending on local pricing and promotions, a small order could add a noticeable amount to a pizza bill without providing much food on its own. Even Domino's employees question the price of an eight-piece bone-in order that came to nearly $14, arguing that nearby wing restaurants offered better quality and value.

Domino's does offer ways to save, though. Its official deals page currently lists an eight-piece wing order for $7.99 as part of a carryout offer at participating locations, working out to about $1 per wing.

Zaxby's

Price per wing: $1.50 to $1.80

Zaxby's traditional wings could get expensive when you order a small portion. Five traditional wings at around $8.49, or $1.70 each, compared with about $28.99 for 20 wings, which works out to roughly $1.45 apiece. Zaxby's customers have increasingly complained that the chain's portions have shrunk while prices have climbed. Customers question paying around $8 for a portion they describe as unusually small. Others have raised concerns about wings with too much breading and too little meat, as well as inconsistent preparation between visits.

Don't miss: 8 clever ways to save money so you can still afford to eat out

Bottom line

You don't have to give up your favorite wing restaurant to get better value. Start with the price per wing, then check the whole order. Dipping sauces, fries, drinks, tax, and delivery charges could turn a seemingly reasonable price into an expensive meal. If you're trying to avoid wasting money, compare larger packs, check app deals, and skip the combo if you don't want the sides. If the math still doesn't work, a local wing spot or homemade wings may leave you with more food for the same money.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Low spend threshold for its welcome offer
Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
Apply Now

Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn a $100 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.74%, 24.74%, or 28.74% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
$0 annual fee.
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

5.0

Apply Now

on Wells Fargo's secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

$100 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

Why we like it