Although I love wings and Wingstop is certainty a guilty-pleasure of mine, I don't really feel comfortable giving this place more than 3-stars considering the usual environment and service. I'm obviously not expecting the highest class of meal extravagance or anything (let's be real... it's a Wingstop), but the tables aren't always clean, the servers don't always sound like they want to be there, and I can't help but feel like I'm perhaps making the wrong life-choices when I walk into one.
That being said... the wings themselves are fan-flippin'-tastic. No matter what type of flavor you're looking for, Wingstop has you covered. AND if you prefer your wings to be more on the spicy side, then the spicier flavors will not disappoint. If you'll indulge me for a moment, I'd like to review a few of the flavors in depth as that'll better explain my scattered enthusiasm:
1.) Mango Habanero
-My favorite by far. On its own its a delicious mix of saucy, tangy, and sweet with an almost addictive quality to how well it blends with the chicken wing itself. Coupled with the great flavor is the heat... which starts off as a subtle melody that quickly builds into a full-fledged orchestral performance. I'd highly recommend getting quite a few of these as it's fun to see just how many you can eat in a row before your words turn into dragon's breath.
2.) Louisiana Rub
-If you're looking for a dry-rub as opposed to the more saucy wings then this is an absolute banger. The seasoning is perfect, the texture is euphoric, and I've gotten it every time since I first sunk my teeth into it. Reminds me of my Mom's cooking, and she's originally from Louisiana.
3.) Original Hot
-A classic. If you're looking for a traditional hot wing with a slightly zesty taste then this is perfect for you. It's not too hot, but also just hot enough to justify the name. If you're unsure of where to start with all the flavors then go with this one and the Louisiana Rub (they're great starting-off points). My only warning is be mindful of the amount of sauce as this wing is usually pretty deep in a pool of hot sauce when you receive it? Perhaps that's just my experience, but that almost always seems to be the case for some reason.
4.) Cajun
-I like to get this one for the heat, but that's about it. It's definitely 'cajun,' but I'd argue it's a little bit too much cajun? I've had my fair share of cajun food as well so I'm used to the spice and specific flavor but it doesn't gel with the wings as much as I'd like. If you're looking to add to the level of heat in your meal then get it, but otherwise... I'd say skip this one.
5.) Atomic
-I've gotten this one once and it wasn't really my thing (and I'm a spice-junkie). The only reason I'd ever recommend getting this flavor is if you're looking to impress your friends with how much spice you can handle. Otherwise, it's frankly not a very tasty or pleasant experience. Honestly, just get Mango Habanero.
And I either haven't tried or haven't consistently had the other flavors available at Wingstop to put them on my ranking.
So, yeah. Wingstop. It's a bit of a messy joint with fantastic wings that always manage to make me come back. I'm a super clean-freak as well, so the fact that I can bypass the level of cleanliness and service to get to the wings in the first place should probably tell you something.
Cheers,
-Kyle read more