Chicken wings hold a prominent place in Macon’s casual dining market, with a mix of dedicated wing joints, takeout-only operations, and bar-and-grill venues competing for the city’s wing-loving customers. Francar’s Wings near Mercer University has anchored the local wing scene since 1993, but a wave of newer competitors along Shurling Drive, Pio Nono Avenue, and Northside Drive has expanded options considerably over the past decade. The 13WMAZ “Wing Wars” feature has become an annual local tradition, highlighting the intensity of wing competition in central Georgia.
Macon’s wing market splits between two styles: traditional fried wings with sauce coatings, which dominate the takeout and delivery-focused shops, and smoked wings with dry rubs, which have gained popularity at gastropubs like Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen and Bearfoot Tavern. Sauce variety is a key differentiator, with local shops frequently offering 20 or more flavors ranging from classic buffalo and lemon pepper to specialty options like mango habanero, jerk, and garlic parmesan.
The customer base for wings in Macon peaks on weekends, game days, and during the college football season from September through December. Mercer University’s student population drives steady demand near the Linden Avenue and Mercer University Drive corridors, while the Robins Air Force Base community supports wing shops along the Highway 247 connector toward Warner Robins. Catering-sized orders of 50 to 100 wings are common for tailgates, watch parties, and church events.
Top-Rated Wings Restaurants in Macon, Georgia
Francar’s Wings
Adres: 1365 Linden Ave, Macon, GA 31201
Web: francarswings.com
Francar’s has been serving wings to the Macon community since 1993, making it the city’s longest-running dedicated wing restaurant. Located on Linden Avenue near Mercer University and Tattnall Square Park, Francar’s offers bone-in and boneless wings with a wide range of sauces, including their house-favorite Mercer Gold. The restaurant also serves tenders, salads, and combo plates. Francar’s handles catering for events across Middle Georgia and offers online ordering for pickup and delivery. The upbeat, casual atmosphere makes it a gathering spot for Mercer students and families alike.
Hotlanta Wings
Adres: 650 Shurling Dr, Macon, GA 31211
Web: hotlantawings.com
Hotlanta Wings is a family-owned drive-through wing restaurant that has operated on Shurling Drive since 2000. The menu centers on chicken wings, homemade burgers, and Philly cheesesteaks, all cooked fresh to order. Hotlanta recently transitioned to frying exclusively in beef tallow, a change highlighted on their website. The lemon pepper wings and garlic pepper wings are frequently cited as standouts in online reviews. A second location operates on Mercer University Drive. With no dine-in seating, Hotlanta operates as a pure takeout and delivery operation, keeping overhead and prices low.
Wing Hut and Boiled Seafood
Adres: 2444 Pio Nono Ave, Suite A, Macon, GA 31206
Web: winghutorder.com
Wing Hut and Boiled Seafood on Pio Nono Avenue serves wings alongside fried fish, shrimp, boiled seafood platters, and combo meals. The restaurant offers wings in quantities ranging from small orders to party trays of 50 or 100, making it a go-to for events and large group orders. Sauce options span the standard range from mild and hot to specialty flavors. Wing Hut provides online ordering through its website for pickup, catering to the busy takeout traffic along the Pio Nono commercial strip in south Macon. Open Tuesday through Sunday with evening hours; closed Mondays.
Wings Restaurants in Macon: Common Questions
How much do wings typically cost at a Macon, GA wing restaurant?
Wing pricing in Macon generally runs $10 to $15 for a 10-piece combo with a side and drink. Francar’s Wings and Hotlanta Wings both price 10-wing combos in that range. Bone-in wings tend to be slightly more expensive than boneless at most locations. Party trays of 50 to 100 wings, popular for tailgates and church events, vary by restaurant but typically run $40 to $80 depending on quantity and sauce selection. Contact individual restaurants for catering quotes.
Which Macon, GA wing restaurant is best for large catering orders?
Francar’s Wings on Linden Avenue offers dedicated catering service for events throughout Middle Georgia, with online ordering available through their website. Wing Hut and Boiled Seafood on Pio Nono Avenue provides party trays of 50 and 100 wings. Hotlanta Wings also handles large orders through their drive-through window. For smoked wings at events, Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen and Bearfoot Tavern both operate catering and food truck services that include their wing menu items.
Are there Macon, GA wing restaurants that serve smoked wings instead of fried?
Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen on Third Street in downtown Macon smokes its wings with a dry rub before saucing, a technique that has earned praise from local food media including 13WMAZ’s wing coverage. Bearfoot Tavern on Second Street also features smoked wings in its Beer Garden. These gastropub-style smoked wings offer a different flavor profile from the traditional fried wings at dedicated wing shops like Francar’s and Hotlanta, and they pair well with the craft beer selections at both venues.
Do any Macon, GA wing restaurants fry in beef tallow or offer seed-oil-free options?
Hotlanta Wings on Shurling Drive has publicly announced its switch from seed oils to frying exclusively in beef tallow. This change is highlighted on their website and social media, making Hotlanta one of the few wing restaurants in Macon to market a tallow-based frying method. Other wing restaurants in the Macon area have not publicly advertised similar changes. For customers with specific dietary requirements around cooking oils, calling ahead to confirm frying methods is recommended.
When is the busiest time for wing restaurants in Macon, GA?
Wing demand in Macon peaks on Friday and Saturday evenings, during college football Saturdays from September through December, and on Super Bowl Sunday. Georgia Bulldogs game days generate especially high volume, as Macon sits between Athens and several other SEC schools within driving distance. Francar’s on Linden Avenue near Mercer University sees heavy traffic during Mercer home games and campus events. Ordering ahead or arriving early on game days is strongly recommended, as wait times at popular wing spots can extend significantly.