The 5 Best Chicken Wings in Melbourne That Are Finger-Lickin’ Good
I found a place for late-night wings in Melbourne on Instagram. Their wings were stacked high and dripping with buffalo sauce and ranch mayo. It made my stomach rumble, and I had to check it out in person.
But the reality was a letdown. The wings were mostly batter, the buffalo sauce tasted like it had been sitting since 2019, and the chicken underneath was dry.
That disastrous snack is exactly why this guide exists. I knew it was possible to find some good buffalo wings beyond the IG hype and quirky restaurants in Melbourne.
So I spent a few weeks eating more spicy chicken wings in Melbourne than I can count. After waddling out of a few places, here’s my take on the best chicken wings in Melbourne.
How much does it cost to eat chicken wings in Melbourne?
It costs at least $10 to eat chicken wings in Melbourne. This cost is just an estimate. The actual cost will depend on the type of chicken wings you choose, how many you get, where you go, and more.
1. Bird Bang’n Chicken
Address: 179 Weston St, Brunswick
Contact Details: +61456209712
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday & Monday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Bird Bang’n Chicken earned my vote with their wings that are almost buttery thanks to their overnight brine, even though they’re fried to a T.
I ordered their Flight of Wings (four of each) so I could try all four flavours. The Hot Buffalo hits first with a vinegar tang that creeps into a clean, steady burn.
The lemon pepper snaps with citrus and salt, leaving a bright, oily sheen on my fingers. Meanwhile, the Smoky BBQ has a sweet molasses flavour and clings to the wings.
My favourite? The Louisiana Cajun. It had a slow-building, spicy, flavourful kick that went great with the extra $3 side of ranch. The ranch was thick, garlicky, and properly tangy.
While I didn’t try their $32-per-person bottomless wings, chips, and slaw (Monday to Thursday), regulars I spoke with swore by it. Just note that there’s a 90-minute limit and a $1 charge per leftover wing.
We got the bottomless wings
“Honestly wasn’t expecting to be this impressed — but Bird Bang’n Chicken absolutely nailed it. We got the bottomless wings and tried every flavor twice. My favorite? The Cajun. Properly spicy, not just salty. Also really liked the Lemon Pepper, super zesty. The wings were perfectly crispy without being greasy. You know how some places just drown it in oil? Not here. Super clean fry, and still juicy inside. Had a Lemon Drop Martini. A way better than I thought. Tart, smooth, and kind of addictive with the wings.
The space is casual but not messy ！！really clean, kind of bistro vibe. You could totally bring friends here for a chill lunch or dinner.
Would 100% go back. No wonder it’s been called the best fried chicken in Melbourne”
– Alaia Shen, Google Reviews
Seriously addictive wings
“I finally tried Bird Bang’n Chicken, the fried chicken spot crowned by Time Out Melbourne as the city’s “King of Fried Chicken” — and it truly lives up to the hype! 🍗 We ordered the 29pp wing set and got to try five flavors: Hot Buffalo, Smoky BBQ, Lemon Pepper, Garlic Butter Parmesan, and the Original. Each one was crispy, flavorful, and unique. The mac & cheese croquettes and spicy corn ribs were also amazing! Great vibe, friendly staff, and seriously addictive wings. Highly recommend for all fried chicken lovers! 🔥”
– Haiyan Yang, Google Reviews
2. F.A.T. Fried and Tasty
Address: 360 Lygon St, Brunswick
Contact Details: +61 1300 328 462
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 10:30 PM
Calling all wing lovers who care as much about sauces as they do about crunch: F.A.T. is the spot to go. I’ve had plenty of wings drowned in horrid sauces, but each one here actually complements the chicken.
They have seven dipping sauces to choose from ($1.50 each). The F.A.T. sauce is creamy and delicious, while the house-made BBQ and chipotle BBQ bring layered smoke rather than blunt sweetness.
If you’re looking for serious back-of-the-throat burn, I recommend adding the Carolina Reaper hot sauce (a $2 upgrade).
Every time I drop by here, I order their seven-piece wingettes ($13). I loved the skin’s crunch with every bite, and the chicken is always juicy. I’ve never had stringy or dried out here.
If you’re ordering this, I recommend trying the peach hot sauce. It has a soft, fruity sweetness before the spice kicks in.
They also have a 1 kg Bucket O’ Wingettes ($35.00), which is great for sharing or eating solo (no judgment).
My only gripe about this place was the slightly slow service. There’s almost always a wait time when I drop by. Once, I spent about 15 minutes just waiting for a seat.
Enjoyed every bite
“Delicious food and full of flavour! We had the fried chicken and wings, chips and gravy, potato and gravy, and the ranch salad — and enjoyed every bite. Everything was fresh and well-prepared. We’ll definitely be back to try more from the menu!”
– Joanne Zacharopoulos, Google Reviews
The tenders, wings and poutine are my go too
“I’ve been coming here since the day it opened, the staff always remember too which is always a nice thing. The tenders, wings and poutine are my go too and every time I eat there it’s just as good as the first time. The fried chicken is honestly everything you wish kfc would be, 10 outta 10 and the best fried chicken in Australia don’t @ me.”
– Julian L’Eveille, Google Reviews
3. Fortress Melbourne
Address: Shop 25/23 Caledonian Ln
Contact Details: +61396068800
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
Fortress Melbourne wasn’t really on my list in the beginning since I knew it as a gaming hub. But many of my friends and locals recommended the place, so I just had to check it out.
What I found didn’t really disappoint me. It’s surprising just how seriously they takechicken wings, considering it’s best known as a gaming hub. Their $16 platter holds its own against dedicated chicken spots.
The Korean BBQ wings are a bit sticky, but they have that sweet-savoury glaze and a faint smokiness with every bite.
The spicy buffalo and Szechuan wings have that sharp heat that made me reach for a drink. I like spicy, but the Szechuan wings were almost a bit too much for me.
Food aside, the atmosphere is a vibe. The place is filled with board games, VIP console booths, and Fortress’s PC Gaming LAN Lounge (basically a high-end computer gaming area).
The only downside is the noise. Between the games and the crowds, it’s not the place for a quiet catch-up. But for those looking for wings and energy, it works.
Monday promo of 6 wings 6$ and it’s really good
“Amazing place! With my fiancé we came to the drag trivia night and have a really good time. There a Monday promo of 6 wings 6$ and it’s really good! Also the venue looks amazing. Was our first time here and definitely we would came back again (:”
– Santiago Novoa, Google Reviews
Korean bbq chicken wings amazing
“Korean bbq chicken wings amazing and staff also so amazing!!!”
– Justyne Allen, Google Reviews
4. Zhan Beers
Address: 474 Little Lonsdale St
Contact Details: +61399737043
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 1:30 AM
Zhan Beers is one of the best spots for Korean fried chicken wings in Melbourne. They serve whole, boneless, and wing options. The wings are the cheapest at around $30.
The original fried chicken has a clean, lightly salted batter that lets the juicy chicken stand out.
From there, the flavours intensify. The sweet and spicy chicken starts with a caramel-like sweetness before a slow chilli warmth builds at the back of the throat.
People who get the garlic soy describe it as savoury, slightly nutty, and similar to the best parts of teriyaki sauce.
The snowing cheese powder tastes like fried chicken crossed with a fine, salty cheese snack. The cheese fondue chicken, on the other hand, is rich and makes for a great occasional indulgence.
They also offer sauces, including truffle mayo for truffle fans, a sweet spicy sauce that mirrors their glazed chicken, and a sweet mustard that adds a lightly honeyed sharpness.
The main downside is the price. This isn’t an everyday chicken fix, especially for those who just want a light snack.
Beautiful wings
“We drive along way to enjoy beautiful wings here..yummm cold beers..all food great..support local businesses”
– Kirra Moon, Google Reviews
Fried wings are excellent!
“Great food. Fried wings are excellent!”
– Tom, Google Reviews
5. Belles Hot Chicken
Address: 147 Elizabeth St
Contact Details: +61396707478
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Belles Hot Chicken in Melbourne CBD does Nashville-style chicken right, without losing sight of balance or flavour.
For those who don’t know, Nashville-style chicken is coated in a chilli oil spice blend after frying. What makes it great is how the heat clings to every bite instead of just sitting in a sauce.
At $21 for four or $29 for six, the pieces come freshly fried with that shattering crunch and a tender interior that tells me they understand proper brining and frying.
I love that I was able to dial in the spice level, from the gentler Southern and Original Nashville to Traveller and Actually Hot. There’s an option called Really F**kin Hot, perfect for those who want to push their spice tolerance.
I’d recommend pairing the hotter options with the Belles Salt Fries, which are lightly seasoned and perfect for catching any runaway chilli oil.
Another customer told me the $85 Belles Bucket is his go-to for sharing. It comes with 16 big wings, a spread of slaw, potato and gravy, and crinkle-cut fries. It’s also served with Comeback and BBQ sauces.
The only downside is that sides for single orders can make the bill climb.
The wings are crispy and tender,
“A meal at Belles is undoubtedly quite a satisfying experience if you’re craving hearty, tasty comfort food. The burgers are juicy and flavorful, with a perfect balance of toppings and a soft, bun. 🍔The wings are crispy and tender, coated in delicious spices that hit all the right notes—definitely a highlight of the menu! 😋😋The curly fries are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and seasoned just right. 👌👌 The staff are friendly and attentive, making sure our order was perfect. The atmosphere is casual and warm, perfect for a laid-back meal with friends or family. Prices are reasonable considering the generous portions. Belles, I’ll definitely be returning soon! 👍😀”
– Nancy Varkey, Google Reviews
The wings were a solid 9.4/10, crispy, and sooo yum
“We ordered the hot wings with a side of lettuce wedge and the buffalo chicken sandwich. The wings were a solid 9.4/10, crispy, and sooo yum. The burger was a 7.5/10 for me, it was good but the bun was a little soggy because of all the sauce.
The servers were chill, overall the atmosphere was very cool as well.
Would highly recommend “
– Anam, Google Reviews