Hey Salem, where can we find the best wings in town? It’s a question that sparks fierce debate, but when we looked at the comments, three names kept rising to the top. To settle the score, we went on a wing crawl to visit the most recommended spots: iWingz, Roger That BBQ, and Half Time Bar & Grill.
The verdict? Salem’s wing game is strong, and these three spots prove that whether you want a spice challenge or a comfort classic, you don’t have to leave the city to find it.
iWingz: The Crunch and The Burn
iWingz consistently showed up in the recommendations, so it had to be the first stop. Located on 25th Street SE, this spot feels like a modern wing joint mixed with an arcade—it’s fun, loud, and focused.
The wings here live up to the hype. They arrive at the table with a perfect crunch—crispy without being overdone or dried out. They are well-sized and packed with great flavor. For anyone watching their wallet, iWingz offers dollar wings on Wednesdays, which the locals agree is “always a win.”
But iWingz is also the place for thrill-seekers. We tried the “Level 4 Fire,” the spiciest sauce on the menu. It’s not for the faint of heart. It was one of those immediate “Oh no” moments where you realize, mid-bite, that you have messed up. If you want a wing that punches back, this is where you go.
Roger That BBQ: Smoky, Juicy Balance
Next up was West Salem’s Roger That BBQ. Walking into this place, you expect great meat, and they deliver. Unlike the deep-fried focus of other spots, Roger That offers a “traditional wing” that leans into what they do best: barbecue.
These wings were a total shift in style. They were incredibly juicy and perfectly cooked—tender to the bone. The standout here was the sauce. It was incredibly flavorful but surprisingly light. As the review noted, it wasn’t heavy or overwhelming; it was just a “really good, balanced wing.” It’s the kind of food that feels handcrafted, perfect for when you want flavor over fryer grease.
Half Time Bar & Grill: The Sneaky Good Classic
Our final stop took us to the iconic neon sign of Half Time Bar & Grill on High Street. This is your classic, no-nonsense spot, and the wings match the vibe perfectly.
Half Time serves up what we called a “dependable, good wing.” They are solid, tender, and nicely seasoned. There’s a dangerous quality to them—they are the kind of wings you keep reaching for without even realizing you’re doing it. Before you know it, the basket is empty. They aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel with crazy gimmicks; they just provide a solid, comforting experience that pairs perfectly with a game on TV.
The Last Bite So, what’s the takeaway from our wing tour? Salem doesn’t just have one “best” wing; it has a wing for every mood. iWingz takes the crown for texture and heat (and that Wednesday deal). Roger That BBQ wins on juiciness and flavor balance. Half Time is the undisputed champion of consistency and comfort.
These were your top three picks, Salem. And honestly? You were right about all of them.
