tr?id=&ev=PageView&noscript=

The Virginia Beach Food Guide: The best wings of 2025

By Stacy Rounds

September 3, 2025

Virginia Beach visitors and locals always know how to have a good time. From buskers on the boardwalk to the laid-back neighborhoods tucked away from the crowds, this coastal city has perfected the art of casual dining that hits just right. And nowhere is this more evident than in our wing joints.

We asked our readers to settle the debate: where can you find the absolute best chicken wings in Virginia Beach? The response was overwhelming (thanks for voting!), pouring in over several weeks, and the results paint a crispy and delicious picture of a city that takes its wings seriously.

From innovative flavor combinations to time-honored recipes, the restaurants that make Virginia Beach’s best wings are absolutely committed to making sure everyone leaves satisfied. So grab your napkins and prepare your taste buds, because we’re about to take you on a tour of the wing spots that you, the people, have crowned as the very best.

Wings and Bud Light

Courtesy of Ballyhoos

4. WingsWay

Since opening in 2013 in the Timberlake Shopping Center, WingsWay has built a reputation on doing wings the right way: fresh, never frozen, marinated for 24 hours, and fried to order. Every sauce is made in-house, from traditional Buffalo to creative specials like Mango Xpress and Garlic Parmesan. Diners even get to pick whether they want their wings tossed in sauce or served on the side to keep the skin extra crispy.

It’s that attention to detail that has earned WingsWay a loyal following. With its simple, no-frills setup and bold flavors, this family-owned spot has quickly become a go-to for wing lovers who want quality over gimmicks.

A chicken wing eating contest

2024 Ballyhoos Super Bowl Wing Eating Contest – courtesy of Ballyhoos

 

3. Ballyhoos

A Virginia Beach staple, Ballyhoos combines laid-back vibes with food and live music, making it as much a hangout as a restaurant. The space itself has a cozy, wood-beamed feel—a smile and a nod to its roots as part of an old fishing camp—but today it’s known as a casual, family-friendly spot with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

With celebrations for every occasion, Ballyhoos is more than just a place to grab grub, it’s a community centerpiece. Whether you love cheering on your favorite team on Superbowl Sunday, rocking your best Halloween costume, or enjoying a Where’s Waldo dress-up day with friends, there’s always something to do at Ballyhoos.

Wings are a highlight on a menu that also covers everything from sandwiches to seafood. Locals love coming here not only for the flavors but for the community atmosphere. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend music set, Ballyhoos has become one of those spots where everyone feels at home.

2. Lendy’s Cafe & Raw Bar

Open since 1987, Lendy’s has earned its reputation as one of the most iconic wing joints in town. Tucked into a low-key strip mall, it’s a no-frills, sports-bar-style restaurant where the wings—and the famous, flavorful house-made ranch—do all the talking.

Over the decades, Lendy’s has become synonymous with Virginia Beach wing culture, even hosting spicy eating contests back in the ’90s that still get talked about. The menu covers comfort food favorites, but the wings are what keep regulars coming back. Crispy, saucy, and served up with generous portions, they’re exactly what you want on game day (or any day).

1. Shorebreak Pizza & Taphouse

Taking the top spot is Shorebreak Pizza & Taphouse, a Hilltop-area favorite since 2003. What started as a neighborhood spot quickly grew into one of Virginia Beach’s most beloved restaurants, and today it even has a second location in Pungo.

While Shorebreak is known for its award-winning burgers and pizzas, the wings have developed a devoted following thanks to frequent Wing Nights and a lineup of sauces that can satisfy every mood. The atmosphere is part of the draw, too—family-friendly, sports-focused, and community-driven, with a bar that keeps the beer flowing and plenty of TVs for catching the big game.

Shorebreak’s success is simple: good food, good people (lots of awards), and consistency that has made it a neighborhood institution. And according to our readers, their wings are the very best in town.

READ MORE: The best burgers in Virginia Beach

  • Stacy Rounds

    Stacy Rounds is a writer and growth producer for Dogwood. Prior to joining the team, Stacy has worked as a writer, editor, and engagement specialist covering topics ranging from local history, disability advocacy, recreation, and food hotspots to relationships and mental health.

CATEGORIES: FOOD AND DRINK
Related Stories
Share This