Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. If there is anything that I have learned in my decade-plus running around eating and liking, it’s the fact that there are certain items some people can never get enough of. At least in this area. The headliners are burgers, of course, then there’s BBQ, and then chicken wings.

North of the Savannah River, the battle rages constantly about pizza. You’d be surprised how less frequent those discussions occur just the other side of the Talmadge, but I digress.

So over the next few weeks, we are going to attempt to reset the deck, if you will, on some of our area’s favorite classics. Well, my favorites anyway.

And we are going to start with Hilton Head Island’s Chicken Wings. I’ve had a ton the last couple of years. I’ve made some interesting discoveries and come across some that I would not serve my worst enemy. No, don’t ask. One person’s trash is another’s treasure, and I respect yours.

Two quick reminders: This is not a ranking. It never is. And I’m not telling you that these are the only great wings on the island. That would have required me to try them all, and that didn’t happen.

*One Hot Mama’s– They say you never forget your first love, right? The wings at OHM’s were the first wings I ever tried on Hilton Head, and I absolutely loved them. Smoked then finished on the grill or fried, they are crazy, crazy good. They’ve been consistently amazing for years and are regularly regarded as the best on the island. Love them. (photo above: One Hot Mama’s).

*Fraser’s Tavern -Sea Pines Resort – The wings at Fraser’s, like OHM’s are smoked and then fried impeccably every time. I don’t enjoy them nearly enough because my go-to’s at Fraser’s is generally the BBQ, for my money, the best on the island. Then there are those signature burgers. It’s all great, but the wings b`elong on this list. They should not be overlooked.

*The Drydock Seafood and Spirits – This is one I may get in trouble for telling you about. Back during football season, I popped in on Dry Dock because it was known as the official Miami Dolphins game watch headquarters. Acting on a tip from someone who was seated a couple or three seats down from me, I ordered the wings. They were absolutely outstanding. So much so, when my dining partner left a couple of hours later, I ordered another dozen for myself, ate ‘em and ran. Straight up Buffalo wings. So so good.

*Hinchey’s Chicago Bar and Grill – On the heels of my love fest with Dry Dock, I mentioned to a friend that I loved the wings there. She said, “If you haven’t had Hinchey’s, then you cannot say best on the island yet.” Fair enough. I did. They were exceptional. But not the best in my book. They lacked a little crispiness to keep them from the crown. These can come in up to a dozen different flavors. They were very, very good. I’d absolutely recommend them. I think it is worth mentioning that these wings are probably the most popular with locals on the island. These and the aforementioned One Hot Mama’s.

Ruby Lee’s– No one ever talks about the food at Ruby Lee’s. Well, they should, and that includes mentioning the chicken wings. The Southern comfort of this hideaway on the North End should not be overstated. It’s a beautiful, intimate space featuring live music and a full bar. It’s not the kind of place you stop in for a few wings and a beer like you would at the other spots we mentioned, but you most certainly can. The Shrimp and Grits are great. I’m told the burger is quietly among the best on the island. I have yet to try it, though. But the wings are stars and belong on this list.

The Smokehouse – I’ve had these wings a couple of times in the last calendar year and can definitely say they are solid. Smoked or fried (I go with fried) and available in several different flavors. I’ve probably enjoyed 3 or 4 flavors and loved them all. They’ve become my go-to whenever I am there.

Very much worth a mention here, but not on the island, is this local legend in Bluffton:

*R Bar – Bluffton– I’m amused when people refer to R Bar as a ‘dive bar.’ Hardly. I call it more sports bar than anything, and considering (as I mentioned above) that I am die hard Miami Dolphins fan, how good must these wings be if they are prepared by a Buffalo Bills watch party bar. We don’t typically function that way. But great wings are great wings. And these are great wings. Go for the Buffalo. Wings, not that football club. Yuck.

Disagree? Got any I should try? tips@eatitandlikeit.com. We are always listening.

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