Chef Darin Koch is the primary architect of D-Spot out in Oakdale. This restaurant’s serves wings made with a huge, inventive list of scratch-made sauces and dry-rubs — true spice hounds should opt for the fiery Seizonsha or Scorpion King wings, but there are many other choices for the less bold. (Think Lalapalooza, made with lavender and peppercorn, or The Canadian, made with bourbon and brown sugar.) D-Spot offers a flavorful burger selection, too.

With two St. Paul locations on Cesar Chavez Street and Payne Avenue, Cora’s is a bit of a hidden gem of the wings scene, and every bit worth the stop. It serves up sweet or spicy wings with a side of Cantonese fare (think wontons, egg rolls, and fried rice). There’s also the option to go boneless with a lemon pepper dry rub.

Alary’s neon sign signals to nearby wing lovers like a lighthouse beacon. This spot offers both dry-rubbed and saucy wings — the menu is pared-down but quality. Choose between classic buffalo, sweet sesame, Cajun rub, and a signature rub. Alary’s, not far from CHS field in downtown St. Paul, is stuffed with old-fashioned neon signs and TVs. It’s a great spot to catch the latest sports game on TV.

This casual spot on St. Paul’s University Avenue is known for its legendary dry rub — the mastermind behind this amalgam of spices is local restaurateur Art Song. Order a full dinner with two sides, or as a standalone order of wings as an accompaniment to ribs or catfish — Hickory Hut is also popular as a barbecue spot.

Known primarily as an Italian eatery, Red Rabbit is also home to some excellent wings. While many spots in the Twin Cities opt for fried wings, Red Rabbit wood-grills its wings and serves a creamy parmesan dip on the side. Pro-tip: Don’t miss the vegetable selection. These wings pair fantastically with roasted carrots or cauliflower, a sure upgrade from basic celery and carrots.

Located just a stone’s throw from A Baker’s Wife, Buster’s on 28th is a roomy neighborhood bar that’s home to some great chicken wings. Choose between a buffalo, barbecue, or Thai peanut sauce, or settle on a savory dry rub. Buster’s has other tantalizing selection as well, like its burgers — which can be made with a bison, chicken, or vegan patty — or the lamb meatball orecchiette.

Cedar Inn has satisfied wing aficionados far and wide since its debut in 1942. The vibe inside is equal parts neighborhood sports bar and tavern. Known for its jumbo buffalo wings — some call them “pterodactyl wings” — Cedar Inn slathers its wings with a choice of six sauces and three dry rubs. A mix of the hot buffalo and Asian sticky sauces gives a powerful punch of flavor.

Mama Sheila’s serves a great soul food buffet right on Bloomington Avenue in south Minneapolis, and the juicy hot wings are certainly worth piling on to your plate. These are crispy and spicy on the outside, with tender meat on the inside. Save room for banana pudding or sweet potato pie.

About five minutes from Electric Fetus on Franklin Avenue is Tracy’s Saloon & Eatery. Stock up on on some vinyls, cassette tapes, and CD’s, and then stop by this neighborhood spot. Whether it’s the oyster sauce or wings dry-rubbed in Ethiopian berbere seasoning, Tracy’s has flavors to satiate any taste. Photos of Prince and Bob Dylan, plus a number of choice hockey jerseys, decorate the walls.

A relaxed pub known as the home of the “Blucy” (a Juicy Lucy burger stuffed with bleu cheese) and an expansive selection of beers on tap, the Blue Door Pub has four locations across Saint Paul and Minneapolis. With six different wing sauces and three different dry rubs to select from, it’s strong fixture in the local wing circuit — try the Frogtown, made with a rich peanut sauce, or the strawberry habanero for some sweet heat.

This Northeast Minneapolis staple is a cozy sports bar for wing lovers seeking refuge from busy downtown. Ray J’s is known for its jumbo wings, tossed in sauces that satisfy tame and adventurous taste buds alike. Instead of the bleu cheese or ranch that accompanies the wings, ask for Ray J’s homemade garlic sauce to add some zing. (That said, Ray J’s blue cheese is homemade.)

It was a sad day for the Twin Cities’ wings scene when B.A.D Wingz, a creation by Soul Bowl owners Gerard and Brittney Klass, closed in June. But the great news is that those crispy, juicy wings are now available at Soul Bowl, just next door in the North Loop’s Graze Food Hall. Pair some with a mac and cheese bowl, cornbread, or strawberry shortcake.

A downtown Minneapolis institution since 1906, The Monte Carlo is a historic time capsule with an the old-school interior — the decor emulates supper clubs and steak houses of the 20th century. But the Monte Carlo’s wings steal the show: Served “Beijing-style,” they’re packed with spices. Swap the standard carrots and celery for the grilled asparagus or broccoli spears, which make an excellent pairing.

Eli’s is a classy, quaint restaurant and cocktail spot that’s been in business since 1960, with locations in both downtown and Northeast Minneapolis. Its honey soy wings, served with sriracha aioli on the side, hit the tastebuds right. Aside from that standout variety, Eli’s also serves traditional buffalo wings and two dry rub selections — Cajun and Nashville hot — to awaken anyone’s inner spice hound.

Wendy’s House of Soul serves some fantastic wings. If you’re in the mood for sauce, choose between the barbecue, the jerky jerk, and the hot. But the dry rubs might be where it’s at: Wendy serves a lemon pepper, a ranch, a Rebel, and a house dry rub called SOULWINGS. Order them in a set of 7, 14, or 21 — or, for brunch, make it a plate of chicken and waffles.

A family-owned restaurant since 1988, Tootie’s is filled with dive bar memorabilia, from pool tables to arcade games and pinball machines. Alongside appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches are Tootie’s stellar wings, served in huge portions and with a plethora of dry rub and sauce options, from a traditional five-spice dry-rub to chili plum sauce.