No matter how many times you’ve settled for soggy delivery wings or underwhelming sports bar platters, finding truly transcendent chicken wings in Garden City can feel like a culinary quest. But your search ends here—we’ve done the legwork to bring you the crispy, saucy, and downright legendary spots worth leaving your couch for.
Halal Munchies
$ | (347) 502-7393 | WEBSITE
Halal Munchies is a halal spot in Garden City that feels like a clubhouse for late-night eaters. It’s always bustling inside, and you’ll more than likely see a group of friends sharing a mix combo over rice at a nearby table. But watching the generous portions disappear is only part of what makes Halal Munchies a really reliable place for a quick bite – the chicken Chapli, the praised gyro, and the highly recommended Chapli wrap don’t hurt, either. Just walk in, but maybe show up hungry.
That way, you have an excuse to try both the wrap and the rice platter in one go.
Mad Chicken
$ | (516) 200-5511 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’re trying to convince your family that takeout can be just as good as a sit-down dinner. If that’s the case, head straight to Mad Chicken to show what every Friday night could taste like if you stayed in. This welcoming spot in Garden City is a great place to start the weekend, with some of the best wings around, a bunch of tasty sides, and a fried Oreo dessert that should make your ‘Let’s order in’ suggestion a bit more appealing.
Lala’s Pizzeria
$ | (347) 426-5287 | WEBSITE
We don’t know why more places don’t combine two of the greatest things on earth – pizza and baked ziti – but we’re glad that Lala’s Pizzeria does. This popular spot in Garden City feels more like a neighborhood hangout than anything else, except this one has excellent savory sauce, and some of the best white pizza in town. When it comes to toppings, the kind ownership here will help you find the perfect combination for everything.
Spartan’s Grill
$ | (516) 206-3000 | WEBSITE
Spartan’s Grill is technically a Greek spot in Garden City, but the experience here is nothing like a typical trek around a diner. This one involves waffles that taste like Belgium, coffee that perks you right up, and enough baklava that you’ll be satisfied by the end of it. We won’t give too much away, but just know you should come hungry – the wings here disappear fast.
Aloha Krab Cajun Seafood & Bar
$$ | (718) 470-2995 | WEBSITE
Aloha Krab is way more than a seafood spot that serves drinks, even though it is both of those things. This Cajun place in Garden City is lively and energetic, and the staff are very good at keeping your Mai Tai glasses filled while also letting you enjoy the upbeat atmosphere. And the food is pretty great, too: The seafood boil with headless shrimp is a must-try experience, and they also serve some of the best $18 fried rice in town.
Wings Over
$ | (516) 407-3022 | WEBSITE
Wings Over is a neighborhood wing spot that’s worth planning ahead for. Because this Garden City restaurant is roughly the size of a food truck – with half as many seats – so you need to get there early. It’s super casual, and they serve incredible Buffalo-style wings. Make it the first place you go when you’re craving something satisfying, and the first place you go after a long day, since you’ll need to cheer yourself up. Or just enjoy the juicy tenders and tasty waffle fries.
Whatever works best for you.
Station Cafe
$ | (516) 744-6255 | WEBSITE
This cozy cafe feels like it was built just for commuters. Inside, the space is bright and uplifting, with friendly decor that makes you want to linger. It feels so much like a local neighborhood spot that you half expect to see regulars chatting over coffee during breakfast. It’s affordable – sandwiches are all around $12 – but the food is great.
We like the French toast bites, which are basically little pillows of joy with powdered sugar and syrup, and the chocolate chip muffins with chips baked right inside.
HalalXtreme Grill
$ | (718) 489-8744 | WEBSITE
HalalXtreme Grill is a halal spot that serves tremendous chicken wings and mixed plates, and is a great spot for a quick meal. It’s a straightforward setup – there are only a few tables and a small counter – but it’s the food and the freshness that really matter. The chicken over rice and lamb gyro are good, and the hot wings are excellent. Their preparation is quick and even a bit surprising, but the super-friendly staff are more than happy to keep things moving.
NY Fried Chicken
$ | (718) 525-3801 | WEBSITE
For a true craving fix – maybe after a long week or a big game – NY Fried Chicken is a wholly satisfying Garden City experience. You have to pull up to the drive-through just to get your order, and when you arrive, you only have a few minutes to decide on your wings. Then, they’ll hand you a classic, crispy meal which typically involves perfectly seasoned wings and golden fries, all fresh and hot.
It feels like the most comforting fast food around, and there’s no better way to show this spot what local flavor has to offer.
Modoo Chicken and Noodle Bar
$$ | (347) 836-8382 | WEBSITE
Modoo Chicken and Noodle Bar takes their Korean comfort food incredibly seriously, and almost comically so – you can practically taste the dedication in every bite of their halal-certified chicken, and there are no shortcuts here, just authentic preparation. Despite the earnestness, the dishes are fantastic and sometimes pretty surprising, like kimchi fries that somehow work perfectly with cheese corn.
If you really care about flavorful, homey food, and want something genuinely comforting, grab a table here.
Chicken Lovers Bayside
$ | (718) 225-8482 | WEBSITE
No matter how many times you’ve had barbecue ribs before, Chicken Lovers Bayside will impress you. This Garden City spot has a smoky, bustling interior where you can watch people picking up their orders while you wait. The ribs are arguably the best plate of barbecue in the area, and the green sauce is going to ruin regular condiments for you.
Reservations here aren’t easy, but if you order ahead way in advance or show up early, you can usually get a generous portion of their smoky, juicy rotisserie chicken with sides like mac n’ cheese.
