This spot in Ellington, owned by Kevin and Donna Celotti, is famous for being the first-ever Moonshine Bar in the state. They serve 14 different kinds of infused moonshine, multiple bourbons and whiskeys and 14 beers on tap as well. But the most-important thing about Hidden Still is its 35-flavor wing menu which rotates twice a year. Celotti uses a dry brine on his wings, which isn't done in many places. Take your pick from the house-made sauces. You won't go wrong.

So if you're a UConn student and you don't say Red Rock is your favorite wing spot, you say it's Bidwell Tavern. Only five miles away, this restaurant is one of the most-historical wing spots in the state. Founded in 1822, Bidwell was one of the first well-known "wing joints" in CT and still is today with its 40 wing flavors alongside of it's all-American pub fare and rustic New England motif. The wings are big and meaty, and new owner John Russo (who recently took the restaurant over from his uncle Scott Russo) breathes new life into this Wing Hall of Fame destination.

Another college town wing spot on the trail, Blarney's is directly across the street from Eastern Connecticut State University. A longtime Irish Pub college bar, Blarneys is a fun and exciting stop on the trail alongside of Willibrew (next up) which is walking distance away. We mashed out six flavors in our visit and the locals raved about the "Blarney's Special Sauce." It was awesome. If you're a heat seeker, try the Murder Sauce wings at your own risk!

The second historic old stop on the trail is Marlborough Tavern. Built in 1760, its rumored that President Andrew Jackson (the cat on the twenty dollar bill) stopped in for a whiskey back in the day. The restaurant is actually on the National Register of Historic Places and now the Wingaddicts bestow further honors by adding it to the Wing Trail. It was refurbished and "re-established" in 2018 and is once again a local favorite. Choose from Buffalo, BBQ or General Tso. We loved all three.  

World famous US industrialist Andrew Carnegie once said that "several tons of dirt must be moved to find one ounce of gold." He wasn't talking about wing joints, but we definitely struck gold when we walked into Inishmor. Alex Levere spent a few years in Ireland before coming to Colchester and opening this popular Irish Pub. You'll fall in love with everything about this place and when you see the food coming out of the kitchen you'll want to order it all. But be strong. The wings. They're called "Unlucky Wings" because they come in orders of 13, but they're anything but unlucky. Pick from a dozen flavors. You WILL be impressed.

One of the absolute finest steak houses in all of Connecticut, run by renowned chef Jack Flaws, this is the last place on the planet you'd think about visiting for chicken wings. Named "2022 Best Steak House" by Connecticut Magazine this restaurant also comes up big with gourmet burgers, bbq cuisine and its extensive bourbon bar. But the wings . . . If you're a fan of slow smoked wings (and you should be) then this place will blow your mind. At first glance there's only one wing on the menu (Smoke House Wings). Until they show up at your table with a sauce caddy that contains six different flavors of house-made bbq sauce as well as a unique house-made buffalo sauce rated from "G" to "XXX." It's an experience unlike any other.

Jack Flaws spent a career as an executive chef at high-end restaurants including Max Downtown in Hartford, Jack's Saybrook Steak in Old Saybrook and The Fish in Westerly, Rhode Island. He decided to "downscale" and opened up Jack Rabbit's and The Rabbit Hole Tavern in Old Saybrook. The Rabbit Hole is a full dive bar/tavern with a full pub menu. Jack Rabbit's is a kid friendly fast-food takeout version connected to the restaurant on its left offering all the same fare. Famous for their gourmet burgers, gourmet hot dogs and lobster dogs (!) these two spots also have seven mind-blowing (house made) wing flavors on the menu including seven heat levels of house-made buffalo. One of the best-kept secrets on the trail. But it's no secret in Old Saybrook.

The undisputed Heavyweight Wing Champion in the southwest corner of Connecticut is Hot Rod Cafe in New London. Awards and trophies all around the restaurant will start that conversation when you walk in the door. Then the wings will prove it out. Owner "Rod" Cornish and master head chef, Carlos Paucar will wow you with 24 house-made wing flavors that you can eat while watching your favorite sports on TV or overlooking Long Island Sound. Your wing trail experience isn't complete until you visit Hot Rod.