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Get your Korean food fix at Wings Korean Chicken

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Authentic Korean food? Yes, please. Korean wings in a vibey space with shareable soju drinks and hip-hop playing? Even better.

Wings Korean Chicken isn’t new in northern Nevada. The brand first launched in Incline Village. But, as of this summer, there’s no need to travel to get your Korean food fix. With a second location on Greenbrae Drive in Sparks, Renoites can more easily satisfy their craving for Korean wings, gimbap and corn dogs. 

Before you even dive into the food at Wings, you’ll notice the unique feel of the place. It’s small—a quick counter-serve restaurant with a few tables and a bar featuring two seats (that happen to look like bicycles, pedals and all)—but hip-hop music plays quietly in the background, and a large television shows video from Asian markets.

There is also signage around the shop that shows off the owner’s sense of humor. For example, upon walking in, a large neon sign illuminating “winner, winner chicken dinner” is amongst the first things you will see. There are also a few boastful signs talking up the flavor of their wings—and rightfully so.

Perhaps my favorite detail of the entire restaurant—aside from the delicious food—is that not only is a roll of paper towels available at the counter (you can plan to get messy), but disposable plastic gloves are also available so you can protect your fingers from getting sauced.

The menu has three main focuses. The wings, of course, are front and center with various flavor options ranging from sweet to spicy. You can opt for traditional wings or tenders in sizes to feed one or a few. 

If you’re not a spice fanatic, stick to the sweet options. The Honey Butter is a dry rub (and it’s recommended you grab a “dip” like ranch dressing, barbecue, honey mustard or blue cheese to accompany it). It’s super sweet but also a little savory. I prefer tenders, and I was not disappointed in the flavor or the fresh and juicy chicken tucked inside the crispy exterior.

sushi on a platter
Wings Korean Chicken offers sushi. Eric Marks / THIS IS RENO Eric Marks / THIS IS RENO

The wings, however, are also delicious. Another sweet flavor with a bit more heat is the Sweet Honey. Perfectly sticky and boasting cinnamon flavors, this sauce is delicious for spreading over wings or dipping fries into. The dish has a bit of heat, but it’s not spicy—definitely safe for more mild palates. 

However, if you can handle it, Wings has a few options for turning up the temperature. Indicated by one to three chili peppers on the menu, the biggest kick will come from the Korean Super Spicy. There’s also an Angel Kick, which is just one step down, and a cinnamon-forward K-Sauce that’s more of an introduction to spicy.

There are also options, including galbi, which boasts sweet, savory and smoky flavors that are pretty popular in Korean cuisine, and soy garlic sauce.

Wings for lunch wouldn’t be complete without a side of French fries—these sides are big. We found a small was plenty to share between two people. And if you’re a fan of crinkle-cut fries, you’re in luck. The presentation on these is pretty typical, but they are seasoned.  You can also get creative by dipping them in any of the wing sauces on the menu.

I also recommend not leaving without trying a Korean corn dog, especially if you’ve never had one before. The batter on Korean corn dogs is definitely different than American varieties; it’s crunchier and sweeter. It’s also not a hot dog you’ll find inside; Wings offers sausage and cheese corn dogs that are easy add-ons to any meal.

Then there is the Kim-Bab, a sort of cooked sushi made with rice, vegetables, fish and meat rolled in seaweed. These tasty goodies come in a few flavors and can be made with bulgogi, wings, tuna or vegan.

You can round out your meal with a mozzarella ball, corn cream ball, cheese stick, steamed rice, onion rings, radish pickle or one of several other dishes. 

Man pouring cocktail.
Soju tower drinks are recommended. Eric Marks / THIS IS RENO

And if you’re here to hang out for a while, we recommend trying one of their soju tower drinks. Soju is an alcoholic beverage similar to vodka that comes in different flavors. The towers allow for creative cocktails that bring in other mixers and even ice cream to create a shareable drink set directly on the table, similar to a drink bowl you may get at another restaurant, but with a pour spout that makes it fun to refill drinks easily.

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2134 Greenbrae Drive, Sparks
(775) 900-0605

Nora Tarte
Nora Tarte
Nora Heston Tarte is a long-time Reno resident living on the southside of town. In addition to food, her hobbies include wine, hiking, yoga and travel. She is also the managing editor of a regional, lifestyle publication and freelances for other publications most frequently in the travel space. Nora received her bachelor's in Journalism from California State University, Sacramento before graduating from University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a master’s in Professional Journalism. You can follow her travel adventures, and local exploits, on her Instagram account @wanderlust_n_wine.

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