At Basic Bird, sweet-spicy chicken wings rule the roost. (Photo: Basic Bird) By Hailey Evans, associate editor Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated in July 2026. Did you know chicken wings get their very own day on the calendar? It’s July 29. According to the National Day Calendar, National Chicken Wing Day began in 1977 in Buffalo, New York, where many local establishments had been marketing their Buffalo wings. The annual recognition for the protein-packed appetizer has stuck around ever since. Greater Des Moines may not have started the trend, but we can certainly jump on the bandwagon. Order from any of these local establishments to get in on the chicken wing celebration. Basic Bird What started as a Korean fried chicken pop-up out of Harbinger is now its very own chicken shop in Beaverdale. The double-fried boneless wings are some of the crunchiest you’ll ever have, and the sauce options keep things interesting no matter how many times you order. We’d recommend the Double Dunk, a perfect mix of the Sweet Honey and Spicy Gochujang sauces. Bix Co. This sports bar came to Valley Junction back in 2023, and it’s been charming locals ever since. Co-owned by Darren Helm, his mother Bambi Helm and Matt McCormick, the place got its name from Bambi’s father, Robert “Bix” Bixenman. Their appetizer menu includes wings perfect for sharing, coated in Bix’s barbecue sauce, bone wing sauce or hot Buffalo sauce. G.G.’s Chicken Waffles This local business entered the scene in 2019. Owner Garrison Goodlett (G.G. himself) had served up fried chicken for his local church and decided to bring his talent to the Des Moines Farmers Market. The business sells food from a tent at local festivals throughout the summer and takes catering orders through its website. Slim Chickens Although this restaurant chain began in Arkansas, they now have two Central Iowa locations in Ankeny and Grimes. All their chicken gets a southern-style buttermilk marinade, and is hand-breaded for each order. The only tough part is deciding between the wings, tenders, or chicken and waffles. ...read more read less