See Who Took Top Honors at This Year’s Kickin' Chicken Wing Fest

“Wing Fest isn’t just an event, it’s a Dayton summer ritual,” said Amy Zahora, Executive Director of the Miami Valley Restaurant Association. “It brings together everything people love: incredible food, hometown pride and a little fiery fun. Our chefs go all out with creativity, the crowd shows up no matter the heat. It’s that unbeatable mix of flavor and community that keeps people coming back year after year.”Here’s a look at the businesses and talented cooks that took home top prizes and bragging rights: 

 Best Wing: Dayton Barbecue Company – Smoked Wings

These wings came out swinging … slow-smoked to perfection with a deep, kiss-of-hickory flavor and a just-crisp-enough finish. No extra sauce needed here; the rich smokiness stole the show and left the judges licking their fingers and then going back for seconds.

 Best Sauce: Amber Rose – Blueberry BBQ

Talk about unexpected brilliance. Amber Rose wowed with a jammy, tangy-sweet blueberry BBQ sauce that paired lush fruit with deep barbecue umami. 

 Best Boneless: Romer’s Bar & Grill – Hot Asian Persuasion

Boneless skeptics became believers with this bold entry. These craveable bites were drenched in a spicy-sweet glaze that balanced heat, garlic and a tangy punch. Think Szechuan swagger with a Midwestern wink that was addictive and unforgettable.

 Best Side: Dayton Barbecue Company – Mac and Cheese & Brisket Fries

One word: decadent. Creamy mac and cheese layered over crispy French fries, topped with big hunks of juicy brisket. This was the kind of side dish that makes you forget about wings entirely… until you remember you can have both. A full-on flavor pile-up in the best way possible.

 Best Dessert: El Meson – Tres Leches Cake

A silky, dreamy, soaked sponge cake that melted on the tongue and soothed scorched palates. El Meson’s tres leches cake was everything you want in a dessert after a long day of battling fire — rich, cooling and dangerously delicious.

 Hottest Wing: Nick’s Restaurant – Fire in the Hole

True to its name, these wings didn’t mess around. A molten, chili-forward heat that built with every bite into a five alarm fire, Fire in the Hole had mouths blazing and foreheads glistening. This wasn’t just heat for heat’s sake — it was a full-bodied inferno with flavor to match. 

 People’s Choice – Best Damn Wing: Nick’s Restaurant 

The dynasty has officially returned to the throne. After being knocked off their perch in 2023 for the first time since the festival’s inception, Nick’s Restaurant of Xenia came back in 2024 with wings that reminded everyone why they’ve long been considered wing royalty. This year, the crowd spoke loud and clear — Nick’s signature wings once again earned the coveted People’s Choice award, reclaiming their title with a bold, balanced flavor that packed just the right amount of heat, smoke and satisfaction. These wings were a masterclass in consistency and craveability with flavor that lingered, not just on the palate, but in the minds of thousands who waited in long lines just to get a taste. The roar of approval from the crowd said it all: Nick’s still rules the roost.

As always, the Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest was more than just a competition, it was a celebration of flavor, creativity and community. Live music on the Lincoln Park stage kept the vibes high, cold drinks kept hands full, and crowds kept streaming through the gates all day long.

And while the competition gets fiercer each year, so does the camaraderie. From fan-favorite mainstays to first-time food trucks, the event showcased just how much flavor the Miami Valley continues to cook up.

Whether you come for the wings, the sides, the scene, or just the chance to torch your tastebuds, one thing’s for sure: Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest 2025 brought the heat, and Dayton showed up hungry.