Once, while working as an erstwhile bartender and cook in my hometown, I heard my mentor admonish a customer for licking their fingers while eating. That bit of mannering stuck with me most of my life—until experiencing Wing Mahal in Folsom. That life credo went flying out the restaurant window, as I devoured a plate of their incredibly flavorful Butter Chicken Wings and Tikka Masala Wings. Yes, you read that right. Wing Mahal crossbred an American staple with the flavors of India, and it works—so well, in fact, that I was startled by the ease in which I ignored all forethought of manners and, yes, licked…a lot. The sauces are made in-house by the owners, and there are 13 to choose from—listed on a “heat scale”—including all the traditional fan favorites like garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, BBQ, and buffalo hot; plus others for extreme heat-seekers, like mango habenero, dry-rubbed Mumbai spice, and Punjabi BBQ, which are at the top of the “I’m-gonna-need-milk” scale. They also serve “veggies” (celery and carrots), a variety of French fries, samosas, and, strange as it may seem, Chicken & Waffles (a definite kid-friendly version). There’s also rice and multiple flavors of both sweet and savory naan. Their meat is organic and halal, and they have vegan options. Stop by and dine in or take out; I challenge you not to lick your fingers! (They have plenty of napkins just in case.)

Fly into these hotspots for more mouthwatering wings.

Buffalo Wings (served with your choice of one or two sauces; customers rave about the BBQ and “Just Plain Ridiculious,” plus house-made ranch, carrots, and celery) at Bar 101. 101 Main Street, Roseville, 916-774-0505, bar101roseville.com

 

Tap House Wings (crispy breaded chicken with your choice of sauce; served with carrots and celery) at Folsom Tap House. 25005 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 140, Folsom, 916-292-5711, folsomtaphouse.com

Pound of Wings (tossed in your choice of sauce—chipotle BBQ is a fan favorite) at Bricks Eats & Drinks. 482 Main Street, Placerville, 530-344-7757, bricksonmainstreet.com

GP Wings (served naked or with your choice of buffalo, sweet chili, house-made BBQ, or dry chili lime sauce; served with ranch or blue cheese) at Goose Port Public House. 316 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-886-5080, gooseport.com

Mango Habanero Wings (juicy chicken slathered in a slightly sweet but seriously hot sauce) at Rock-N-Fire. 1010 Riley Street, Folsom, 916-673-9474, rocknfirerestaurants.com

 

EDH Wings (served with your choice of sauce—we recommend Bourbon BBQ; served with house-pickled vegetables and ranch or blue cheese) at 36 Handles Public House. 1010 White Rock Road, Suite 100, El Dorado Hills, 916-941-3606, 36handles.com

Tandoori Wings (coated in a curry-flavored, house-made sauce; pick from bone-in or boneless) at Sacramento Pizza Company. 2700 East Bidwell Street, Suite 500, Folsom, 916-673-9754, sacpizzaco.com

FLB Wings (flame-roasted and served with gorgonzola dipping sauce) at Wally’s Pizza Bar. 4079 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park, 530-677-5205, wallyspizzabar.com