Are chicken wings Atlanta's favorite guilty pleasure? It sure seems that way. And while straight-up Buffalo-style hot wings still rule the roost at most places, the variety of unusual flavors continues to surprise and please adventurous diners.

MIDTOWN

Taco Mac

Taco Mac is Atlanta's original wing joint. And its multiple locations have become the epitome of the changing face of sports bars, with more of everything. The newest, in Midtown, features about 140 beers on draft and another 280-plus in the bottle. And you can watch multiple games on 50 high-definition TVs. As for the classic Buffalo-style wings, choose from mild, medium, hot, Three Mile Island or death. Special orders include "swimming" in sauce, extra crispy and all drums or flats.

933 Peachtree St., 678-904-7211, www.taco-mac.com

AUBURN AVENUE

Da Bomb Wings & Seafood

Da Bomb Wings & Seafood is primarily a takeaway and delivery spot, so seating is limited. But the wings topped the best-of list in a recent accessAtlanta story that declared them "fresh tasting" and "fried to such an impermeable crisp that even the glossy sauces can't penetrate." Look for flavors ranging from easy-to-like lemon-pepper to wild-and-crazy "Cinnamon Love" and many steps beyond.

250 Auburn Ave., 404-681-5300, www.dabombplatinum.com

CANDLER PARK

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

Texas twins Jonathan and Justin Fox make heaps of smoky, spicy barbecue —- including dry-rubbed brisket, tender-tasty pulled pork (on a plate or in a sandwich) and meaty ribs. They also do lots of good sides —- from fresh collards to decadently creamy mac-n-cheese and addictive tater tots. But their super hot, smoked chicken wings are something like a secret weapon. Just be prepared to feel the burn.

1238 DeKalb Ave. 404-577-4030. www.foxbrosbbq.com

KENNESAW

Rick's Hot Wings

Not much to look at, but this strip-mall joint serves crackly-good digits. The chef uses a deft hand when it comes to seasoning, with pepper sauce that doesn't race down your fingers and lemon-pepper that's dusted rather than compacted. Other flavors include Garlic Ginger and simply, Hot. Fried catfish nuggets and chicken tenders are also on the menu.

3103 Cobb Parkway, Kennesaw. 678-453-4343.

LAWRENCEVILLE

Wing Ranch

Give us a home where wingless chickens roam: This Western-themed spot serves up a fine passel of flavors (garlic Parmesan or lemon-pepper, anyone?) in a spit-shined strip-mall dude ranch. The temperatures for Buffalo-style wings ranges from mild to "nuclear waste."

1154 Lawrenceville Hwy., 678-225-0750, www.wingranch.com (multiple locations)