Spicy and saucy or crispy and crunchy — nothing compares to a fresh, hot basket of chicken wings. Hamilton is no stranger to wing joints and it's already hard to pick our favourite. The newest spot, U.S. chain Anchor Bar which is moving into Jackson Square, is set to open Friday.

Anchor Bar will have their work cut out for them, competing with several other establishments that have already perfected the fine art of the hot wing.

We made a list of five local, favourite wing joints in Hamilton and asked the owners to tell us why their wings Hamilton's best.

What's your favourite spot? Did we miss a wing winner? Vote below, leave us a comment or send us a tweet @cbchamilton and let us know where you like to get your "wing fingers" in town.

Hess Village Pizza and Wings, 54 Queen St. S.

Alan Hamad said every wing place has its own method that makes their wings unique, but proclaimed his method makes Hess Village wings superior.

"I use my own recipe and I use a bigger size of wings — and they're always fresh."

Rolly Rockets BBQ, 470 King St. W.

According to owner Roland Dubé, what makes Rolly Rockets' wings the best is their unique cooking style.

"Our wings are fresh, whole wings, which are dry-rubbed, hickory smoked, flash-fried and then sauced to order," he said.

The process isn't easy, but Dubé said it's worth it.

"That's what makes them the best wings around."

Red Rockets Wings, 754 Queenston Rd

Despite being voted favourite wings in the Hamilton Spectator's readers' choice awards for eight years in a row, owner Peter Deluca takes a more modest approach.

"We don't claim to be the best," he said. "If you try us and you like us then great."

But an eight-year winning streak might just speak for itself.

Great Canadian Wing King, 309 Grays Rd.

Owner Sylvain "Sid" Philipte said there's no debate, his wings are the best in town.

"Nobody makes better wings than me. We sold 80,000 pounds last year."

But when asked what makes his wings special, his lips were sealed.

"I can't tell you my secrets. You just have to come in and try them for yourself."

Anchor Bar, 2 King St.W.

This much-anticipated chain opens their downtown location Friday, with Mayor Bob Bratina tossing the first wing into the fryer. The restaurant chain claims to be "the best and original buffalo wing," with the recipe invented at the original Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York in 1964.

It's hard to compete with a legacy like that, but it'll be up to the Hamilton tastebuds to decide if these wings truly are the best.