Wing Review Revisited: Spitfire's on State
- milwaukeewings
- 4 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Name: Spitfire's on State
Where: 5018 W State St, Milwaukee
MKE Wings Crew Present: Frank, Amber, Ross, Molly
Review Date: March 11, 2026
Wing Special (as of date published): None
The Review:
One of the toughest parts about running this site is the constant pull toward what’s new. There are always more bars, more specials, more wings to try, and it’s easy to keep chasing the next spot. But that comes at a cost. Some places we’ve enjoyed in the past don’t always get the revisit they probably deserve. And the truth is, a single visit doesn’t always tell the full story. Whether it’s an off night, a short-staffed kitchen, or just catching a place at the wrong time, first impressions can stick, for better or worse. That’s why we like to circle back when we can. A revisit is a chance to see how things hold up, what’s changed, and whether a spot can deliver the consistency that separates a good wing joint from a great one. Which brings us back to Spitfires on State, a place we last visited in 2022!
Spitfires has long had a strong reputation in the Milwaukee wing scene often appearing near or at the top of some 'Best Wings' lists, pretty sure I've seen them well regarded on some TikTok posts as well. Looking at our original review, we enjoyed the wings and noted some things we'd want to try on a revisit, so we took those lessons to heart and headed off to Spitfire's!
We stopped in on a Wednesday night, as Wednesdays a great for wings, though Spitfire's has no Wednesday special, nor any nightly wing special for that matter. As such wings will run you $9.50 for 6 wings. You can also order in quantities of 12 or 18 at $19 or $28.50 respectively, so no price break for larger orders. This price looks to have not changed since 2022, a time when wings were at their most expensive.
First and foremost, the sauce lineup here is still one of the most extensive you’ll find anywhere. With 20+ flavors ranging from mild to seriously hot, there’s something for just about everyone: Naked, Garlic, Garlic Parmesan, Ranch Parmesan, Lemon Pepper, Teriyaki, Ginger Sesame, Bourbon Mustard, Honey BBQ, Blueberry BBQ, Thai Peanut, Bayou Dry Rub, Mild Buffalo, Citrus Chipotle, 4B’s, JD Stinger, Spicy BBQ, Korean BBQ, Spicy Garlic, Bleu Buffalo, Chili Lime, Medium, Caribbean Jerk, Asian Sensation, Nashville Hot, Hot, Tropical Heat, Raging Jerk, Peach Heat, Hurts So Good, Killer Bee, Devils Balls, Shut Up, Make Me Reap, Devils Dust
The Wings took a bit of time to come out, but when they did, the size was solid, not jumbo, but definitely above average. Spitfires uses a fry then grill method for the cook, and you also have the option to get your wings re-dipped after grilling (there is a small additional charge). Based on our previous experience — where some sauces got a little lost behind the char, I opted for the re-dip this time around. Unfortunately, the chicken itself was a bit inconsistent.
Some wings were solid, but others came out a little dry or chewy, and a few were noticeably cooler than others. It felt like the order may have come out in batches, and the quality varied depending on which wings you grabbed. The crispiness and juiciness you’re hoping for just weren’t consistently there.
I would say Spitfire's strength is there sauces. Across the board, the quality and creativity of the sauces stood out — even if a few didn’t fully land for us.
Our Favorites:
Blue Buffalo: A really nice twist on a classic. Tangy, buttery buffalo with a noticeable blue cheese presence (even without visible chunks). If you’re a buffalo purist, this is a strong option.
Raging Jerk:Â Warm spice notes (allspice, clove, cinnamon) with a touch of sweetness and a manageable heat level. Well-balanced and flavorful.
Citrus Chipotle:Â One of the standouts of the night. Bright citrus cuts through the smoky chipotle for a really balanced, layered flavor.
Bourbon Mustard: Surprisingly good. Mustard-forward with a tangy, savory profile and just a hint of heat. Didn’t get much bourbon, but still very enjoyable.
Mixed Feelings
Peach Heat:Â Leaned heavily sweet with less heat than expected, especially given its place on the heat scale. Lacked a bit of depth.
Nashville Hot: Slight heat and sweetness, but didn’t quite deliver the bold, layered flavor you’d expect from the style.
Chili Lime: Solid enough — citrusy with a buffalo base — but not particularly memorable.
Milwaukee Wings Crew Favorites:
Frank: Blue Buffalo
Ross: Citrus Chipotle
Molly: Raging Jerk
Amber: Chili Lime
The Verdict
This was a bit of a split decision for the wing crew. On one hand, the sauce selection is elite, and the best flavors we had were genuinely excellent. Even the ones we didn’t love weren’t bad — just not favorites. On the other hand, the consistency on the wings themselves was a big draw back. When you’re getting dry or uneven wings in the same order, it makes it harder to fully buy in. If this had been our first visit, I'm not sure I would have believed the hype. But knowing what Spitfires has been capable of, and with a sauce lineup this strong, we’re willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.
As such, we'll still say Spitfire's is a certified wing joint, if just so. Still worth a visit for the sauce variety alone, but we’d love to see a little more consistency in the execution of the wings themselves next time around.
