(S)WING ON IN: River Inn Bar’s Iconic Jumbo Wings

locals love this classic C.F. bar’s wings, but now now they’re known far and wide

author & photos by McKenna Scherer

BEST WINGS IN WISCONSIN, EH? The River Inn Bar was called the spot for the best wings in Wisconsin by OnlyInYourState.com, and while everyone's entitled to their own opinion, locals certainly know the spot for their jumbo chicken wings.
BEST WINGS IN WISCONSIN, EH? The River Inn Bar was called the spot for the best wings in Wisconsin by OnlyInYourState.com, and while everyone's entitled to their own opinion, locals certainly seem to agree.

The River Inn Bar has been a classic go-to and local favorite in Chippewa Falls for decades, and it earned one heck of a nod in September from OnlyInYourState.com, which said the spot was home to the best wings in Wisconsin. 

River Inn is known for jumbo broasted chicken wings – bad boys that are definitely large and in charge. You can get an individual order any day of the week, but the bar is also one of the only places around that has wing specials half the week, every week. Yes, you read that right: Monday-Thursday nights, all-you-can-eat wings come served up with your choice of fries, wedges, or curly fries. Grab a beer from the bar and you’re set.

Pricing depends on how many wings you order (one, three, five, etc.) and if you also want a side with them, but for five wings and a side of fries (curly or wedges) the order is $15.45; for three wings and a side of fries, the price is $12.45. 

Whatever size you order, you’ll likely fall in love. As the OnlyinYourState.com headline declared, “It’s Worth It To Drive Across Wisconsin Just For The Chicken Wings At River Inn Bar.”

The River Inn put down its roots back in the 1940s right on County Highway X in rural Chippewa Falls, and while its original building was replaced in 1968, it’s stayed the same since then. With neon signs strung up on the walls, wood paneling decking out the space and backing the handful of game machines lined up, the tavern is a classic through and through. 

Plus the five-foot cast iron rooster standing guard outside of the bar has become a staple for folks who drive past the joint. The bird has been there since 2005, taking up residence since the current owners, Art and Sue Schroeder, bought the beloved space that year.


Visit The River Inn Bar at 10418 County Highway X in Chippewa Falls. The kitchen is open and serving up their classic chicken wings Monday-Sunday from 11am-9pm. Call them at (715) 723-9481 or visit their website.