Does this growing MS Coast pizza joint really have the area’s best wings? We gave it a try

One of my favorite places in South Mississippi isn’t really a physical location, but more of a digital space. The MS Gulf Coast Foodie’s Facebook group is where I spend a good amount of time every week.

It’s where folks post reviews and meals from different restaurants on the Coast and it’s a key source for my food reviews.

I recently came across an interesting and bold take made not once, but twice by the same user. Group member Christopher Jordan Hummell claims the best wings in the Lower Six counties belong to Uncle Joe’s Pizza and Wings.

Others have chimed in and agreed. As a big fan of fried short-winged farm animals I couldn’t let this claim go by without an investigation of my own.

I personally am a frequenter of Big Roostas BBQ in Gulfport just for their wings. My Friday lunch trips there are so routine they know my six-count wing order as I walk in.

So, of course, I had to put my wing inspector badge on for this.

Uncle Joe’s is a quickly growing franchise originating at 16829 Kapalama Drive and owned by Susan Diamond. The original Uncle Joe’s was established in 2007 has only recently begun expanding its reach.

There’s a two-year-old location in Bay St. Louis and an even newer joint in Pascagoula.

We paid the OG spot a visit. It’s located a bit out of the way and with an unsuspecting storefront. But a quick step inside transports you to a traditional pizza parlor complete with bar seating and arcade machines (including Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga).

The stereo pumped out Bruce Springsteen and that one song from The Titanic — or from Night at the Museum 2, depending on your generation — and lights flashed and whirred on the Sports Arena prize machine behind our table on Buck Fever Drive.

Though our focus was on the wings, we began with the pizza. That was an order of the chicken, bacon and ranch pizza and the chicken parmesan.

This was supposed to be the warm up to the wings, but we were pleasantly surprised by the quality and flavor of the pies before us. The breading — thought to be a mere vessel for the actual good stuff — was phenomenal and really elevated the entire pizza. The chicken parm was almost like digging into a pasta from a fine Italian restaurant with artichokes, roasted garlic, red onions and roma tomatoes.

I almost forgot about the wings.

A mixed 12-count of hot honey wasabi and Cajun were brought to our table. First up was the Cajun. The wings here are deep fried and these are made with a buffalo base sauce with black pepper and Cajun seasoning.

They were good and especially so with the ranch. And yes, Uncle Joe’s passed the ranch test with flying colors.

Next up were the hot honey wasabi and let me tell you, these were the winners. A perfect mix of heat and smooth cool sauce and plenty of meat on the bone to satisfy. The hot honey is a recurring ingredient across a few menu items and for good reason.

Altogether, I can pretty easily say this was the best pizza and wing meal I’ve had this year. Were the wings the best on the Coast? Better than my beloved Big Roostas? Well, I’ll let you decide on that and I do recommend both.

Uncle Joe’s does more than pizza and wings, too. There are loaded fries, salads and 10-inch subs. Or you can try the Nuclear Wing Challenge for a chance at a free shirt.

The hours are the same across all locations. Uncle Joe’s is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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