The Most Expensive Meal At Dominos Isn't Pizza
Started in 1960 as "DomiNick's," Domino's is now the largest pizza delivery chain in the United States. In fact, Domino's is even credited with inventing the contemporary pizza box, a corrugated cardboard affair that not only keeps its contents warm, but is tall and stout enough to prevent the cheese from sticking to the lid. As of the fourth quarter of 2024, there were more than 6,900 Domino's locations in the U.S. that together generated more than $9.5 billion in revenue during 2024.
However, while pizza is the brand's primary offering, in the 1990s the company started to branch out from only selling pizza. Notably, in 1992, it added breadsticks to the menu, followed by chicken wings in 1994, and eventually other items like salads, sandwiches, and even dessert. With that said, if a Domino's customer sticks to pizza, the most expensive pie on the menu is an extra-large specialty pizza — if you're not sure what size pizza to order we recommend trying this money-saving pizza calculator tool. These specialty pizzas, which come in flavor options like Honolulu Hawaiian or Philly Cheesesteak will cost you over $20 each, depending on your specific geographic region. However, if you're craving something a little different like, say, traditional bone-in chicken wings, you should prepare to pay even more. In fact, in Colorado, an order of 32 wings retails for $36.99, officially making wings the most expensive item on the menu at Domino's.
Domino's wing aren't particularly good, either
If you don't need a giant 32-piece order of bone-in wings, that you can also purchase 8 pieces for $10.99 or 16 pieces for $19.99 — again per Colorado pricing. It's also worth mentioning that the price is the same regardless of which flavor you might choose including options like plain, hot buffalo, sweet mango habanero, and more. While certainly pricier than its pizza, the going rate for Domino's chicken wings actually isn't that outrageous compared to some of the competition. For example, a local Colorado Buffalo Wild Wings charges $10.99 for six wings, $21.99 for 15 wings, or $39.49 for a quantity of 30. That's more than Domino's, however, the financial splurge could still be worth it in terms of those who value quality and taste.
Unfortunately, food reviewers consistently rank the chicken wings from Domino's towards the bottom of their lists — especially when compared to other wing venues. In fact, even among other pizza chain establishments like Papa John and Pizza Hut, Domino's wings are often considered inferior. That said, if you're ordering pizza from Domino's anyway and someone in your party wants wings, it isn't necessarily cost effective to purchase them elsewhere. In that case, just like ordering hacks at other casual food chains, there are a few tricks you can use to save money on chicken wings from Domino's.
Carryout can be cheaper
Domino's built its business around fast, consistent delivery. There was once an infamous promise that if a delivery took longer than 30 minutes, the late meal would be free of charge. Of course, after dozens of delivery drivers were involved in car accidents, that promise was revisited. With that said, savvy Domino's diners know that enduring a little extra hassle to pick up — or carryout — their order from the store can unlock some serious bargains in addition to sidestepping the delivery fee, which can easily be $5 or more depending on the location. Carryout-only specials are typically listed on the homepage of Domino's website and vary periodically. That said, certain promotions like a large one-topping pizza for $7.99 have been on offer reliably for years.
The best part is that chicken wings are covered by many of these carryout-only deals. For example, an 8-piece order of chicken wings is available for $8.99 (prices vary depending on location) through the pizza chain's "mix & match" carryout deal. However, this bargain price relies on you purchasing a second eligible item — which can be a second order of wings if you're so inclined. That's $2 less than the regular listed menu price of $10.99 for eight wings. Truly thrifty types might also consider boneless chicken pieces instead of actual chicken wings. The fried chicken morsels, which are similar to nuggets, are available for just $6.99 per eight pieces through the "mix & match" carryout deal. However, it is also worth mentioning just how much money you lose to take out instead of just cooking at home.