Two years ago, I lost my job working at LA Fitness. Little did I know as one job ended; I was entering a new beginning. I was out of work for several months, when an acquaintance told me about a restaurant located near Georgetown University in Glover Park on Wisconsin Ave named Wingo’s.
I’d heard of Wingo’s but knew little about the owner, Mike Arthur. While I heard rave reviews from neighbors and friends, I knew little about the owner or the restaurants’ origins — it began as a dream out of a college dorm at Michigan State. In 2000, he opened his first store on O St. NW in Washington, D.C., as a traditional carryout and delivery. Eighteen years later, Wingo’s expanded to casual indoor dining and a sports bar.
As Wingo’s success grew, tragedy struck in 2018. A fire destroyed his original store on O Street. But a few months after burning down, a new Wingo’s emerged on Wisconsin Ave. in August 2018. The completely renovated space has two floors of indoor dining, a bar, gaming, take out, and events from comedy to watching your favorite football games.
What makes Wingo’s unique from other bars is the diversity of customers. On any given day, you can encounter everyone from local residents, to college students, to tourists. Many regulars come in every day to order their favorite wings or just drink a beer and tell fascinating stories. Since Wingo’s is near Georgetown University, don’t be surprised if a famous alumnus sits down to dine here.
While customer service is Wingo’s key to growth and success, this could not happen if he could not retain qualified and loyal staff. I’ve worked in many restaurants, and many failed because of poor management and turnover. Many of his staff have been with Wingo’s from the beginning and are committed to making sure they put out high-quality food.
Another trait is Mike’s management style. He and his lieutenant, E Altangerel, have a hands-on approach but are not corporate or authoritarian. It’s hard to complain about being overworked and fatigued, when you see the management working sometimes twelve hours a day as well as making sure employees are paid and satisfied.
While there are many imitators and pretenders, nothing compares to Wingo’s wings. They have 24 varieties, ranging from mild to (if you’re adventurous) nuclear. And you can order regular or boneless. If you’re a vegetarian, you won’t be disappointed thanks to a variety of salads and vegan burgers. If you don’t like sitting at home eating wings, you can sit at the bar or dine in. Every day they have drink specials from Wine Wednesday to happy hour. They also have $5 half-smoke specials.
While Wingo’s is a sports bar, there is something for the family with video games for the kids, listening to your favorite song using the Touch Tone jukebox, as well as a gaming machine if you want to try your luck.
By the end of the year Wingo’s plans to reopen the O Street location as well as a new store in Adams Morgan. Young or old, whether you are a casual sports fan or want to bring the family, there is something for everyone.
What makes Wingo’s unique even though it is located in a high-volume location, it still has a small hometown feel. Come visit this D.C. institution, you won’t be disappointed.
