The popular takeout spot Wingo’s has returned to its original O St. location. The restaurant has been closed since a fire nearly six years ago. There were hints over the years that it would return, but it always seemed unlucky. The last time I checked in was in March 2020 when owner Mike Arthur told me they planned to open by that summer. And, well. You know how things turned out after March 2020.

What makes the return all the more surprising is how successful Arthur has been with his larger Glover Park location. I guess coming back to his roots was too tempting.

Stop by and say hi!

For old time’s sake, here’s an article I wrote about Arthur and Wingo’s way back in 2010!:

Wingo’s Mike Arthur (with Obe)

Today GM turns back to another of his occasional series; this time it’s Our Town, where GM takes a closer look at one of the great little independent shops in Georgetown. Today’s Our Town: Wingo’s at 3207 O St.

A Bronx-born kid, Mike Arthur has always loved food. He worked in delis and caterers in New York before heading off to Michigan State. After college he settled in Washington and opened a bagel shop with his sister in 1995. After running the shop for five years, he had to sell the store to take care of his ailing father in 2000. Following his father’s death, Mike realized that he still had a passion for food and so he opened up Wingo’s nine years ago.

Obviously, the core of Wingo’s offerings is chicken wings. And that’s still the bulk of the restaurant’s orders. But the restaurant also offers a pretty big menu for a take-out joint, from breakfast items to over 20 different types of sandwiches (including the new Mongolian Beef sandwich).

Eating lunch at Wingo’s

“I wanted to do something I eat, I like” Mike told GM, “this is my food: wings, burgers, turkey burgers, salads, milkshakes. Maybe I just never grew up, but I relate to the kids better.” Being on the same wavelength, gastronomically, with college kids has ensured Wingo’s a loyal fanbase at Georgetown U. and GW. In fact, Georgetown Voice recently affirmed Wingo’s as the best wing purveyor in Georgetown.

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Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Brompton shop now open.
• Business ins and outs.

The French Market returns this weekend to Book Hill. The festivities start Friday and they run all the way till Sunday. Friday and Saturday it is from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sunday it’s noon to 5:00.

This is always a great time and looks like the weather should be very pleasant, with just a few stray rain clouds Saturday and Sunday. So come out early and often!

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Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Despite challenging office leasing environment, Washington Harbour just announced four new leases.
• Former Georgetown Holy Trinity librarian opens her own book store in Virginia.

A home with quite a lot of history has just hit the market. It’s 3126 O St. and it was home to one of Georgetown’s earliest schools: the Lancaster School. It can be yours for a mere $5.2 million.

I wrote about the school history way back in 2009 as part of my series on various school buildings in Georgetown. Here it is reprinted:

Today for his survey of historic school buildings in Georgetown, GM sets his sights on the Lancaster School.

The Lancaster School

3126 O St.

Built: Cornerstone laid June, 1811, school opened November 18, 1811

Architect: Unknown

Current Use: Private Residence

Brief History:

The Lancaster school is both a proper name and a descriptive term. A “Lancasterian” school is a school that follows the principals of John Lancaster, who promoted a system of public education based on the one room school house model. In fact, the Lancaster School in Georgetown was the very first public school open to girls and African-Americans in the District.

Like many projects in early nineteenth century Georgetown, Francis Scott Key had his star spangled fingers in the creation of the Lancaster School. Under his encouragement, funds were raised to support the school and enable it to offer free education to poor children (if you could afford it, you paid $10 per year per student).

The first teacher of the Lancaster School was an Englishman named Robert Ould who came from the Borough School of London. The first year he taught a class of over 200 students. Apparently by 1812, the student body was nearly 300.

Unfortunately, GM was unable to track down much else about the Lancaster School after its first couple years. Regardless, being the first public school in D.C. open to girls and African Americans is probably enough of a history for any old school building to be proud of.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Incredible opportunity to hear George Saunders read from Lincoln in the Bardo at Oak Hill Cemetery this Friday.
• Dumbarton Oaks Gardens closed for a private event Friday and Saturday, which is a shame because it’s pretty dang beautiful right now.

One of the most common questions I get about Georgetown recently is: When will that Italian restaurant open in the old Dean and Deluca?

Well, I don’t have a definitive date for you, but it is definitely inching forward.

The restaurant’s name will be Osteria Mozza. It will share the name with its sister restaurant in LA. Although the restauranteur behind the Georgetown project is Stephen Starr (who was behind Le Diplomate, among other ventures) the Osteria Mozza name comes from his partner in the Georgetown project: Nancy Silverton. The LA location has received a Michelin star, by the way. So if the Georgetown one matches the other’s quality, another star may be coming.

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Good Morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Woman dies after falling into river.
• House Tour this weekend.

The Friends of Volta Park will be hosting their annual cocktail party on June 1st at the George Town Club. It’s always a great event and is one of the most important fundraising efforts for the park all year. Here are the details:

Buy Your Tickets: Volta Park’s Cocktail Party is June 1

Join us on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the GeorgeTown Club for everyone’s favorite way to kickoff the summer: the Friends of Volta Park Annual Cocktail Party and Fundraiser.

Sip on signature cocktails and nibble delicious hors d’oeuvres while you catch up with neighbors, enjoy live music and get a chance to win one of our famous luxury raffle baskets, all while supporting Volta Park.

Click here to buy Cocktail Party & Luxury Raffle tickets!

As the source for the majority of our contributed donations and funding each year, this event is a must-attend for all of our Volta Park supporters.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Pillar and Post on list of best home decor shops “in the south”. (Not sure I agree with that geographic description, but I agree with the “best” part!)
• Summary of the most recent ANC meeting.