WINGS...really
the very best for wings in St. Louis...
and some other great dining values also
by Daniel Hines
Publisher
America's Seniors/TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com
St. Louis, MO--St. Louis is famous for its wide
selection of family-type taverns (after all, we are the home of
Anheuser-Busch) that feature outstanding meals and specialties.
T.J's. Wings fulfills that tradition in a fantastic way offering what have
become recognized as "the place" to get wings in the city.
A small, handsomely (but not
lavishly) decorated bistro setting in the triangle that borders Valley
Park, Twin Oaks and Ballwin, T.J. s Wings is the inspiration of founder
and owner Tanya Lawless and her fiancé, Rob Biggs. Tanya brings
the restaurant experience, having been a successful manager of other
popular sites in town before starting T.J's Wings approximately two and
one-half years ago.
In addition to the great food, the spot is
characterized by an easy-going, almost "Cheers-like"
familiarity among the growing number of regulars. It features a
noon-time menu that has become a favorite of local office workers,
laborers, professionals and families. That's right, families.
Although it has many respects a "neighborhood" tavern,
this is a family destination at certain times. At other times, the
character of T.J's. Wings changes into more of an entertainment site or
just a place for good friends to get together.
We discovered T.J.'s shortly after its
opening. We were immediately attracted by a number of things: its
decor; the friendliness of the waitresses (more on that later); and the
overall atmosphere. About those waitresses and bartenders: Tanya
and Rob have recruited some of the most attractive, wholesome and
friendly staff we have seen at any place in town. They are all
young. They are the All-American girl, fresh, pretty, smart, and
attentive to customers. No uniforms here, but jeans, shorts, denim
that allows each of the ladies to reflect their individuality, which
carries through in their personality with customers.
But, more about the food. The specialist is, as you might tell, the wings. Simply put, they are the best we
have ever tasted. They are available with different types of
dressings, and are reasonably priced: $4.75 for 12, $7.95 for 25
and only $14.50 for 50. Add a cold beer, and you have a wonderful
treat.
But don't think that they stop at wings. The
Pattie Melt, served on rye breads with cheddar and Swiss cheese, is the
favorite of some friends that we introduced to T.J. Wings. But, it
doesn't stop there. The pizzas (the veggie pizza is our favorite)
and the salads are equally good.
Most importantly, the food is not only tasty, but a real
value. We have had some of the best chicken friend steak we have
ever known as a part of the noon time special. As Rob explains,
the goal is to provide a real dining value in a comfortable setting.
The result is that at any time the dining area and
bar will have families with children, older people with grandchildren,
young people dating, older and younger single people...you get the
point.
One of the highlights of the week is every
Thursday. Starting at 8:30, Scotty ( draws a huge crowd with
the karaoke night. But, just as the wings at T.J.s are not your
ordinary wings, this is not your ordinary karaoke night. Scotty is
a genuine talent and has a range of songs ands offerings which he sings
when the crowd isn't doing the karaoke. If that isn't enough, there are
some really good singers in the crowd. Of course, there are also
people like me, but the audience is forgiving, even when some does as
poorly as I did on "Hey Good Looking."
You will notice a sports bar look. That's
natural. Rob was a world champion middleweight kick-boxer.
He also had a successful string of karate and self-defense schools in
St. Louis.
And, while the recent hot St. Louis summer has
discouraged people from sitting outside, the patio seating with a
handsome picket fence and umbrellas is a favorite gathering spot for
enjoying a meal outdoors.
T.J's. Wings...a spot to mark for the active senior.
WINGS
A FAMILY PUB
& GRILL
550 VANCE
ROAD
VALLEY PARK MO 63088
314-861-7171
FAX: 314-861-7277
Now,
keep up to date with daily feeds of newly posted stories about America's
Seniors...click on the box to the left