Wing lovers unite

On its Facebook page, Hot Mama's Wings describes itself as "Eugene's hip, local and sustainable wings joint." This is quite a statement for a new restaurant, but Hot Mama's lives up to its expectations. Hot Mama's Wings fulfills Eugene's need for a relaxed hangout with delicious eats, especially for those Ducks who have been missing their wings.

The restaurant, which opened at the beginning of February 2011, is the work of Michael Marzano, a Eugene native and University of Oregon alum, and has been in the works since October 2009. It might be obvious from the name, but the heart and soul of the restaurant are its wings. Hot Mama's Wings offers hungry patrons a variety of wings, spiciness ranging from mild to "insane," and unusual wings such as Asian honey mustard, chipotle bourbon, bacon blue cheese, and barbecue. "There's nothing like it here in town," said Marzano. "What my wife calls a local, hip wings joint. It's like a neighborhood cafe."

Hoping to accommodate college students and business people in the area, Marzano made sure that every booth in the restaurant has an electrical outlet and the restaurant has Internet access. Hot Mama's Wings is a charming retreat where visitors can sit at a booth, work on their laptop, and enjoy a brew. Located on West 13th Avenue, Hot Mama's Wings also boasts a location that is only 12 blocks from campus. It offers its patrons a place to work or relax that isn't just a coffee shop. Two large flat screens are mounted on the walls at each end of the restaurant; visitors can come to watch a game without the rowdiness of a sports bar. "There's something for everyone," said Marzano.

Hot Mama's Wings boasts that it is sustainable, something that might appeal to environmentally conscious Eugeneans. The community table that runs through the center of the restaurant, with bar stools on each side, is made from reclaimed wood from Sunset Bowling in Portland. The bar top was also made from a reclaimed section of bowling lane, the lane markers still visible on the wood. Even the booths and benches running along the outside wall of the restaurant are made from reclaimed wood, from the old Nike store at Fifth Street Market.

Marzano hoped to "appeal to the masses" and offers his customers many vegetarian options on the menu, like mac and cheese and a grilled veggie sandwich. There are even tempeh wings! "It's kinda unique down here, I don't think anybody else is doing it," said Marzano, about the tempeh wings. Marzano said the vegetarian lifestyle that is common in Eugene was definitely something he wanted to accommodate in his restaurant.

From the bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, to the variety of wings that Hot Mama's serves, the restaurant gives a spice and flair to the area. The photos on the walls - the old Mac Court, Prefontaine, Animal House - make this restaurant feel right at home.