Flying fish open in Long Neck
Peering at eight huge, state-of-the-art flat-screen TVs and overhanging menus that include a rare selection of imported and domestic brews, it didn’t take long for those newcomers to start to feel at home.
“We started to get regulars here as soon as we opened up,” said Steve Wilson. “People liked what they saw here right away.”
With more than 20 years’ experience in the bar and restaurant business, Wilson was quick to give his establishment the ultimate sports-bar feel. Just take a swivel in one of the large island bar’s high-top chairs and a mixture of sports, food, frosty beers and happy customers is all that can be seen, he said.
Much of the décor in Flying Fish has been donated by friends and regular customers. Even though it has only been open for a few months, he said, the visitors have made the bar their own.
The bar opens into a spacious dining area, patrons at the saloon can decide between seating in a variety of areas. Being at the bar is the most fun, in Wilson’s opinion, but sitting with friends at one of more than a dozen high-top tables is also popular. When spring comes into full bloom, he said, visitors may even choose to be served outside Flying Fish in the recently added patio setting.
While the large island bar is where most of the action happens, said Wilson, Flying Fish wouldn’t be where it is now without its kitchen.
The savory appetizers offered at the business have attracted customers from all over, and people just can’t seem to get enough, he said.
“As soon as people told their friends about how good our food and prices are, the place really started to draw a crowd,” said Jamie Jones, bar manager. “What we have become known for is our specialty: the buffalo-style chicken wings.”
That’s just one of many appetizers and entrées offered at the saloon. Customers also regularly enjoy fresh-cut french fries, spicy jalapeño peppers, onion rings, potato skins, hamburgers, cheesesteaks and an array of freshly made hot or cold sandwiches.
Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. During happy hour all appetizers and buffalo wings are half price; domestic and draft beers, served in frosted 16-ounce mugs, are $2; and all other prices are reduced. Another feature of the bar is the strategically placed TVs, that make the tavern appealing for sports enthusiasts. There is no seat in the bar from which a customer can’t get a look at more than one huge television, so events such as the Super Bowl and Daytona 500 parties were very successful. The bar even has free internet access.
“Our customers know that we like to take care of them,” said Wilson.
“We even offer to shuttle people to their houses and back in our vans. That’s why people love coming here and keep on coming back,” said Jones. “This is a place where people can always look forward to cold beer, hot wings and friendly people.”
Flying Fish, in the Back Bay Shopping Center on Route 24 in Long Neck, opens at 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and at 11:30 a.m., Saturday and Sunday. The establishment is co-owned by Steve and Debbie Wilson and their two sons. 302-947-2723
