It's Back On: Nate's Wings and Waffles Is Coming Soon

Go waffles. Fat's Wings and Waffles, the collaboration between Happy Grillmore's Darren McGill and restauranteur Marcus Lalario (Li'l Woody's) was supposed to happen in Rainier Beach this past June. The buildout was nearly complete, but the partnership didn't pan out, with McGill keeping the recipes and Lalario holding on to the name. Now comes the good news that McGill swapped out 'Fat's' for 'Nate's,' and is opening Nate's Wings and Waffles in the same location at 9261 57th Ave S.

It gets more interesting: The new spot is named after co-owner Nate Robinson, the pro basketball player (currently a member of the Denver Nuggets) who started playing ball down the road at Rainier Beach High School, then at UW.

McGill says he's known Robinson "for a while" and is friends with his agent. "It's good to have him on board to give it a push," McGill says. "He's a good guy."

Nate's menu looks a lot like what McGill planned for Fat's: A slightly sweet, cornmeal-infused batter will be used in rotating fruit and savory options, including bacon rosemary waffles topped with fried chicken. Also expect a riff on classic Vietnamese pandan waffles that uses green coconut. Syrups and butter will also be made in-house. An the menu includes five wing flavors, including coconut lime jalapeño. "I'm trying to keep the menu as simple as possible but I like to be creative," McGill says.

Rainer Beach's food options are growing fast. In addition to Nate's, last week news broke that the owners of Lottie's Lounge are opening Jude's, and there are rumors of a new vegetarian spot launching on the same strip.

McGill is pushing to open Nate's by the end of the summer, which means next month if the stars align.
· Nate's Wings and Waffles [Facebook]