Winghart’s Burger & Whiskey Bar on South Side to become new restaurant: Oddballs

The last remaining Winghart’s Burger & Whiskey Bar is under new ownership and undergoing a concept overhaul and rebrand.

On Saturday, Winghart’s South Side location changed hands from the Bandhu Brothers Inc. — who retain rights to the Winghart’s name — to first-time restaurateur and Pittsburgh native Matthew Miklos, 35, of Plum, for an undisclosed price. Miklos will be joined in day-to-day operations by business partner and longtime friend Bill Bourke, 62, of Castle Shannon.

“We’ve been working on these ideas and recipes for close to 11 years,” Bourke said. “We’ve been picking our timing rather than just jumping right into it and then six months later, you’re just done.”

The pair intends to serve many of the dishes made popular by Winghart’s, but with a new focus.

Courtesy of Matt Miklos

Matt Miklos, left, and Bill Bourke, right, will transform the former Winghart’s into Oddballs over the next month.

Atypically-presented meatballs with a choice of dipping sauces, a carefully curated cocktail menu and extensive gluten-free options will be themes of the establishment whose intended uniqueness has led to its name: Oddballs.

“Instead of being dead center like normal, we’re just a little off. Just to make people laugh. Just basically to have a good time,” Bourke said.

Prior to the transaction, Winghart’s South Side location was the last of the chain in operation. Winghart’s location in Downtown Pittsburgh’s Market Square closed at the end of 2019 after its third fire and around $50,000 in damage. Three other Winghart’s locations — Oakland, Hempfield and Monroeville — all closed previously for varying reasons.

Oddballs’ grand opening will be March 6, though the restaurant is open for business during the transition.

Abby Mackey is a freelance writer. You can contact Abby at abbyrose.mackey@gmail.com or via Twitter @AnthroAbbyRN.