I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, chicken wings are one of the two items I point blank refuse to eat in public (the other being blue crabs) or in the company of people who are not my closest friends and family. They’re messy, awkward to eat and overall just hard to handle in a public setting. However, if the chicken wings in question come double fried, flavored with soy garlic sauce and served with a side kimchi coleslaw, then all bets are off. Enter the newest member of Navy Yard’s ever growing restaurant scene and the driving force behind my change of heart: Bonchon.

The first D.C. location of the popular Korean chicken chain opened a couple of weeks ago, just in time to toss its hat into the ring for best places to watch a Nationals game. Although famous for the twice fried (yes, I had to mention that again) wings and drumsticks, the menu also boasts other Korean comfort dishes including Bulgogi (in the less traditional form of sliders and wraps as well as a bulgogi rice bowl), Japchae (stir fried glass noodles) and pot stickers “painted” with your choice of sauce (soy garlic or the aptly named “hot”). You’ll also find sides that lean more towards the American spectrum such as coleslaw and fries.

But let’s be real. If you’re coming to Bonchon, you’re coming for the chicken. The menu features wings, drums and strips and offers a mix and match option. As with the potstickers, choose between soy garlic or the “hot,” but be warned, if you opt for the latter, you better have plenty of napkins on hand to wipe the sweat off your brow. The portions were made for sharing, so don’t be fooled by the “Small” size listing. If you’re anything like me, you will probably order more food than you can handle, but it’s okay, that’s what doggie bags were made for. For patrons who have similar feelings on the messiness of wings, you’ll be happy to know that all wings come with a much appreciated side of hand wipes.

The restaurant can accommodate nearly 200 people with a sizeable dining area and centrally located bar. The expansive bar has plenty of TV screens, and it’s the perfect place to grab a few wings and a pour of one of the 16 beers on tap, a solid mix of American craft beers and Asian brews.

Just three blocks from Nationals Park, Bonchon will no doubt be a staple hangout bar for pre- and post-game festivities. The restaurant will have extended hours during home games (closing 11:00 PM Sunday–Wednesday and at midnight Thursday–Saturday) and also has a separate takeout counter for when you’d rather enjoy your messy wings in the comfort of your apartment.