Mexico-Based Wings Army Bar & Restaurant Opening First California Location In San Diego’s Ocean Beach

Wings Army, the acclaimed Mexican restaurant chain known for its award-winning sauces and military-themed branding, is nearly ready to unveil its first California location in San Diego’s Ocean Beach. 

Founded in Guadalajara in 2005, Wings Army has expanded to more than 150 locations across Mexico. The chain made its U.S. debut in San Antonio, Texas, and the new San Diego restaurant marks its second U.S. location - and its first on the West Coast. The new outpost is sited in the prominent corner space previously occupied by Starbucks on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach. The upcoming opening represents the next phase in the company’s U.S. expansion as it sets its sights on other beach communities across California.

The OB location features Wings Army’s signature menu of boneless wings and ribs, all served with a selection of 23 handcrafted sauces made from natural ingredients. The sauces range from sweet and mild to intensely spicy and have earned international recognition, including top honors at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, New York, and Superior Taste Awards from the International Taste Institute in Brussels for flavors like Mango Habanero and Tamarindo.

The restaurant embraces a U.S. military aesthetic, with an olive-green exterior and interior murals of soldiers lining up with food trays, in line with the brand's name and identity. The menu includes a variety of comfort food favorites such as burgers, nachos, quesadillas, chicken sandwiches, fries, and desserts. Wings Army also serves a wide selection of domestic and imported beers, including its own proprietary label, Army Beer. 

Wings Army is expected to open in late June at 4992 Newport Avenue in San Diego's Ocean Beach. For more information, visit wingsarmy-usa.com. 

Originally published on June 10, 2025.