Sharing Wu Garden Stories on Eve of Closing: 'Darn, Gonna Miss Them'

On Wednesday night, Wu's Garden Restaurant, 418 Maple Ave. East, will close its doors after 39 years in Vienna.

The restaurant served as a special spot where Patch readers say they celebrated birthdays, first dates, rehearsal dinners and more. The restaurant will be open Wednesday and will close its doors for good when the last customer leaves. Wednesday hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For those Patch readers who may not have read the comments below the story we ran last week, here is a sampling from those. Feel free to add your own after this story.

Vienna Patch readers shared their memories of the restaurant:

John Smith wrote: "The woodwork in Wu's room dividers is so beautiful! I hope they find a way to preserve it and find a good new home for it! Have enjoyed many nice meals at Wu's, but time marches on. Here's wishing the Wu family all the best for whatever lies in their future."

Beth Bathe said: "Oh no, the family birthdays, anniversaries and reunions we have held at Wu's over the years. They always treated us as family, with special desserts and attention. I loved the Peking Duck, the Crispy Shrimp and Walnuts and of course their Mai Tai drinks...such great memories!!! Love from the Chases, Brownlees and Bathes"

Kevin noted: "I used to come to Wu's Garden as a kid on an almost weekly basis. I would order "Wonton Soup with no Wontons" every single time. It was the best because the entire staff my 'order' by heart. #DevastatedPickyEaterWithFunWuMemories"

Ben Dappen said: "Really sad to see it go. In high school a bunch of us would head over to Wu's every few months... we were so loud and obnoxious that Mr. Wu would have us seated as far away from other patrons as possible, but he was always super nice and the food has always been incredible."

Helen Mussomeli Schaeffer wrote: "For 37 years, my family would attend the childrens' mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel on Christmas Eve and then head to Wu's Garden for a special, holiday dinner. I was 10 when this tradition began. Through the years, Wu's Garden has watched our family grow. From a family of 6 to a family including in laws and 11 grandchildren! Thanks for the memories Wu family!!!! Since Wu's Garden is closing next week, we gathered on Sunday for our Christmas Eve dinner one last time. It was bittersweet!"

Torryn Brazell wrote: "So sad to see Wu's close. My future husband and I had our first date there, 25 years ago."

Laura B. said: "We will miss Wu's Garden and the Wu family, especially Bill, to whom we wish a wonderful and long retirement. My first visit to Wu's Garden was on a field trip with Meekins Preschool, where the students were thrilled with the decor as well as the food. Our family became regular customers. Among our favorites are beef with broccoli, seafood imperial, and braised tofu. Thank you, Wu's Garden, for all those wonderful years of great food and service."

Cheryl Frazier said: "Our rehearsal dinner was at Wu's Garden on August 9th, 1985. We were wowed by the wide variety and generous portions of the dishes that they brought out and they didn't stop bringing it out until everyone was full beyond capacity. Throughout the years we have been regulars at Wu's Garden. Our oldest son, at age 2, impulsively grabbed the spoon full of hot mustard and put it in his mouth. He yelped, drank a lot of water, and has loved spicy food ever since. We always enjoy being greeted by Mr. Bill and Mr. Steve whenever we came in. We are so sad that they are closing. It is the end of an era for us; we wish them all well and are thankful for the wonderful service. -The Fraziers"

Maxine Ennis said: "All the best wishes to Mr. Wu and the family. They are the best Chinese restaurant in all of the Washington DC area. Think of all the family celebrations that they have hosted! Birthdays, anniversaries, report cards! Mr. Wu had an incredible memory. He would go around the table taking orders without a pencil or piece of paper. Never made a mistake. Best of luck to you, Mr. Wu."

Joan Fountain wrote: "...what am I going to do now when the family comes home? Always..after they grew up and left the area.....the first thing we had to do was go to Wu's. Over the many years all of our family and neighborhood celebrations were at Wu's. Because I don't drive I couldn't get there very often as of late but I sure wanted to. My family and I wish you luck and relaxation after all of your hard work to make such a wonderful environment and great food....Yum yum Peking Duck!!!!"

Bob Bruhns summed it up: "Darn, gonna miss them."