During the week, the business operates only the 3,000-square-foot downstairs area, but expands to include 3,000 square feet on the second floor for the weekend crowd, according to co-owner Michael Miglio.
“On weekends, we essentially run the downstairs as a rock bar, and then upstairs on weekends, we run it like a downtown nightclub,” he said. “It’s all Top 40, Rock, Hip Hop, Dance, Techno (music), stuff like that.”
By mid-November at the latest, The Thirsty Turtle is expected to be serving up food from a menu designed by Chef Junior Allen, formerly of Guenther’s Steak & Seafood House in West Chester Twp., Miglio said.
“We’re basically just waiting for the permits right now,” Miglio said.
The pub’s menu will feature five appetizers: chicken wings, crab-stuffed mushrooms, potato wedges, chili cheese fries and flatbread pizzas.
The Thirsty Turtle’s five sandwiches will include an Italian sausage sandwich, meatloaf sandwich, steakburger, a steak hoagie and a beer-battered chicken or fish sandwich.
Full full-plate entrees include Italian sausage, grilled/fried fish, spaghetti and meatballs, southern fried chicken, and meatloaf. Each main course will come with sides.
A 2,000-square-foot outdoor area allows patrons to dine, drink and mingle when weather permits.
The Thirsty Turtle also offers lifesize Jenga inside and three sets of cornhole outside.
Miglio said he and co-owners Bill Weitz and Bear Matalka “just wanted to do something different for the area.”
Jim Hill, of Fairfield, said he frequented the pub’s former incarnation, Beer:30, but prefers The Thirsty Turtle not only for the entertainment it offers but also because of its new look.
“The whole place has been redone,” Hill said. “They put new carpeting upstairs and hardwood floors downstairs. It’s a lot cleaner and a lot nicer.”
Hours are 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., but will expand to include lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. when the business opens its kitchen next month.
For more information, call (513) 889-2546 or visit www.Facebook.com/TheThirstyTurtle513.
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