Popular downtown sports bar Thirsty First moving to Central Avenue
/Thirsty First debuted in 2016 at 119 1st Avenue North in downtown St. pete. Now, the popular sports bar has outgrown their space and will be moving down the street | St. Pete Rising
A prime Central Avenue location that formerly housed Acropolis Greek Taverna is set to become the new home of Thirsty First, a sports bar that’s been a staple of downtown St. Petersburg’s nightlife scene since 2016.
“We've outgrown the space that we're in,” said Thirsty First owner Greg Mikurak, who also owns Ride ’Em Cowboy and is a co-owner of Whiskey Exchange. “The new space will have two floors and outdoor seating on Central Avenue. There are 70 TVs going in there — there’ll be a view from every angle."
The half-mile hop from 119 1st Avenue North to 515 Central Avenue will allow Thirsty First to triple in size and build on what’s made it the go-to sports bar in downtown St. Pete.
Thirsty First is moving to 515 Central Avenue, formerly home to Acropolis Greek Taverna, in downtown St. pete | St. Pete Rising
Despite the move from its current location on 1st Avenue North, Mikurak, in an interview with St. Pete Rising, said he has no plans to change the name of the bar.
“It's always funny when people always ask me that,” he said, adding that most people think the bar’s name is derived from its location. “It was a coincidence that we ended up on 1st Avenue North. The whole point behind the name Thirsty First is that when you go to a bar or restaurant or anyplace like that, you drink first.”
One of the biggest advantages of the new location will be additional kitchen space, which will allow Thirsty First to expand its food offerings.
Dillinger’s Que at Thirsty First consists of a beef patty, BBQ, bacon, cheddar cheese and onion straws served on Texas toast | Thirsty First
“The kitchen is a monstrous space,” Mikurak said. “I think it’s something like 1,800 square feet.”
The menu is still under development and so Mikurak didn’t disclose too many details, but he said it won’t deviate too much from the “upscale-styled sports bar food” that Thirsty First is already known for.
“We are moving forward with that,” he said. “We will not only have burgers, wings, and chicken sandwiches and things like that, but there will be full dinner plates. You’ll have the ability to go in there and have a full sit-down dinner. We'll have steaks, chicken, vegetables, seafood, pizza. We're fully expanding everything.”
Entertainment-wise, Thirsty First will continue to be a go-to destination for viewing football games and UFC fights but will book more live music and DJs for the late-night crowd on weekends.
Thirsty First’s signature wings can be tossed in a variety of sauces, such as Buffalo (medium or hot), Honey Sriracha, Secret Dave, Apple Bourbon BBQ, Asian Zing, or Strawberry Habanero Jam | Thirsty First
“We want to keep our same fun vibe and expand on it,” Mikurak said, adding that both of Thirsty First’s floors will have a bar, allowing groups, such as local alumni chapters, to throw events during big sporting events.
Thirsty First expects to debut at their new location in mid-January.
For more information and updates, follow Thirsty First on Instagram.
