Scottsdale-based Thirsty Lion Gastropub – with 12 locations across Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Texas – recently opened its fifth Arizona restaurant at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale. The two-story eatery marks the largest Thirsty Lion in the Valley, offering an experience that combines globally inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
Located at the corner of W. Entertainment and Sunset Boulevard, the new location will feature Thirsty Lion’s iconic center bar and an outdoor patio on the first level. A covered, open-air rooftop patio, bar and dining area on level two will open in early November.
“This new restaurant is a culmination of a dream since our first opening in 2011,” President and CEO John Plew said. “We are thrilled to bring our latest design to the West Valley because it is a thriving area with strong businesses, services and a great community around it.”
Thirsty Lion is known for its commitment to providing high-quality, scratch-made food and the Glendale location is no exception.
“It’s important that our menu is always evolving. We listen to our guests and know that they want fresh, flavor-forward and unique dishes – but also love our classic items. We honor both with staple items and seasonal menus,” Plew said.
The menu features a balance of Thirsty Lion’s staple items and new offerings, including the spicy fried chicken sandwich and gochujang BBQ pork with kimchi fried rice. Guests can expect a range of internationally inspired dishes such as Tuscan Romano chicken and ahi poke bowl salad.
The Glendale location has over 20 locally sourced beers on tap and offers a special Arizona beer flight with six local brews for $14. Guests can also explore a variety of hand-crafted mocktails and zero-proof cocktails.
“Seasonality plays a big role in our beverage program,” Plew said. “We give our guests the classics they expect and then mix it up with fun, on-trend options.”
As Thirsty Lion continues to evolve, the Glendale location represents a significant milestone in the brand’s growth. Since opening its first location in 2011, Thirsty Lion has transitioned from a pub and grill to a gastropub with a scratch kitchen.
Inside, the restaurant showcases modern design elements, granite bars, communal hardwood tables and large flat-screen TVs to create an inviting and vibrant atmosphere. With seating for up to 515 people across 12,654 square feet, Thirsty Lion Glendale is poised to become a hub for locals and visitors alike, offering lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and a daily happy hour.
For more information, visit thirstyliongastropub.com.
