Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill is excited to announce the opening of its second Arizona location at Scottsdale Fashion Square, following the success of their first valley location that opened in the Valley, at Tempe Marketplace, in 2011.
The gastropub will open its doors to the public on Tuesday, February 17th and will feature 8,500 square feet of interior seating, handcrafted food, 25 craft beers on tap, signature cocktails and over 1,500 square feet of prime patio space for enjoying the great weather. A ribbon cutting will take place by Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane at 10:45 a.mto formally welcome the restaurant to the area.
“The response on our opening in Scottsdale has all been very positive,” said Thirsty Lion CEO John Plew. “Thirsty Lion will be a great addition to the eclectic and diverse culinary scene.”
This is the second property Thirsty Lion has opened within a Macerich property.  In November 2011, Thirsty Lion opened up in Tigard, OR at Washington Square Mall, the success of which spawned the current growth of the brand. The continued growth of downtown Scottsdale, as well as the addition of Dicks Sporting Goods and Harkins Theater in the center, were all factors in Thirsty Lion’s decision to call Fashion Square its new home.  This will be the 6th Thirsty Lion location, following a hugely successful opening in Denver, CO at the new Union Station project.
Thirsty Lion’s culinary commitment is to provide an eclectic variety of cuisines, with an emphasis on local ingredients and bold flavors. A seasonal fresh sheet will focus on the changing season’s offerings, featuring unique ingredients including fresh seafood, quality meats and local vegetables and fruits. The bar will feature 25 craft beers on tap, many of which will be local, offering a beer on hand for every plate and every palate. The gastropub also features unique craft cocktails that utilize combinations of fresh fruit purees, juices and premium liquors, as well as 25 different wines by the glass.
“We work hard to combine quality ingredients and scratch recipes to create menu items that satisfy the ‘foodie’ in all of us,” said Thirsty Lion Executive Chef Keith Castro. “The flavor profiles are complex, yet blend well in their simplistic approach to create ‘craveable’ food; an intense desire for more.”
Thirsty Lion will incorporate two bars into the space including an indoor/outdoor bar that services the patio as well as an interior space that can be used for private events. The open exhibition kitchen and centerpiece bar create a sense of community. Multiple flat screens also make it the perfect spot for sports fans to enjoy delicious food, drinks and friendly service, while cheering on their favorite teams.