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944 N 4th St in Italian Village has always been a prime spot for good times, and somehow, Thirsty’s Pub has made it even better. This new sports bar in the heart of Italian Village managed to honor the spirit of the beloved Little Rock Bar that came before it — while creating something totally new in the process.
From the moment you walk in, it’s clear this place isn’t just slapping up a few TVs and calling it a day. The vibe is energetic but chill, with nods of respect to its predecessor in the wall of musical caricatures, along with plenty of TVs (including a near 360 degree jumbotron-style setup above the bar), and enough Columbus-themed memorabilia to keep any Buckeyes fan grinning.
Whether you’re posted up solo at the bar or with friends yelling at the TV during a playoff game, every seat feels like the best seat in the house.
But Here’s the Real Kicker: The Food.
I came in expecting this spot to rely on the vibes and location to keep people coming through the door, and left wondering whose Nonna is running the kitchen!
Their food is LEGIT.
Thirsty’s food menu is their first-ever foray into serving up eats, and you’d never know it. The Italian Sub? Loaded with delicious meats, crisp lettuce, actually fresh banana peppers, and toasted bread that’s just the right level of crispy.
For a brand new bar in Italian Village to roll out a sub this legit… it’s a bold move to say the least, and they NAILED it.
“Simply Put… Order the Cannolis.”
Again… There’s no reason a bar like this should have cannolis this good. But they do.
Let me put it this way: I was eating a made-to-order cannoli on a rooftop patio with the sun setting over Columbus. Not to be dramatic, but it was kinda emotional.
Each cannoli is filled on the spot, so the shell stays crisp. You can top it with chocolate or, my personal recommendation, the raspberry glaze, which adds a sweet tang that ties the whole thing together. Oh, and the name “Say Hello to My Lil Friends” is iconic.
And speaking of that rooftop — yeah, it’s as good as it sounds.
Tons of space, a killer view, and the kind of golden-hour lighting that makes someone like me who is 2 months overdue for a haircut look like he belongs in a Spielberg movie.
So Much to Do, So Little Time!
Downstairs, the good times keep rolling. You’ve got skeeball, darts, Touch Tunes, and plenty of seating. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend an entire Friday — from a low-key laptop lunch (yes, you can post up with a cannoli and a beer during the day) to a night out with the crew screaming at whatever game is on.
Whether you’re here for the food, the vibes, or because you saw someone post a photo of their mimosa tower (which, let’s be honest, you should definitely save for after your last Zoom meeting), Thirsty’s Pub has officially entered the chat as one of the best new hangouts in Columbus.
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This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOC advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.