Move to a bigger location equals more business for sports bar

Thirsty First, a St. Petersburg-based sports bar and restaurant, relocated to the former location of Acropolis Greek Taverna and opened its doors in May. Since the move, owner Greg Mikurak has been able to grow the establishment. 

“We are in a much bigger space than what our old space was,” he explained to the Catalyst, “and we’re definitely seeing a bigger uptick in clientele.” 

Thirsty First’s original location, at 119 1st Ave. N., was only 2,700 square feet. 

The nearly 9,000-square-foot new space (515 Central Ave.) is two-stories and features 69 TVs for sports fans. It has a variety of games, a dance floor and a stage for live performances. 

Currently, Thirsty First offers live, local music on Wednesdays, but Mikurak said that there are plans for bands on weekends.

It also offers locally-made craft beers from 3 Daughters Brewing, Green Bench Brewing Company and liquor from the Gasparilla Distillery & Cocktail Bar (formerly the Tampa Bay Rum Company). 

Additionally, Mikurak commissioned St. Pete’s Vitale Brothers, to create murals for Thirsty First. 

“It’s just always a really cool thing to have,” he explained. “We always have our vibe and then we give the artists a little bit of room to be able to put their own vibe and feeling in there.” 

For Mikurak, it’s all about supporting the community. 

He has lived in St. Pete for most of his life. After leaving for a period of time, he made the decision to return to the area. 

Alongside Thirsty First, he owns Ride’em Cowboy and co-owns Whiskey Exchange and Who’s on First? ( located at the former Thirsty First location). 

“St. Pete’s been really good to me,” he said. “We want to make sure that the city keeps growing and keeps getting better.” 

Creating a positive and fun atmosphere is key, Mikurak explained. 

“You want to make sure that the people who are moving to St. Pete, or even the locals that are always here, are having the best time because that’s what makes us a vibrant city,” he said. 

Thirsty First is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. 

Thirsty First website