On May 6th 2018, I made my first visit to the Tipsy Turtle. Located in Pittston, Avoca, and Swoyersville, I decided to check out the Market Street Location in Pittston-Tipsy Turtle Market Street
As soon as I arrived I sat at the bar and dove right into one of their humongous fish bowls recommended by our awesome bartender, Sam. Filled with Pinnacle Cherry, Malibu Coconut, Bols, Pineapple Juice, Sour Mix, Sprite, Nerds, Swedish Fish, and Topped with a Gummy Turtle. This sucker is definitely big enough for 3, and tastes like a vacation in your mouth. Being a NEPA native for 9 years, I couldn't visit the Turtle for the first time, and not try the valley's famous turtle bites! So I placed an order of those topped with Red Hot Garlic Sauce, and an order of Vegan Bites (made with soy and pea protein) smothered in the Turtle's Old School Mild Sauce. I was happy to see an establishment that offers something for both carnivores & vegetarians/vegans. Sam is a vegan herself and is working with the team to intertwine more vegan items onto the menu. When I asked the owner of the Tipsy Turtle, if they offer any other gluten free, vegan, and/or vegetarian menu items, he said besides the beyond beyond burger and the turtle bites, they can also slightly modify a lot of their food to be vegetarian. He also mentioned that they are always looking for new Vegan and Vegetarian items and will be expanding the Vegan Menu very soon so stay tuned!
Some other honorable mentions we tried (descriptions in the photos) were: Crabby Shore Fries (a crowd favorite), Crab Bouilla Bisque, and Fried Ice Cream (our favorite part of the night; just when we thought we couldn't devour any more food we wrecked this dessert and finished off the sprinkles and no crumbs were left behind.
The Tipsy Turtle has left an imprint on the heart's of those residing in NEPA. Opening their doors to their first location (29 Market St- Pittston, PA) on August 11th, 2000. But wait! There's more! The 2nd location located off Wyoming Ave in Swoyersville, PA cracked their shell open on March 31st, 2008, and last but not least, their third location opened their doors at the Avoca Airport Pub on August 25th 2014.
Now you may be wondering why they are called the Tipsy Turtle. Long Story Short. The owner said that "honestly, it's a name that you will not forget and once we created the logo we knew it was the way to go." and the way to go it was. 2 locations in 14 years, and award winning boneless bites & burgers goes to show they aren't afraid to come out of their shells.
It is safe to assume their most famous menu item is their turtle bites but their guests rant and rave about their burgers and fries too. The Turtle also offers a plant based burger for all you vegans and vegetarians out there called "The Beyond Burger." A Plant based burger that looks, cooks, and satisfies just like beef.
Some general specials they often feature are their
"Get Pounded Night" which offers their famous turtle bites for $7.99 a pound, an "Outta Your Shell Beer" Brewed exclusively for the Tipsy Turtle by Nimble Hill Brewing Company, and their
"Hero in a Half Shell" White IPA deal which is featured in their Hero nights paired with their "ridiculously good cheese-steaks." Also, every Veteran's Day the Tipsy Turtle invites all active duty and retired Military Members to visit their establishments and receive a FREE Pound of Turtle Bites as their way to say thank you for their service.The Tipsy Turtle offers nightly specials at all 3 locations. To see their full menu and specials, you can check out their app for free on Google Play & Itunes or their website. Be Sure to check out their Facebook page (one for each location) to stay up to date on the latest Turtle News! Tipsy Turtle Airport Pub Tipsy Turtle Market Street & The Tipsy Turtle Owen Street Pub.
-Tiff Kline of @Klines Korner read more