Christine Terpening
Contributing Writer
(Photo provided: Martin and Amy Ramos at the Thirsty Bird.)
It’s Tuesday night. Do you know where your tacos are? The Thirsty Bird in downtown Charlotte is where they are. Their specials aren’t the only thing that keeps the regulars coming back, but they are a crowd favorite.
In addition to Taco Tuesdays, Monday night’s special is for burgers, Wednesday is salad night, Thursdays are for their appetizers and Friday rounds out the week with wrap sandwiches and potato salad. Fun drink specials are unveiled monthly at great prices, also.
“We have good food at a good price, and I have a great staff. They are very attentive,” says owner Amy Ramos. “My goal is to make a living, but make it affordable for people to go out on a regular basis.” Ramos takes great care to serve the best food. “I want to be mainstream but at the same time I want to be unique,” she added. For example, her tacos fit the unique bill. Order them in beef, chicken or pulled pork. The best fried pickles, tater tots and mozzarella sticks are part of the many appetizers offered. If you can’t make a decision, it’s best to try them all.
The same friendly faces can often be seen at the Thirsty Bird which is a sure-fire way to know that a restaurant is worth dining in. Groups of friends and family gather at tables to laugh, catch up and reminisce. Ramos not only prides herself in the food served, but the friendly, safe atmosphere also. “I love all the people I get to meet. That’s the beauty of it,” she said of her occupation. Patron Terri Powell commented, “We are always greeted when we come in. Somebody always says hi to us.” Great specials and great company are always on tap at The Thirsty Bird.
Ramos is kind and friendly, but she also doesn’t allow mischief through her doors. Families dine here. Retirees dine here. She recalls a woman who had retired and always felt safe and comfortable to dine at the bar to watch her favorite team play. Police and firemen often stop by for a bite to eat. Ramos prides herself on running an establishment with the reputation of good food in a safe atmosphere.
Barroom seating is available with TV’s airing the game. The decor pays homage to the Charlotte Orioles, but the away teams all feel welcome and are treated like family. Seating accommodates large groups to small parties. Al fresco dining is available on the back patio or sidewalk dining out front on beautiful summer days. There’s plenty of room to make this your hangout, too. If you’ve never tried The Thirsty Bird, you’re missing out.
Ramos is not new to the food industry. For 25 years, she and her husband Martin have owned Amy’s Catering at 600 W. Saginaw St. in Lansing. For their catering services call (517)374-9774.
The Thirsty Bird is located at 208 S. Cochran Avenue in Charlotte. Their hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday’s hours are 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and closed on Sunday.
