Thirst Wine Bar's New Bottle Shop Opening Dec. 17

A lot of businesses have come and gone from the South Waterfront area, but eight-year-old Thirst Wine Bar and Bistro is in it for the long haul. The space, and the menu, has slowly expanded over the years, and now owner Leslie Palmer has invested even more in the area. She'll open a bottle shop and market next door called Thirst: Local to Go on Wednesday Dec. 17.

Palmer, who also owns Bistro Marquee restaurant across from Keller Auditorium, wanted to fill the void for South Waterfront residents looking to pick up locally made beer, wine and snacks before, say, heading home or out to a party.

Everything's local, says Palmer, from the Ancient Heritage cheese and Chop salumi to the drinks. There will be 80 bottled wines, plus six wines and four beers on tap for growler refills. There will even be grab-and-go dishes from the bistro, including the popular crab dip and stuffed dates.

The space was built out using reclaimed materials, and the decor leans toward a vintage farmhouse look. There's room for guests to hang out with a glass of wine or a cocktail, and it's available for private parties, as well.