Twisted Thistle eatery in Leechburg staying put with new menu

The Twisted Thistle in Leechburg is here to stay.

The historic eatery on Market Street is no longer on the market after being listed for $1.5 million in 2018.

“Linda (Alworth, the owner) was interested in selling last year due to her desire to focus on other projects such as her art and her extensive involvement as Gilpin Township supervisor and to have more time with her family,” says Twisted Thistle manager Joe Hesketh.

But after receiving overwhelming community support to keep the Thistle around, owner Linda Alworth had a change of heart and brought in a managing partner and ushered in new changes — with a goal of making Twisted Thistle a neighborhood destination and less of a “special occasion” dining spot.

“I love this little town of Leechburg and the community didn’t want me to sell. We are moving forward at Twisted Thistle and I want to know what the customers (young, middle age, seniors) want,” says Alworth.

The four-story building was formerly the Penn-Lee Hotel, and before that the National Hotel and the Twaddle Hotel.

Built in 1902, the building was saved from demolition when Alworth, who lives in Gilpin, bought it for $100,000 in 2009 and made more than $1 million in renovations.

Twisted Thistle opened in 2013 and is the exclusive caterer for nearby Lingrow Farm, a wedding and event venue in Gilpin.

Other changes include a new lunch menu, overall lower prices and more dining options.

Its website touts “Same great food, new great price.”

Lunch has returned from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays.

“By bringing lunch back we now have weekly ‘regulars’ dining in, or getting take out and we are more family friendly now,” Hesketh says.

Sunday brunch hours are 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Chefs Wayne Brant and Michael “Buzz” Olshansky focus on bringing unique farm to table American fare, using local seasonally sourced produce and meats.

Visitors to Twisted Thistle will notice a spacious foyer, complete with exposed woodwork, original brick and an inviting stone fireplace.

The chalkboard lists daily specials and seasonally rotated cocktails.

Recent specials include fresh clams linguine, grilled swordfish, a chef’s cut dry-aged bourbon rib-eye and shrimp po’boy sandwich.

Focused on increasing the family friendly factor, a Breakfast with Santa is scheduled from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Dec. 15 and the kid’s menu offers faves such as grilled cheese, pasta with marinara, fish sticks and chicken tenders.

A pub featuring a large bar is on one side and the main dining room offers a private room as well.

For Alworth, offering her customers a warm welcome is a priority.

“I want my customers to feel like they’re at home and receive a wonderfully fresh cooked meal, enjoy the décor and have a delightful experience,” Alworth says.

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The Twisted Thistle

Where: 127 Market St., Leechburg

Hours: Lunch hours: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Wednesdays-Saturdays

Dinner hours: 4 p.m.- 9 p.m., Wednesdays-Saturdays; 11 a.m.- 9 p.m., Saturdays; 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., Sunday Brunch; Closed Mondays-Tuesdays

Contact: 724-236-0450; TwistedThistlePA.com

The concept: Sophisticated flavors meet small-town charm in a casual, family friendly and affordable atmosphere. Serving creative farm-to-table modern American classic cuisine for lunch and dinner in a historic renovated turn-of-the-century former hotel in downtown Leechburg. Look for a seasonal menu, unique cocktails and scratch-made meals.

Menu sample: Starters include Chili Lime Scallops ($14) served seared with a mild chili lime reduction, Calamari ($12) tossed in Thai chili sauce with banana pepper rings and scallions or fried with marinara sauce on the side and Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms ($9) marinated and grilled and topped with sauteed spinach, roasted red pepper, feta cheese and balsamic reduction.

Entrees include Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan ($18, $15), Breaded and Pan-Fried Pork Tenderloin ($20) served over German Spatzle, gouda cream and pork au jus, Angus Reserve Filet Mignon ($30) with hand cut, grilled 8 oz., topped with wild mushrooms, herbed garlic butter and served with mashed potatoes and fried Brussels sprouts, Maple Pecan Salmon ($23) served over mashed potatoes, vegetable of the day and a maple pecan sauce and Dragon Noodles ($13) served with farm veggies smothered in a tangy and sweet sesame, soy and Asian sauce. Add chicken ($4) or shrimp ($6). Hearty sandwiches include the Short Rib Panini ($12) featuring slow-roasted ribs, caramelized onions and mushrooms topped with herb-infused aged cheddar on ciabatta bread with a side of au jus and the Italian Wedge ($12) with capicola, salami, pepperoni, lettuce, tomato and Italian dressing on wood-grilled bread. Custom salads and homemade desserts are offered and gluten-free options are available upon request.

Price range: $8-$32

Must try: Dragon Noodles, Fried Cheese,Chicken Marsala

The bottom line: A casually upscale neighborhood eatery with great food, cocktails, live music and events. The place for a cold beer, fish sandwich or filet — with new lower price points and excellent customer service.