Progress

August 8, 2009

New bar will open on Square

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – Buses and taxis will soon be gone from Public Square when the new Intermodal Transportation Center opens in the fall, but downtown visitors can still expect Bottleneck’s.

Bottleneck’s Saloon & Eatery, a mega-popular spot in West Hazleton, will open a second location on the Square in the near future. Known for its trademark wings, Bottleneck’s will bring its own brand of food and fun to the city’s resurgent downtown.

“I can confirm that we intend to locate on Public Square,” said Jason Misto, owner. “I can’t disclose the exact location yet because we haven’t signed the lease.”

A recent Bottleneck’s advertisement in a Hazleton newspaper announced that a second location will be opening on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre.

“Yes, that’s true,” Misto said. “If everything comes together – the lease agreement, the liquor license, etc. – I expect we will open there by the end of the year.”

Mayor Tom Leighton said he has not heard anything about the new restaurant coming to the downtown. He said the city has seen several new businesses open recently as the downtown continues its comeback.

At its West Hazleton location, Bottleneck’s menu consists of steaks, pasta, seafood, burgers and its award-winning chicken wings. Misto said his place in Wilkes-Barre will be a more traditional bar/restaurant, featuring a lot of wood on the interior.

Misto said he is impressed with the city’s downtown, citing several businesses that have prospered, such as Rodano’s, Bart and Urby’s and the Hardware Bar. “We want to create our own niche,” Misto said. “We want to complement the other businesses already there.”

In West Hazleton, Bottleneck’s is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 2 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tuesday is “Wing Nite,” Wednesday is “Steak & Ale,” and Thursday is “Clam Nite.” Friday features half-price happy hour with live entertainment and Saturday is “Ladies Night.” The kitchen at the South Broad Street location is open until midnight seven days a week.

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